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The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Public Health, is set to host the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, which will take place in Doha on 30 September and 1 October 2025, under the theme "Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions".The summit will witness broad participation from health ministers, experts, and specialists worldwide, alongside international organisations concerned with mental health.The ministerial summit will feature a rich programme of sessions and events, including two panel discussions, six workshops and several accompanying activities. During these events, officials, policymakers, and specialists will discuss pressing mental health issues and formulate strategies to address them globally. The summit will host a total of 64 local and international speakers.The summit addresses mental health as an integral part of public health, social justice, and human rights, in line with the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on mental health and human rights, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Chair of the Organising Committee for the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri emphasized the vital importance of the summit in advancing mental health at the global level, particularly by focusing on investment, innovation, and digital solutions.Dr. Al Marri stated: "The Sixth Ministerial Summit builds upon the achievements of previous summits and features a comprehensive agenda and global partnerships to ensure the challenges facing mental health worldwide are addressed"."It draws from outstanding experiences to ensure that all people, everywhere without exception, have easy access to effective and sustainable mental health services," he stressed.Qatar's hosting of the summit also supports national efforts to implement the State's Third National Development Strategy and to strengthen public health.Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), Devora Kestel, commented: "WHO greatly looks forward to the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit being hosted this year by the Government of Qatar, and to joining the conversation on a range of critical topics for mental health, including service delivery innovation, digitisation, telehealth, and web-based technologies"."In a rapidly evolving world, it is vital to learn about and practice new approaches and ways of working that can better meet the needs of those we serve," she added.Chief Executive of United for Global Mental Health, Sarah Kline, highlighted that the summit's timing, coming just days after the UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, makes it an exceptional opportunity to confirm the practical steps nations will take to improve mental health for all.Kline added: "As Secretariat of the Global Mental Health Action Network, we are pleased to be working closely with so many stakeholders in preparing conversations on tackling stigma, reducing suicide rates, addressing the needs of young people, and strengthening mental health organisations to deliver services and support."The summit seeks to facilitate the exchange of best practices and success stories across regions and contexts, and to discuss actionable strategies to improve the implementation of community-based mental health models, particularly through digital solutions.The event will also develop a global resolution on mental health and promote investment in mental health research and innovation.The Sixth Ministerial Summit aims to build upon the achievements of previous summits held in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome and Buenos Aires. Past summits have consistently called for integrating mental health into public policy and highlighted the global commitment to mental health. This aligns with other global initiatives, including the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the High-Level Commission on Noncommunicable Diseases, and the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030.Qatar's summit hosting affirms its steadfast commitment to promoting mental health as a core component of sustainable human development and to leveraging innovation and modern technologies to ensure mental health services are accessible to all.

Qatar's Barzan project has contributed to the Middle East region's natural gas production growth last year, according to International Gas Union in its 2025 Global Gas Report.Commissioned in 2022, the Barzan facility supplies pipeline gas to local industries and Qatar’s power generation sector. It also supplies associated hydrocarbon products to local refineries and petrochemical industries and international markets.According to QatarEnergy, the facility can provide 1.4 BSCFD of sales gas to local power generation and water desalination plants as well as local industries.In addition, Barzan has the production capacity to supply ethane, condensate, LPG and sulphur for local markets and export.Further increases are expected in 2025, with Saudi Arabia’s production projected to rise by 8 bcm, as the first phase of Jafurah field – the country’s largest unconventional natural gas development – is expected to begin operations before the end of the year.The development of Saudi Arabia’s gas resources aligns with national plans to replace up to 1 mmbbl/d of oil with natural gas in the power generation sector and to support the expansion of petrochemicals, blue hydrogen and ammonia production.In the Middle East, natural gas production growth was recorded across all major oil and gas producers in 2024, with the UAE leading the increase with a gain of 7bcm, IGU noted.Natural gas supply grew by 65 bcm (1.6%) y-o-y in 2024, reaching 4,090 bcm, driven by significant production gains in the Middle East (+30 bcm, 4.4%) and Russia (+30 bcm, 5.1%).These increases were supported by marginal growth in Asia (+17 bcm, 2.5%), and North America (+5 bcm, 0.4%), which collectively offset declines in other regions.This growth was supported by a 9bcm increase in global liquefaction capacity. In the US, capacity expanded with the year-end startup of Plaquemines LNG.Congo became an LNG exporter with the commissioning of Congo FLNG, while Mexico – still a net importer – exported its first cargo to Europe from the new Altamira FLNG facility, IGU said.

