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The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a technical co-operation memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) in Saudi Arabia, within the framework of enhancing institutional partnership and expanding areas of joint co-ordination on issues of protecting and promoting human rights, serving mutual interests, and consolidating the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect between the two sides. The MoU was signed by Her Excellency the NHRC Chairperson Mariam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, and President of the Saudi HRC Dr Hala bint Mazyad al-Tuwaijri. The MoU aims to develop mechanisms for technical work, exchange experiences, build the capacities of specialised personnel, and launch joint programmes and initiatives that contribute to supporting human rights culture and raising societal awareness, in addition to documenting regional co-operation in areas related to human rights. In this context, al-Attiyah said this step represents an extension of the NHRC’s approach in enhancing Gulf co-operation and exchanging best professional practices, emphasising that technical partnerships contribute to developing institutional performance, improving the quality of human rights services provided to the community, and supporting ongoing training and qualification paths for workers in the sector. She added that the MoU opens the way for wider co-ordination in implementing joint initiatives and exchanging knowledge and experiences, enhancing the protection of rights and freedoms, and raising legal and humanitarian awareness among various groups. She affirmed that the MoU reflects the Committee’s direction toward expanding its regional partnership network and building a more integrated human rights work system, noting that exchanging institutional experiences in the region provides real opportunities for developing policies and preventive and awareness programmes, enhancing responsiveness to emerging human rights issues, protecting rights and freedoms, and fostering a culture of respect for human dignity in society. The MoU also outlined several areas of co-operation, including joint work on building the capacities of personnel at both parties through specialised training programmes, exchanging studies, research, and projects, publishing their results for mutual benefit, raising societal awareness of human rights culture, organising reciprocal visits, seminars, lectures, and joint conferences, in addition to exchanging information, statistics, reports, and scientific publications, with attention to educating about the rights of persons with disabilities, children, women, and the elderly. The MoU emphasised the importance of aligning co-operation activities with the national legislations in force in both countries, ensuring the efficient implementation of joint initiatives and enhancing integration between the two institutions in various priority human rights files. Through this framework, both institutions seek to unify efforts in monitoring, awareness, and capacity building, and to benefit from the accumulated expertise of each party to develop institutional work tools and exchange specialised knowledge, contributing to building an advanced Gulf model in managing human rights issues. The MoU is scheduled to enter into force after completing the legal procedures in both countries, and it will continue for several renewable years, ensuring the sustainability of joint programmes and projects and achieving a long-term impact that positively reflects on enhancing and protecting rights and freedoms in both countries. In a related context, the NHRC chairperson met with Dr Muhammad al-Shalfan, director-general of the Judicial Training Center at the Ministry of Justice in Saudi Arabia and a member of the Saudi HRC Council, where they discussed prospects for co-operation in supporting the integration of human rights topics into training programmes for judicial practitioners.  

Indian ambassador Vipul has underscored that the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2025 between India and Qatar is now shaping a year of “intense and continuous engagement” across diverse sectors, setting the tone for bilateral relations in 2026.“We signed the strategic partnership agreement in 2025 during the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and that has given us a roadmap on what to work on and that is something that will continue during 2026, as well,” Vipul told Gulf Times on the sidelines of ‘India Utsav’ launched Sunday by LuLu Hypermarket Qatar at its Al Gharafa branch in celebration of India’s 77th Republic Day.The ambassador noted that His Highness the Amir’s visit to India last year catalysed a series of high-level exchanges, including ministerial visits and the inaugural Joint Business Council meeting. These interactions, he said, are laying the groundwork for the goals set by both leaderships.“After the state visit of His Highness the Amir to India, 2025 was a very important year for us, and there was a lot of activity that got generated following this visit because the leadership of both our countries set some very important goals for all of us to work on,” Vipul pointed out.Vipul explained that the roadmap extends beyond traditional trade and investment, encompassing emerging areas, such as technology, sustainability, and artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasised that both nations are committed to advancing co-operation in these fields.The ambassador also highlighted the strength of people-to-people connections, which he said underpin the bilateral relationship and extend into business, academia, and venture capital. “There is so much of close connect...people who are in business, who are on the technology side, who are venture capitalists, people who are into academics and everything,” he noted.According to Vipul, he is anticipating that 2026 will see continued ministerial and official visits, reinforcing the strategic objectives agreed upon by the two countries’ leadership. “There is groundwork that has been done to give shape to the goals and objectives that have been set by the leadership of both our countries,” he emphasised.He also pointed to the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, stressing that while gas remains a major component, India’s growing manufacturing base, from electronics to automobiles and food products, offers new expansion opportunities.Vipul added that the strategic partnership agreement provides a clear framework for both sides to deepen co-operation, ensuring that 2026 becomes "a year of sustained progress across multiple dimensions of the relationship." 

