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The Qatar National Library (QNL) organised a panel discussion on Tuesday that brought together scholars to explore the often overlooked yet vital role women have played in shaping cultural and social ties amid some of the Islamic world’s most significant upheavals.Held under the theme of Women in Al Andalus and Palestine: From Marginalisation to Influence, the panel featured Dr Fadwa al-Haziti, professor of higher education at Hassan II University in Casablanca and an expert in cross-cultural and post-colonial studies, and Dr Basma Dajani, professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Jordan, renowned for her research on women patrons in Arab-Islamic civilisation.The panel explored how women cultivated values of steadfastness and sacrifice, emerging as pillars of resistance and guardians of collective memory despite enduring displacement, marginalisation, and loss."The seminar focuses on Arab and Muslim women throughout history with particular emphasis on the experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women,” said Dr al-Haziti.“Our nation has faced challenges throughout its history similar to those we face today, such as the post-Andalusian period,” she continued. “This discussion aims to highlight the reality of Palestinian women, affirm their right to preserve their memory and identity, and shed light on their suffering under occupation, including violence, siege, famine, and genocide.""Invoking Andalusia in the context of Palestine is not about making comparisons, but about reflection and broadening perspectives,” Dr al-Haziti stressed. “From this perspective, we explore the shared experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women, with a focus on their influence and marginalisation.”"The primary goal of this gathering is to reinforce awareness of the Palestinian cause, not only in terms of supporting the Palestinian people, but also recognizing that Palestine’s struggle is central to the Arab and Islamic world," she added."At a time when moral values are eroding, Gaza, with its women and children, serves as a moral compass, reminding us that belief in truth, commitment to homeland, and preservation of dignity are at the core of our humanity,” said Dr Dajani. “When dignity is stripped away, life itself loses its justification.”"Thus, revisiting pivotal moments in our Arab-Islamic history is not a retreat into the past, but a call for resilience, collective action, and cultural responsibility to confront the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine and to ensure that humanity and dignity remain at the forefront of global consciousness," she added."At the QNL, we are committed to preserving and disseminating our cultural heritage,” said QNL engagement specialist Ikhlas Ahmed. “This panel sheds essential light on the profound contributions of women in bridging cultures and preserving identity across the Arab world. Their central role in the social fabric of our region underscores the vital impact women have on society."

The Ministry of Municipality has announced the launch of the pilot version of the Institutional Excellence and Knowledge Transfer System, based on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This is the first step of its kind in the region, coinciding with the launch of the evaluation process for the second edition of the Qatar Government Excellence Award.The new system was launched in collaboration between the Information Systems Department and the Planning, Quality, and Innovation Department. It represents a qualitative shift in the concept of institutional excellence, leveraging artificial intelligence tools to achieve superior performance and ensure the sustainability of institutional excellence through continuous improvement, accuracy, and speed of completion.The ministry explained in a statement that the system aims to enhance awareness of the concepts of excellence and innovation among leaders and decision-makers, and to spread a culture of institutional excellence within the ministry, keeping pace with the pace of digital transformation and modern institutional development trends. Excellence has become a strategic necessity dictated by global competition. The new system’s most prominent features include its role as a virtual assistant for standards leaders, rapid access to results and outputs, enhanced awareness and dissemination of a culture of institutional excellence, integrated connectivity between relevant standards and practices, the ability to extract evidence and information quickly and accurately, and the provision of an innovative, interactive environment to enhance employee engagement.The ministry emphasised that the system represents more than just a technical tool; it is a strategic partner in the institutional excellence journey and a driver of knowledge innovation. It noted that it was developed through extensive collaborative efforts and working sessions with partners from AI technology providers, establishing it as a pioneering model for digital transformation in the field of institutional excellence and innovative work.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), ‘Injaz Qatar’, in collaboration with Nestlé, launched the ‘Sustainability Heroes’ programme, which aims to raise environmental awareness among youth in Qatar and prepare a new generation capable of addressing sustainability and climate change challenges.The launch ceremony was attended by Injaz Qatar and Injaz Al-Arab chairperson HE Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser al-Thani and Swiss ambassador to Qatar, Florence Tinguely Mattli, alongside a number of officials and representatives from relevant entities.The ceremony included a panel discussion titled ‘Nurturing a Generation of Sustainability Heroes’, featuring Dr Abdullah Ahmed al-Tamimi, head of the Sustainable Production and Consumption Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; Sebastien Turbot, director of Advocacy and Communications at Earthna; and Tarek Abouzolf, general manager of Nestlé Qatar.The discussion addressed mechanisms for enhancing youth participation in sustainability programmes through awareness and interactive activities that link theoretical knowledge with practical experiences.Dr al-Tamimi affirmed that the MoECC places special importance on encouraging students to participate in field and community activities, as these play a key role in translating theoretical knowledge into practical action that enhances their environmental awareness and supports the country’s vision of building a green economy and a sustainable society.Abouzolf added: “We will continue to support students from ideation to implementation, providing training and career opportunities so that their projects can evolve into solutions that benefit society and the environment.”The discussion session was moderated by Injaz Qatar CEO Emad al-Khaja, who highlighted the vital role of collaboration between the private sector and the education sector.