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The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), inaugrated the awareness and educational exhibition accompanying the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The inaugration was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry Maha Zayed Qaqaa Al Ruwaili and Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs Omar Abdulaziz Al Naama. The exhibition aims to introduce students to the importance of combating corruption, promoting a culture of integrity, and highlighting the State of Qatar's efforts in supporting international initiatives in this field. It also seeks to encourage students to adopt positive behaviors that promote integrity in their school and community environments. Al Ruwaili confirmed that the exhibition will receive student visits from Nov. 16-20 at the Ministry's headquarters, with the aim of consolidating the values ​​of integrity and transparency among students, and supporting educational and awareness efforts that contribute to building a generation aware of issues of combating corruption and its impact on society and development. For his part, Director of the Planning, Quality and Innovation Department at ACTA Eid Al Hajri confirmed that organizing the exhibition comes in conjunction with Doha's hosting of the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption. He noted that the conference, which Doha will host from Dec. 15-19, will bring together representatives from 192 member states, as well as UN bodies, regional organizations, civil society institutions, research centers, and private sector representatives. Al Hajri explained that hosting the conference, which is jointly organized by ACTA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, is an international testament to the confidence in the State of Qatar's efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption. It also highlights the country's position as a center for international dialogue and development initiatives. He noted that this is not the first time Qatar has hostedthe conference, as it previously hosted the third session in 2009, which was the first session held in the Middle East region. He added that the conference is the most important global gathering held every two years for States Parties to the Convention, aimed at discussing global corruption-related challenges, reviewing efforts undertaken, and proposing practical solutions to enhance transparency and integrity.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a circular requiring pharmaceutical companies to print essential information about human medicinal products in Braille on their outer packaging. Implementation will be introduced gradually and will become compulsory for all pharmaceutical products available to the public from November 2027.The requirement stipulates that the name of the medicine, its active ingredient and strength must be printed in Braille in both Arabic and English.The MoPH has also issued the Guideline on the Braille Requirements for Labelling Information of Medicinal Products for Human Use, which defines the technical and regulatory standards for implementation.Dr Ghanim Ali Al Mannai, Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs at the MoPH, affirmed that this measure forms part of the Ministry's efforts to enhance medication awareness across all segments of society, and to facilitate safe access to and use of pharmaceutical products by people who are blind or visually impaired. He noted that this aligns with the priorities of the National Health Strategy (NHS), which seeks to improve population health and wellbeing, deliver excellence in healthcare services and patient experience, and promote quality, key enablers and sustainability.Dr Al Mannai added that the Ministry also aims to ensure the safe use of medicines and to improve access to information about medical products for people with visual impairments.He further explained that the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department at the MoPH will monitor implementation at all stages of pharmaceutical product registration, including new registrations, renewals, and modification requests. Compliance will also be verified during inspection and regulatory visits carried out by the Department's teams to pharmacies and drug warehouses.

The Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Children's Literature Center, launched the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme. It aims to train participants in creating and executing comics that combine writing and illustration in a modern storytelling style.The programme is part of the "Children's Story Designer" initiative, within the framework of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy skills among the younger generation, striving to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a learning and sustainable society based on knowledge and creativity.The "Comics" programme is designed for participants aged 12-16 and targets 15 participants. The project will run for three weeks. During the programme, participants will learn the stages of comic book design, starting with writing, then scene layout, character design, and full scene illustration. They then add effects and text, and finally, colour and inking, continuing to produce their stories until the final production stage.Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, explained the importance of the "Comics" programme, emphasizing that it is not limited to training children but is a genuine investment in the cultural future of Qatar. He stressed that the programme primarily aims to build a generation of authors and designers capable of producing innovative and engaging storybooks.**media[381079]**The director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum explained that this initiative opens up broad horizons for children, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of authorship in its various stages. Instead of being mere readers, children themselves begin writing stories from their own pure imagination and illustrating their comics, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and national values.Writer Asma al-Kuwari, director of the Children's Literature Center, said that the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the center in cooperation with the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum to promote reading and develop writing and literary and artistic production skills among children and young adults.She emphasized that the "Comics" programme aims to train participants in innovation and the creation of illustrated stories that combine writing and graphic design in a modern storytelling style. It also contributes to developing aesthetic sense, critical thinking, and the ability to narrate and express themselves both in writing and visually. She explained that the final products will be showcased to the public at the Doha International Book Fair.The "Children's Story Designer" programme is an innovative approach to teaching children and young adults the entire book-making process. Participants learn to write, illustrate, design, and market their stories independently, culminating in their publication in Qatari and Arab markets.