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The Ministry of Culture was keen to embody the theme of the Doha International Book Fair, "Knowledge Builds Civilizations" to become a reality through the accompanying cultural events and a cultural festival parallel to the exhibition.Head of the Cultural Committee of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) Dalal Al Dosari, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that it is part of the literature and traditions of the DIBF for its cultural program to reflect the meanings of the exhibition's theme chosen by the Ministry of Culture for each edition.She explained that the exhibition as a whole adopts the goals of the theme "Knowledge Builds Civilizations" and builds its visual identity upon it, crystallizing it in organization, form, and content. Therefore, the cultural program reflected the essence of this civilization in its seminars, lectures, plays, artistic and poetic evenings, and activities directed towards children.She added that the cultural program also included lectures on Islamic civilization and the European Renaissance, seminars on Islamic history, as well as others on Islamic arts during the flourishing eras of Islamic and Arab civilization. Additionally, the program organized art exhibitions and workshops in Arabic calligraphy and decorative arts, as well as plays inspired by Arab literary and cultural heritage.The head of the cultural committee of the DIBF praised Oman's participation as an honorary guest, considering it a valuable addition to the cultural program and reflecting the strength of cultural relations between Qatar and Oman, which contributed cultural diversity through its program covering literature and arts.She said that the 33rd Doha International Book Fair is concerned with contemporary literary and intellectual issues, as well as interacting with the cultural tastes of the exhibition's visitors and audience. In each edition, the exhibition addresses some issues stemming from the exhibition's theme and the general cultural orientation, including intellectual issues concerning civilizational values between theoretical understanding and practical adoption, and challenges in reclaiming the initiative of civilizational action.In the literary and artistic aspect, it observes the problematic relationship between the novel and the sociology of society, the relationship of the individual with the desert in Arabic novels, and the relationship of the visual artist with the audience. The program also addressed environmental issues, cultural security issues, cultural diplomacy, and new media in the light of digital transformation, culture, publishing, information technology, and artificial intelligence.Dalal Al Dosari continued, saying that the program embodies the ministry's vision of achieving cultural proximity to the public and enhancing aesthetic and cultural values in public activities, emerging from responding to cultural needs. She noted that the fair keeps pace with major events in the country and reflects the diversity of activities across the platforms from which they originate, each according to its field. For example, the main stage hosted 47 different activities, the cultural salon presented 234 activities, and the live kitchen featured 30 activities. The Children's Zone provided a comprehensive and diverse cognitive program with more than 57 workshops.She pointed out that the cultural committee prepares a detailed report after each fair that resembles the cultural state of the fair's activity, including survey data, opinions of visitors, participants, press, and cultural workers. All of this data constitutes indicative indicators for the development and renewal of programs and determining the features of the next edition's program.She said that the adoption of measurement tools and the utilization of their outputs, along with the endeavor to enhance the concept of cultural partnership and the ambition to raise the level of success in each edition, require the exhibition management and the cultural committee to diversify the activities and vary their colors based on several technical and artistic criteria, taking into account various cultural, social, and age groups, as well as various fields of knowledge and the convergence of diverse topics, hosting authors, thinkers, artists, and critics from multiple geographies because each country is characterized by its own culture and artistic expressions, and this diversity constitutes a cultural momentum at the exhibition.The head of the cultural committee of the Doha International Book Fair highlighted the role of the "Reading Guide" service and its role in guiding the exhibition visitors, through which we aim to activate the role of the reader and create cultural projects that reflect in their surroundings and community, reflecting the goals of the Reading Guide service. She explained that this year, the Reading Guide service has been developed to extend the impact of the Reading Guide to digital media by selecting valuable books and reviewing them in all fields of knowledge to encourage society to read and explore them. Additionally, the "Little Reader Guide" service has been added, which was launched for the first time in this edition, to leave an impact in enhancing the value of the young reader and the importance of their role in encouraging their peers to read, explore, and acquire knowledge.

HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani met Thursday with Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment and Fisheries of the Republic of Ecuador Sonsoles Garcia Leon, on the sidelines of the fourth Qatar Economic Forum.During the meeting, they discussed topics of common concern that aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the trade, investment, and industrial fields. In addition, they exchanged views on topics on the forum's agenda.HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry highlighted the successful economic policies established by the State of Qatar to support the private sector, indicating the incentives, legislation, and promising opportunities available in the country aimed at encouraging investors, businesspersons, and company owners to invest in the State of Qatar.

HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi took part in the second ministerial meeting of the Net-Zero Producers Forum, which was held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The meetings discussions focused on efforts to accelerate a fair and realistic energy transition for a sustainable and secure energy future. The meeting emphasized the importance of carbon management and the abatement of methane emissions, as a significant step towards addressing climate change and reducing gas emissions.The ministers of the Net-Zero Producers Forum announced the launch of the Working Group on Carbon Utilization, which will work to explore and promote cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for the utilization of carbon dioxide.The Forum aims at helping reduce emissions and developing and deploying clean-energy and carbon capture and storage technologies, in addition to creating value-added products, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular carbon economy.The Net Zero Producers Forum was established in April 2021 by the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Norway, collectively representing 40 percent of global oil and gas production. They were joined by the United Arab Emirates in May 2022.

The State of Qatar, in partnership with the Global Programme on Cybercrime, organized a side event on the sidelines of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) meeting in Vienna to introduce the Doha's UN Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime.The event was inaugurated by HE Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Division for Treaty Affairs in Vienna John Brandolino, with the participation of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Austria and its Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, and HE Director of International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al-Thani.The side event aims to introduce Doha's Centre, its work, and its objectives and to highlight the importance of finding suitable solutions to the challenges and threats posed by cybercrime, and keeping up with related developments.The participants from the State of Qatar stressed their commitment to staying updated on the latest developments in this field and the importance of international cooperation and joint efforts in combating this type of crime. They also affirmed the State of Qatar's readiness to support the efforts of the Doha UN Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime, under UNODC in this regard.

HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met in Riyadh with Secretary of Energy of the United States Jennifer Granholm, on the sidelines of his participation in the second ministerial meeting of the Net-Zero Producers Forum.Discussions during the meeting dealt with relations in the field of energy between Qatar and the US and means to enhance them.The Forum aims at helping reduce emissions and developing and deploying clean-energy and carbon capture and storage technologies, in addition to creating value-added products, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular carbon economy.The Net Zero Producers Forum was established in April 2021 by the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Norway, collectively representing 40 percent of global oil and gas production. They were joined by the United Arab Emirates in May 2022.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said on Thursday that more than 15,000 children have been murdered by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) since the beginning of the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip on Oct, 7, 2023.Palestinian news agency (Wafa) reported the PRCS as saying that around 15,103 children were murdered as a result of the ongoing attacks and violations of the Israeli occupation that have been going for more than seven months.On its 223rd day, the IOF continues its aggression against the Gaza Strip from all sides (air, land and sea) since Oct. 7, 2023, murdering at least 35,233 Palestinians, and injuring at least 79,141 others, while thousands of Palestinians remain under the rubble. The IOF has caused a humanitarian catastrophe of countless martyrs, wounded and missing Palestinians, as well as a massive destruction of vital infrastructure and facilities in the Gaza Strip.

Apple announced new accessibility features on iPhones and iPads in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.New features include Eye Tracking, a way for users with physical disabilities to control iPad or iPhone with their eyes. Additionally, Music Haptics will offer a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music using the Taptic Engine in iPhone; Vocal Shortcuts will allow users to perform tasks by making a custom sound; Vehicle Motion Cues can help reduce motion sickness when using iPhone or iPad in a moving vehicle.Powered by artificial intelligence, Eye Tracking gives users a built-in option for navigating iPad and iPhone with just their eyes. Designed for users with physical disabilities, Eye Tracking uses the front-facing camera to set up and calibrate in seconds, and with on-device machine learning, all data used to set up and control this feature is kept securely on the device, and isnt shared with Apple. Eye Tracking works across iPadOS and iOS apps and does not require additional hardware or accessories.As for Music Haptics, it is a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music on iPhone. With this accessibility feature turned on, the Taptic Engine in iPhone plays taps, textures, and refined vibrations to the audio of the music. Music Haptics works across millions of songs in the Apple Music catalog and will be available as an API for developers to make music more accessible in their apps.With Vocal Shortcuts, iPhone and iPad users can assign custom utterances that Siri can understand to launch shortcuts and complete complex tasks.Vehicle Motion Cues is a new experience for iPhone and iPad that can help reduce motion sickness for passengers in moving vehicles. With Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots on the edges of the screen represent changes in vehicle motion to help reduce sensory conflict without interfering with the main content. Additionally, Accessibility features coming to CarPlay include Voice Control, Color Filters, and Sound Recognition. With Sound Recognition, drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing can turn on alerts to be notified of car horns and sirens.This year, accessibility features coming to visionOS will include systemwide Live Captions to help users who are deaf or hard of hearing.Apple is set to announce more accessibility features with the new operating systems next month and will launch later this year.