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has launched the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2025-30, as part of Qatar's efforts to protect its natural resources, enhance their sustainability, and mitigate land degradation and the impacts of drought, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30.The strategy aims to establish a comprehensive national framework to combat desertification and achieve land degradation neutrality by improving the efficiency of natural resource management and strengthening supportive legislation and policies, thereby contributing to the protection of ecosystems and the achievement of sustainable development.In his remarks during the launch ceremony, HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie affirmed that desertification and the depletion of natural resources pose escalating environmental challenges that require collective efforts both locally and globally.He emphasised that the launch of this national strategy reflects Qatar's commitment to protecting the environment and honouring its international obligations, particularly under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).HE Dr al-Subaie said that the strategy is based on advanced scientific and technical foundations and aims to enhance the State's capacity to address the effects of drought and desertification, protect vegetation cover, and ensure biodiversity sustainability, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.He added that the strategy encompasses six key outcomes: protecting ecosystems and reducing factors contributing to desertification and drought; promoting sustainable management of natural resources; strengthening vegetation cover and rehabilitating affected environments; building capacity and supporting scientific research and innovation; developing legislation, policies, and effective governance; and enhancing community participation and national and international partnerships.HE Dr al-Subaie noted that these pillars form the foundation for the programmes and projects that the ministry will implement in partnership with national and international entities, as well as local communities.He added that the ministry, as the national focal point for the UNCCD, co-ordinated efforts with relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors and civil society institutions to prepare the strategy, which includes practical programmes and projects, most notably the rehabilitation of terrestrial environments, cultivation of native plant species, establishment of nurseries for the propagation of local species, and the updating of legislation governing the use of natural resources.HE Dr al-Subaie added that the ministry is leading the implementation of the strategy in co-operation with concerned entities through an integrated institutional and operational framework that includes regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, clear identification of responsibilities and authorities, and the provision of the necessary human, technical, and financial resources.The minister further noted the activation of modern technological tools for monitoring and management to ensure the effective and sustainable execution of all programs and projects.He called for greater collaboration among national sectors to ensure the effective implementation of the strategy and the achievement of its objectives in addressing desertification, protecting the environment, and ensuring sustainability for future generations.Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif al-Muslimani said that the launch of the strategy comes as part of the ministry's efforts to establish an integrated national approach to address desertification and related environmental challenges.He said that the strategy represents a comprehensive framework that promotes ecosystem protection, rehabilitation of affected environments, and development and sustainability of vegetation cover, in addition to strengthening sound management of natural resources.Dr al-Muslimani stressed the importance of raising environmental awareness across all segments of society, developing training programmes and institutional capacity-building, and promoting scientific research and innovation in the field of sustainable land management.He pointed out that the preparation of the strategy came in response to the environmental challenges facing Qatar, including the scarcity of natural resources, fragile vegetation cover, and encroachment of sand dunes.Adel Mohammed al-Yafei, the head of the Wildlife Development Department’s Plant Wildlife Section, said that the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, is a milestone in the ministry's record of achievements.He said that the strategy seeks to develop early warning and environmental monitoring systems, stabilise sand dunes, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote balanced management of water, soil, and mineral resources.The official added that the strategy includes projects to rehabilitate affected ecosystems, improve the efficiency of agricultural land use, and enhance research and innovation through the adoption of smart agriculture technologies and the use of artificial intelligence applications in natural resource management, as well as promoting applied studies related to combating desertification.Al-Yafei noted that the Wildlife Development Department continues to implement national programmes to combat desertification through integrated policies aimed at rehabilitating degraded rangelands, cultivating native plant species, expanding the establishment of national nurseries to propagate and preserve local flora, and enforcing ministerial decisions to curb overgrazing and combat invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems.He said that the department is committed to applying clear measures to protect vegetation cover and wildlife within development projects at all stages of implementation, in a way that strengthens environmental balance and supports national efforts to combat desertification and land degradation.The launch ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Mahmoud, and Public Works Authority (Ashghal) President engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer, along with assistant undersecretaries, senior officials from environmental, academic, and research sectors, and representatives of national institutions and the private sector.

The Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has officially launched Cycle II of the Certificate in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care.The programme enhances healthcare workforce expertise and reinforces Qatar’s system-wide response to one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges - obesity.Cycle II deepens workforce capacity and multidisciplinary care under HMC’s leadership through QMI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).Dr Dabia al-Mohanadi, director of the QMI and division chief of Endocrinology at HMC, stated: “Obesity is a complex and chronic disease that requires integrated solutions. This highlights the need for a coordinated national approach that extends beyond secondary and tertiary centres alone.“By embedding prevention and management into primary care and strengthening collaboration across all levels of care, we are building an integrated model that ensures patients have earlier access to interventions and continuity of support.”QMI, as a key arm of the National Diabetes Committee, is at the forefront of delivering Qatar’s National Health Strategy 2024-2030 Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors for ASCVD. Cycle II of the Certificate in Obesity Management and Bariatric Care is a flagship project of this Action Plan, accelerating progress in building a skilled workforce.Dr Turki al-Ahbabi, head of Bariatric Medicine at the QMI, HMC, and deputy chair of the Scientific and Planning Committee, said: “We are redesigning care pathways, optimising referrals, and introducing a monitoring framework that tracks outcomes, referral trends, and patient and physician feedback.“Alongside this, we are strengthening the continuum of care—from lifestyle interventions to bariatric surgery—so patients receive the right treatment at the right time. Our goal is to improve access, reduce delays, and deliver more efficient, patient-centred care.”Dr Mohamed el-Sherif, consultant in Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine at the QMI, HMC, and chair of the Scientific and Planning Committee, said: “Cycle II has been designed to accommodate healthcare professionals from HMC, PHCC, and private sector partners, ensuring a broad and multidisciplinary reach.“Over seven months, participants will complete a CPD-accredited curriculum worth 42 Category 1 and 2, Category 3 credit hours, combining workshops at Al Sadd Health Centre, online modules accredited by the World Obesity Federation, and supervised clinical rotations at QMI’s Centres of Excellence.”The curriculum is delivered by more than 50 expert faculty across endocrinology, obesity and bariatric medicine, bariatric surgery, nutrition, and dietetics - equipping participants with practical skills they can apply directly in patient care. The programme is supported through educational grants from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and will conclude with a graduation ceremony in May 2026.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Hajmah triumphed in the Gr1 Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments and Wathnan Racing’s First Look delivered a commanding performance to claim the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Dollar, defeating a strong field with authority on the first of the QREC-sponsored Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend meetings at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in Paris Saturday.The races were held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.The card featured nine races, including three Group 1 and three Group 2 contests and witnessed impressive Qatari victories that continued the winning momentum from Thursday’s Saint-Cloud meeting, where Al Shaqab Racing and Al Wasmiyah Racing landed two Group 1 Arabian contests.Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, QREC Chairman, presented the trophy of the Gr 1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments to HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani, after a brilliant victory by Hajmah.Hajmah, the talented four-year-old filly, added another top-level victory to her record by winning the Gr 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments – Pouliches 4 ans over 2,000m. The race was for four-year-old Purebred Arabian fillies and featured a field of 15 runners. Trained by Thomas Fourcy, ridden by Fabrice Veron, and bred and owned by Al Shaqab Racing, Hajmah continues to show her consistency at the highest level, following her previous Gr 1 (PA) Qatar Derby des Pur-Sang Arabes de 4 ans success against the colts. This also marked a double for trainer François Rohaut, who won the colts’ edition earlier on the card.Soon in rear in three-wide position behind Hm Al Zalmaa in a race led by Intisar De Monlau at an even pace, Hajmah travelled nicely