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) participated in a high-level international event held on Tuesday under the theme "Digital Pathways Towards Regulating the Social and Solidarity Economy," as part of the activities of the Second World Summit for Social Development. Representatives from several Arab and international organizations were also in attendance.In his address, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, emphasized that an economy combining family solidarity, social development, and digital transformation embodies the core vision of Qatar.He noted that global experience has proven that the government sector alone cannot meet all developmental needs.He added that the social and solidarity economy, as a strategic approach, promotes social development and equal opportunities. He explained that the State of Qatar places great importance on empowering vulnerable groups by creating decent job opportunities for youth, women, and people with disabilities, and by supporting productive family projects and transforming them into organized economic entities.This contributes to strengthening family and community cohesion and providing a sustainable social and economic safety net.The two options highlighted the importance of utilizing digital tools to organize productive families by building digital platforms that enable registration, market access, and efficient and transparent management of financial operations.This includes facilitating smart financing and equitable access to accessible financial solutions that support the growth of small businesses and open up opportunities for cross-border trade.He emphasized the necessity of building the digital capacities of those working in the social sector, particularly young people, and empowering them with the skills needed to use modern technologies and transform their ideas into innovative projects that support the national economy.He pointed out that the family represents the nurturing and driving environment for the social economy, and that small businesses often originate within homes and rely on family solidarity.He affirmed that the success of these projects means empowering the entire family and strengthening its vital role in achieving sustainable development.Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Fahad bin Mohammed Al Khayarin, affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to continuing regional and international efforts to accelerate the transition towards a social and solidarity economy and enhance the integration of social and economic policies. This will make the family a central pillar in building a cohesive and prosperous society capable of keeping pace with transformations and achieving social justice and comprehensive development in the region.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Disability Alliance (IDA). The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in the field of supporting and empowering persons with disabilities.The signing took place on the margins of the preparatory events for the Global Disability Summit 2028, held at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) of Qatar Foundation, under the theme: from commitments to change: the journey toward Doha. HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi said the signing of the MoU comes as part of the State of Qatar's enduring commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and enabling their full participation across all spheres of life.The memorandum intends to support persons with disabilities, hone their skills, and safeguard their dignity and autonomy, in addition to strengthening programs and initiatives that foster their access to employment opportunities, healthcare, and community participation, al-Nuaimi highlighted.Al-Nuaimi explained that the move aligns with the MSDF's vision of building an inclusive society founded on dynamic national and international partnerships.She announced that the State of Qatar will host the fourth Global Disability Summit 2028 in Doha, noting that this hosting will build upon the achievements realized through cooperation with regional and global partners. For his part, President of IDA and President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD), Dr Nawaf Kabbara, affirmed that this partnership represents a phenomenal model of international cooperation that can contribute to advancing the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities worldwide.He commended the leading role assumed by Qatar in this domain, noting that his visits to several institutions concerned with persons with disabilities in Qatar revealed advanced experiences and exemplary practices that reaffirm the nation's steadfast commitment to promoting inclusion and meaningful participation of this group, emphasizing that Qatar has emerged as a regional and global role model.He added that the national efforts in Qatar embody dynamic leadership and a genuine desire to ensure that persons with disabilities are partners in development and prosperity, noting that this approach serves as an inspiring model for many countries and international organizations.Dr. Kabbara, in his capacity as President of AOPD, touted the progress materialized across the Arab region in empowering persons with disabilities, emphasizing that such strides reinforce the prospects for achieving inclusive and sustainable development on both the national and regional stages.The program of the event, which brought together international and regional officials and experts, featured a series of panel discussions and specialized workshops, most notably a session on global horizons: from Berlin to Amman 2025, a session on innovation in inclusion, and a workshop on the invisible majority: bridging the disability data gap. The program also included specialized workshops titled: from disability to participation and integrating children with disabilities, organized in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Unicef program.