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Weak oil and the US Fed rate uncertainty continued to have influence on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) with its key index losing as much as 46 points.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.43% to 10,800.54 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,867 points.The industrials, insurance, banks and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 2.17%.About 59% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.81bn or 0.59% to QR646.15bn, mainly on midcap segments.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 0.04mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.11mn trade across 17 deals.Weakened net buying of domestic funds Gulf retail investors had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.17mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.74bn trade across one deal.The Total Return Index shed 0.43%, the All Share Index by 0.49% and the All Islamic Index by 0.29% in the main market.The industrials sector index shrank 0.94%, insurance (0.79%), banks and financial services (0.64%) and realty (0.63%); while telecom gained 0.84%, transport (0.32%) and consumer goods and services (0.18%).As many as 31 stocks declined, while 18 gained and four were unchanged.Major shakers in the main market include Widam Food, Ezdan, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar Oman Investment, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatar National Cement and Gulf Warehousing. Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Vodafone Qatar, Doha Bank, Medicare Group, Qamco, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance and Nakilat were among the gainers in the main bourse.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased significantly to QR54.44mn compared to QR38.31mn on Sunday.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.75mn against net buyers of QR1.36mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined noticeably to QR7.76mn compared to QR12.64mn on November 16.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened markedly to QR2.29mn against QR4.39mn on Sunday.However, the local retail investors’ net buying expanded substantially to QR36.66mn compared to QR20.98mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR7.62mn against net sellers of QR4.25mn on November 16.The Arab individual investors’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR2.86mn compared to QR2.38mn on Sunday.The Arab funds had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.83mn the previous day.The main market saw 44% jump in trade volumes to 119.5mn shares and 71% in value to QR373.03mn on more than doubled deals to 33,531.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.07mn changed hands across 13 transactions.

Indicating the increased use of electronic means in the financial sector, Qatar saw a total of 59.95mn transactions valued at QR18.47bn through the country's payment system in October 2025 as the domestic real time payment service Fawran reported a robust double-digit growth in volumes and value, according to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) data.The number of transactions and total value grew 8.84% and 10.73% month-on-month respectively in October 2025, the QCB said in its social media handle X.The Qatar Payment System (QPS) is designed on the concept of real-time gross settlement (RTGS) and electronic straight through processing (e-STP).The point-of-sales constituted 50% of the payment system transaction, followed by e-commerce 25%, Fawran or instant payment system at 24% and QMP at 1% in the review period.There were 46.03mn card transactions through point-of-sales – which enables merchants to process payments and log transactions – valued at QR9.19bn in October 2025. The card transactions increased 8.48% and 8.63% month-on-month in volume and value respectively.The e-commerce transactions witnessed as many as 10.82mn transactions valued at QR4.44bn in the review period. The number of transactions and their total value jumped 7.23% and 4.96% respectively compared with September 2025.The point-of-sales and e-commerce together amounted to QR13.63bn through 56.85mn transactions this October, which showed 8.24% and 7.41% surge in volume and value respectively on a monthly basis.Fawran – a real-time payment service in Qatar, allowing users to send and receive money instantly and securely within the country – registered as many as 2.68mn transactions valued at QR4.56bn in October 2025, shooting up 21.27% and 23.58% month-on-month respectively.The total number of Fawran accounts registered a 1.77% month-on-month growth to 3.45mn in the review period.Fawran was launched in 2024 and system members are QNB, Commercial Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahli Bank, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank, QIIB and AlRayan Bank.QMP – which allows immediate transfer of funds between registered customers through any registered payment service providers – saw as many as 421,491 transactions valued at QR289.42mn in October 2025. While total number of transactions zoomed 17.26%, total value was down 1.77% against September 2025 levels.There has been a total of 1.22mn registered wallets in the review period, registering a marginal 0.83% increase on a monthly basis.The QMP is a centralised payment system that was launched in 2020, to enable individuals and corporates to perform instant fund transfers between e-wallets within payment service providers in Qatar.The system members are QNB, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahli Bank, QIIB, Arab Bank, HSBC Qatar, AlRayan Bank, Dukhan Bank, i-pay and Ooredoo Money.The QPS is based on the SWIFT network and messages standards and utilises the SWIFT messages to reconcile and settle the local payments and securities ownership transfers.Qatar's retail payment system comprise electronic cheque clearing system; national network system for ATMS and Points of Sales (NAPS); QMP; direct deposit and debit (QATCH); electronic payment gateway (QPay); wage protection system (WPS); and Fawran.