while positions remained unchanged. Entering the final straight, Soumillon, like Saturday at Saint-Cloud, beautifully anticipated the lift of the pace and guided Hajmah up on the outside to get close to the leaders.With Intisar starting to tire, Hajmah took the lead alongside Chdia, both going clear with Geneva and Lacaro Du Croate a length behind but well clear of the rest. After a long battle in the final stages, Hajmah proved the strongest, winning by a short head over Chdia, while Geneva took third.First Look, a talented four-year-old gelding, showed great courage and class to land the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Dollar over 2,000m, a race for 3yo and older, on a competitive field of nine runners.The Wathnan Racing-owned runner came into this contest on the back of a Gr 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron win at Deauville, and is now a Group 2 winner for the first time.Trained by André Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, First Look continues to build an impressive record in middle-distance events. Quickly away from the gates, First Look settled just behind the leaders in a race led by Rqshabar with Uthred in second. Travelling strongly, he held third in the false straight, just ahead of Swagman, Bright Picture and the favourite Bay City Roller.Entering the final straight, the gelding looked full of running and still unasked for maximum effort. He moved into second as the long-time leader began to fade and soon took command, cruising while Bay City Roller closed quickly on the outside and Bright Picture challenged on the inside. Inside the final 300m, First Look remained in front, but Bright Picture and Bay City Roller kept up the pressure. In the last 100m, First Look dug deep to find extra and held on to win by a length and a quarter, with Bright Picture taking third.In the day’s opener, Tennessee, a high-class 3yo colt, proved his stamina in style when winning the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay at ParisLongchamp, a race for three-year-olds over 3,000m that attracted a select field of seven.Trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, owned by the powerful partnership of Westerberg, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and John Magnier, and ridden with confidence by stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, Tennessee displayed courage and authority to secure his second career Group win.Caballo De Mar, a tough and progressive four-year-old gelding, produced a powerful staying performance to land the Gr 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran over 4,000m. The race, open to four-year-olds and up, featured a small field of eight, including five supplemented runners. Coming just 13 days after his easy Gr 3 victory in the Deutsches St Leger, Caballo De Mar handled the step up in class and trip impressively to secure his first Gr 1 success.Earlier in the day, Ridari, a three-year-old colt, confirmed his rising star status with a commanding victory in the Gr 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein over 1,600m. Open to horses aged three and older, the race featured a competitive field of ten, but Ridari showed composure and class to take the lead and dominate. The colt returned this season with a win in the Gr 3 Prix de Fontainebleau and has now stepped up to claim his first Group 2 success.Trained by Mikel Delzangles, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned by Aga Khan Studs SCEA, Ridari is establishing himself as one of the top milers of his generation. Consent, a progressive three-year-old filly, delivered a career-best performance to capture the Gr 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu. The staying contest, run over 2800m for fillies and mares aged three and up, featured a strong field of 12, but Consent rose to the challenge in style to secure her first Group 1 success.Runner-up last time out in the Gr 2 Betfred Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes over 2,900m at Doncaster, where she finished a neck behind Santorini Star despite travelling powerfully throughout, Consent confirmed her upward curve with this victory on Arc weekend.Trained with patience and precision by Sir Mark Prescott, confidently ridden by Luke Morris, and racing in the silks of Denford Stud, she proved herself a top-class stayer.Behind the leaders but wide from her draw, she eased into second, tracking Santorini Star (Golden Horn). Entering the final straight, her jockey kept her relaxed, conserving energy. She moved to the front inside the last 400m, still going easily, and then quickened decisively in the final furlong to pull away and win by four and a half lengths. Santorini Star rallied for second, with Rabbit’s Foot taking third.The final day of the festival at ParisLongchamp will feature