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Qatar's civil aviation authority has declared the country's air transport sector remains under "full operational control" despite heightened regional tensions and unprecedented risks to airspace safety.In an interview with Qatar News Agency, Acting President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) Mohammed bin Faleh al-Hajri said operations continue to be managed to the highest safety and efficiency standards, even as the region faces significant security challenges.Al-Hajri described a phased response to the crisis based on continuous risk assessment, which led to the partial reopening of Qatar's airspace on March 7 following an initial precautionary closure. Flights have since resumed on a limited basis using designated air corridors, under strict monitoring and in coordination with the armed forces.He said recent Iranian attacks had a "direct and tangible" impact on the region's aviation environment, including Qatari airspace, warning of sharply increased risks posed by drones, missiles, and debris from air defence systems, as well as hazards such as aircraft misidentification and operations in restricted or high-risk airspace zones.Authorities have treated Qatar's airspace as a highly sensitive operational environment, restricting flights to approved routes and carefully controlled capacities. Initial operations focused on evacuation flights and cargo services, with civil air traffic gradually increasing to maintain essential connectivity and supply chains. QCAA and Qatar Airways worked closely with national partners to assist stranded passengers and sustain cargo operations, ensuring the continued flow of essential goods into the country.A range of contingency measures were introduced, including revised emergency plans, tightened air traffic procedures, and expanded reliance on overseas maintenance providers. Qatar Airways was authorised to operate maintenance stations abroad to support 188 stranded aircraft. At Hamad International Airport, aircraft were repositioned to safer locations, firefighting units redeployed, and construction on one runway temporarily suspended.On airspace security, Al Hajri said QCAA had activated round-the-clock communication channels, increased inspection and patrol operations, and shared a regional regulatory document with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and neighbouring countries on managing airport security during conflicts. Risk information from civil aviation authorities in neighbouring countries and international organisations is continuously monitored to inform directives.He outlined an integrated risk management methodology underpinning all operational decisions, encompassing the identification of approved and closely monitored air corridors, continuous civil-military coordination, a prior approval mechanism for each flight, enhanced fuel planning, identification of alternative airports, special crew briefings, and the implementation of exceptional operational procedures.Securing Qatari airspace, he added, relies on a multi-layered system incorporating advanced radar, continuous airspace coverage, real-time flight tracking, and precise aircraft separation standards, all directly integrated with military authorities and joint operations centres through advance flight plan sharing.Emergency plans have been activated across all civil aviation sectors. In aviation security, evacuation plans were implemented, airport entry points reduced, and staffing brought to a minimum to avoid operational disruption. In air navigation, measures included immediate traffic management, flight diversion when necessary, regulated traffic through specific operational windows, and the activation of direct communication channels between all relevant parties. A guidance document on airspace management during emergencies was also issued, alongside an air circular on navigation emergency procedures to strengthen readiness within the Doha Flight Information Region.Al-Hajri stressed that the air traffic control system is operating at a high level of readiness, with comprehensive airspace coverage, accurate real-time tracking, improved aircraft separation procedures, and direct military integration — all of which, he said, contributed to managing the situation with high efficiency. He noted that QCAA periodically conducts exercises simulating emergency scenarios, including partial or total airspace closure, loss of communications, and operations under security or military restrictions, with lessons continuously incorporated to sharpen future readiness.Concluding his remarks, Al Hajri affirmed QCAA's round-the-clock monitoring of all developments and reiterated that the safety and security of civil aviation remains the state's top priority. All operational decisions, he said, are taken on the basis of precise professional risk assessment and in full coordination with the relevant national authorities. What has been achieved during this period, he added, reflects Qatar's ability to manage exceptional circumstances efficiently and professionally. 