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, participated in the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the theme: Collaborate. Inspire. Transform.The Ministry was represented by a delegation that included Director General of Al Rayyan Municipality Mansour Ajran Al Buainain, Director General of Al Wakrah Municipality Jaber Hassan Al Jaber, Director General of Al Daayen Municipality Rashid Mishlesh Al Khayarin, and Director of the Technical Affairs Department at Al Rayyan Municipality Khalifa Al Khayarin.During the summit, participants reviewed leading international practices in smart urban planning and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among municipalities and cities across the region in the areas of sustainability, transportation and resource management. The discussions also explored opportunities for technical and environmental partnerships among the participating cities.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change showcased Qatar’s experience in planning and implementing climate change adaptation strategies at a dialogue session titled “Responses to Climate Change Adaptation and New Support Structures”, held as part of Global Green Growth Week 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. The ministry was represented at the session by Head of the Climate Change Mitigation Section at the Climate Change Department, Mohammed Omar al-Badr. He presented to the participants the most prominent successful national experiences and practices implemented by Qatar in the field of national climate change adaptation planning, as well as its ongoing efforts to build capacity and enhance the resilience of vital sectors most affected by climate events. Al-Badr also addressed the lessons learned from Qatar’s experience in developing and implementing adaptation strategies, emphasising the importance of co-operation between the public and private sectors to achieve national goals in the areas of sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change. He affirmed that Qatar continues to adopt innovative policies and initiatives to support the green economy and promote sustainable investments, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The Global Green Growth Week is one of the most prominent international platforms for discussing environmental challenges and reviewing solutions and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development. It witnesses broad participation from representatives of governments, international organisations, research institutions, and experts in the fields of environment, energy, and green finance.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the meetings of the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, hosted by the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. The Qatari delegation to the meetings was headed by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, who affirmed in his address Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting joint Arab environmental efforts and strengthening regional and international co-operation to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and protect natural resources for the benefit of future generations. On the sidelines of the session, HE the minister held meetings with a number of ministers and heads of participating bodies. He discussed with them aspects of environmental co-operation, co-ordinating Arab positions in international forums, and prospects for partnership in regional and international initiatives aimed at combating desertification and addressing the challenges associated with drought, particularly in developing countries.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), in cooperation with Qatar Youth Hostels and the Friends of the Environment Center (FEC) affiliated with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, organised a series of training workshops at the headquarters of the FEC. This initiative comes as part of the preparations for the annual Youth Support Camp programme, aiming to enhance environmental awareness among young people and introduce them to the scientific and technical principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard, one of Qatar’s important environmental symbols. The workshops included three main training sessions, covering various topics such as: the basic scientific and technical principles of breeding Houbara bustard in captivity; the importance of preserving biodiversity in nature reserves; sustainable environmental care methods; and the role of youth in protecting wildlife. Mohamed bin Nahar al-Nuaimi, director of the External Reserves Office at the MoECC, affirmed that organising these workshops comes within the efforts to promote environmental awareness and spread a culture of sustainability among young people. “Introducing the new generation to the fundamental principles of breeding and conserving the Houbara bustard represents an important step in instilling the concept of environmental responsibility and highlighting national efforts to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity,” he explained. Al-Nuaimi pointed out that through these training programmes, the ministry seeks to enable young men and women to gain knowledge of modern scientific methods for bird breeding and environmental preservation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places sustainable development at the heart of its goals. He added that the External Reserves Office will continue organising specialised training and awareness programmes and events to enhance community participation in environmental protection and to instill the values of conserving natural resources among all segments of society, especially youth.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Department of Land Protection in cooperation with the Environmental Security Unit of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), has carried out a surprise inspection campaign in various sites in the northern region of the country. During the campaign, an unlicensed bird-hunting shelter that had been set up in violation of applicable environmental regulations was detected and removed. This action is part of the ministry’s measures to address any practices that harm the environment or distort the public landscape. The campaign is part of a series of periodic field inspections conducted by the ministry to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations, as well as to preserve vegetation cover and biodiversity across different regions of the country, supporting Qatar’s environmental sustainability goals.

