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The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has announced a mandatory temporary suspension of all maritime navigation activities for vessel owners, following the discovery of a technical malfunction in the Global Positioning System (GPS), which may affect the accuracy of marine navigation devices and compromise sailing safety.In a circular issued Saturday, the ministry stated that the directive is to be enforced immediately upon issuance and will remain in effect until the technical issue is resolved. The ministry emphasised that this measure reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety of sea-goers and their secure return to ports.

The Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has outlined its key preparations for the upcoming Haj season of 1447 AH, following a series of meetings and initiatives held throughout the month of Rabi’ Al Awwal.These proactive efforts aim to enhance the pilgrimage experience and elevate the quality of services provided to the Guests of Allah.The ministry confirmed co-ordination with representatives from over 60 countries through their respective Haj offices in preparation for the next season.It also held more than 50 meetings with relevant authorities and Haj offices to launch the Saudi Buses initiative, designed to improve transportation efficiency for pilgrims.Additionally, the Nusuk Massar platform has approved more than 16 companies to serve international pilgrims. The platform has automated service directories for over 75 countries and activated more than 189 hospitality centres for pilgrims.Over 24 companies have also been qualified to provide services to international pilgrims, with readiness assessments completed. The ministry noted the launch of social responsibility initiatives and a new database to register volunteers for the Haj 1447 season.The Ministry of Haj and Umrah emphasised that these efforts are part of its comprehensive, year-round strategy to prepare for Haj, contributing to the continuous improvement of services and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enrich the pilgrims’ spiritual journey and facilitate their experience.

The embassy of India in Qatar, jointly with MY Bharat under the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, organised the Viksit Bharat Run 2025.Held simultaneously across more than 150 international locations, the event became a global celebration of service, fitness, and sustainability.The run in Doha saw participation from the Indian diaspora including students and professionals.Under the theme Run to Serve the Nation, participants from Doha came together for community runs of 1km, 2km, and 6km, turning the event into a powerful statement of collectiveness.It embodied India’s Swadeshi ethos, highlighting the collective call for self-reliance, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.Approximately 500 runners turned out for the event, with 100 volunteers and many community groups and community organisations joining hands.The event included the recitation of the Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, where participants committed to contributing towards India’s journey of becoming a developed nation by 2047, a statement from the embassy said.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has spotted a female warbler bird hiding on a ghaf tree in one of the country’s wilderness areas, as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor biodiversity and track migratory birds.**media[361729]**The whistling bird is considered a passage migrant that is seen in Qatar every September. It feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits, and is distinguished by its beauty and cautious behaviour, as it usually hides among the branches away from sight.

As part of its commitment to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change continues its field efforts to remove harmful Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) trees from open areas.This initiative is part of the national plans aimed at combating invasive plant species and reducing their negative impacts on biodiversity within local terrestrial ecosystems.The Wildlife Development Department organised a field campaign on Tuesday to remove harmful mesquite trees in Rawdat Al-Hayr Al-Sharqi in Ain Sinan area.The campaign was carried out with the participation of several ministry employees to complete the removal of this invasive species, which had taken over the vegetation cover in the targeted meadows (Rawda).

The volume of real estate trading in sales contracts at the Department of Real Estate Registration at the Ministry of Justice during the period from Sep. 14 to 18, 2025 reached QR, 369,302,924. Total sales contracts for residential units in the Real Estate Bulletin for the same period is QR, 24,648,963. The weekly bulletin issued by the Department shows that the list of real estate properties traded for sale included empty land, houses, residential buildings, and residential units. Sales were concentrated in Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra, Al Daayen, Al Shamal, Umm Slal, Al Khor and Al Thakhira municipalities, and in Lusail 69, Al Kharayej and Ghar Thuaileb zones.