The Follow-Up Committee of the Joint Qatari-Saudi Business Council recently held its first meeting in Riyadh.It was presided over by Hamad bin Ali al-Shuwair, chairman of the Saudi side, and Qatar Chamber board member Ali bin Abdullatif al-Misnad, who is also a member of the council. The meeting was also attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Emadi, Qatar Chamber board member and member of the council.The meeting discussed ways to stimulate the role of the sectoral committees within the council, particularly the education and health sectors. It also reviewed a proposal to prepare a study on establishing a joint investment company aimed at enhancing economic integration between the two countries, in addition to intensifying communication with the relevant authorities and unifying delegations for foreign visits from both sides.Attendees also reviewed a number of topics, including the importance and advantages of Hamad Port for Saudi traders, customs tariffs on Qatari goods, and the temporary entry of equipment and vehicles from Qatar.In his remarks, al-Misnad noted that the formation of the committee reflects the mutual keenness of both sides to activate the outcomes of the joint business council’s meetings and translate its recommendations into practical steps that contribute to strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.Al-Misnad also stated that the committee plays a leading role in identifying the challenges facing the business community in both countries and working to address them, in addition to proposing initiatives that would enhance co-operation between business owners and open new opportunities for joint and mutual investments, thereby increasing trade exchange and strengthening bilateral economic partnership.He affirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening close co-operation with its Saudi counterparts through the Qatari-Saudi Business Council, in line with the deep-rooted fraternal and historical relations between the two countries and the wise directives of their leaderships aimed at promoting economic integration and developing strategic partnerships. 

The State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman signed an MoU aimed at strengthening partnership, trade and investment integration and encouraging exports between the two countries, on the sidelines of the 24th session of the Qatari-Omani Joint Committee, held during the period of Dec. 10-11 in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.Representing the Qatari side, His Excellency Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari signed the MoU, while the Minister of Finance of Oman represented the Omani side by signing.The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the areas of financing and credit facilities through Qatar Development Bank's (QDB) buyer credit program, which supports the implementation of projects included in the Omani Ministry of Finance's budget, and allows the utilization of Qatari capabilities in export and financing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Qatari exports and contributing to the diversification of the two countries' economies.HE Minister of Finance also witnessed the signing of another MoU between QDB and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman, which aims to trade and facilitate exports between the two countries.During this event, His Excellency emphasized the importance of this agreement and its effective role, noting that the cooperation between the State of Qatar and Oman is based on a share vision to enhance economic integration.The signing of the MoUs represents a new step in the path of bilateral partnership that supports the two countries' efforts towards a more diversified and sustainable economy.The Qatari-Omani Joint Committee held its first meeting in Doha in April 1995, and its meetings have continued since then, alternating between the two countries, in order to strengthen the path of cooperation and joint coordination.

His Excellency the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed held talks in Doha on Sunday with Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkiye, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025, as the two countries explored ways to deepen their economic partnership.The discussions focused on expanding bilateral co-operation in trade and investment, with both sides reviewing key areas of mutual interest and identifying opportunities to broaden commercial links.Officials also exchanged views on issues featured on this year's forum agenda, which spotlights global economic stability, sustainable growth and geopolitical challenges.Relations between Qatar and Turkiye have grown steadily in recent years, particularly in finance, defence and trade. Sunday's meeting was described as part of a continued effort to strengthen the strategic economic ties that underpin the partnership between the two nations. 

