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The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition – S’hail 2025 continues to shine in its ninth edition, reaffirming its position as a global platform celebrating the heritage of hunting and falconry, while offering visitors and participants a rich experience that blends authenticity with the spirit of innovation.The exhibition, running until tomorrow at Katara Cultural Village, has been drawing a large number of visitors since it opened on Wednesday.S’hail 2025 director Abdulaziz al-Sayed described the event as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest products in hunting rifles, camping and falconry gear, falcon farms, as well as outfitting and modifying hunting vehicles, caravans, and trailers, in addition to knives and handicrafts.“S’hail represents an exceptional opportunity to connect with a wide audience of enthusiasts and experts, build international networks, and launch pioneering projects in an environment that celebrates heritage while embracing creativity at the same time,” he said.S’hail 2025 has stood out with the diversity of its pavilions and participants, as companies unveiled their latest innovations in hunting, camping, and smart technologies – offering an exceptional experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and aspirations.Among the attractions is the pavilion of Qatar’s Golden Cabin Company, which specialises in manufacturing mobile homes and caravans.It unveiled its Smart Room technology, fully powered by solar energy, enabling caravans to run 24/7.This technology is the first of its kind and the most advanced in the Middle East, with models customisable to client needs, providing camping enthusiasts with a modern, sustainable, and fully integrated experience in the heart of nature.A selection of leading international companies in off-road vehicle outfitting has showcased the latest accessories and technological solutions designed to take desert trips and camping adventures to unprecedented levels of luxury and safety.The exhibition also featured a distinctive programme of events that attracts both visitors and participants, including auctions of rare falcons, competitions for the most beautiful burqa (falcon hood), best pavilion, and best garage, along with workshops and awareness sessions highlighting the sustainability of hunting sports and the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage.As part of national efforts to protect wildlife, the External Reserves Office of the State, affiliated with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), is taking part at S’hail 2025 to raise awareness about the endangered houbara bustard.Four centres are producing more than 21,500 birds annually, with plans to expand production capacity through three additional centres by 2026, located both within Qatar and abroad, in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, China, Kazakhstan, and Iran.This initiative is one of the region’s most significant environmental conservation efforts, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.The exhibition has also showcased the works of 30 artists, presenting around 80 pieces ranging from fine arts to sculpture and various schools of artistic expression, turning S’hail into a vibrant platform of creativity and inspiration for visitors.In addition, live studios on-site broadcast events and interviews in real time.The programme includes a series of lectures aimed at raising awareness and spreading knowledge on hunting, falconry, and the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage.

Arab and Islamic states expressed full solidarity with Qatar in the face of the Israeli attack on Doha on Sept 9, which targeted residential compounds housing the Hamas negotiating delegation and resulted in deaths and injuries.During the UN Security Council session to discuss the assault, Egypt’s representative Osama Abdel Khalek praised the State of Qatar’s relentless efforts, coordinated with Egypt and the United States, to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring peace and security to both Palestinians and Israelis.He said that Israel’s attack on a fellow Arab state was neither the first of its kind nor likely to be the last since the start of the Gaza crisis, stressing that it took place amid an ongoing act of genocide against the Palestinian people that must not be ignored.Abdel Khalek affirmed that international law and the UN Charter give Qatar and any Arab states subjected to similar Israeli attacks all the legal options needed to respond, and he insisted that the Security Council must not remain a bystander.He added that the strike clearly revealed which party is obstructing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and is intent on prolonging the war for extremist political and religious goals aimed at displacing the Palestinian people and attempting to eliminate their cause. He called on the Council to immediately adopt a Chapter VII resolution to halt Israel’s aggression in Gaza and to support mediation efforts, concluding by saying that Egypt’s security is inseparable from Qatar’s.Speaking on behalf of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Kuwaiti ambassador Tareq al-Banai reaffirmed the GCC’s full solidarity with Qatar and its absolute rejection of any violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, security, or stability. He said the GCC holds Israel fully responsible for this shameful act and its consequences, adding that it will not tolerate any threat to the security or stability of Gulf states.He warned of the consequences of continued violations of state sovereignty, stressing that Gulf