Conference draws industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and policymakers from around the world Event highlights sustainable agriculture, technology, and international partnerships The 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026) is drawing large crowds at Katara Cultural Village, bringing together global experts to showcase sustainable technologies, policies, and solutions aimed at shaping a resilient agricultural future.The event, which opened on February 12 and runs until February 16 at Katara’s Southern area, is featuring the Scientific Conference, which gathers industry leaders, innovators, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. The programme includes a series of keynote presentations and panel discussions covering the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in agriculture, sustainability, and food security. **media[416771]**Organisers said the 2026 edition of AgriteQ provides a unique platform for networking, exchanging ideas, and exploring partnerships. The event highlights sustainable practices, smart agriculture, and the role of technology in enhancing productivity and resilience, while promoting dialogue, co-operation, and innovation to shape the future of the agricultural sector regionally and globally.On the sidelines of the exhibition and in the presence of Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, a signing of the executive programme for agricultural, livestock, and fisheries co-operation between Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman was held at the exhibition. **media[416772]** The programme, covering the years 2025–2027, seeks to implement a practical framework for joint initiatives, mutual visits, and the exchange of technical and technological expertise. It was signed on the Qatari side by HE Ali bin Mohammed al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipality, and on the Omani side by Ammar bin Abdullah al-Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to Qatar. Officials stressed that the programme strengthens the partnership between the two countries while advancing sustainable development in the agricultural sector. **media[416773]**A twinning agreement was also signed between the municipalities of Doha and Beirut to enhance municipal co-operation. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Qatari side by Engineer Jamal Matar al-Nuaimi, director-general of Doha Municipality, and on behalf of the Lebanese side by Judge Marwan Abboud, Governor of Beirut. Organisers noted that the accord aims to strengthen co-operation, enhance joint municipal work, raise service levels, and build on successful experiences that support sustainable development and improve the quality of life in both cities. **media[416774]**AgriteQ 2026 also hosted a twinning agreement with the Governor of Kinshasa Municipality in the Democratic Republic of Congo, aimed at strengthening international co-operation in municipal work. The accord is expected to enhance service delivery, promote knowledge exchange, and foster sustainable development practices between the two cities.The Scientific Conference tackles pressing topics such as climate change mitigation, sustainable waste management, and innovative agricultural technologies. Sessions included presentations on decentralised bokashi fermentation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the production of quantum carbon points from biochar derived from food waste, and the use of locally sourced modified biochar to enhance vegetable production. Researchers also shared strategies to improve crop quality and yield in both greenhouse and open-field conditions in Qatar. **media[416775]**Spanning 40,000 sqm, AgriteQ 2026 features more than 520 exhibitors from 41 countries. The exhibition covers a wide range of sectors, including plant and animal production, fisheries and aquaculture, horticulture, food industries, transport and logistics, biotechnology, and smart agricultural systems. Organisers said the event not only showcases innovations but also fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnerships that are vital for a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi Saturday. Discussion during the meeting focused on the latest regional and international developments, primarily the situation in the Middle East. The two sides exchanged views on current issues and the challenges facing the region as well as efforts to promote peace. They also affirmed their continued joint coordination and stressed the importance of prioritising dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and supporting all efforts that would consolidate security and stability, thus contributing to maintaining peace and enhancing development opportunities for the peoples of the region. HH the Amir and the UAE president also touched on the strong fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to support and develop them for the benefit of both nations. The meeting was attended by HH Personal Representative of the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani; His Excellency President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani; His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi; and a number of Their Excellencies Sheikhs. From the UAE side, it was attended by Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chief of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan; Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum; Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al-Nahyan; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt.-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan; Deputy Chief of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan; Advisor to the President Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Nahyan; and a lineup of senior officials. Earlier, HH the Amir and his accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at the Al Bateen Airport by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation were also welcomed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Lt.-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Nahyan, Ambassador of Qatar to the UAE Dr Sultan Salmeen al-Mansouri along with a number of Their Excellencies senior officials. Later, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani returned home Saturday.