Residents of Qatar have continued to celebrate the Eid holiday with joy, safety, and stability, sharing this happiness with family and friends outside the country by transferring funds to support them.Many opt for online transactions, while others visit various exchange houses to provide timely assistance to their loved ones.**media[428150]**Despite regional tensions, the holiday spirit remains untouched, as people enjoy the stability and security Qatar offers.Shopping malls are open and well-stocked with a variety of goods at normal prices.**media[428151]**The public is also responsibly adhering to safety instructions from authorities, demonstrating a high level of compliance with awareness messages urging caution and the avoidance of unnecessary gatherings in open areas as a precautionary measure against any unforeseen events.Consequently, many people chose to spend the holiday at various outlets across the country, such as shopping malls and popular souqs, enjoying the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere of Eid.Family gatherings and visits continue, with parents and older relatives eager to give children the traditional Eidyaa (small cash gifts), which is an integral part of the celebration in the region.**media[428152]**Qatari majlis remain open to receive family and friends, allowing for the exchange of good wishes for Eid and the revival of long-cherished traditions.These majlis are crucial in sustaining established values and customs, passing them down from generation to generation through practice rather than mere instruction.The gatherings at Qatari majlis are a central feature of Eid and a vital aspect of social life, bringing families and friends together, renewing connections, and preserving cherished traditions.**media[428153]**This year, amid exceptional regional circumstances, their role feels even more significant.They provide calm, reassurance, and a sense of continuity, helping people maintain the spirit of celebration.Hussein al-Haddad notes that the majlis has remained open with arrangements suited to the current situation.The Qatari describes it as more than just a place for greetings; it is a space where people can experience the essence of Eid through warm welcomes, shared memories, coffee, sweets, and the presence of children.They also engage in balanced and reassuring discussions about regional events.Dr Badr al-Hajri sees Eid majlis gatherings as an extension of human relationships in Qatari society rather than a mere social custom.He said that they provide people with a quiet space away from the pressure of constant news, where conversations from Ramadan through Eid help build collective understanding, calm, and emotional reassurance without losing the essence of the occasion.Qatari researcher Mansour al-Ruwaili highlights the cultural and heritage value of majlis gatherings, especially those tied to popular memory.He said they preserve identity, connect younger generations to the past, and show how society can balance awareness of present realities with commitment to Eid joy and traditions.Together, these examples show that as long as majlis gatherings remain open, Eid in Qatar continues to live through its deepest social and cultural meanings. 

The Ministry of Interior has issued safety guidelines for employees at workplaces, outlining a set of instructions and procedures to be followed when responding to precautionary security alerts. This initiative is part of the Ministry's commitment to enhancing public safety and raising awareness of preventive measures within the workplace.The ministry clarified that employees must take national alerts or warnings issued through official channels seriously and immediately comply with their instructions. They should also follow updates only through official sources and refrain from spreading rumours or republishing unreliable information.The ministry emphasised the necessity of adhering to the directives of the relevant authorities and security and safety teams at the workplace, avoiding any individual interpretations.Regarding safe conduct within buildings, the ministry urged employees to remain inside the building upon the issuance of any precautionary alert, maintain calm, and avoid causing alarm. Employees should also avoid going outside or to open areas and stay away from windows, glass facades, and open surfaces.The ministry stressed the importance of staying away from energy sources and flammable materials, and minimising unnecessary movement between floors or buildings.Regarding evacuation of facilities, the ministry recommended familiarising oneself with emergency exits, evacuation routes, and designated assembly points within the workplace. It also advised against using elevators when an evacuation alert or instruction is given, recommending instead the use of stairs and emergency exits.The ministry emphasised the need to avoid pushing or crowding while moving to safe areas within the building and to keep corridors and emergency exits clear of obstructions to ensure rapid evacuation when necessary.The guidelines also included instructions to follow in the event of an explosion or sudden incident. The ministry explained that if a person is outside the building when an explosion occurs, they should immediately go to the nearest safe area within the building and remain there after hearing the explosion or alert until instructions are issued by the relevant authorities that the danger has passed.Regarding the handling of suspicious objects and hazards, the Ministry emphasised the necessity of immediately reporting any suspicious object or unusual observation through the designated channels within the organisation or by contacting the relevant authorities. It stressed the prohibition of touching or approaching any metallic object, shrapnel fragments, or unidentified objects.The ministry also emphasised the importance of organisational discipline within the workplace, stressing the need to refrain from photographing incidents, sites, or security procedures and posting them on social media. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of knowing emergency numbers and how to contact designated security and safety supervisors within the organisation, as well as the necessity of fully cooperating with security and safety officials and adhering to their instructions under all circumstances.The ministry indicated that the security and safety departments in governmental, semi-governmental, and private entities are responsible for disseminating these guidelines to employees and monitoring their implementation. They are also tasked with ensuring the readiness of emergency exits, evacuation routes, assembly points, and response mechanisms for precautionary alerts.The ministry confirmed that it will take the necessary legal measures against anyone who violates these guidelines, in accordance with applicable regulations. It also encouraged the public to contact them with any inquiries or comments regarding safety guidelines via the numbers: 2355585 and 2355633.  

