tag

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged the public to avoid the use of parking spaces for people with disabilities. "Occupying parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities is a traffic offence and a bad habit and violates their rights," MoI said in an X post. The ministry said adhering to designated parking spaces and avoiding the use of parking spaces for people with disabilities is a civilised behaviour that reflects compliance with traffic laws and guidelines and preserves the rights of others.

The death toll of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,368 martyrs and 162,367 injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated Saturday that 68 martyrs and 362 injured arrived at the sector’s hospitals in the past 24 hours, noting that the number of martyrs and injuries since the occupation breached the ceasefire agreement on March 18 has reached 11,828 martyrs and 50,326 injured.It also noted that hospitals had received 23 martyrs in the past 24 hours among aid victims, along with 143 injured, bringing the total number of martyrs who died seeking sustenance to 2,385 people, and the injured to 17,577.The ministry further reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 6 new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of the systematic Israeli starvation of Gaza's residents to 385 deaths, including 135 children.The Israeli occupation continues its genocidal war against Gaza and its people, disregarding international calls to stop the killing machine and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid, amid an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian situation.

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.

The death toll of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,231 martyrs and 161,583 injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated Thursday that 84 martyrs and 338 injured arrived at the sector's hospitals in the past 24 hours, noting that the number of martyrs and injuries since the occupation breached the ceasefire agreement on March 18 has reached 11,699 martyrs and 49,542 injured.It also noted that hospitals received in the past 24 hours 17 martyrs among aid victims, along with 174 injured, bringing the total number of martyrs who died seeking sustenance to 2,356 people, and the injured to 17,244.The ministry further reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 3 new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of the systematic Israeli starvation of Gaza's residents to 370 deaths, including 131 children.The Israeli occupation continues its genocidal war against Gaza and its people, disregarding international calls to stop the killing machine and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid, amid an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian situation.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) on Wednesday organised the third orientation meeting for scholarship students enrolled in national universities for the 2025-2026 academic year.The meeting was attended by a wide range of officials from MoEHE and national universities, alongside prominent academic figures from Qatar University, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Community College of Qatar, Lusail University, Al Rayyan International University College, and Qatar Aeronautical Academy, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, and parents.The event aimed to forge close relationships between students and the higher education sector according to well-established principles, provide broader familiarisation with scholarship rights and duties, clarify contracting procedures, and ensure scholarship students' follow-up with the higher education sector, in addition to offering an overview of the team overseeing them in local universities.Director of the Scholarships Department at MoEHE, Noora Mohammed Al Ansari, stressed that students are required to review the scholarship contract prior to signing it, as it constitutes their formal agreement. She highlighted the importance of familiarising themselves with the mechanism for placing students in job vacancies in accordance with the scholarship plan for the 2025-2026 academic year.Al Ansari further reviewed the procedures related to the scholarship program from enrollment through graduation, emphasising the essential need to maintain thorough documentation of the relationship between scholarship students and responsible officials, while proactively addressing any challenges they may encounter to ensure a smooth academic journey.Head of the Admission and Registration Department at MoEHE, Saleh Al Muftah, stressed that it is highly important for scholarship students and their parents to review the contract attentively, as students are the ones who determine their two preferences, which must be approved based on the consent of future employers.Participants in the Tomouh Program for Qatari teachers enjoy exceptional procedures, as they are proactively contacted by the ministry's Human Resources Department to establish a special employment contract, Al Muftah highlighted.The meeting concluded with an open discussion, during which students and their parents were given the opportunity to ask questions about the scholarship, which were answered promptly by the participants.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department, in cooperation with the Marine Protection Department, have carried out 56 field visits since the beginning of this year, as part of the monthly marine environment monitoring programme.During this period, 2,240 variables were documented. The programme covers seven marine sites to monitor physical, chemical, and biological variables, which are regularly observed throughout the year. The aim is to track environmental changes in marine waters and provide accurate and periodic scientific data that help assess the status, in addition to monitoring biological indicators that reflect the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.The ministry affirmed that the programme serves as a fundamental tool to support the country’s efforts in protecting marine resources and preserving biodiversity, in addition to enhancing research studies that assist in developing policies and strategic plans to address environmental challenges.

