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As we approach Qatar National Day December 18, we come together not only to celebrate our heritage, but to reflect on the role Qatar continues to play in a complex and interconnected world. National Day is a moment of pride, rooted in history, values and identity. But it is also a moment of perspective. A reminder that Qatar’s strength has never been defined by size alone, but by clarity of purpose, consistency of leadership, and an unwavering belief in dialogue over division.Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has continued to take responsibility beyond its borders. In a world marked by uncertainty, Qatar has chosen engagement over isolation, diplomacy over confrontation, and bridge-building over silence. This principled approach has earned trust and placed Qatar at the centre of international dialogue, mediation and cooperation.Throughout 2025, Qatar has reaffirmed its role as a credible and constructive global partner. From diplomatic efforts and humanitarian engagement to international forums, cultural exchange and global sports events, Qatar has consistently used its platform to bring people together. These initiatives are not about visibility alone, they are about contribution, responsibility and long-term impact. Sport, culture and global gatherings have become powerful tools for connection. They create shared experiences that transcend borders, languages and politics. Qatar understands this and continues to invest in events and initiatives that unite rather than divide, that invite participation rather than exclusion. What makes Qatar truly unique, however, is not only its international role, but its people. Today, more than 100 nationalities live and work side by side in Qatar. Different cultures and backgrounds, contributing daily to the life of this nation. This diversity is not a challenge to identity, it is a strength built on mutual respect. We are proud of our origins, and equally proud of what we are building together. Qatar is a place where tradition and modernity coexist. Where ambition is matched by humility. Where the future is shaped not by abandoning our roots, but by standing firmly on them. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence. Guided by leadership that values stability, dialogue and long-term vision. Supported by a society that understands that progress is a shared responsibility.On Qatar National Day December 18, we celebrate who we are and who we are becoming. Proud of our origins. United in our diversity. Together, shaping what comes next. Qatar is more than a country. It is home.Happy Qatar National Day

The 11th Conference of the State Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption started in Doha Monday morning in the presence of His Excellency the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani. The conference is being attended by a large number of high level dignitaries, distinguished invitees and officials.  Held under the theme 'Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity', the conference will continue until December 19.The conference is the largest and most significant global gathering dedicated to combating corruption and promoting integrity and transparency. It brings together all 192 States Parties to the convention, in addition to over 2,500 participants representing governments, regional and international organisations, anti-corruption experts, as well as representatives of the private sector, civil society and youth.

Qatar National Bank (QNB) discussed the key factors that will support economic growth in the ASEAN-6 economies during 2026 and contribute to a positive growth outlook, including the stabilization of the global trade environment and the decline in the severity of risks associated with trade protectionism, along with the easing of monetary conditions in advanced economies as well as within the ASEAN-6 countries.In recent decades, Southeast Asia has been the most dynamic region in the world, showcasing the brightest economic growth performance, QNB added in its weekly economic commentary.Within this region, the six largest countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-6), which includes Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, have been among the fastest growing economies, with Singapore already reaching the status of an advanced economy.Trade is a major pillar of the economic growth model for the ASEAN-6 countries, and significant disruptions in international commerce can have a large impact on their performance.Trade and growth forecasts initially deteriorated sharply on fears of the impact of supply-chain disruptions, rocketing uncertainty, and potentially escalating trade wars. But despite a still-uncertain environment, the growth outlook for the ASEAN-6 group has been stable, with real GDP growth rates in 2026 expected to remain overall strong, similar to those of 2025.First, the global trade environment has begun to stabilize, as the U.S. reached agreements with an increasing number of trade partners, and there is no evidence of a negative impact of trade in the ASEAN-6 countries. The initially unyielding protectionism of the U.S. administration shifted towards pragmatism as agreements were reached with the U.K., Japan, and the E.U., among many others.Importantly, for the ASEAN-6, agreements were reached with Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines, establishing a general tariff of 19% and lower rates for selected goods, while for Singapore the levy stands at 10%. Although these rates are higher than before Liberation Day, the end of the negotiations largely reduced the levels of uncertainty discarding the more extreme negative scenarios, and are still within a manageable range, especially as other competitors are also affected by new U.S. tariffs.Even as the U.S. has become more protectionist, the rest of the world is pursuing further integration via new or deeper trade agreements. In October, the ASEAN member states signed two major agreements: one improving cross-border flows within the group, and an upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade framework. At the same time, negotiations began for an ASEAN-South Korea agreement. Furthermore, some ASEAN-6 countries appear to be benefiting from trade diversion as firms shift supply chains away from China.The impact of tariffs after Liberation Day on the ASEAN-6 economies has so far been negligible, with exports continuing to show monthly growth rates in the range of 10 to 20% in USD in annual terms. Even as the world adjusts to a more protectionist U.S., the outlook on global trade is improving, contributing to a more supportive growth scenario for the ASEAN-6 economies.Second, lower policy interest rates in the major advanced economies (AE), as well as in the ASEAN-6 countries, provide a better global environment for economic growth. Since 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve has already lowered its policy rate by 175 basis points (bp) to 3.75% and is likely to bring it further down to a neutral level of 3.5%. In a similar period, the European Central Bank has lowered its benchmark policy rate by 200 bp to 2% and is likely to keep it unchanged during next year. Thus, policy interest rates in major AE are set to stabilize at lower levels than in recent years, providing better financial conditions for emerging economies.Similarly, central banks in the ASEAN-6 countries have implemented their own monetary easing cycles after inflation was brought under control following the post Covid-pandemic recovery. In these economies, the average increase in policy rates was 260 basis points (bps), to levels above those at the onset of the Covid-pandemic. As tight monetary policy brought inflation rates down to their target ranges, central banks reached a turning point and began to cut policy interest rates, reducing the cost of credit and boosting credit growth. Overall, looser monetary conditions in the AE as well as from the ASEAN-6 central banks provide better credit conditions for growth in the region.All in all, the growth outlook for the ASEAN-6 economies remains stable on the back of an improvement in the trade environment and more supportive monetary.