nine thrilling races, including seven Group 1 events Sunday, making it a premier global racing fixture and a gathering of the world’s elite horses. Undoubtedly, the spotlight will be on the two main events: the third race on the card, the Qatar Arabian World Cup, carrying €1mn in prize money, and the fourth, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, offering €5mn in total prizes.The first race is the Gr1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac for 2-year-old fillies over 1,600m, featuring nine fillies, including Aylin representing Al Shaqab Racing and Amo Racing.The programme continues with the Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, a 1,400m contest for 2-year-old colts, also featuring nine runners. Next up is the Prix De l’Abbaye de Longchamp Longines over 1,000m for 2-year-olds and up, with 19 horses in the field, including Night Raider, owned by Wathnan Racing, and Afjan, representing Al Shaqab Racing.The fourth race is the highly anticipated Gr1 Qatar Arabian World Cup, part of the Doha Triple Crown, featuring 12 horses aged 4 and up over 2,000m.Among the contenders is Al Shaqab Racing’s Al Ghadeer, aiming for a historic third consecutive win in this race and the Triple Crown.However, he will face a number of other top-class horses also vying for the global title, including Wathnan Racing’s RB Mary Lylah, Al Shaqab Racing’s duo of AL Zwair and Luwsail, Abdulla bin Fahad al-Attiyah’s Ch’ezza, Khalifa bin Sheail al-Kuwari’s Moshrif and Mansour bin Khalil al-Shahwani’s Nabucco Al Maury.The spotlight then shifts to the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the 2,400m showpiece for three-year-olds and upwards, which has drawn a field of 18. The market is headed by three leading contenders: Minnie Hauk, Aventure and Kalpana.Minnie Hauk, trained by Aidan O’Brien and the mount of Christophe Soumillon, has made six career starts, finishing runner-up on debut before reeling off five straight victories, the last three at Group 1 level. Aventure, from the yard of Christophe Ferland and partnered by Maxime Guyon, brings a strong résume of victories and high placings in Group company, most recently landing the Gr1 Qatar Prix Vermeille.The programme also features the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l’Opéra for fillies and mares aged three and older over 2,000m, with 12 declared, among them One Look carrying the Wathnan Racing colours. Over 1,400m, the Gr1 Qatar Prix de la Forêt has drawn a field of 16, including extra, also representing Wathnan Racing. Eighteen 3-year-old and older runners line up for the competitive Qatar Grand Handicap des Flyers over 1,400m.The curtain comes down with the Qatar Prix de la Place de l’Etoile over 2,000m, which has attracted 17 contenders. The Qatar Prix La Forêt Group 1 for Thoroughbreds aged 3 and above over 1400m has 16 runners, including Extra owned by Wathnan Racing.

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs honoured the scholars and intellectuals who took part in the first Annual World Conference on the Qur’an and Human Knowledge: Towards Sound Human Understanding, and the inaugural Ummah Writers’ Forum, organised by Awqaf in collaboration with Qatar University (QU).The honorees were recognised by HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani, with a host of academics and researchers from QU and the Ibn Khaldun Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, in attendance, in appreciation of their scholarly and intellectual contributions.The purpose of this initiative is to reinstate the centrality of the Holy Qur’an in shaping human and social knowledge, and to foster the integration between the Sharia and human sciences, thereby contributing to a civilisational and intellectual renaissance for the Islamic nation, said Director of the Department of Islamic Research and Studies Sheikh Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani.He also announced the launch of the second edition of the conference and the forum, scheduled to convene in October 2026, commending the participants and researchers who enriched the sessions with their valuable papers and interventions.Director of the Ibn Khaldun Center at Qatar University, Dr Badran bin Lahsan, stated that the two events embodied the significance of reinstating the Holy Qur’an’s pivotal role in the production of human and social knowledge.He noted that the Holy Qur’an provides a holistic vision of existence and offers a set of values and standards that help guide thought and contribute to building humans and societies.The conference helped open a balanced intellectual dialogue between the Sharia sciences and the modern human and social sciences, underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration among academic and intellectual institutions, in addition to the exchange of