The University of Doha for Sciences and Technology (UDST) achieved major success in the International Olympiad in Informatics held by the International University of Oil and Gas (IUOG) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where two of its students, Hussain Mohammed Al Hayki and Abdulhai Ibrahim Naif Alshammari distinguished themselves by placing second and third respectively in the landmark competition, outperforming 300 participants from 53 esteemed universities spanning 17 countries.President of UDST Dr. Salem Al-Naemi commented on the achievement saying, "I would like to congratulate the winners on their remarkable performance. Their accomplishments on such a global stage further demonstrate the quality of the education we provide.""We are committed to immersing our students in applied academic experiences and believe this approach is the key distinguishing factor of our graduates both locally and internationally," he added.Leveraging its modern infrastructure and student-centered approach, UDST remains dedicated to graduating generations of IT professionals ready to drive technological advancement in Qatar and across the globe.UDST's College of Computing and Information Technology is at the forefront of innovation, offering ten cutting-edge degree programs meticulously crafted to meet international standards and accreditations. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as the AI and IoT lab, Cybersecurity lab, and digital communication and media production lab, students are empowered to explore and excel in the latest fields in the IT world.

Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), the legal and tax arm of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, has signed an MoU with the media services company 'Unicorn Media', producer of the pioneering business reality show 'Unicorn Hunters'. The show is a platform where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to investors around the world, offering them access to funding.The MoU was signed during the 4th annual Qatar Economic Forum activities, in partnership between Bloomberg Media and Media City QatarThe MoU encompasses cooperation in establishing a framework that boosts Qatars innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem through innovation events, programs, and projects in various business areas.The MoU also stipulates the establishment of effective strategic partnerships with business accelerators, incubators, and global innovation hubs to offer entrepreneurs a chance to set up their businesses in Qatar and benefit from QFCs competitive facilities and incentives.Through this MoU, the two parties aim to identify startups and innovative projects in Qatar, selecting candidates from among them to participate in the 'Unicorn Hunters' show.Commenting on the MoU, QFC's CEO Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida said, "this partnership reflects QFCs ongoing efforts in supporting Qatari entrepreneurs and empowering local startups and SMEs by providing a conducive business environment and an advanced innovation ecosystem that help them grow and expand."For her part, the CEO and Co-founder of Unicorn Inc. Silvina Moschini commented on the signing of the MoU saying, "Qatar has emerged as the perfect bridge connecting the innovative minds of the East and the West, fostering a unique blend of diverse perspectives and groundbreaking ideas.""As the driving force behind Unicorn Hunters, our mission is to propel innovation even further by empowering high-growth companies through global crowd-financing," she said, adding, "by partnering with the government of Qatar and Qatar Financial Centre, as our leading partner in ecosystem building and innovation in the East, we are not only strengthening our global network but also paving the way for a new era of collaboration and prosperity."

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, along with Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies leaders and presidents of Arab countries' delegations, participated in the 33rd regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, held Thursday in the Kingdom of Bahrain.The opening session was also attended by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Amir, a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies members of official accompanying delegations, representatives of regional and international organizations, and the Summit's guests.