The State of Qatar believes that investing in human capital through education is the optimal and sustainable investment for present and future generations, as education is a fundamental pillar of the State’s Permanent Constitution and building educated individuals capable of achieving academic excellence, contributing to national development, and creating a prosperous future for all is among the foremost objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.There is no doubt that the progress and renaissance of nations depend on the quality of their education and the strength of their educational systems. In embodiment of this vision, the Qatar Education Excellence Award was launched in 2006 to honour academically outstanding Qatari students, foster and reinforce a culture of excellence and innovation within society and the educational field, motivate high achievement, and improve educational outcomes in line with international standards.Academic honourThe award has become the highest academic honour in the country, aiming to build a knowledge-based human capital capable of meeting future challenges, while also promoting positive attitudes toward knowledge and scientific research. The award, whose 20th anniversary the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, will celebrate next Sunday, is not merely a means of honouring outstanding and distinguished achievers. It also stands as a testament to the efficiency and quality of Qatar’s educational system, and as clear evidence of the capabilities of all its members.During the ceremony, 108 winners will be honoured across the award’s nine categories: the Excellence Award for Primary School Students, the Excellence Award for Intermediate School Students, the Excellence Award for Secondary School Students, the Outstanding Teacher Award, the Outstanding School Award, the Distinguished Research Award, the Excellence Award for University Graduates, the Excellence Award for Master’s Degree Holders, and the Excellence Award for Doctorate Holders.In this context, the Executive Committee of the Qatar Education Excellence Award announced on Jan 6 the results of the 19th edition, following their approval by the Award’s Board of Trustees, chaired by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater. The results revealed that 108 candidates were selected from a total of 371 applicants in this cycle, an indicator reflecting the rising level of competitiveness, the high quality of submissions, growing awareness of the award’s criteria and requirements, and a demonstrated commitment to meeting them, in alignment with Qatar’s vision of building a qualified and capable human capital.The results also reflected notable diversity in the educational institutions represented by the winners, including students from public, private, and specialized schools, as well as from civilian and military universities and various colleges, further highlighting the broad base of excellence and the widespread culture of achievement across the country’s educational institutions.The current cycle will witness the introduction of a gold medal in addition to the platinum medal for the doctoral category, which had previously been limited to the platinum medal only. Moreover, for the first time, a platinum medal has been introduced for master’s degree students, in addition to the gold medal that had already been awarded in previous cycles.As for the Research Award designated for secondary school students, a platinum medal has also been approved alongside the gold medal granted in past years. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced last September the adoption of the new title for the award in its 19th edition, which will henceforth be known as the Qatar Education Excellence AwardThe adoption of the new title coincided with the launch of a new visual identity under the slogan ‘A New Identity and Promising Horizons’, as well as an increase in the financial rewards starting from the current cycle.The award is also preparing to introduce three new categories: Educational Leader, the Diploma Holders, and the Educational Research categories. These will come into effect beginning with the twenty-first cycle in 2028. These additions represent a qualitative expansion in the scope of the award and serve to recognize educational leadership and research and applied contributions in the field of education.This year’s edition witnessed outstanding participation and high-quality contributions, which confirmed the status of the Qatar Education Excellence Award as a national platform that promotes the value of serious quality and innovation, and contributes to preparing distinguished national role models capable of contributing positively to the development process.The overall win rate in this round was close to the average win rates recorded during the past five rounds, which confirms the consistency of the adopted evaluation methodology. The award was limited to candidates who achieved the approved score for winning, following thorough and comprehensive evaluation processes that included carefully reviewing files, conducting interviews with candidates, and giving each candidate their full right to evaluation, thus ensuring the highest levels of fairness, objectivity, and equal opportunities, and enhancing confidence in the award’s outcomes and credibility.As in previous editions, the results of this round showed the impact of a supportive family environment on the continued excellence of some winners. In some cases, more than one person from the same family won the award, within the approved evaluation criteria for the award. The Qatar Education Excellence Award highlighted the role of parents in education and upbringing, especially in light of their contributions to their children’s education.Equal opportunitiesThe award, through the diversity of its categories, affirms the comprehensiveness of the concept of excellence and its extension across different educational stages, thereby promoting equal opportunities and motivating society to invest in education and knowledge as a fundamental pillars of development.For all these reasons, the 19th edition of the Qatar Education Excellence Award represents a milestone in the award’s journey since its establishment in 2006. The launch of a new visual identity for the award reflects both authenticity and modernity, while the adoption of its new official name reinforces its national dimension and enhances its regional and international presence.There is no doubt that what the Board of Trustees has approved by raising the value of the prizes for the winners starting from this edition represents an investment in the Qatari people. All these steps are part of a comprehensive development project launched in 2023, with the aim of making the award more consistent with Qatar National Vision 2030, and expanding its scope to include new segments of the educational community with a well-established arbitration system based on fairness and transparency.Since its inception in 2006, the award has honoured more than 1,300 distinguished individuals across various categories. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education affirms that the new identity, the updated name, the increased value of the rewards, and the introduction of new categories all represent a renewed launch for the award’s journey, consolidating its national and regional standing and making it a platform for creativity and inspiration for future generations.