GSF reports second drone attack on boat in Tunisian watersTunisian authorities deny first attack, no comment on secondGFS organiser accuses Israel of conducting the attack, Israeli military did not commentFlotilla supported by 44 countries, includes Greta ThunbergThe Global Sumud Flotilla, an international aid initiative to deliver vital supplies to Gaza, said on Wednesday that one of its boats was attacked by a drone at a Tunisian port, the second such strike in two days. The GSF, which is seeking to break Israel's naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza using civilian boats, said in a statement that all passengers and crew were unharmed. GSF reported the first attack on Tuesday, saying one of its vessels had been struck by a drone in Tunisian waters at the Sidi Bou Said port, reports Tunisian authorities said were false.A Tunisian Coast Guard spokesperson did not respond to a call from Reuters on Wednesday.One of the flotilla's organisers accused Israel of carrying out the attack."Israel continues to breach international law and terrorise us. We will sail to break the blockade on Gaza no matter what they do," Saif Abukeshek, a member of the GSF steering committee, told Reuters.The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The flotilla posted a video on Instagram of the alleged attack, showing a luminous object hitting the boat and fire erupting on board. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the video.Following the strike, hundreds gathered near the port, where the flotilla's boats were located at the time of the incident, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.The group said that the British-flagged Alma sustained fire damage to its top deck and an investigation was underway.Several ambulances rushed to the port, while a Reuters witness reported coastguard boats near the Alma.The flotilla is supported by delegations from 44 countries, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese left-wing politician Mariana Mortagua.Israel has maintained the blockade on the coastal enclave since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007.Israel sealed off Gaza by land in early March, letting in no supplies for three months, leading to the widespread shortage of food. Israel has said Hamas was diverting the aid.Multiple rights experts and scholars say Israel's military assault on Gaza amounts to genocide.In June, Israeli naval forces boarded and seized a British-flagged yacht carrying Thunberg, among others. Israel dismissed the aid ship as a propaganda stunt in support of Hamas."These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza, and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred," the GSF said.

Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge and Al Faisal Publishing House have launched a new book titled "Hunting Memories: From a Necessity of Life to a Hobby's Delight" by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani.The book will be released on the margins of the 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S'hail 2025), organized by the Cultural Village Foundation -Katara from Sept. 10 to 14.The 446-page volume is divided into eight substantive chapters brimming with real-life stories and vivid recollections. It includes a rich archive of photographs that capture adventures, risks, rare moments, and amusing episodes, making it both a visual and literary chronicle of hunting life.The work distills the essence of Sheikh Faisal's human and heritage-driven experience in hunting and falconry expeditions that spanned Qatar's wilderness and extended across the globe.It documents the historical transformation of hunting from a survival necessity in the past to a present-day sport and recreational pursuit embraced by falconers and enthusiasts throughout Qatar and the Gulf.HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani stated that he sought to document in this book what he saw, heard, and lived across more than 100 hunting and falconry journeys at home and abroad, in order to preserve this enduring legacy for future generations and for all those interested in the Qatari communities, as well as the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula.His Excellency highlighted the nation's sustained efforts to preserve heritage through numerous institutions, initiatives, and exhibitions. He stressed that launching the book at this renowned exhibition reflects Qatar's mission and stature as a prominent regional and international destination for hunting and falconry enthusiasts.He applauded the organizers for maintaining the exhibition's standing until it evolved into a global platform bringing together falconers, hobbyists, and experts from around the world under one roof.The record turnout at this event across all age groups, particularly among young people and children, was a driving force behind the book's conception. He underlined that hunting has always been, and remains, a school of patience, responsibility, and self-reliance, and a cornerstone of Qatari and Gulf identity.His Excellency expressed hope that the book would serve as a reference for future generations and contribute to human knowledge, encapsulating the balance Qatar has achieved, with both leadership and people, between embracing modernity and opening the aperture of engagement with the world, while safeguarding its heritage through the timeless practice of hunting, passed down faithfully from one generation to the next.

Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge, in collaboration with Al Faisal Publishing, will launch a new book by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani entitled “Memories of Falconry: From Survival Necessity to Hobbyist Pleasure.” The launch will take place during the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025), held at Katara Cultural Village from September 10 to 14. The book presents Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim’s rich personal and cultural journey across more than 100 falconry expeditions in Qatar and abroad. It documents the historic transformation of falconry—from a vital means of survival in the past, when people relied on trained falcons and Saluki dogs to hunt houbara, rabbits, and gazelles, to today’s pursuit of sport, leisure, and tradition cherished by falconers and enthusiasts across Qatar and the wider Gulf region. “I sought in this book to record what I have witnessed, heard, and lived through in over a hundred falconry journeys within and beyond Qatar, with the aim of preserving this authentic heritage for future generations, as well as for all those interested in the culture of Qatar, the Gulf, and the Arabian Peninsula,” said Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim. He praised the efforts of the State, under the guidance of its wise leadership, in safeguarding national heritage through numerous institutions, initiatives, and exhibitions. “Launching the book during S’hail aligns perfectly with the exhibition’s mission and its status as a leading regional and international destination for falconry and hunting enthusiasts,” he added, commending the organizers for elevating S’hail into a “global platform that brings together falconers, hobbyists, and experts from around the world under one roof.” Sheikh Faisal further emphasized that the strong turnout and enthusiasm S’hail receives from all generations, especially young people, inspired the creation of this book. “Falconry has always been, and continues to be, a school of patience, responsibility, and self-reliance—an enduring pillar of Qatari and Gulf identity,” he noted. The 446-page volume is structured into eight main chapters, each rich with real-life stories and vivid recollections. These include “A Day in the recent Falconry Expedition,” “Men and Falcons – Sons of Nature,” “Falconry of the Old Days,” “The Sport of Kings and Princes,” “Falconry: A School of Manhood,” “Perilous Expeditions,” and “Hunting to the Rhythm of Shellfire.” Alongside its storytelling, the book is illustrated with a rare archival collection of photographs capturing adventures, challenges, humorous encounters, and unique moments, making it both a visual and written chronicle of falconry life. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim expressed his hope that the book will serve as a lasting reference for future generations. He added that he aspires for it to contribute, even in a modest way, to enriching human knowledge of the balance that Qatar—through its leadership and people—has achieved between embracing modernity and global openness while preserving its cultural heritage, particularly through the living tradition of falconry handed down across generations.

Oil prices climbed in early trade on Monday, trimming some of last week's losses, after OPEC+ agreed to slow the pace of output increases from October amid expectations of weaker global demand. Brent Crude gained 34 cents, or 0.5%, to $65.84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 30 cents, or 0.5%, to $62.17 a barrel. Both benchmarks fell more than 2% on Friday as a weak US jobs report dimmed the outlook for energy demand. They lost more than 3% last week. Under the new OPEC+ decision, eight member countries will lift production by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting in October, far below the monthly increases of about 555,000 bpd for September and August, and 411,000 bpd in July and June.