The G20 Summit kicked off in Johannesburg on Saturday. The debut summit is hosted by South Africa and is set to run for two days.In his opening remarks, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that his country is committed to maintaining the position of the G20 nations and reinforcing international cooperation to confront a variety of global challenges.South Africa is keen to incorporate the development priorities of the Global South and Africa into the agenda, with multilateralism serving as a vehicle for surmounting global challenges, Ramaphosa underlined.He stressed that it is impossible to counter threats unless collaboration and partnerships are forged, indicating that the summit leaders' adoption of a joint declaration will be a consequential indication of multilateral capacity to achieve outcomes.The issues of Ukraine and climate change occupy a central position at the summit, with former US President Donald Trump's plan to bring the war in Ukraine to a close overshadowing the discussions, according to earlier remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.The summit carries symbolic significance, as it is convened for the first time on African soil and marks the conclusion of the Global South's cycle of presidencies within the Group of Twenty, following Indonesia (2022), India (2023), and Brazil (2024).In essence, South Africa has incorporated among its foremost priorities during its G20 presidency this year the establishment of an international commission dedicated to issues of economic inequality, along the lines of the UN commission mandated with climate change.The agenda of the summit likewise includes easing debt burdens, as well as the critical minerals essential for the energy transition, and artificial intelligence.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the friendly Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame discussed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.The meeting also dealt with discussing regional and international issues of joint interest.This came during the bilateral meeting held at the headquarters of the president at the Eastern province of Rwanda in Bugesera. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani arrived Thursday in Kigali, on an official visit to the Republic of Rwanda.His Highness the Amir was welcomed upon arrival to Kigali International Airport by President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame.Also present to welcome His Highness the Amir was Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Olivier Nduhungirehe, Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga, Mayor of the City of Kigali Samuel Dusengiyumvam, ambassador of Rwanda to Qatar Igor Marara Kayinamura, a number of senior officials, and members of Qatar’s Embassy.**media[384342]**His Highness the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation. Relations between Qatar and Rwanda have been marked by rapid growth and a strategic partnership spanning various fields. Over the past years, the two nations have succeeded in building a solid foundation of co-operation in the areas of economy, investment, education, tourism, aviation, security, and anti-corruption, making Rwanda a key partner in Qatar’s outreach to the African continent.The mutual visits exchanged between the leadership of both countries reflect their shared commitment to strengthening dialogue, expanding investment opportunities, and achieving sustainable development. This contributes to supporting regional stability and creating new horizons for bilateral co-operation.The visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to meet with President Paul Kagame comes within the framework of strengthening the close relations between the two nations and reaffirming the mutual commitment to enhancing the foundations of sustainable investment and expanding its prospects in a way that serves their common goals.

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company signed an investment partnership agreement with Egypt's New Urban Communities Authority to implement an integrated urban tourism project according to the highest international standards, in the Alam El Roum area on the North Coast of Matrouh Governorate.The project extends over an area of ​​around 4,900 acres and along 7.2km of Mediterranean beaches, with total investments estimated at more than $29.7bn.The signing ceremony was attended on the Egyptian side by Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Finance Dr Ahmed Kouchouk, and Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El Sherbini.On the Qatari side, it was attended by His Excellency Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatari Diar Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al- Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar Ali Mohammed al-Ali, and Chief Development and Project Delivery Officer — Asia and Africa at Qatari Diar, Sheikh Hamad bin Talal al-Thani.The project aims to transform Alam al-Roum into a comprehensive tourism and investment destination, encompassing residential, tourist, commercial, and service areas. It will feature upscale residential complexes and neighbourhoods, tourism and entertainment projects, open artificial lakes, golf courses, and a marina for yachts, including one international and two inland local marinas. The project will also include a complete infrastructure, such as a service free zone, electricity distribution and water desalination and treatment plants, hospitals, schools, universities, and several government offices.Stretching along a 7.2 km waterfront, the project is expected to be one of the largest development projects in the region and is anticipated to attract investments, boost economic growth, and create both direct and indirect job opportunities.The agreement includes a cash price of $3.5bn and an in-kind consideration of 396,000 square meters of built-up area, the sale of which is expected to generate revenues of at least $1.8 bn. In addition, 15 % of the project's profits will be allocated to the New Urban Communities Authority after the company recovers its full investment costs. These profits include the output of the company