The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is preparing to implement a new package of infrastructure and public service projects, including fire safety upgrades at 50 additional schools, the construction of new classrooms at 16 schools and the development of storage facilities for the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE).The projects are part of the authority’s second package of development works and are outlined in the State’s Internal Achievements Book for 2025-2026. The planned works also include the demolition and reconstruction of two schools, Muadh bin Jabal School and Rawdat Rashid School, alongside improvements to the facilities of the Community College of Qatar in Lusail for both male and female students.The college project will cover the renovation and maintenance of facades, entrances, courtyards, boundary walls and gates, while the authority will also undertake the development of sports facilities under its second package in preparation for the Asian Games Doha 2030. Another project involves the development of Ras Laffan Hospital as part of efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and public facilities.Further, Ashghal, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Finance, plans to tender several new projects covering sports facilities, healthcare centres, maintenance works and new buildings. The proposed tenders are intended to support infrastructure development and improve the operational efficiency of public facilities.Urban beautification remains another major component of the authority’s upcoming programme. Plans include the construction of an outdoor air-conditioned walkway and landscaping works at Qatar University, aimed at improving the campus environment and pedestrian facilities. The authority also intends to establish six parks, known locally as neighborhoods parks, in Umm Al Abiriya, Umm Qarn, Al Khor, Al Dhakhira, Al Saja and Al Thumama.Landscaping and beautification works are planned around the Passports Building in Al Tarfa and the Civil Defence Building in Al Jumailiyah. The programme also includes the construction of a pedestrian walkway around Al Karaana Village to improve walking facilities for residents. Additional projects include the design, supply and installation of lighting for the Unity Arch, as well as the establishment of an advanced nursery in Al Thumama.In addition, Ashghal plans to tender contracts for the design of several parks and implement park construction projects during 2026 and 2027. Further contracts will cover landscaping, irrigation and associated support works.Alongside physical infrastructure development, Ashghal is planning to introduce digital technologies to improve the management and performance of essential networks. One of the key initiatives is the implementation of digital twin technology for drainage networks. The system is intended to support asset management, enable more proactive performance analysis and improve operational efficiency by providing better insights into network conditions and potential maintenance requirements.The authority also plans to establish a solar power station with a capacity of 2.2 megawatts at the North Doha Station, as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy in infrastructure operations. Further measures include expanding the deployment of LED lighting and smart lighting systems to reduce energy consumption and improve the management of public lighting infrastructure.

The State of Qatar affirmed that the continued exploitation of natural resources in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the occupied Syrian Golan, coupled with restrictions on the local population's access to and use of those resources, poses a major obstacle to sustainable development and the realization of the economic and social rights of people living under occupation, while stressing that the Palestinian people cannot exercise permanent sovereignty over their natural resources while being denied control over their land and resources. This came in a statement delivered by Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Mohammed Hassan Al Emadi before the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly during its 81st session, under agenda item 58 on "Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources" at United Nations Headquarters in New York. On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Al Emadi reiterated that the State of Qatar's immediate priority is to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure the full implementation of its terms, and secure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the need to restore essential services and civilian infrastructure and to create the conditions for early recovery and reconstruction, enabling the Palestinian people to rebuild the foundations of their economic and social life and laying a sustainable basis for development. He added that Qatar's mediation efforts, undertaken in cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, were rooted in a firm commitment to ending human suffering and creating the conditions for a political process leading to a just and lasting peace.He underscored the importance of supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as a key partner in delivering essential humanitarian, educational, health, and development services in accordance with its mandate. He further reaffirmed the State of Qatar's support for the right of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan to their natural resources. He reiterated Qatar's rejection of any measures aimed at altering the Golan's legal or demographic status, and its call for an end to the occupation and Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan to the line of 4 June 1967 in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. Al Emadi also reaffirmed the State of Qatar's support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination and to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

A high-level Qatari business delegation held meetings with private sector officials in southern France to explore opportunities for joint projects in sectors of mutual interest.Led by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani Qatari Businessmen Association board member Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, the delegation’s visit was organised in cooperation with the Qatar-French Economic Association (CADRAN).The meetings, attended by Qatar’s ambassador to France, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani and Qatar Chamber board member Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh al-Hajri, aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic and investment cooperation, and promote direct engagement between the two business communities. The delegation met with Bernard Kleynhoff, president of risingSUD, the economic development and investment promotion agency of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region. Discussions focused on economic relations, the investment climate, and prospects for establishing business partnerships between Qatari companies and their French counterparts.The Qatari delegation also met with the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.In addition, the delegation participated in a joint business forum and held meetings with key economic stakeholders in Cannes, Nice, and other cities across the region. The meetings brought together French business leaders and explored potential joint ventures and partnership opportunities.Sheikh Khalifa lauded the strong economic and trade ties between Qatar and the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, highlighting the shared commitment to deepening commercial engagement. He commended the role of CADRAN in strengthening ties between the two business communities, providing platforms for dialogue, and supporting sustainable economic partnerships.Sheikh Ali emphasised the importance of the delegation’s engagement with representatives of France’s public and private sectors, noting that the visit provided a valuable opportunity to broaden economic relations.Highlighting the longstanding ties between Qatar and the region in luxury hospitality and real estate, the ambassador pointed to significant potential for expanding cooperation into aviation, tourism, technology, finance, the energy transition, advanced infrastructure, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.He also stressed the importance of organising a visit to Qatar by a business delegation from southern France, noting that direct meetings and reciprocal visits play a vital role in building trust, exploring major economic projects, and establishing sustainable business partnerships between the two sides.