Technical incidents such as engine oil and fuel leaks affecting Air India flights reached the highest rate in at ‌least 14 months in January, a company document shows, underscoring growing strain on the carrier's revamp ambitions.India's ​second-largest airline has come under scrutiny ‌from the country's safety regulator since a crash last year killed 260 people. It has since reported ‌many safety lapses and ⁠in December admitted there was ‌a "need for urgent improvements in process discipline, communication, and ‌compliance culture".In January, Air India recorded 1.09 technical incidents per 1,000 flights, quadrupling from levels of just 0.26 in ⁠December 2024, according to a document reviewed by Reuters that the carrier submitted to the Indian government in February. It did not provide earlier data.Air India operated more than 17,500 flights in January and recorded 23 technical incidents on its international and domestic flights, according to the document, which is not public. At least 21 of those incidents were investigated formally by the airline."Systemic improvements (are) being introduced across flight ops, training, engineering quality, and procedural oversight to prevent recurrence," the Air India document said.Air India and India's civil aviation ministry did not respond to Reuters' ​queries.The document provided only selective comparisons to global airline industry norms based on data that is not publicly available and did not contain information on the airline's budget subsidiary Air India Express.Air India, which is owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has ‌been struggling to rebuild its reputation and international ⁠network, and replace its ​ageing fleet that has been hobbled by supply chain delays.Pakistan's airspace closure for Indian carriers ​due to diplomatic tensions has also hit it financially and forced it to shut some long-haul routes.India's civil aviation ministry told lawmakers this month that 82.5% of the 166 Air India aircraft it analysed since January 2025 had recurring technical defects, compared with 36.5% for market leader IndiGo. The ministry gave no further details.The Air India document said the technical incidents reported last month included engine stall warnings, issues related to flight control and hydraulics, and engine oil and fuel leaks.There were incidents on both its Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including five instances of fuel or engine oil leaks in the month. A Dubai-Mumbai flight on arrival found that an engine's oil quantity was "low".In another incident, a Delhi-Dubai flight on January 12 was forced to turn back after takeoff due to ‌the absence of water in lavatory and ‌galley, the document said.Operational incidents including rejected takeoffs, ⁠flying at a restricted altitude and taking off with incorrect settings stood at 0.29 per 1,000 flights in January, more ⁠than double the level in December 2024, the ⁠document stated.But there has been a "decrease in operational incidents" in recent months, it added.Air India has a fleet of 191 planes, but has placed orders for over 500 more aircraft.But revamping an airline owned by the Indian government until 2022 has been a major challenge, and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has repeatedly complained that supply chain disruptions have delayed cabin retrofits.The Air India February document detailed steps it is taking to "drive down" the various technical issues.To control leakage ​events, it has introduced a periodic inspection program for its fleet of Airbus A320s, and replaced all steering-system hydraulic hoses on all its Boeing 777s.A periodic air-conditioning leak-check programme has also been put in place, and Air India is implementing "targeted engineering actions" to "strengthen aircraft reliability and reduce incident rates", the document said.Air India's issues have also attracted international regulatory scrutiny. Britain's aviation authority asked Air India to explain why a Boeing Dreamliner jet that was grounded on arrival in India for safety checks took off from London with a possibly faulty fuel switch, Reuters reported this month.Air India replied that it had reminded pilots that they needed to operate in accordance with proper procedures and it had protectively replaced ‌the throttle control module on ​the plane, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.The UK Civil Aviation Authority did not respond immediately to a request for comment. 

In presence of His Excellency Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed al-Thani, the Police Academy organised a certificate award ceremony for the second batch of Diploma in Police Sciences (male and female) graduates at the Police Institute, and the first batch of Diploma in International Fire Safety Management graduates at the Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College.The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab al-Kaabi, along with a number of department directors and senior officers, as well as the graduates' families.HE the Minister of State for Interior Affairs awarded certificates to 107 graduates from the Ministry of Interior, 30 members from the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and 17 female personnel from the Ministry of Interior enrolled in the Diploma in Police Sciences program.His Excellency also awarded Diplomas in International Fire Safety Management to nine graduates from the Ministry of Interior and three scholarship recipients from Palestine.  