and its subsidiaries.The land use within the project is distributed as follows: residential land constitutes approximately 60 % of the total area, 15 % is allocated to service areas, and 25 % to roads, squares, and open green spaces. The project land will be delivered free of any encumbrances in two main phases and several sub-phases.In this context, Dr Mostafa Madbouly emphasised that this agreement represents a major investment partnership reflecting the depth of the fraternal relations between Egypt and Qatar. He said that it is an important step in strengthening economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, given the distinguished relationship between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. He added that the partnership embodies the vision of both leaderships for integrated economic cooperation that contributes to supporting sustainable development and attracting high-quality investments to the Egyptian market.He noted the government's commitment to removing any obstacles facing investors and its keen interest in partnering with Qatar on this project, which is one of the largest Arab investments in the real estate and tourism development sector and reflects investor confidence in the Egyptian economy.For his part, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al- Attiyah said that the project represents a strategic step toward enhancing the status of Egypt's North Coast as a comprehensive global destination, and embodies Qatar's commitment as a partner in supporting the Egyptian government's efforts to achieve sustainable development and year-round operation of coastal areas.The project represents one of the most prominent investment ventures in the region, with a total investment of approximately $29.7 bn, he said, noting that this is expected to provide more than 250,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.HE Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatari Diar added that the project also reflects Qatari Diar's confidence in the strength of the Egyptian economy and its belief in the value of investing in Egypt's unique geographical location.Speaking to Qatar News Agency following the signing of the deal, CEO of Qatari Diar Ali Mohammed al-Ali emphasized that the "Alam al-Roum" project represents a new step in developing luxury destinations in Egypt, as part of a series of strategic investments targeting high-value tourist destinations. He added that the project will be a landmark in the development of the North Coast and a global destination that will redefine tourism standards on the Mediterranean through development spanning more than 20mn square meters and boasting over 4,500 hotel rooms.He indicated that the project will be implemented by a special-purpose project company wholly owned by Qatari Diar, in coordination with the New Urban Communities Authority to ensure the design adheres to the highest international standards.

On the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, convened two high-level sessions in partnership with global organisations to address some of the most pressing challenges facing youth and vulnerable communities around the world.EAA’s Silatech Programme, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), hosted a high-level session titled “An Introspective Look: From Challenges to Solutions for Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment Programming” The session will take stock of youth employability and employment programming and progress towards SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. As part of this examination, the high-level event aims to identify meaningful solutions to move the needle forward on tackling youth unemployment through encouraging innovative approaches to decent work and social inclusion. The aim of the session is to highlight the importance of prioritising relevant and responsive youth employability and employment programmes and policies that respond to the major global shifts and realities of today and the future.Speakers included His Excellency Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of QFFD, Her Excellency Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of International Organizations Department, MOFA Qatar, , Ms. Laura Thompson, ILO Assistant Director General for External and Corporate Relations, Mr. Laurent Biddiscombe, Executive Director for Global Client Solution, AFD, Dr. Issa Faye, Director-General, Global Practice and Partnerships, IsDB, Ms. Susana Puerto-Gonzalez, Head, Youth Employment Unit, ILO, Ms. Hayfa Al-Abdullah, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director, QSTP,Ms, Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,Senior Vice President, Global Impact Initiatives, USCIB (US Council for International Business), and Ms, Carolin Vollmann, Head of Division in the International Department of the German Trade Union Confederationr, EAA. The panel also featured the voices of two youth changemakers, Sharon Odongo and Khalid Al Kuwari. Participants discussed how rapid technological shifts, climate change, and demographic transitions are reshaping labour markets, and underscored the need for adaptable, inclusive strategies that empower youth to thrive in evolving economies.**media[377313]**In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Kenya, EAA’s Silatech Programme contributed to the high-level panel “Unlocking Skills, Employment, and Resilient Food Systems in Kenya.” The discussion explored how public–private partnerships and national programmes can promote economic inclusion, adaptive social protection, and green value chains.Moderated by Ms. Rania Dagash, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, the panel featured Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (Kenya); Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer, EAA; Sheikha Haya Al-Thani, Deputy Director General of Planning, QFFD, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Deputy CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); and Ms. Betty Ka, WFP Kenya Country Director.