His Excellency Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie participated on Thursday in the high-level segment of the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). The session will be held during the period of Dec. 11-12 at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme 'Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,' with a wide participation from representatives of countries and international organizations.HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change delivered the State of Qatar's statement before the Assembly, during which he discussed several draft resolutions related to climate change, pollution reduction, waste management, biodiversity protection and the sustainability of natural resources. The medium-term plan of UNEP was adopted.The State of Qatar's participation in UNEA-7 comes within the framework of its keenness to enhance international cooperation in confronting escalating environmental challenges, and to support UN efforts aimed at protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development, as well as to strengthen its effective commitment to multilateral action on global environmental issues.Ministry of Environment and Climate Change indicated that the outcomes of this session should contribute to guiding the course of international environmental action in the coming years, by supporting international partnerships and boosting joint efforts to achieve sustainability and protect ecosystems. 

His Excellency Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Tuesday with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorko Botchwey, who is visiting the country.During the meeting, the two sides discussed avenues of cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Commonwealth and ways to enhance them, particularly in the fields of diplomacy and peacebuilding. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues.The meeting was attended by Director-General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani left Doha on Monday, heading to Riyadh City, to chair the eighth meeting of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.HH the Amir is accompanied by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and an official delegation. 

Qatar Airways Group has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali al‑Khater as Group Chief Executive Officer. Al-Khater took over as the new Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Sunday. He succeeds Badr Mohammed al‑Meer. Al-Khater joined Qatar Airways Group from Hamad International Airport, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he was responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of airport operations, while leading its strategic direction, operational excellence, infrastructure expansion, and the continuous enhancement of passenger experience. Prior to his tenure at Hamad International Airport, al-Khater held senior roles across QatarEnergy, driving business development, deal execution, and leading large-scale strategic and operational initiatives. Qatar Airways Group Board of Directors Chairman, His Excellency Saad Sherida al-Kaabi said: “Qatar Airways Group extends its appreciation to Engr. Badr Mohammed al-Meer for his service. As we welcome Mr. Hamad Ali al-Khater, we look forward to building on the strong foundations and expansive global network of Qatar Airways, anchored by our exceptional team in Qatar and around the world. “With this leadership transition, Qatar Airways Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class experiences, reliability, and innovation to travellers around the globe.”

The organizing committee of the Qatar-UAE Super Cup announced Thursday the details of the third edition, which will feature eight teams competing against the top clubs of the season in Qatar and the UAE.The committee has set the dates for the tournament from January 22 to 25, promising fans a packed schedule comprising four competitions, each carrying a special competitive spirit between clubs from both countries.The event will kick off on January 22 with the Super Cup, in which Al Gharafa will face Sharjah at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Doha.The following day, Abu Dhabi will host the Challenge Shield match between Al Wahda and Al Duhail at Al Nahyan Stadium, while Al Sadd will meet Shabab Al Ahli in the third matchup, competing for the Super Shield, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.The competition concludes on January 25 with the Challenge Cup, which will pit Al Ahli against Al Jazira at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. 

An event on cultural exchange and creativity was held at La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) in Santiago, Chile, with the participation of more than 120 first-grade students, as part of the Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture.This event is jointly organized by the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar National Library (QNL), CCLM, and Trama Cultura Foundation.The event gave students a glimpse into different aspects of Qatari culture through an interactive combination of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration.The book of fables, 'Kalila wa Dimna' played a pivotal role in this event, as it contains a collection of famous tales dating back over a thousand years, recently translated into Spanish, and has been integrated into educational activities in several countries participating in the Years of Culture partnership.The event revived the tales of 'Kalila wa Dimna' through an entertaining performance by a Chilean band, which encouraged children to contemplate the universal human messages that these stories carry.Following the storytelling session, the students participated in an art workshop where they collaborated to paint a mural inspired by the sea that connects the two countries. Through this, the children learned about the concepts of communication and cultural exchange, emphasizing the ability of storytelling to transcend borders between places, languages, and cultures.In this context, QNL's Qatar Reads initiative presented a special art exhibition of Kalila wa Dimna at the Ricardo Guiraldes Library in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The exhibition included twelve original works by the Qatari artist and writer Wadha Al Athba.Commenting on this collaboration, Manager of Qatar Reads initiative Fatema Al Malki highlighted the importance for children to learn that, regardless of how different they may seem, cultures can share the same values, symbols and interests. Throughout the centuries, tales have conveyed lessons about empathy, cooperation and the meaning of humanity, she added.She noted that the inclusion of an influential book like 'Kalila wa Dimna' serves as a reminder that these lessons can resonate in Qatar and around the globe.The style of artworks was inspired by Islamic miniatures, embodying the spirit of humor, wisdom, and cultural depth in the original tales.These artworks appeared in the Spanish version of Kalila wa Dimna, written and illustrated by the artist Wadha Al Athba, and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press.This initiative aims to promote respect between diverse cultures, encourage people to unite, strengthen ties, and promote dialogue. 

An earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck on Thursday a small island northwest of Sumatra in western Indonesia.The US Geological Survey (USGS) said that the quake struck Simeulue Island at a depth of 25.4 km.There were no immediate reports of tsunami warning.Indonesia is regularly exposed to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where many tectonic plates meet and cause frequent volcanic and seismic activity. 

His Excellency Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council Yousef bin Ali al-Khater praised the distinguished relations and growing partnerships that bind Qatar to the countries of the African continent, based on mutual respect and convergence of interests in the economic, political, labor and other fields.In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE al-Khater explained, on the occasion of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit to the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the African tour reflects His Highness’ vision of strengthening relations with countries of the continent and enhancing the presence of the State of Qatar in Africa as a reliable partner that contributes to development, peace and stability.He pointed out that Qatari-Rwandan relations have witnessed significant development over the past years, including in the fields of education, innovation and modern technologies. He stressed that the close co-operation between Doha and Kigali embodies a model of relations based on partnership and mutual interests.Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council explained that relations between the two countries are witnessing increasing growth in light of the Qatari leadership’s interest in strengthening co-operation with African countries rich in natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance economic and humanitarian co-operation.He stressed that His Highness the Amir's visit to Kinshasa is of particular importance as it represents a significant step towards diversifying regional partnerships and deepening co-operation with Central Africa, noting that parliamentary co-operation between the Shura Council and African parliaments constitutes an important bridge to support bilateral relations and expand the horizons of understanding and joint action on regional and international issues.

The Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association launched the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 at The Pearl Island yesterday, featuring some of the world’s rarest vintage vehicles.The expanded showcase, held under the honorary patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, was inaugurated by prominent Qatari businessman and philanthropist HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani. He is also the chairman of Al Faisal Holding, and the founder of the Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge. He was joined by Ahmed al-Hammadi, director general of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority and Chairman of United Development Company (UDC).Running until November 23 at Medina Centrale, the event is held under the direct supervision of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) and displays an array of classic vehicles from Qatar and across the GCC.HE Sheikh Faisal lauded the exhibition as a major milestone, driven by record-breaking regional participation for the second year running. He stressed that the extensive national support highlights Qatar’s resolve to protect its engineering history.“We are proud of the distinguished status this event has achieved regionally and globally. It has become a platform that brings together classic car enthusiasts, supporting institutions, and audiences passionate about industrial and engineering heritage. These events are not just about displaying cars — they tell stories of innovation, design, and history, enriching Qatar’s cultural identity,” he said in a press statement.Organisers noted that a competition will select the top cars across five categories, covering models from pre-1947 to 1995, with three winners in each category. Additional awards will recognise standout vehicles for authenticity, heritage preservation, and overall excellence. For the first time, winners will receive both financial and in-kind prizes.Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani, Board Member of the association, stated that every edition aims to deliver added value by selecting the finest classic cars for display.Engineer Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, secretary-general and Board Member, added: “The sixth edition of the event has witnessed broad participation from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, representing 40% of the total participating vehicles.”Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi noted that this marks the first official presence of the Qatar Auto Museum in the exhibition, highlighting the institution’s role in showcasing cultural history and the artistic value of automobiles. This includes a remarkable display of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, linking the exhibition to the origins of the modern automotive era.UDC CEO Yasser al-Jaidah stated that hosting the event at The Pearl Island adds a prestigious dimension to the island’s lineup of high-profile cultural and luxury experiences. He stressed that the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view some of the world’s rarest classic vehicles in an environment that blends heritage with elegance.Hussain Omar Alfardan, CMO of Alfardan Automotive, stressed that sponsoring the event aligns with the group’s strategy to support Qatar’s growing passion for classic cars. He noted that this interest represents an appreciation of artistic and historical value. He also highlighted the aim of building a community around this passion and contributing to the economic and tourism sectors through sustainable events.Meanwhile, organisers added that Daam’s sponsorship of the exhibition underlines its dedication to preserving national heritage and cultivating cultural awareness. By supporting such initiatives, the fund seeks to deepen community engagement and foster intergenerational connections that honour Qatar’s enduring legacy.