Stricter rules for cupping therapy services should be introduced to ensure the safety and quality of services provided, the Central Municipal Council (CMC) has stressed.CMC recently held the 48th meeting of its seventh term, chaired by His Excellency Mohamed bin Ali al-Athba, CMC Chairman, during which a proposal to make the Industrial Area and an independent municipality into a full administrative unit was presented.The meeting discussed several items on its agenda, as part of the council’s keenness to follow up on service-related and regulatory issues directly linked to the lives of residents and the quality of services provided.The council started its proceedings by approving the minutes of the previous meeting and reviewing incoming correspondence, reflecting the continuity of institutional work and the council’s follow-up on proposals and observations submitted within the scope of its mandate.Accordingly, the council discussed the recommendations and report of its Services and Public Utilities Committee regarding stricter oversight of cupping therapy practitioners.This discussion stemmed from the importance of regulating this activity and ensuring it is practised in accordance with approved health regulations to safeguard public safety and curb irregular practices that may pose a risk to public health.The council issued its recommendations to both the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The meeting also addressed the recommendations and report of the Services and Public Utilities Committee regarding a review of procedures for issuing licences for rest houses within residential neighbourhoods.The views of the competent committee were reviewed regarding regulating this activity in a manner that balances residents’ needs with maintaining the residential qualities of neighbourhoods, while taking into account associated regulatory and environmental aspects. The council approved submitting the appropriate recommendations to both the Ministry of Municipality and Qatar Tourism.Meanwhile, the council reviewed the briefing by the Services and Public Utilities Committee on responses to the regulation of kiosks within shopping malls, placing greater emphasis on the importance of a clear regulatory framework that ensures optimal use of commercial spaces and preserves the general appearance and internal organisation of such malls.In addition, the meeting discussed several proposals to establish an independent municipality in the Industrial Area, aimed at regulating industrial activities, bringing them under unified management, and improving municipal services for industrial workshops and garages. 

The Ministry of Labour (MoL), represented by the Occupational Safety and Health Department, participated Thursday in the Milaha Group's Workplace Wellbeing Forum, held under the theme "Together Towards Balance", with the aim of strengthening workplace culture and placing people's health, resilience, and overall wellbeing at the heart of sustainable business success.The Ministry's participation comes as part of its efforts to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all workers in the country and to promote employee wellbeing, given its important role in improving productivity, enhancing engagement and talent retention, and supporting long-term organisational performance.The forum underscored that workplace wellbeing is among the key factors influencing institutional success and sustainability, due to its direct link to employees' mental and physical health, quality of performance, and capacity for creativity and innovation. Workplace wellbeing also reflects the level of satisfaction employees experience through a balanced professional and personal life, as well as a motivating work environment grounded in fairness and equal opportunities.During the forum, a number of specialised experts from the Ministry of Labour and Milaha discussed ways to promote wellbeing in the workplace and support mental health and human sustainability, contributing to stronger organisational resilience and future development plans. Speakers highlighted a set of integrated themes that help shape a more balanced and resilient future, emphasising that workplace wellbeing is not merely an option or a luxury, but a strategic investment that boosts productivity, improves work quality, reduces costs, and strengthens a sustainable and successful work environment.The forum also featured technical and practical presentations addressing physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the impact of mental health programmes in workplaces. This event represents a key step towards advancing workplace wellbeing and fostering sustainable work environments, with positive effects on employee performance and the reinforcement of sustainable growth principles across companies and communities alike.

The Department of Meteorology reports that Qatar is currently experiencing heavy thunderstorms. These conditions are expected to continue intermittently until midnight, followed by a shift in wind direction to northwesterly.**media[394897]**Current actual temperatures range from 13°C to 18°C, while perceived temperatures feel between 4°C and 17°C.**media[394898]**Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution, avoid outdoor activities where possible, and follow all official safety instructions. Stay updated with the latest weather advisories from the Department of Meteorology.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to community safety and emergency readiness by conducting a comprehensive full-scale exercise recently.This large-scale simulation, which saw the participation of over 100 actors, was designed to rigorously test and enhance PHCC’s ability to respond to an emerging public health event. The exercise evaluated the effectiveness of command-and-control systems, clinical operations, security protocols, and resource management procedures in a realistic emergency scenario.“These exercises are a critical component of our multi-year training and exercise programme,” said Dr Hamda Ahmed J A al-Mansoori, manager of Emergency and Disaster Preparedness at PHCC. “They ensure that our health centres and staff are fully prepared to provide optimal care to our community during any emergency situation.”Dr al-Mansoori explained: “ PHCC is committed to emergency readiness by ensuring that all health centres receive annual major incident training and conduct drills as part of its comprehensive preparedness programme.”PHCC has designated 18 nodal centres across Qatar as focal points for major incident response, each equipped and trained to deliver round-the-clock emergency services when needed. The recent exercise demonstrated seamless coordination, ensuring comprehensive coverage and preparedness across the healthcare network.While preparing for the exercise, PHCC made provisions to ensure that business-as-usual (BAU) operations were not impacted. Patient care continued seamlessly throughout the day, reflecting PHCC’s dedication to maintaining service continuity while strengthening emergency response capabilities. There was no disruption to services, and patient care was not affected.PHCC operates 31 primary health care centres throughout Qatar, serving as the first point of contact for community healthcare needs. The Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Department continuously works to ensure organisational readiness through ongoing training, policy development, and regular exercises aligned with national and international best practices. 