Scale Now, which enables Qatari founded technology companies to become global competitors, has secured deals valued at $12.9mn, positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation, according to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).Of the $12.9mn in deals secured, as much as $7.2mn was in B2B (business-to-business) and $5.7mn in direct investments, said a MCIT presentation made recently after roping in four more partners – Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Invest Qatar, QDB (Qatar Development Bank) and Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council - for the programme."Scale Now is more than a programme; it is a coordinated national platform turning digital innovation into tangible economic impact," MCIT said.About $7.2mn in B2B (business to business) transactions; the presentation said it demonstrated strong market validation and confidence in Qatar’s scale-up ecosystem.The Cycle 1 had secured $5.7mn in direct investments through a mix of private funding, grants, and investor partnerships.The participating entities from Cycle 1 reported sustained growth, validating the effectiveness of the programme’s capability-building and market access model, it said, highlighting more than 50% average revenue growth and one successful international market expansion in Cycle 1.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.Scale Now contributes directly to Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030's national employment target by equipping founders and creating high-value digital roles across tech sectors, aiming more than 26,000 ICT (information, communication and technology) jobs by 2030."Through its collaborative model, Scale Now is enabling Qatari-founded technology companies to become global competitors, strengthening the nation’s economic resilience, export potential, and job creation capacity," it said.By providing tailored mentorship, strategic partnerships, investment readiness and facilitating access to pilot opportunities, the programme helps high-potential companies transform proven traction into sustainable growth. It strengthens Qatar’s digital economy, aligns with the Digital Agenda 2030 and positions the country as a global hub for innovation and expansion."We will refer high-potential companies from Startup Qatar to future Scale Now cohorts, support access to funding and grants, and help shape a connected, resilient ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive," Invest Qatar had said.Invest Qatar serves as the gateway for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, guiding them through each stage of their business journey — from exploration to expansion — by providing comprehensive insights, market knowledge and facilitating connections with key government and private sector stakeholders.

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) achieved a major milestone by reducing the time required to establish a company in the country to two days.After a meeting chaired by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani to review the performance of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the third quarter, MoCI noted, “The number of active commercial licences rose by 6.79%. Additionally, 4,631 new non-Qatari companies were established.” The meeting reviewed the key achievements of the third quarter and discussed detailed performance indicators across the ministry’s sectors and administrative units.Participants also examined existing challenges and proposed solutions to strengthen the implementation of plans and programmes, improve efficiency, and enhance institutional performance and service quality.The meeting was attended by HE the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mohammed bin Hassan al-Malki besides senior officials.MoCI said the Commercial Affairs Sector demonstrated significant progress across its key performance indicators. The number of new commercial registrations increased by 81.5% compared to the same period in 2024, while active main and subsidiary registrations grew by 18.1%.It said the ‘Single Window’ platform added five new electronic services in the third quarter, bringing the total to 13 since the beginning of 2025.It processed 72,500 transactions, 89% of which were submitted electronically, achieving a customer satisfaction rate of 94%.In the Industrial and Business Development Sector, the contribution of manufacturing industries to GDP reached QR13.44bn in the second quarter and QR26.84bn in the first half of 2025.During the third quarter, some 30 factories were evaluated under the Smart Industry Readiness Index.During the same period, the Ministry enhanced collaboration with the private sector to identify and address challenges, resolving 35% of reported issues.As many as 12 PPP projects were studied during the year—three more than in the previous quarter—while four new projects were launched and one awarded in the third quarter.The Consumer Affairs Sector also recorded “positive” results, MoCI said.The number of specialised licences issued increased by 30.87% compared to the third quarter of 2024, with the issuance period reduced to one day.Processing times for pricing requests of goods and services also decreased compared to previous quarters.The number of ration card beneficiaries rose by 2.61%, and the number of fodder distributors increased by 96.9% year-on-year.MoCI reviewed the safety levels and strategic reserves of essential commodities and fodder, and successfully resolved more than 8,000 consumer complaints.At the market monitoring level, MoCI conducted 73,747 inspection campaigns across all administrative units, underscoring its commitment to market regulation and consumer protection.The meeting highlighted several notable achievements, including the entry into force of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between Qatar and Türkiye on August 1, aimed to reinforce mutual trade relations and ease investment restrictions. The Ministry also launched an electronic platform for public-private partnership (PPP) projects and introduced 20 new e-services spanning specialised licensing, market monitoring, competition protection, consumer protection, and combatting commercial fraud.During the third quarter, the Ministry rolled out the Single Window’s ‘Sharikati’ on mobile application, alongside a voluntary review programme for merger and acquisition projects. The Ministry also secured first place and received the Golden Award in the 11th National Cyber Drill.Other key developments included merging the land, sea and air freight activities under a single commercial registration, introducing a temporary commercial licence for service providers in the Sealine area, publishing the updated Industrial Sectors Directory, and issuing a comprehensive guide on trade name procedures.MoCI also organised the Public–Private Dialogue Forum, strengthened its strategic partnership with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and exempted certain categories of citizens from fees for the issuance or replacement of ration cards.HE Sheikh Faisal emphasised the importance of maintaining a results-driven, efficiency-based approach, advancing digital transformation, and continuously improving services to enhance the competitiveness of national economy in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.