expertise among researchers from a variety of disciplines, to ensure institutional continuity and to enrich the research and intellectual experience within Islamic communities, he said. Representing the guests at the forum, Dr Abdel Majid al-Najjar emphasised that the Ummah Writers series, which spanned four decades in publication, served as a pioneering reformist school that has contributed to consolidating the civilisational identity of the Islamic nation and safeguarding the Islamic personality in its doctrinal, intellectual, and behavioural dimensions.He further underscored the importance of constant renewal within the series to keep pace with contemporary developments and challenges, enabling the formation of a modern Muslim personality capable of addressing intellectual and social issues and benefiting from civilisational advancements without compromising deep-rooted Islamic values.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has stressed the importance of the World Animal Day, which falls on October 4. The ministry pointed out through its official X account that "this occasion aims to raise awareness about animal rights and welfare around the world. It represents an opportunity to unite the efforts of individuals and organizations from various cultures and backgrounds to work towards protecting animals whether wild, domestic, or endangered. Its importance lies in shedding light on the issues animals face, such as habitat loss, pollution, commercial exploitation, and abuse, in addition to promoting initiatives that support biodiversity and animal welfare." The ministry noted that on World Animal Day, the State of Qatar continues its efforts to protect wildlife, as the coverage rate of protected areas has reached up to 27.73% of the country’s area. The number of wild animals cared for by the protected areas has reached 2,970 heads, including up to 10 species that fall under 3 groups: ungulates, birds, and reptiles. The Department of Protected Areas embodies the national entity responsible for the care and preservation of endangered and rare wildlife species distinctive of the desert environment since 1979. Accordingly, the total area of land reserves in the country amounted to 2,985 sq km, while the marine protected areas amounted to 721.18 sq km. Further, Qatar has passed strict laws and regulations against poaching and the possession of wild animals without proper official permits, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife for the future generations. This year, World Animal Day is celebrated under the theme: 'Save Animals, Save the Planet'. The aim is to unite global efforts in protecting animals, raising awareness of their rights, and highlighting the plight of endangered species. It also seeks to encourage communities to take meaningful steps toward safeguarding both wildlife and domestic animals alike. In the meantime, the ministry stressed spreading public awareness on the related issues and enhance coordination among stakeholders and public and private entities to further improve the protection of wild animals and their habitats and other animals in general as key components for the overall well being of our environment.

Qatar’s young athletes continued their strong showing at the West Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Beirut, raising the country’s gold medal tally to eight after three days of action. Ibrahim Zakaria and Younis Al Balushi won gold medals in the pole vault events, while Abdulrahman Mohammed claimed first place in the hammer throw, also securing qualification for the 2026 World Youth Championships in Los Angeles. In the men’s 400 metres, Mohammed Kala took silver and his teammate Youssef Abdulaziz earned bronze to complete another successful day for the Qatari contingent.

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, made a field visit to several factories operating in the food and beverage manufacturing sector at the Small and Medium Industries Zone Saturday.The visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to monitoring developments in the national industrial sector and understanding its needs and future plans. During the tour, the minister was briefed on the factories’ key products, production capacities, processes, and latest technologies. He also reviewed their expansion and developmental plans.HE Sheikh Faisal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the growth of the industrial sector, in line with the National Manufacturing Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy. He emphasised the ministry’s continued efforts to provide facilities and incentives for national factories, enhance the industrial business environment, streamline procedures, and engage with investors, thereby fostering high-quality investments and supporting the development of national industries.