The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Traffic, has launched a public awareness campaign in the Sealine area to promote traffic safety culture among car and motorcycle sports enthusiasts. The campaign included a visit to the Sealine Car Track and meetings with supervisors, participants and spectators to highlight safety procedures and the importance of following them. It also featured awareness activities, interactive competitions and the distribution of educational materials to help raise awareness among young people and reduce risks. **media[382254]** Lt. Col. Hadi Mohammed al-Hajri, media and communications officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, said during the campaign that the directorate is committed to the safety of visitors to the Sealine area and to promoting traffic awareness across all segments of the community. He noted that the awareness messages rely on being physically present among the target audience to ensure clarity and impact. Lt. Col. al-Hajri stressed the importance of protecting the lives of racers and motorsport enthusiasts by adhering to safety rules and requirements, adding that they should set an example for other young people. He also praised the efforts of the Qatar Traffic Safety Society and the organisers of the Sealine track, commending their co-operation in providing a safe environment that enables young people to pursue their interests within well-regulated guidelines.

Qatar has officially joined the Global Alliance for Food Safety for the period 2025 to 2027.The alliance brings together leading countries in the field of food safety and the World Health Organization's (WHO) collaborating centres, with the aim of enhancing coordination, knowledge exchange and integration of efforts in implementing the Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030.The network focuses on monitoring food-borne diseases and detecting food contamination.The announcement of Qatar's accession was made during the participation of the Ministry of Public Health in the Alliance's annual meeting, which was recently held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.The meeting brought together representatives from more than 40 countries and around 90 participants from regional and international organizations collaborating with the World Health Organization, as well as national institutions, research centres and academic bodies.The meeting served as a vital international platform to review achievements, share experiences, and define future priorities and steps, including opportunities for cooperation and resource mobilisation to support national and regional programmes.During the meeting, it was also announced that a group of specialists from the Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health would join four working groups covering various areas to support the alliance's programmes and enhance the exchange of expertise among member states.Director of the Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health Wasan Abdulla al-Baker stated, "Our participation in the Alliance's annual meeting represents an opportunity to strengthen international co-operation and exchange expertise and best practices in the field of food safety"."It also enables us to contribute effectively to accelerating the implementation of the Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030, enhance Qatar's global role in the field of food safety, broaden its vision within the international community and increase its impact in promoting global food safety standards," she added.Qatar's accession to the alliance reflects the country's commitment to actively contributing to international efforts to enhance food safety through the development of partnerships and capacity building among member states.This will help to strengthen national capabilities, achieve the goals of the Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030 and reduce the health risks posed by food-borne diseases at both national and international levels.

Fifteen people, mostly children, died when a boat sank in a lake in northeastern Ghana. Ghanaian authorities reported that 11 children, aged between two and 14 (five boys and six girls), were among the dead in the accident on Lake Volta in the Oti Region. A statement issued by the Maritime Authority stated that the children and other victims were traveling from Okuma to Bovime when their boat capsized, noting that four adults survived. The statement added that the incident was a serious and unacceptable violation of safety standards. The statement noted that a specialized team has been deployed to determine the cause of the sinking, noting that preliminary findings indicate that the boat was overloaded. The authority confirmed that it will form a high-level investigation committee with the Ministry of Transport, and will launch an ongoing process to enforce lakeside safety measures to ensure compliance with passenger limits and lifejacket regulations. Boating accidents are common on Lake Volta, often caused by overloading and collisions with tree trunks. In August, six people were killed in a similar accident, and 18 people died in May 2023 after their boat struck a submerged tree trunk.