national security is a red line and that any repetition of such acts would be met with stronger collective positions and firm political and legal measures within the framework of the international system.He added that the attack fits into Israel’s ongoing, systematic policies to destabilise the region and that this aggressive approach would face a united Gulf response with no compromise on sovereignty or security. On behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), Turkish ambassador Ahmet Yildiz strongly condemned the Israeli strike on Qatar, describing it as an act of state terrorism and part of Israel’s systematic efforts to destabilise the region. He affirmed the OIC’s full solidarity with Qatar and its united support for Qatar’s right and duty to respond decisively to any violation or aggression threatening its security or regional stability. He urged the Security Council to act against the unjustified use of military force against Qatar’s sovereignty and to hold Israel accountable for this act of aggression.Iraqi ambassador Lukman Faily said that Israel was once again deliberately trying to drag the region and the world into a dangerous situation through its blatant attack on the Qatari capital, which he described as an act of state terrorism.Speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, he strongly condemned the strike on Doha, stressing that Israel’s repeated assaults amounted to aggression against the entire region and a flagrant threat to international peace and security. He urged the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities in response to these attacks.Faily said the current phase required redoubled efforts, placing the protection of civilians and the prevention of a wider war at the top of the agenda. He emphasised that safeguarding regional and international security demanded an immediate end to Israeli attacks, accountability for those threatening stability, and legal and political responsibility for what he called Israel’s reckless and irrational actions, along with all necessary measures to prevent further violations.Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that the international community must act quickly and effectively to curb the arrogance of the Israeli government and protect the region from the catastrophic consequences of its actions.He described Israel’s leadership as a rogue government stained with the blood of innocents, steeped in extremism and hatred, indifferent to international law and human values, and relying on violence to impose racist ideology and achieve expansionist goals that threaten regional and global peace and security.Safadi said that Israel had launched a cowardly attack on Doha, a blatant betrayal of a country that has been working tirelessly, alongside Egypt and the United States, to secure a lasting ceasefire. He stressed that while Jordan seeks a just peace, there is currently no Israeli partner willing to achieve it.Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates Anwar Gargash also condemned what he called Israel’s blatant assault on Qatar. He described it as a serious violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and an irresponsible escalation that threatens regional stability and international peace and security.Gargash warned that the Security Council’s continued failure to act decisively against Israel’s repeated violations of the UN Charter’s core principles would have grave consequences for regional and global peace. He added that this unprecedented attack on Qatar severely undermines prospects for peace and for ending the war in Gaza. He noted that Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, is playing a leading role in efforts to secure a ceasefire, release hostages and detainees, reunite them with their families, and resume large-scale humanitarian assistance. Gargash stressed that such reckless acts of aggression would not bring Israel or the region closer to the shared goal of peace, prosperity, and security, but would instead fuel further violence, extremism, and chaos at a time when restraint and de-escalation are urgently needed.He warned that ongoing threats of annexation and attacks on neighbouring states were destroying any foundation for lasting peace and endangering the stability of the entire region.

Expressing solidarity with Qatar, the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) Wednesday said Doha will emerge stronger as it has the natural ability to overcome challenges with strength. "We express our profound sorrow and condemn the recent attack on Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the people and the visionary leadership of Qatar," Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem, president, IBPC Qatar said. Highlighting that Qatar has been a beacon of peace and a welcoming second home for the expatriates, where shared dreams have flourished; he said the Indian diaspora in Qatar holds a deep love and affection for this country, its culture, and its people. Qatar's commitment to global peace and mediation efforts has been exemplary, facilitating dialogue in regional conflicts and promoting humanitarian aid worldwide, according to him. "Qatar's resilience during difficult times has always been truly commendable, showcasing its ability to navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger. We have full faith in Qatar's ability to overcome this challenge with grace and strength," he said, adding "the Indian business and professionals community in Qatar is dedicated to contributing to Qatar's growth, strengthening bonds of friendship and commerce between our nations. Together, we champion peace and build a prosperous future for all."