The Ministry of Culture offered a unique experience for visitors to the Baghdad International Book Fair through the ‘Reading Guide’ service available at its pavilion. The service aims to guide readers in choosing appropriate books that align with their interests, providing them with a unique and enriching cultural experience.The ‘Reading Guide’ service is one of the initiatives launched by the ministry, enabling visitors to identify their interests and reading preferences, then suggesting the most appropriate books. The questionnaire also provides detailed information about book prices and the publishing houses responsible for them, facilitating visitors’ search and purchasing at the fair and saving them time and effort in discovering new titles. In this context, the fair’s audience praised the ministry’s efforts, affirming their continued follow-up of all its initiatives through social media. They considered the ‘Reading Guide’ service to be one of the most impressive initiatives at the exhibition, particularly the ability to use a questionnaire that guides readers step by step toward precise choices tailored to their level of interest, making their experience at the exhibition easier and more enjoyable.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has presented an introductory video about the Qatar Sustainability Portal at Qatar’s pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan.The video highlighted the country’s efforts in addressing climate change challenges and emphasised the importance of engaging various sectors in adopting responsible practices aligned with Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

As part of the celebration of World Ozone Day, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Department of Chemicals and Hazardous Waste, organised a series of awareness workshops for a number of schools, in co-operation with the Environmental Awareness Section of the Public Relations and Communication Department.These activities aim to enhance students’ awareness of the importance of protecting the ozone layer and its role in environmental sustainability, besides promoting environmental culture among the younger generation and strengthen the role of educational institutions in climate issues.

Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference has announced that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined the upcoming edition 'Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth' as strategic partner. This high-level forum, organised by The Business Year and Msheireb Properties aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Gulf region.The partnership underscores MCIT's commitment to advancing Qatar's digital transformation, fostering innovation, and building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with the Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Digital Agenda 2030. By focusing on emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and innovation-led growth, MCIT's participation emphasises the vital role of public-private collaboration in shaping the region's future as a knowledge-based economy.Faraj Jassim Abdulla, director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "Through the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, MCIT aims to empower entrepreneurs and innovators across the GCC by providing a platform to connect, share ideas, and explore growth opportunities. This conference is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen the digital economy, accelerate innovation, and position Qatar as a leader in innovation and sustainable economic transformation."The conference, scheduled for November 3 at Barahat Msheireb, will convene senior leaders from government, investment, and the private sector to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation across the GCC. Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide a fitting venue for these regional stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, strategies for scaling start-ups, the evolving investment landscape, and the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening global competitiveness.New to this year's edition is the “AI for Good Innovation Challenge”, hosted in collaboration with the AI for Good initiative YAILs and its Doha chapter. This dynamic segment will provide a global platform for showcasing emerging AI-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring emerging companies from across the GCC alongside main panel discussions with industry leaders and policymakers.As a Strategic Partner, MCIT will play a central role in shaping the programme, ensuring alignment with Qatar's national priorities and reinforcing the country's position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has spotted an environmental violation involving the entry of three marine vessels into the fishing harbour of Bu Zuluf, located west of Al-Ruwais Port, where they collided with the coral reefs.A field inspection team from the ministry’s Marine Protection Department examined the site and found topographical changes to the seabed caused by the direct contact of the vessels with the coral reefs. This resulted in the destruction of coral structures, a reduction in the percentage of live coral cover, and erosion and sedimentation in parts of the reef area due to the collision.The ministry explained that these damages negatively affected the rich biodiversity of the area, home to many fish, invertebrates, and marine organisms associated with the coral reef ecosystem.The ministry stressed that it has taken the necessary legal measures against the violators, while confirming its continued efforts to intensify the protection of natural resources and monitor and detect any environmental violations against the country’s marine ecosystems.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC)continues its dedicated efforts to protect the ozone layer by adopting sustainable environmental policies, monitoring ozone-depleting substances, and promoting public awareness of this vital shield, an X post said.The ministry explained that it contributes to reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a safe environment for all, as part of its full support for international efforts aimed at preserving the ozone layer. Protecting the ozone layer is not a temporary task, but a long-term national commitment that reflects the state’s responsibility toward future generations.Accordingly, the MoECC has been organising awareness and training workshops for students, technicians and the community on related issues and topics. Besides, it has established the necessary legislation and constantly monitors the imports and exports of the materials that could potentially harm the ozone layer.The ministry supports the use of environment-friendly alternatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Other efforts include, organising training programmes for customs officers and border inspection personnel, conducts regular inspection of the targeted facilities, and monitor the consumption of related materials and substances in addition to submitting periodic international reports to ensure compliance."The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer falls on September 16. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention a global model for science-based environmental action," the ministry's X post added.