Dr Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm global support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution, especially amid efforts spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and France.During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly press briefing Tuesday, Dr al- Ansari said Qatar has consistently committed to supporting multilateral action and strengthening the role of the United Nations in various international issues, stressing the importance of ensuring Palestinian presence in all international forums.He pointed out that there has been no response from the Israeli side to the ceasefire proposal in the Gaza Strip. He added what the Strip has witnessed in recent days has seen further escalation, particularly the dangerous step of occupying the densely populated Gaza City amid a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties, including hostages whom the Israeli government claims to be seeking to release.He noted that any alternative proposal remains contingent on a genuine will to reach an agreement, indicating that there has been intensive contact with the US and regional and international parties, but that these have not yet yielded anything new.The spokesperson emphasised that the priority is to end the humanitarian crisis, warning against linking the humanitarian situation in Gaza to the issue of prisoner and hostage exchanges, describing this as unacceptable blackmail and a violation of international law. Dr al-Ansari also indicated that Qatar, as a mediator, possesses no leverage other than pushing for an agreement and relying on international pressure and position.He noted that Israel’s move to occupy Gaza City and its threats to annex the West Bank have been met with increasing international condemnation, given that a Palestinian state is a reality established by UN resolutions, and that the international community, except Israel, unanimously recognises its legitimacy.He highlighted that the international stance has become clearer in its support for the rights of the Palestinian people and the two-state solution, considering that recent Israeli measures have weakened its position internationally, a point recently acknowledged by the US president.Dr al-Ansari also revealed the existence of contacts to develop new proposals that could contribute to reaching an agreement, stressing Qatar’s openness to all realistic solutions, noting that the only official offer on the table is the plan previously announced and approved by Hamas.In another context, the spokesperson discussed Qatar’s ongoing mediation efforts on a number of international issues, including the humanitarian role related to reuniting children affected by the war in Ukraine and Russia with their families.He affirmed Qatar’s support for all efforts aimed at ending the war, including the upcoming summit between Russia and Ukraine. Regarding the Arab Foreign Ministers’ meeting scheduled for Cairo Thursday, Dr al-Ansari said regional issues, especially the situation in Gaza, will feature prominently, emphasising the importance of these meetings in coordinating Arab positions.At the outset of the briefing, Dr al-Ansari addressed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ key activities during the week, including the work of the sixth session of the Joint Higher Committee between Qatar and Egypt, where HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly.He also held a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Dr Badr Abdelatty. He also met with Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.In a related context, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al- Muraikhi led Qatar’s delegation to the 165th session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the second Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC countries and Japan.He met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Iwaya Takeshi, and also with HE Deputy Minister and Government Representative for Korean Nationals Overseas Protection and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Jung Ki-hong. He noted that HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met with HE Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria Peter Sands.She also held phone calls with HE Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and with HE Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in the Caretaker Government of Afghanistan and Chairman of the Coordination Committee for Assistance to Earthquake Victims Mohammad Younus Akhundzada.Dr Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, also noted that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi received a phone call from HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Sudan Omar Mohamed Ahmed Siddiq.He highlighted that HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated Tuesday in the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia, where he delivered a speech at a high-level session and met with senior officials there.

The Ministry of Municipality is cracking down on partitioning of villas and seek to mitigate damages by carrying out checks, an official said. “The primary objective of the field inspections is to combat the phenomenon of partitioning, to limit it and to mitigate the damages,” Doha Municipality's Control Department assistant director Mohamed Sultan al-Shahwani told Qatar TV in a recent interview. “We seek to eliminate the phenomenon of partitioning villas, adhere to municipal requirements and eliminate the phenomenon of workers living among families,” he said. The official explained that before the inspection campaign departs, the selected area for the campaign is surveyed and the violating properties are identified. “The campaign then sets out to take action regarding the violations and issue reports,” he said. Ibrahim Abdullah al-Harmi, director of the Technical Affairs Department at Doha Municipality, during the interview, said that the campaign's primary objective is to preserve the urban fabric of the area, target areas in violation and protect residents from structural damage resulting from the phenomenon of villa subdivisions. Authorities have so far warned against illegally partitioning residential units citing that any such practice would draw certain fines and action. Partitioning the residential units without permission is illegal and causes danger to the occupants. As per the law, partitioning should be carried out legally while following the rules.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced the issuance of Ministerial Decision No 26 of 2025 regarding the regulation of the hunting season for birds and wildlife.The decision sets the conditions and controls for practicing hunting, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of wildlife in the country. Under the decision, the migratory bird (Al-Laffo) hunting season begins on September 1 and continues until February 15 of each year, for a period of two years from the date it comes into effect.The decision stipulates that hunting the houbara bustard is only permitted using falcons, while the use or trade of non-traditional hunting tools and means is strictly prohibited, particularly electronic devices that emit bird-like sounds (calling devices).The decision also stressed the necessity of avoiding causing harm to bird eggs or nests, and refraining from damaging wild plants. Hunting is allowed only from sunrise to sunset. The sale, trade, or circulation of hunted birds is prohibited. Further, hunting is banned in the certain locations that include: within nature reserves, islands, artificial lakes, inside cities and villages, public parks, within 500 meters of public roads, and on private properties and farms unless the owners and right-holders have granted permission for this.The decision included a list of species permitted to be hunted during the two-year period (2025–2026), including: houbara bustard, stone curlew, mallard (wild duck), blue rock thrush, song thrush, common chiffchaff, greater hoopoe lark, desert wheatear, Isabelline wheatear, and northern wheatear.Besides, Article Three of the decision prohibits the hunting or possession of any local and resident wildlife species, as well as other migratory species, across all parts of Qatar throughout the year, for two years from the date the decision takes effect. These species include: hare, ostrich, gazelle, honey badger, jerboa, hedgehog, shrike, crested lark, warbler, Swinhoe's White-eye (Zosterops simplex), red-tailed wheatear, cream-colored courser, spiny-tailed lizard (dhub), and monitor lizard.Accordingly, the Ministry stressed that any violation of this decision will subject the offender to the penalties stipulated in Law No 4 of 2002 Promulgating the Law of the Environment Protection. The Ministry urged all to abide by the standard regulations and guidelines to safeguard wildlife and preserve natural resources for future generations.