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has organised a workshop on E-commerce, highlighting the key opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The workshop “The Impact of E-Commerce on the Local Retail Sector” at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusail city, examined the effects of E-commerce on the dynamics of domestic retail market in Qatar. The event brought together a number of specialised entities active in the field of E-commerce in Qatar, including local and global companies, as well as representatives from the MOCI, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Strategy& team. Participants addressed a wide range of themes, discussed the preliminary findings of an ongoing study on E-commerce conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders; and tackled proposals for potential future policy measures. The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen Qatar’s digital business environment and develop policies that support the retail sector. Such efforts enable local companies to keep pace with global developments and enhance the role of E-commerce in achieving economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030. (Ends)

The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) has signed a funding agreement with the Ministry of Sports and Youth to support the seventh edition of the "Samla Race 2025," taking place from 27 to 29 November 2025.Under the agreement, DAAM will provide financial backing for the event and allocate prizes worth over QAR 3 million to participants.The agreement reflects DAAM's leading role in promoting sports activities in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, alongside other companies listed on Qatar Stock Exchange.Samla Race 2025 is a one-of-a-kind 200 km race bringing together five sports: swimming, running, mountain biking, kayaking, and shooting.Chief Executive Officer of DAAM Abdulrahman bin Abdul Latif Al Manaei emphasized the significance of supporting such initiatives: "Events of this kind play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of sports within the community and in developing exceptional athletes. This edition of the race is expected to bring strong competition and record participation. I wish all participants every success."For his part, President of the Qatar Challenge Raceing Club (Samla), and CEO of the Samla Race Organizing Committee Azzam Al Manaei expressed his pride in hosting Samla 2025, stating: "This event serves as a platform to foster the spirit of competition, athletic exchange, and passion for adventure sports. Year after year, participation continues to grow, and the Samla Race has become one of the most thrilling and demanding competitions in the region, requiring exceptional physical and mental endurance to complete all stages and reach the finish line."Since its inception in 2010, DAAM has initiated numerous crucial projects and programs across social, sports, and cultural sectors. Contributions from shareholding companies listed on the QSE are a major financial resource for the Fund, positioning them as crucial partners in advancing sustainable community development in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in co-operation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Intellectual Property Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), has "successfully concluded" the WIPO Intellectual Property Management Clinic: Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalisation.The two-day programme, held in Doha, brought together experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the role of intellectual property (IP) in advancing innovation, competitiveness, and international expansion for Qatari enterprises.The opening session featured remarks from senior representatives of MoCI, QRDI Council, QSTP, QDB, and Guy Pessach, Director of the IP for Business Division at WIPO. The first day of the programme addressed the growing importance of intangible assets such as innovation, branding, and proprietary knowledge as key drivers of business growth.Participants gained insights into how patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets can be used strategically to capture value, while case studies from sectors including food and beverages and the creative industries demonstrated practical applications of IP for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Panel discussions explored the challenges and opportunities facing Qatari SMEs in protecting and managing their intellectual property both locally and internationally. Experts provided guidance on avoiding common pitfalls, developing effective IP strategies, and safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly online economy.The agenda also included interactive roundtables where participants developed preliminary IP roadmaps tailored to their businesses, ensuring alignment between IP decisions and long-term growth objectives.The second day saw selected companies take part in one-on-one deep-dive diagnosis and strategy sessions with WIPO experts and representatives from QRDI Council, MoCI, QDB, and QSTP.These private consultations enabled enterprises to refine their IP portfolios, align protection strategies with business goals, and explore monetisation opportunities through licensing, franchising, and partnerships.The successful completion of the Intellectual Property Management Clinic highlights QRDI Council’s ongoing commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem in Qatar.By equipping local businesses with the tools to harness and protect their intellectual property, QRDI Council continues to drive national efforts to position Qatar as a regional and global hub for research, development, and innovation.