**media[377315]**Speakers highlighted youth innovative Economic Inclusion Programmes and the power of collaboration between governments, international agencies, and the private sector to expand employment, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, and move from protection to long-term prosperityMr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, Said: “The sessions held today reflect Education Above All Foundation’s commitment to advancing practical solutions that link education, employment, and social inclusion. Through our programmes, we are addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment, economic empowerment, and the resilience of communities affected by conflict and climate change. By partnering with strategic organisations, EAA continues to champion education as the foundation for dignity, opportunity, and sustainable development.”Through these sessions, the Education Above All Foundation reaffirmed its global commitment to advancing inclusive education, youth empowerment, and social protection. By connecting education to employment, inclusion, and dignity, EAA continues to drive innovative partnerships that leave no one behind, ensuring that education remains the cornerstone of social and economic transformation.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

Qatar Airways and Air Algérie announced a codeshare partnership that will increase access to seamless connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Starting today, travellers can book codeshare flights for travel starting on November 15.Building on an existing interline partnership between the two carriers, the codeshare provides Qatar Airways customers easier access to Algiers as well as six other key destinations in Air Algérie's domestic network, including Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will also earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie.Similarly, through codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, the Algerian national flag carrier offers more travel options for its passengers traveling to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat via Hamad International Airport. This codeshare agreement will soon be expanded to include additional destinations.Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air Algérie through this new codeshare agreement, further strengthening our presence across key African markets. This collaboration will offer travellers greater choice and seamless connectivity to the Middle East, and Asia. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to deepening strategic partnerships, such as with Air Algérie, that enhance global connectivity from and to Africa through our hub, Hamad International Airport.”Air Algérie Head of Commercial Division, Samy El Karim Boutemadja said: “This codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways will certainly give Air Algérie the opportunity to enhance the company’s positioning in the Middle East and in Asia by offering its customers larger possibilities to reach new destinations, as well as promoting travelling to Algeria. This agreement contributes to Air Algérie’s global strategy to expand its network and connections through its Algiers hub. We are looking forward to a successful partnership with Qatar Airways.”Qatar Airways currently has 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, and operates some 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed Sunday to establish a strategic partnership between their countries and expand cooperation across various sectors, including defense and trade.The two leaders announced the launch of the strategic partnership during a joint press conference at the presidential office following their summit talks, which took place as part of Prime Minister Wong’s official visit to South Korea.“Our two countries share many similarities. We have both achieved remarkable growth based on human capital and an open, free-trade order despite limited land, scarce resources, and a challenging geopolitical environment,” President Lee said.According to Yonhap News Agency, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the areas of security, defense, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, people-to-people exchanges, and combating transnational crimes such as online scams.Under the new strategic partnership, South Korea and Singapore will also strengthen collaboration to address global challenges, including climate change and cross-border crimes, amid a shifting international order that has long underpinned global growth and prosperity, according to the presidential office.Prime Minister Wong highlighted significant potential for collaboration in the green economy, digital innovation, security, and defense, and expressed his full support for South Korea’s efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The National Cyber Security Agency announced Wednesday the launch of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, observed every October, under the theme "Secure Your World, Protect Your Future." The campaign will be rolled out across the agency's social media platforms in partnership with the Government Communications Office, alongside outdoor advertisements in high-traffic public areas such as Msheireb, Doha Corniche, and major commercial malls including Place Vendome Mall, Doha Festival City, and others. Throughout the month, the National Cyber Security Agency aims to engage all segments of society: the elderly, young people, and children—by addressing key topics such as the importance of cybersecurity, phishing and electronic fraud, and others. A highlight of the campaign will be the agency's mobile pavilion, offering families and children interactive educational activities and awareness games every weekend at selected malls, including Place Vendome, Mall of Qatar, and Doha Festival City. In addition, the agency will organize a series of awareness workshops, as well as dedicated sessions targeting the Asian Village, with the aim of strengthening cybersecurity awareness among the workforce. This campaign underscores the agency's commitment to fostering a culture of digital safety by raising awareness of cyber threats, promoting best practices for prevention, and contributing to a safer cyber environment for all members of society.