Qatar University (QU)’s Ibn Khaldon for Humanities and Social Studies Centre, in co-operation with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, has inaugurated the ‘1st Annual Conference on the Qur’an and Human Knowledge’, along with the ‘1st Forum of Ummah Writers’.The opening was attended by HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem; Dr Omar al-Ansari, president of QU; several vice-presidents; and senior officials from various ministries; as well as academic and governmental sectors.Dr al-Ansari highlighted that the conference aligns with QU’s strategic plan and research priorities, which include emphasising research in the humanities and social sciences to foster scholarly focus on cognitive, human, social, and cultural issues, thereby promoting ethical, value-based development and sustainable growth in our societies. He also highlighted the conference’s role in cultivating human knowledge awareness in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Qur’an.Sheikh Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani, director of the Department of Islamic Research and Studies at the Ministry of Endowments, also delivered a speech welcoming the attendees.He emphasised the significance of the occasion, which combines the conference and the forum, stating that the conference is part of broader efforts to restore the important role that Qur’anic knowledge has historically contributed to guide human sciences and methodologies, as well as in connecting researchers to it in both approach and objective.Sheikh Dr Ahmed also emphasised the significance of the ‘1st Forum of Ummah Writers’, which highlights the Kitab Al-Ummah series, a rich Qatari cultural and intellectual legacy that has been published for more than four decades since its inception.During this time, it has strived to achieve its intended goals, including rebuilding the Muslim character, reviving the concept of ‘Fardh Kifayah’ (communal obligations) and the importance of specialisation, contributing to the development of a righteous elite, and promoting awareness of the significance of the approach that address’s the cosmos’ signs and laws using the knowledge of divine revelation as its primary reference and source.Dr Badrane Benlahcene, director of the Ibn Khaldon Centre at QU, stated that the conference aligns with the centre’s dual objectives of bridging and localisation. Bridging aims to intellectually connect various disciplines to address human and social issues in an integrated and precise manner. Localisation, meanwhile, involves re-evaluating contemporary sciences, knowledge systems, and theories to ensure they align with religious and cultural identities and resonate with societal contexts, as well as methodological and practical requirements, thereby ensuring community benefit.The conference aims to reaffirm the central role of the Holy Qur’an in shaping contemporary discourse on human and social knowledge. It seeks to bridge the gap between Islamic sciences and the humanities and social sciences by connecting researchers from diverse disciplines with the Qur’an, enabling them to utilise it as a framework for understanding and guiding various human and social phenomena.Additionally, the conference encourages scholars in Islamic disciplines to engage systematically with the humanities and social sciences and to contextualise these fields while considering Qur’anic guidance.

The French navy was Wednesday on board a tanker from Russia's "shadow fleet" stationed off France, AFP journalists at the scene said, after data showed it was off the Danish coast last month during mysterious drone flights.The Boracay, a Benin-flagged vessel blacklisted by the European Union for being part of Russia's sanction-busting "shadow fleet" of ageing oil tankers, was stationed off Denmark from September 22 to 25, according to ship tracking data analysed by AFP.Drones have been sighted across Denmark, including over military sites, since September 22, prompting brief closures at several airports and a ban on all civilian drone flights until Friday.French military personnel were Wednesday on the deck of the tanker, now stationed off the coast of western France, AFP journalists who overflew the area said.A military source, asking not to be named, told AFP the vessel had been boarded on Saturday.A government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP earlier the French navy had boarded the ship.President Emmanuel Macron earlier on Wednesday said France was probing the ship for "serious offences".But he stopped short of confirming reports of a connection to the Denmark drone flights."There were some very serious offences committed by this crew, which justify the current judicial procedure," Macron told reporters at an EU leaders' summit in Copenhagen.Built in 2007 and variously known as Pushpa and Kiwala, the Boracay has been anchored off Saint-Nazaire in western France for several days.According to the specialist website The Maritime Executive, the 244-metre vessel is suspected of being involved in mystery drone flights that disrupted air traffic in Denmark in September.The publication said the tanker and other ships could have been used either as launch platforms or as decoys.But when asked about those claims, Macron said he would "remain very careful", as it was not for him to establish a link between the Boracay and the drone flights.The French operation however underscored the importance of European efforts to stop the "shadow fleet" of vessels aiding Russia to circumvent Western sanctions.The European Union has sanctioned hundreds of ageing tankers used by Russia to circumvent oil export curbs imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Among them is the Boracay, which was blacklisted in February under the name Kiwala.The public prosecutor's office in the northwestern French city of Brest said it had opened an investigation following a report from the navy.The probe was launched over the crew's "failure to justify the nationality of the vessel" and "refusal to cooperate", Brest public prosecutor Stephane Kellenberger told AFP.The tanker left the Russian port of Primorsk outside Saint Petersburg on September 20 and was scheduled to arrive in Vadinar in northwestern India on October 20, according to data from the Marine Traffic tracking website.The French president said the "shadow fleet", estimated to include between "600 and 1,000 ships", was thought to represent "tens of billions of euros of Russia's budget" and make up "40 percent of the Russian war effort".