Vehicles parked at or near Doha Metro and bus stops continue to be a concern in several parts of the capital, with commuters saying the practice obstructs public transport access and inconveniences passengers among others. Several vehicles are often seen occupying spaces of designated Metro feeder and bus stops, leaving limited room for buses to pull in and for passengers to board or alight comfortably. Similar scenes have been observed at other stops across Doha. The issue appears to be most common in busy residential and commercial areas, where some motorists park temporarily while waiting for passengers or leave their vehicles near public transport facilities. “When the designated spaces for public buses and Metro feeder vehicles are occupied by parked cars, drivers are forced to stop in the middle of the road. This not only contributes to traffic congestion but also poses safety risks to pedestrians and commuters,” said a Doha resident from East Al Hilal. He noted that some vehicles are also parked improperly, leaving too little space for buses to stop at the designated bus bay. The practice is prohibited under Article 78 of Qatar’s Traffic Law, which states that vehicles may not park or wait within 15m of bus stops, pedestrian crossings, junctions and roundabouts. The law also prohibits parking in places where vehicles may obstruct traffic or block the view of other road users. A number of commuters say improperly parked vehicles can force buses to stop farther from the curb, making boarding more difficult for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, parents with young children, and those carrying luggage. In some cases, pedestrians may also have to walk around parked vehicles or step onto the roadway to access buses. The recurring issue comes as Qatar continues to promote the Doha Metro and its integrated feeder bus network as part of broader efforts to reduce traffic congestion, improve first- and last-mile connectivity, and encourage more sustainable modes of transport. It is learnt that keeping bus stops clear is essential to maintaining reliable public transport operations. Vehicles occupying designated stopping areas can delay bus services, reduce passenger safety, and disrupt traffic flow, particularly during busy periods. The Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Traffic has repeatedly reminded motorists to comply with parking regulations, stressing in previous awareness campaigns that there is “no excuse” for parking in undesignated areas and warning that improper parking inconveniences other road users and compromises road safety. Residents have called for stricter enforcement around metro and bus stops, including more frequent patrols, clearer road markings, and greater public awareness to ensure designated public transport areas remain free of obstructions.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday on co-operation in nuclear safety and radiation protection, covering radiation monitoring, laboratory analysis and joint preparedness for cross-border nuclear and radiological emergencies.Concluded between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, the memorandum sets out to regulate and develop co-operation between the two sides in line with the regulations and laws in force in both countries.Signing for Qatar was His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud, and for the kingdom, Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission chief executive Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Issa.**media[476529]**After the ceremony, His Excellency Minister of Environment and Climate Change Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie met al-Issa and his accompanying delegation. They reviewed co-operation between the two sides in nuclear safety and radiation protection, and discussed ways to strengthen technical co-operation and the exchange of expertise in areas of mutual interest.The undersecretary described the memorandum as a significant addition to Qatari-Saudi co-operation and an expression of the historical ties binding the two countries. Both sides, he said, were keen to widen their technical and scientific co-operation, draw on shared expertise in nuclear safety and radiation protection, and move towards joint programmes and projects serving the interests of both.He said the memorandum would improve the exchange of information, research and studies, develop the capabilities of specialists and support co-ordination in radiation monitoring, laboratory analysis and nuclear emergency preparedness and response — strengthening the protection of human health and the environment and ensuring the safe use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. He expressed hope it would open new avenues between institutions in both countries and consolidate the Qatari-Saudi partnership in environmental and technical fields.The areas covered run from nuclear security and safety, radiation safety and radiation protection to methods of monitoring nuclear facilities and radiation practices, preparedness and response to cross-border nuclear and radiological emergencies, and the provision of assistance should such an emergency occur. Co-operation also extends to radiological laboratories and analyses, the safe transport of radioactive sources, the exchange of information, scientific research, studies, expertise and documents, and the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops.The memorandum further provides for the exchange of specialists through scientific and technical visits and training programmes, technical assistance, joint working groups to carry out agreed studies and projects, and a joint committee to develop the co-operation programmes and monitor their implementation.

Barzan University College (BUC) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the British Council, reinforcing its commitment to advancing English language education and expanding access to internationally recognised IELTS services in Qatar.The partnership brings together institutions that share a common vision of promoting academic excellence, international collaboration, and high-quality English language assessment. By leveraging their respective expertise, Barzan University College and the British Council aim to strengthen English language learning and facilitate English-based higher education for learners throughout their academic and professional journeys.The agreement reflects the growing importance of English language proficiency in today's interconnected world, where internationally recognised qualifications play a critical role in enabling access to higher education, employment, and global opportunities. Through this collaboration, Barzan University College continues to strengthen its international partnerships while contributing to Qatar's ambition of developing a highly skilled, knowledge-based economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.**media[476616]**Dr Lotfi Belkhir, Dean and Chief Academic Officer at Barzan University College, said: “Mastering the English language has become essential in a world where global educational. Our collaboration with the British Council reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards while ensuring learners have access to internationally recognised English language assessment that supports their educational and professional objectives. This partnership complements our academic collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, and further strengthens our international outlook by connecting our students and the wider community with globally recognised English language services. Together, we are creating greater opportunities for learners while contributing to the continued advancement of higher education in Qatar.”Dr Waseem Kotoub, Country Director and Gulf Cluster Lead for Business Development at the British Council, said: “We are delighted to partner with Barzan University College, to strengthen access to internationally recognised English language assessment in Qatar. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting learners with the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in higher education, their careers, and an increasingly global environment. Through this partnership, we look forward to expanding access to trusted IELTS services while working together to promote excellence in English language education and create meaningful opportunities for learners across Qatar.”The partnership marks another significant milestone in Barzan University College's international engagement strategy and reflects its ongoing commitment to collaborating with leading global organisations that share its vision of educational excellence, innovation, and quality.As Barzan University College continues to expand its network of international partnerships, this collaboration with the British Council reinforces its position as a globally connected higher education institution that prepares learners for success in an increasingly international and knowledge-driven business landscape.