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) hosted AI and XR Sandbox Open Demo Day.HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai attended the event, organised by the MCIT, through the TASMU Innovation Lab. The event brought together government entities, startups, and partners from across the communication and information technology sector to showcase four proof-of-concept solutions. These solutions were designed to address real-world challenges in healthcare, compliance, procurement, and smart-city mobility.The Sandbox Open Demo Day is designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for piloting, developing, and evaluating emerging technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate digital innovation while upholding the highest standards of safety and security. This approach aligns with the mission of the Ministry to enable a resilient digital transformation and contributes directly to the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.As part of the initiative, participants from government entities and startups were given access to Vertex, Google Cloud's AI platform, along with mentorship and support from Deloitte AI Institute experts and Google specialists.Meanwhile, the Extended Reality Sandbox provided participants with advanced augmented and virtual reality tools, a unified development portal, and intensive hands-on training from Deloitte Digital experts. This blend of theoretical and practical training enabled participants to transform their innovative concepts into viable 3D proof-of-concept solutions.The event showcased four advanced pilot proof-of-concept solutions, three AI-based solutions and one extended reality solution. The first was a secured X-ray image sharing tool developed by participants from the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation and Sinaholz; which utilises AI to hide patient-identifying data from medical images, enabling safe data sharing among authorised entities while preserving privacy.The second was an electronic policy compliance analyser, developed by a team from the Ministry of Finance that automatically reviews policy and regulatory documents, comparing them against established standards to detect potential non-compliance and streamline governance processes.The third was a smart request-for-proposal generator that automates the creation of procurement requests, enhancing consistency, accelerating workflows, and reducing processing time, the proof-of-concept is the product of a collective effort from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Culture, the General Authority of Customs, Communications Regulatory Authority, and RF{X}AI.The fourth, developed within the Extended Reality Sandbox, was an innovative parking design solution by Sinaholz aimed at reducing construction costs and risks, optimising space utilisation, and enhancing user experience through advanced digital tools for management and pre-booking.Commenting on the event, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT Reem Al Mansoori stated: "The launch of the first cohort of proof-of-concept solutions under the Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality Sandbox Initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing Qatar's digital innovation ecosystem. Participating teams successfully transformed their ideas into practical proof-of-concept solutions, demonstrating the vast potential of emerging technologies in addressing real-world challenges. The sandboxes provide a secure environment to pilot and refine digital solutions before large-scale deployment, reducing risks and improving implementation quality. Furthermore, they serve as a platform to build bridges of collaboration between government entities, innovators, startups, and global partners.This inaugural experience has established a pioneering model for collaboration, setting the foundation for a new phase of digital innovation that enhances service delivery, drives economic diversification, and accelerates the implementation of the Digital Agenda 2030."Throughout this initiative, MCIT's TASMU Innovation Lab has worked on bringing global expertise into Qatar's digital innovation ecosystem by engaging international technology experts to collaborate with local talents. The Sandbox initiative stands out as a pioneering platform through which the Ministry is driving national digital transformation, in line with the pillars of the Digital Agenda 2030, by providing a clear and responsible pathway for piloting, scaling, and adopting emerging technologies.

President Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented attack on wind and solar power as he seeks to reshape the US energy landscape and reverse the green agenda put forward by his predecessor.Since Trump returned to office in January, his administration has taken aim at projects on federal lands and oceans, stopping work on wind farms, revoking permits, and making it more difficult for new renewable energy developments to secure approval. He’s also weakened the economics of wind and solar projects more broadly, pushing legislation through Congress that phases out key tax breaks and moving to tighten access to these incentives.The broadsides have thrown the US clean energy industry into crisis, putting billions of dollars of investment at risk and threatening thousands of jobs. It’s a sharp reversal from just three years ago, when the sector hailed the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act under then-President Joe Biden as the most significant piece of climate legislation in US history.Why does Trump dislike renewables?Trump has criticised solar and wind as being unreliable and expensive. He’s called for more power to be generated from fossil fuels, namely natural gas and coal, as well as nuclear.Renewables generation is intermittent as the sun isn’t always shining nor the wind blowing. But developers are increasingly turning to batteries to store surplus power and discharge it to the grid when needed.Trump also isn’t a fan of how renewable power installations look, describing solar projects as “big ugly patches of black plastic that come from China” and mar farmland.He’s been a vehement critic of wind turbines for years, falsely claiming they cause cancer and deriding them as bird-killing eyesores. Before his first presidential term, Trump lost a legal challenge in the UK to prevent an offshore wind project from being built within sight of a golf course he owns in Aberdeen, Scotland.“Windmills are a disgrace,” he said in July after a visit to the course. “They hurt everything they touch. They’re ugly. They’re very inefficient. It’s the most expensive form of energy there is.” Looking at the levelised cost of electricity the long-term price a power plant needs to break even offshore wind is much more expensive than a new gas-fired facility, but it’s cost-competitive with coal and cheaper than nuclear, according to BloombergNEF’s assessment published in February. Meanwhile, onshore wind, as well as solar, is cheap enough to compete with a new-build gas plant.How has Trump sought to curb wind and solar developments?The Trump administration has harnessed its oversight of millions of acres of federal land and waters, where developers need government authorisation to build. While these areas are being made easier to explore for the oil and gas industry as part of Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda, the government is imposing standards that would essentially prevent new renewables installations.On Trump’s first day back in office, he froze permitting for all wind projects on federal land and oceans, and indefinitely halted the sale of new leases for offshore wind development. He also directed the Interior Department to review the “necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases” and to identify “any legal bases for such removal.” Since then, a number of wind projects have been upended. This includes the Revolution Wind development off the coast of Rhode Island. The government issued an order halting construction of the project which is already 80% complete citing national security concerns. This sent shares of developer Orsted A/S to record lows and added to the Danish company’s mounting troubles. Orsted’s Revolution Wind LLC unit filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in early September, seeking to overturn the stop-work order so that it can finish the project.For developers hoping to get past the planning stage, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has ordered that all solar and wind projects on federal lands require his personal sign-off, which could mire the approval process in red tape. The department said it’s acting in accordance with Trump’s order to end “preferential treatment” for these technologies.As part of this mandate, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management rescinded Biden-era decisions that earmarked coastal waters for future wind turbines. This covers more than 3.5mn acres, including in the Gulf of Mexico, the New York Bight, and off the coast of California and Oregon.How has the Trump administration targeted renewables beyond federal land and waters?Only 4% of operational US renewables capacity is located on federal land. While the government doesn’t have direct control over clean energy developments on private property, many of those projects still need federal approvals that are being held up. In addition, the Trump administration has been trying to make the economics of wind and solar less attractive.Trump has branded efforts to combat climate change as the “Green New Scam” and vowed to do away with subsidies for these activities. The tax-and-spending law he helped push through Congress known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act phases out the tax credits for wind and solar projects years before they were due to expire. On top of this, the Treasury Department has issued guidance making it harder for developments to qualify for the incentives.There could be bad news to come on the tariff front, too. Wind turbines and parts are already subject to the 50% duties Trump imposed on imported steel and aluminium products. But the Commerce Department has opened a so-called Section 232 investigation into the national security implications of importing wind energy components, which could lead to sector-specific levies.It also opened a Section 232 probe into imports of polysilicon a key raw material for solar modules which could result in additional duties on imports.How have these actions impacted the US clean energy industry?The industry had been building momentum as solar