The Ministry of Labour (MoL), in co-operation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), on Sunday announced the launch of screening interviews for the Government Scholarship Programme for the Private Sector.The interviews are the first phase of the strategic initiative that includes partners such as Qatar Investment Authority, Sidra Medicine, Qatar National Bank, and Es’hailSat, among several stages involving a range of private sector partners participating in the programme.It boosts the partnership between the Ministry of Labour, the MoEHE, and the private sector. It aims to support the country’s approach to sending national talents for the first time to this vital sector.The initiative contributes to providing tools and opportunities for Qatari citizens, enhancing the skills of the national workforce, enabling them to contribute to driving the growth of the national economy, achieving a prosperous future, and building a society capable of innovation and entrepreneurship. This aligns with the goals of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.The scholarship programme targets two main categories: students applying for the government scholarship in the private sector and those initially nominated scholarship recipients.These candidates undergo rigorous assessment interviews to measure the compatibility of their qualifications and capabilities with the requirements of the beneficiary employers, ensuring optimal alignment between educational outcomes and labour market needs.The first phase of the Private Sector Scholarship Programme included Qatari students selected according to strict criteria that ensures academic excellence and professional readiness.The Qatar Investment Authority is conducting direct interviews with the nominated students to assess their preparedness and compatibility with the nature of work in the investment and financial institutions affiliated with the authority.Upon successfully passing the interviews, official procedures continue with the signing of the scholarship contract, marking the beginning of an academic and professional journey tailored to the needs of the private sector. This process ensures mutual commitment between the scholarship students and the beneficiary entities of the programme’s outcomes.This initiative comes as part of the efforts by the Ministry of Labour, in co-operation with the MoEHE and success partners in both the public and private sectors. It represents an unprecedented experience aimed at activating scholarships as a strategic tool to qualify Qatari cadres, supporting the localisation plan by building a qualified and highly skilled national workforce. It also prepares them to enter the private sector labour market and participate effectively in the country’s sustainable development journey.The Government Scholarship Programme for the Private Sector also aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritises human resource development. It supports the national direction to empower Qatari youth to pursue specialised fields required in the private sector, particularly in areas such as financial services, information technology and digital services, food and agriculture, education, healthcare, logistics, tourism, manufacturing industries, construction, and real estate.This step represents a qualitative leap in expanding the scope of the government scholarship programme to include private sector institutions for the first time. It directs the programme towards serving economic development goals and enhancing the participation of national cadres in private sector institutions. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Labour’s efforts within the National Workforce Affairs Sector in the private sector, aiming to activate the localisation law and increase the employment rates of Qatari nationals in this vital sector. (QNA)

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Department of Wildlife Protection has carried out a comprehensive cleanup campaign in the central region, covering Rawdat Muaither Al-Darb, Al-Riffa, and north of the Abu Nakhla complex, as part of its ongoing project covering meadows and wild areas across the country. The campaign aims to preserve the natural environment and protect the green cover, contributing to the promotion of environmental sustainability and allowing visitors to enjoy nature in clean and safe surroundings. The ministry stressed that these initiatives are part of its continuous efforts to protect the environment and to reduce harmful practices that negatively impact the ecosystem in these places. It pointed out that its field teams regularly monitor and implement awareness and cleaning programmes. The ministry called on all visitors to wild areas and Rawdats to maintain cleanliness by refraining from leaving waste behind, and to dispose of their waste in the designated containers to help preserve the beauty of nature and protect wildlife.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has carried out a field operation to remove abandoned fishing gear from a coral reef fishing ground in the country’s eastern local waters, as part of the efforts to protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity. The operation resulted in the retrieval of fishing nets and traps from a depth of 14m. They posed a danger to marine life and threatened the ecological balance of the surrounding marine environment, a statement added.