Qatar has always been concerned with supporting joint Arab action in all domains, be it political, economic, developmental, social, cultural,or humanitarian. Powered by its wise leaderships firm belief in Arab co-operation and joint action as the sole driver of sustainable economic development and prosperity for the people of the Arab world, as well as the means through which Arab states can defend their sovereignty, independence, interests, identity, and causes in all regional and international forums.The participation of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in both regular and emergency sessions of the Arab League meetings, conferences, and summits, reflect the eagerness of Qatar, its leadership, its government, and its people on joint Arab action to fulfil the Arab people’s aspirations for stability, development, prosperity, security, and peace.According to observer and Arab citizen alike, the participation of His Highness the Amir in Arab summits undoubtedly adds significant momentum through the meetings and discussions of His Highness with Arab leaders on all sort of Arab concerns and issues, protecting Arab achievements and national security, especially in light of the worlds sharp polarisation, blocs, wars, conflicts, rapid changes, and highly sensitive regional circumstances.The Amir has consistently raised Arab causes and highlighted their bright nature characterised by peace, justice, and tolerance, in all Arab summits, UN sessions, Shura Council opening sessions, and during his Arab tours and meetings with his Arab counterparts. His Highness always calls on parties to crises to focus on common interests, resolving issues and disputes through dialogue and political means. He also always calls for protecting national sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity.The Palestinian people’s just cause has always been and continues to be strongly present in all speeches made by His Highness, constantly emphasising their right to establish an independent state in their national homeland with East Jerusalem as their capital, ending all injustices that befell them. Moreover, His Highness always stresses that the Palestinian people cannot continue to be prisoners to the Israeli occupations arbitrariness and settlement schemes, with successive Israeli governments rejecting any political solution nor submitting to the principles of international legitimacy.Thus, this central cause is at the forefront of Qatar’s political concerns and its international mobilisation priorities and is deeply engraved in the hearts of the Qatari people. Furthermore, the country supports the Palestinian cause at all times and in all forums, utilising all means and resources for its sake.Qatar’s rejection of the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the resulting widespread destruction, devastation, and casualties, as well as Qatar’s role as a trustworthy and impartial mediator, are clear indications that this just cause will always remain a priority, as Qatar sees the rights of the Palestinian people as inalienable rights backed by all international and humanitarian laws, principles, and values.As the 33rd regular Arab League Summit is being held in Bahrain today, Qatar remains steadfast with regards to the Arab nations issues and causes and will spare no effort in supporting the summit’s proceedings and recommendations, in service of the Arab nations interests and enhancing its solidarity and joint action, for the sake of its peoples free and dignified life.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue Dr Aisha bint Yousuf al-Mannai said that Qatar, guided by its wise leadership, stands by and supports Arab issues and causes, with the Palestinian cause being at the epicentre, adding that the country does so out of conviction, its sense of Arab and religious fraternity and humanitarianism, as enshrined by its policies and permanent constitution.Former Shura Council and Arab Parliament member Dr al-Mannai said that the regional and international tours, as well as the meetings with Arab counterparts held by the Amir, always revolve around the Arab nation’s issues and causes, and promoting the Arab world in a positive light.Moreover, she noted Qatar’s significant and commendable role regarding the events in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of Palestinian families, adding in this context that the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue dedicated special sessions to highlight the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza as a result of the displacement, killing, and destruction cause by the Israeli war on Gaza.She added that given its wise leadership, Qatar is a peace-loving country that strives for the well-being humanity altogether, promoting Arab solidarity and always seeking security, peace, and stability of its Arab sisterly countries and the world as a whole. Among Qatar’s positive efforts towards Arab reconciliation are its brokering peace in Darfur, Sudan, in addition to acting as a mediator between the conflicting Lebanese and Palestinian factions respectively, as well as sponsoring a comprehensive reconciliation in Libya and other initiatives that aims to serve common interests and address challenges. These positions have been widely welcomed and praised at the level of the Arab world and beyond, and have become a matter of pride.It confirms the continued keenness of Qatar, as the Amir, government and people, to strengthen joint Arab action and serve its desired goals, and that it will spare no effort in seeking to enhance Arab co-operation in all fields, in order to achieve the aspirations of the Arab peoples for prosperity and stability, and to activate joint Arab action, as an embodiment of what It is included in its permanent constitution and the established and stable principles of Qatari foreign policy, the main focus of which is to contribute strongly effectively to various efforts on the Arab scene to achieve the goals and aspirations on which joint Arab action is based, and to strengthen its foundations and pillars in an effective and fruitful manner.The fact that Qatar hosted three Arab summits in 2009, including an ordinary and an emergency summit is proof of its support for joint Arab action. Qatari political analyst Dr Abdullah al-Khater emphasised Qatar’s honourable stances towards the Arab nation and its causes in all regional and international forums, adding that the efforts of Qatar and its wise leadership towards their Arab brethren in the form of solidarity, support, and problem-solving, regardless of their nature and scale, is a source of pride for every Arab and Muslim.Dr al-Khater said that Qatar’s fraternal stances towards its Arab brethren are deeply rooted and emanate from its strong conviction in the justice of their causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, to which the Amir devotes a vast amount of time, thought, and energy, making the cause for Palestine part and parcel of His Highness’ every speech, calling for justice for the Palestinian people, the establishment of their independent state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.He pointed out that Qatar’s words and deeds speak volumes for its stances and strong global mobilisation efforts in support of Arab solidarity and unity, constantly offering a helping hand to uphold Arab states economies, stability, and independence.The Qatari political analyst continued by saying that Qatar and its wise leadership feel entrusted with Arab and Islamic causes, sparing no effort to defend them and remain ever-present in addressing all Arab issues and taking part in joint regional and international efforts.In turn, peace and goodwill ambassador, Arab-European centre of human rights in Qatar representative Shaikha Ghanim al-Kubaisi said that Qatar’s supportive stances towards the Arab nation and efforts to enhance Arab solidarity and advocate for Arab interests are well-known to all, for which Qatar receives the Arab and Islamic worlds’ praise.Al-Kubaisi said that Qatar and its wise leadership never hesitate to respond to the calls of the Arab and Islamic worlds and strive for the excellence of their peoples, a national role that will forever be a constant.It is secret to no one that Qatar is a bastion of joint Arab humanitarian action, as the state and all of its various humanitarian and developmental organisations and funds are always at the forefront during crises and disasters that befall the brotherly Arab peoples and their countries, for which Qatar offers relief, development assistance, and mediation efforts in search of solutions.Stemming from Qatar’s dedication to the Arab nation, its well-being, and its excellence, the country chose to hold the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 under the banner of the entire Arab world, resonated in the speech of the Amir at the World Cup opening where he said: “From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022.”Thus, at all stages and turning points in the Arab world, Qatar has played a remarkable and renowned role in strengthening Arab solidarity and bias towards peoples issues, and extending a helping hand whenever the need arises in any Arab country.