and wind power almost tripled their share of US electricity generation over the past decade, topping 15%. But it’s now in a tough spot. Billions of dollars of new factories and clean energy projects have been cancelled, delayed or scaled back since the start of the year.Clean energy advocacy group E2 estimates that $22bn worth of projects were scrapped or downsized from January to June, and more than half of the investment lost was in congressional districts represented by Republicans.Trump’s crackdown on renewables will likely hit smaller and medium-sized companies harder because they lack the financial moat needed to survive the instability. Larger solar developers have expressed more cautious optimism, saying they’ve been able to start enough projects that qualify for the expiring tax credits in order to continue their projects for the next several years.The nascent US offshore wind industry is perhaps in the most precarious position given it was just starting to take off before Trump re-entered the White House.How is this affecting energy prices?That’s a subject of huge debate and has become a hot-button political issue. Electricity prices nationally rose at more than twice the rate of overall inflation in the past year and remained at a record high in June.While the Trump administration says that adding wind and solar to the grid has been pushing up the cost of electricity, data shows that increased spending on power lines and poles has been the biggest driver of utility bill hikes.Utilities have been upgrading their grids to accommodate new sources of generation and demand, and network operators are also trying to improve resilience to extreme weather events and modernise infrastructure that was built in the 1960s and 1970s.Higher electricity costs are a reflection of tight supply as well, as aging coal- and gas-fired plants retire and power consumption rises after years of relatively tepid growth. Demand is being propelled by industrial users and the power-hungry data centres behind artificial intelligence. Slowing the deployment of renewables could exacerbate the situation.The phaseout of wind and solar incentives under Trump’s tax-and-spending law could raise average US household energy bills by $78 to $192 in 2035, and increase annual industrial energy expenditure by $7bn to $11bn, according to the Rhodium Group.Where does this leave the outlook for US renewables?The threat of the federal government pulling the plug on fully permitted and nearly complete assets could make renewables developers and project financiers more wary of making long-term investments in the US, even after Trump has left office. It could also create uncertainty for states such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island that are relying on offshore wind to meet growing power demand and decarbonise their grids.Blue states won’t be the only ones facing challenges. In red Texas the top US state for wind generation and number two for solar behind California all but 6% of new capacity added to the grid since 2020 has come from renewables or batteries, fuelling the power needs of its growing economy. That momentum is at risk of slowing as the accelerated phaseout of tax credits makes wind and solar projects more expensive.Despite the Trump administration’s roadblocks, the US clean energy buildout is expected to continue, albeit more slowly. Solar and batteries are faster to deploy than Trump’s favoured energy sources. There’s currently a multiyear manufacturing backlog for the combined-cycle turbines used in gas plants, while new nuclear capacity whether based on conventional or next-generation reactors is many years away.And onshore wind and solar are expected to be cost-competitive even without subsidies, according to BloombergNEF. In addition, blue states including California and New York are still pushing to expand their clean power fleets.But the outlook for the sector has certainly dimmed. Following the passage of Trump’s tax-and-spending law, BloombergNEF’s revised estimate for new wind, solar and energy storage additions in the US through 2035 is 26% lower than previously projected.

The Department of Islamic Research and Studies at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs will launch the first event of the second cultural season of the 'Knowledge Integration' seminar series on Tuesday.The first seminar will discuss the possible implications of the process of knowledge integration, within the framework of examining and reflecting on selected models from the long history of Islamic civilization and the cultural, intellectual, and scientific achievements that have continued to shape the present and build the future.The seminar will be held at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque, immediately after Isha prayer. Held in cooperation with the Ibn Khaldon Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences at Qatar University, the seminar will feature the participation of a select group of scholars, researchers, and academics.Director of the Department of Research and Islamic Studies Sheikh Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani said that the seminar is a semi-annual, scientific, and intellectual cultural event held twice a year. It focuses on the causes, tools, and methods for achieving interaction and integration between various sciences, and it examines cultural issues and social problems from an Islamic perspective, he added.The Director of the Department of Research and Islamic Studies said that the seminar's primary goal is to promote a culture of cognitive integration, which tops the list of objectives the Department of Research aims to achieve through its seminars, lectures, and various publications.As for the second seminar of this season, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani explained that it will take place in February 2026 and explore possible ways to advance 'cultural interaction' as a foundation for cognitive integration. This will be achieved through two main, interconnected axes, each with its own intellectual and practical implications.

