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.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said his side cannot be distracted by talk of Manchester City closing in at the top of the Premier League after the Gunners were held 1-1 at Brentford on Thursday.City are now just four points behind Mikel Arteta's men and have home advantage when the sides meet in April. Arsenal are aiming to end a 22-year wait to win the title and appeared to be cruising towards success when they moved nine points clear last Saturday.However, City's late fightback to snatch a 2-1 victory at Liverpool on Sunday could prove a turning point in the title race. Pep Guardiola's men maintained their momentum by beating Fulham 3-0 in midweek and Arsenal failed to respond.Noni Madueke gave the visitors the lead in west London, but Brentford hit back through Keane Lewis-Potter and were unfortunate not to claim all three points in the final 20 minutes. "This is a rollercoaster of a season. You can't be naive to think this is going to be easy," said England international Rice. "We are playing against the best teams week in, week out. We have to keep pushing and believing in ourselves, controlling the controllable. We have to block out the outside noise. We have done that really well. People are going to talk up the title race, but we have a really calm group. I'm not naive to think Brentford are a pushover. They are one of the best teams in the league and their recent form shows that. It's a point gained in our journey, but we wanted to win the game."Arteta was frustrated at how his side let control of the game get away from them after a positive start to the second half. "We lacked composure to maintain the ball better, to play in the right areas. We started to give a lot of unnecessary free-kicks away," said Arteta.Arsenal's strength from set-pieces has played a huge role in putting them into pole position for the title. But they struggled to cope with Brentford's own prowess from dead balls. The equaliser arrived from one of Michael Kayode's long-throws, propelled into the box, that Sepp van den Berg flicked on for Lewis Potter to head in."They are really good at it, so credit to them as well," Arteta said. "They drag you into a game where it's like a casino. Anything can happen and something really bad can happen!"

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck received the credentials of HE Mohammed bin Hassan Jaber Al Jaber as Ambassador (non-resident) extraordinary plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bhutan. HE the Ambassador conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the King of Bhutan, as well as His Highness's wishes of good health and happiness for His Majesty, and for the government and people of the Kingdom of Bhutan continued progress and prosperity. For his part, the King of Bhutan entrusted HE the Ambassador with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and the State of Qatar continued development and growth.