The dollar has strengthened sharply in recent months, against Asian currencies in particular. A rising crescendo of apocalyptic financial talk threatens to spook markets. The Japanese yen appears to be on the verge of collapse. China may feel compelled to devalue, with damaging consequences for itself and the global economy. So, can anything be done to head off the dollar’s strength, and even if something can be done, should it?First the facts. The Japanese yen has fallen dramatically, reaching ¥160 to the dollar at the end of April, down 13% since the start of the year and more than 50% since the start of 2021. The South Korean won is down by about 10% against the dollar since the beginning of the year. And the Indonesian rupiah recently fell to a four-year low against the greenback.But these Asian currencies are not typical. In fact, the broad nominal dollar index, which measures the dollar’s value against a basket of currencies, is up by less than 3% since the start of 2023.Moreover, the dollar’s strength is not a sign of market dysfunction. It reflects the fact that the United States has performed better economically than other parts of the world.Rapid US growth creates expectations of slow US disinflation. Hence the Federal Reserve Board is apt to keep interest rates high, or at least to disappoint hopes for multiple rate cuts this year. Meanwhile, weaker-than-expected growth elsewhere means that other central banks have less reason to worry about inflation, making it correspondingly more likely that they will cut rates.Recall that the Bank of Japan (BoJ)’s much ballyhooed abandonment of yield-curve control in March led it to increase its interest rate to just – wait for it – 0.1%. This accommodative policy will remain appropriate until it is clear that the BoJ has vanquished deflation. And with the Fed’s benchmark federal funds target rate at 5.25-5.5%, it is equally appropriate that the dollar should be strong against the yen.So, why worry? It is not as if Japanese financial institutions are at risk from the dollar’s rise. Japan’s banks and companies have extensive investments outside the country, including in the US, where their value rises and falls with the dollar. While import prices have risen by more than 50% over the last four years, Japan is hardly on the verge of hyperinflation. Consumer prices rose by about 2.5% year over year in April, which is just where the BoJ wants them.The fear, evidently, is that at some point confidence will collapse, taking the yen with it, and inflation will spiral out of control. Anything is possible in theory. But against the backdrop of decades of Japanese deflation, this scenario hardly seems plausible.Still, for those who think that the greenback’s strength is a problem, what might be done to address it? Market intervention is one possibility. The BoJ evidently intervened in the foreign-exchange market in late April, or so currency traders suspect.While the yen strengthened to 154 against the dollar in the wake of this operation, we know that market intervention has a sustained impact on the exchange rate only when it signals a future change in monetary policy. In fact, the BoJ intervened surreptitiously not because it is now prepared to change policy and raise interest rates, but precisely in order to avoid having to do so.Equally, the Fed is unlikely to cut rates in response to the dollar’s rise. Its models suggest that a 3% broad dollar appreciation, as we have seen this year, takes at the very most 0.3% off of inflation. And even that modest disinflationary effect is apt to be temporary. Hence the case for high US interest rates remains intact.What about concerted intervention, whereby the Fed, the BoJ, and other central banks intervene in the foreign-exchange market together? This was tried in 1985 during an earlier period of dollar appreciation. The Plaza Accord, named after the New York City hotel at which it was agreed, is sometimes thought to have successfully moderated the greenback’s strength.But it is not in the Fed’s interest today to engage in an internationally coordinated foreign-exchange operation, when fighting inflation remains its priority. And in 1985, the dollar already had peaked and begun falling prior to the intervention. Given recent weak US jobs numbers, one wonders whether the same might be true today.