Plan highlights Tesla's reliance on Musk amid slowing EV demandAward could boost Musk's stake further if targets metTargets include company hitting market value of $8.6tn in 10 yearsTesla's board has proposed a $1tn compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk in what would be the largest corporate pay package in history, underscoring the hold Musk has over the carmaker as it attempts to transform into an AI and robotics powerhouse.The world's richest person has consistently asked for a bigger stake in the company to gain more control, even as a legal battle over his 2018 pay package — then valued at a mere $56bn — continues. The newly proposed award is roughly 18 times the size of the contested plan and is close to the company's current market valuation.The plan highlights Tesla's reliance on Musk as it faces slowing EV demand, rising competition from Chinese rivals and pressure to deliver on its AI ambitions."While bold compensation tied to performance is nothing new, the sheer scale here sets a new bar for CEO incentives and will dominate boardroom debates everywhere," said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of 50 Park Investments in New York.The regulatory filing puts Musk on a different plane than other technology executives, saying that "traditional compensation packages granted to executives at other companies were determined to not be appropriate for designing Mr. Musk’s incentive compensation."Musk transformed Tesla from a niche EV startup into the world's most valuable automaker, scaling production, expanding globally and pushing the industry toward electric mobility.Recently, however, Tesla has been losing ground to Chinese rival BYD and other automakers amid softening EV demand and intensifying competition in key markets.Supporters of Musk's outsized pay package proposals have argued that his compensation plans have aligned his incentives with long-term growth, while critics have warned of potential dilution and governance risks."This is a ridiculously large pay package. It raises lots of questions, but last year Musk moved Tesla from Delaware to Texas in order to avoid all those questions," said Brian Quinn, professor at Boston College Law School. "Given that Tesla's stock price is basically all vibes and appears to have very little to do with the automaker's actual performance, I suspect they will approve this package."The board said the new award could lift his stake significantly if all targets were met, giving him even greater control as Tesla seeks to become the world's most valuable company.The proposed plan would grant Musk up to 12% of Tesla's stock, worth about $1.03tn if the company hits its target market value of $8.6tn. The plan requires boosting Tesla's valuation nearly eightfold, or about $7.5tn, over the next decade.If fully earned, the award would materially increase Musk's voting power from his roughly 13% stake, intensifying debate over governance and succession.The board said the award would vest in tranches tied to both market capitalisation and operational milestones such as mass production of robotaxis and humanoid robots.Tesla emphasised that Musk would receive no salary or cash bonus, with all compensation linked to performance, echoing the structure of his 2018 plan.The company's shares were up about 4% in early trading.Tesla's board earlier this year approved an interim compensation package for CEO Elon Musk worth about $29bn in restricted stock, designed to keep him at the helm through at least 2030 as the company pivots to an AI-first strategy.Tesla has since reincorporated in Texas and is appealing the Delaware ruling, but the company said the new plan reflects shareholder feedback and stronger governance safeguards.The filing also disclosed that a special committee of independent directors reviewed the proposal, which will go to a shareholder vote in November.Musk's foray into party politics and his willingness to challenge President Donald Trump have heightened concerns among Tesla investors about potential distractions from the company’s core business.In July, Elon Musk announced plans to launch a third political party, the "America Party," following a public clash with Trump over a tax cut and government spending bill.Trump dismissed the idea as "ridiculous," warning that a third party would create chaos. Since then, Musk appears to have slowed the initiative, underscoring his unpredictable approach to politics.Governance experts have said these moves reinforce long-standing worries about Musk's unpredictability and the concentration of power in his hands.Tesla's board has urged shareholders to vote against a proposal calling for a political neutrality policy, which would have expanded board oversight of Musk's political activities.Tesla shares hit a record high late last year after Trump returned to the Oval Office, as investors anticipated regulatory easing that could accelerate the rollout of robotaxis. However, the stock has since retreated from those highs amid Musk's political spat with the president.