Despite the challenges posed by higher US tariff rates, the global economy will remain largely resilient against the uncertainty and the disruptions in global trade flows, according to QNB.At the beginning of the year, the global outlook pointed to steady economic growth, against a backdrop of cautious optimism. Tailwinds included the policy rate cutting cycles by major central banks, resilient growth of the US economy, cyclical recoveries in China and the Euro Area, and constructive overall investor sentiment, QNB noted in an economic commentary.Growth in both Advanced Economies (AE) and Developing Economies (DE) was initially expected to remain unchanged compared to last year, adding up to a world economic expansion rate of 3.3%.But the optimistic tone began to shift as the new US administration embarked on an aggressive agenda of policy change, with sweeping implications for the global macroeconomic landscape.On April 2, a day that came to be known as “Liberation Day,” President Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline levy on all imports, and higher rates on selected countries.Financial markets reacted sharply to the announcements, with global stocks tumbling on fears of broader and deeper trade wars, as well as tainted policy credibility.The outlook narrative then debated the odds of a world recession. At its worst moment, growth expectations for the global economy dropped from the recent peak by 0.5 percentage point (p.p.) to 2.8%, a significant downgrade in a very short period of time.Since then, asset prices have recovered, with key indices reaching new highs, as the more negative trade-war scenarios were ruled out, AI-driven growth tailwinds regained the spotlight, and corporate profits remained robust.According to QNB, growth expectations have stabilised and even slightly recovered. The group of AE, which represents 40% of the world economy, is now expected to grow 1.5% this year, from a low of 1.4%.More significantly, after falling 0.5 p.p. to 3.7%, expectations for growth in the Developing Economies (DE) climbed to 4.1%, re-gaining most of the previous losses.Thus, recovering growth projections across the AE and DE groups are contributing to improving the outlook for global economic growth, which is expected to reach 3%.In QNB’s view, despite the challenges posed by higher US tariff rates, the global economy will remain largely resilient against the uncertainty and the disruptions in global trade flows.QNB has discussed two key factors that support its view of an improving global economic outlook.First, the US administration has concluded a first set of negotiations, which helped moderate uncertainty and discard the most extreme negative scenarios. The initially unyielding position of President Trump shifted towards pragmatism as deals were reached with the UK, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the EU, among others, narrowing the range of potential tariff rates for the rest of the world. Furthermore, even as the US has become more protectionist, the rest of the world is largely continuing to move in the opposite direction.From the European Union (EU) to Asia and Latin America, most major economies continue to view trade as essential to their growth models, and are actively pursuing deeper integration via new or deeper trade agreements. Even as the world adjusts to a more protectionist US, the outlook on global trade has improved, contributing to a less pessimistic growth scenario.Second, monetary policy easing cycles by major central banks will contribute to improve overall financial conditions and the stability of the global economy. Bringing inflation under control has allowed the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB), the two most important central banks in the AE, to start their interest rate cutting cycles.In the US, the Federal Reserve is set to cut its policy interest rate by 125 basis points over the next year, while the ECB could implement one more cut, bringing its benchmark rate to 1.75%. Stock markets have staged a notable recovery backed by resilient corporate earnings, while corporate credit spreads are narrowing, signalling improved market sentiment and easier credit for firms.The Financial Conditions Index (FCI) provides an informative summary of the overall state of markets, and is signalling that improving conditions are reducing borrowing costs for households and business, adding support to consumption and investment.“All in all, the global outlook initially deteriorated sharply after the US tariff announcements, but pessimism has gradually subsided on the back of improving prospects for international trade and better financial conditions supporting consumption and investment, leading to a broad based upgrade of performance expected across the AE and the DE,” QNB added.

QNB announced a significant partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to support the Tasmu Accelerator, an annual initiative launched to support global startups in introducing innovative solutions that contribute to Qatar’s transformation into a smart nation.The initiative focuses on strategic sectors such as healthcare, transportation and logistics, environment, financial services, and smart cities, aligning with Qatar’s long-term development objectives.As part of this partnership, QNB has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering innovation and fostering sustainable growth by supporting startups that drive digital transformation and technological progress in Qatar.Khalid Ahmed al-Sada, Senior Executive Vice-President, QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking, said:“Our sponsorship of the Tasmu Accelerator reflects QNB’s strong belief in the power of innovation and technology as key drivers of Qatar’s sustainable future. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs through this programme, we are contributing to Qatar’s Vision of becoming a Smart Nation and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in the country’s digital transformation journey.”Commenting on the partnership, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated: “Our partnership with QNB reflects our mutual commitment to building a more diversified and sustainable economy by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.“Through this co-operation, we aim to empower startups and emerging companies with the tools and opportunities needed to grow, while enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This also aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and supports the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.This initiative comes as part of QNB’s broader strategy to support the nation’s economic diversification and digital innovation goals in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

HE Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor al-Thani met with a delegation from Meta led by Head of Service Industries for the Middle East and Africa Joachim Marciano.Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening co-operation to develop national talent, on the sidelines of a training programme organised by the GCO on digital advertising strategies in collaboration with leading global digital platforms.

Designer Giorgio Armani, who helped to put Italy at the forefront of global fashion and dressed Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 91, the company that he founded and led for five decades said Thursday. Armani combined the flair of a designer with business acumen as he directed a company generating some €2.3bn ($2.7bn) in annual turnover.The designer had been unwell for some time and was forced to drop out of his group's shows at Milan's Men's Fashion Week in June, the first time he had missed one of his catwalk events.

HE the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani met Global Finance & Technology Network Group Chief Executive Officer Sopnendu Mohanty in Doha Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in global finance and investment.

HE Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani met with a delegation from Meta led by Head of Service Industries for the Middle East and Africa Joachim Marciano.Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to develop national talent, on the sidelines of a training program organised by the GCO on digital advertising strategies in collaboration with leading global digital platforms.