Ministry of Sports and Youth concluded its 2025 summer activities with wide participation exceeding 43,000 participants, through more than 750 sports and youth events organized across various regions of the country.The Ministry confirmed in a statement that the success of these activities was due to the combined efforts of partners from various governmental and private sectors, notably the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Social Development and Family, Qatar Sports for All Federation, National Cyber Security Agency, Education City, Qatar Museums, alongside numerous sports clubs, media channels, and other entities.The ministry emphasized the continuation of its community and youth programs throughout the year to reinforce the role of sports in society, supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 in building a conscious and active generation. In this context, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior, launched several summer programmes and activities to raise awareness and develop skills among youth. The most prominent of these was the awareness programme 'Aware Generation' which benefited 1,163 young men and women across 28 centers and youth organizations under the supervision of five trainers. Additionally, the Hina Salma Farm saw the participation of 4,686 young men and women from youth and girls’ centers, with an average daily participation of 158 attendees per center.In the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Qatar Scientific Club and the Qatar Society of Engineers organised the summer program STEM 2025 with the participation of more than 141 students. Meanwhile, the summer data camp, organized in co-operation with the National Planning Council, Qatar Scientific Club, and Microsoft, hosted over 100 students competing in 20 teams to develop skills in analysis and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, 1,800 young men and women participated in events organized by the Programs and Activities Department at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).The programmes varied between sports, recreational, and awareness activities, including events held at Lusail Sports Arena, Education City Stadium, Al Furjan playgrounds, and races in various public parks. Other specialised programs included 365 Days of Activity, Self-Defence Program, Steps Challenge, as well as dedicated events for youth and girls at youth centers.

Katara Cultural Village has opened the “Progress and Procession Museum” exhibition to feature artworks and paintings and calligraphy.The exhibition by Qatari artist Khawla Mohamed Abdulaziz al-Mannai was opened by Katara general manager Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti in the presence of representatives of diplomatic missions, artists and art enthusiasts.To run until September 13 at Hall 2 of Building 18 at Katara, the exhibition features nearly 80 diverse artworks combining textiles, realistic, abstract and impressionistic painting along with Arabic calligraphy.It documents al-Mannai's career from her debut in 1990 to 2025 while reflecting the stages of artistic life she has gone through from study and learning to creativity and participation in local and international exhibitions.The exhibition highlights the richness of her artistic experience and the diversity of her styles and techniques.Through her paintings, she presents multiple artistic schools that reveal the interweaving of memories and personal experiences.It also addresses cultural themes with a local flavour such as horses, women, the lighthouse and the sewing machine, opening windows onto the past.The exhibition draws inspiration from other elements influenced by her exposure to diverse global cultures while highlighting the importance of art in building bridges of communication between civilisations.The works on display reflect al-Mannai’s precision and patience as well as the depth of her philosophy, which combines creativity and skill.Thus, the exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to gain a closer insight into the artist’s creative journey and discover her artistic vision.Al-Mannai studied art in Qatar, learning textile science at Helwan University in Egypt before developing her artistic style while studying abstract art at the University of the Arts in Britain.She believes that artistic style is born of the moment and the idea, and therefore expresses her art in a variety of ways.She has participated in numerous exhibitions both inside and outside Qatar representing the country at international art forums.Among her most notable works is the painting *A Woman from the Past, which was exhibited in Morocco, Britain and France in collaboration with the former ministry of information and the Amiri Diwan.Throughout her career, she received several painting awards from Qatar and the Gulf states and was honoured in Kuwait in 2019 for her research on *Sadu weaving.Al-Mannai was also honoured by the ruler of Sharjah in recognition of her efforts in collecting folk tales.A number of her works has been acquired by prestigious museums and institutions, while two of her textile paintings are on display in a Swiss museum.These works were created with love and dedication, especially those that depict the names of God and verses from the Holy Qur'an.