The Doha Film Festival, taking place from Nov. 20-28, announced that this year's edition will offer families an immersive cinematic experience featuring engaging film screenings for audiences of all ages.The festival will present family-friendly outdoor screenings and cine-concerts for children aged three and above, providing audiences with an exceptional blend of enjoyment and inspiration. From time-travel adventures to family stories and environmental tales, the program reflects the Doha Film Institute's commitment to expanding the creativity and knowledge of young generations and fostering global cultural understanding.Festival Director and CEO of DFI, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "Community and the special moments we hope to inspire is at the heart of Doha Film Festival. Family-friendly programming has always been a priority in our mission at DFI because we believe in the important influence of cinema from a young age. These unique screenings create opportunities for families to discover powerful stories that will spark curiosity and creativity, and strengthen connection across generations".The festival's family-oriented events include Cinema Under the Stars, featuring outdoor screenings at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, and Cinema by the Sea, offering seaside screenings at West Bay Beach. The Bariq Shorts Program and the Cine-Concert: Wonderful Explorations, held at Katara Building 16, combine animation with live music to deliver a rich, multisensory experience.The outdoor screenings program includes Time Hoppers: The Silk Road (Canada), directed by Flordeliza Dayrit, a 3D animated time-travel adventure about four gifted children who journey along the historic Silk Road to save great scientists from an evil alchemist; Home (USA), directed by Tim Johnson, which tells the story of "Oh", a lovable alien who escapes to Earth and befriends a young girl searching for her displaced mother; and Monkey King: Hero Is Back (China/United Kingdom), directed by Xiaopeng Tian, following the legendary Monkey King-imprisoned for 500 years-who must save an innocent village from the evil Mountain Lord after being freed by a child.The Bariq Shorts Programme features A Small Garden by the Window (South Korea), directed by Lee Jonghoon; Mojappi - It's Mine (Japan), directed by Nijitaro; Lena's Farm: Full Nest (Germany/Croatia), directed by Elena Walf; De-Sastre (Spain), directed by Tommaso Mangiacotti, Marolyn Ávila, Constanza Melio, Maria Antonieta Fernandez and Kuang Yi Lee; and MU (Germany), directed by Malin Neumann.The cine-concert event includes performances by Lisa Portelli, bringing to life four short films: Luce and the Rock (2022), Koong Flap Flap (2013), Moshi Moshi (2021), and Snowflakes and Carrots (2010).The festival is supported by key partners including Katara, Media City Qatar / Film Committee, and Visit Qatar, and will transform major Doha landmarks-including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art-into vibrant spaces of cultural exchange, uniting filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world.

His Excellency Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani met on Monday with Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Qatar, Vipul.During the meeting, they discussed media relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them.

The Shura Council held its weekly session on Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, chaired by His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. At the outset of the session, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read out the session's agenda, and the Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting. During the session, the Council reviewed a draft law on Owners' Association, referred by the esteemed government, and decided to refer it to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for further study and to submit its report on the matter. **media[382727]** The Council also reviewed the esteemed government's statement concerning the proposal submitted by the Shura Council on the situation of persons with disabilities, and referred the matter to the Social Affairs, Labor, and Housing Committee for study and to submit its findings. At the conclusion of the session, HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim briefed the Council on his participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), held last week in Islamabad, Pakistan. His Excellency noted that the conference discussed issues related to peace, security, and development, as well as the role of parliaments in supporting international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote intercultural dialogue His Excellency also highlighted his meetings with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, and the Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco, noting that discussions focused on parliamentary relations, prospects for strengthening them, and coordinating positions on the topics addressed during the conference. HE the Speaker additionally reviewed his participation in the 19th Meeting of Speakers of Legislative Councils of GCC States, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain last Thursday. He explained that the meeting underscored the importance of enhancing Gulf parliamentary cooperation, developing mechanisms for consultation and coordination, and supporting the integration process among GCC states. He further referred to his remarks emphasizing Gulf unity and shared destiny, noting that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain received the GCC legislative council speakers participating in the meeting, which reaffirmed support for joint Gulf parliamentary work and the development of coordination mechanisms to serve the best interests of the peoples of the GCC states.

Stars of Science, an initiative hosted at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, is marking its 17th season, celebrating its evolution from a televised competition into a leading scientific and creative movement that is helping shape the region's innovation ecosystem.Since its launch in 2009, the initiative has supported the development of 55 innovative projects and partnered with hundreds of educational institutions, inspiring thousands of young people to pursue their ideas. Its alumni now play an active role in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the sustainability of the region's innovation cycle.To date, 175 graduates from 18 Arab countries have produced impactful innovations in health technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and education.The winner of Season 17, Dr. Laid Dardabou of Algeria, exemplifies the program's legacy. His innovation, ViDa -- a smartwatch system that estimates Vitamin D levels and helps prevent related mental health symptoms -- secured top public votes and earned the judges' praise for its integration of biotechnology and emotional well-being.

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Monday will be hazy to misty at first at places, becoming moderate in temperature daytime with some clouds, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, the weather will be hazy and will see some clouds, the Meteorology Department added.Inshore winds will be variable, mainly northwesterly - northeasterly at 5 to 15 KT. Offshore, winds will be variable, mainly northerly to northwesterly at 8 to 18 KT.Sea state inshore will range between 2 and 3 feet, while offshore it will range between 1 and 3 feet.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4 and 10 km, or less at places at first. Offshore visibility will range between 5 and 10 km.

Qatar University (QU)’s Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) organised the International Conference on Advanced and Sustainable Materials (ICASM 2025), bringing together global leaders, researchers, industry experts, and students to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of materials science and sustainability. The event was officially opened by QU Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad, who highlighted the institution’s deep commitment to advancing sustainability and scientific excellence. “At QU, research is at the heart of our mission,” he said. “Through partnerships and innovation, we are translating scientific knowledge into real-world solutions addressing climate change, renewable energy, and resource sustainability.” Prof Erbad also announced the launch of QU’s Research Priorities 2025-2030, a framework guiding national research through five pillars; Health, Energy, Digital Technology, Resource Sustainability, and Society, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. **media[382711]** In his address, Director of CAM and Conference Chair Prof Mohammad R Irshidat, welcomed participants from over 40 countries and emphasised CAM’s pivotal role in advancing research in energy materials, nanotechnology, polymers, corrosion science, and environmental sustainability. He noted the remarkable response to the conference, which received 691 registrations and 346 abstracts and features 292 posters, 197 student oral presentations, and 197 oral presentation sessions, underscoring the vibrant engagement of the materials research community. **media[382712]** All accepted high-quality papers will be considered for publication in an international journal, Emergent Materials, further extending the conference’s scientific impact. ICASM 2025 will continue over the coming days with keynote lectures, technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and foster global partnerships in sustainable materials research.

Qatar Museums has opened two exhibitions as part of its 2025 Ruwad in Residence programme, at Fire Station Artist in Residence (AIR), featuring the work of two Qatar-based established artists. The first, titled "And Then, A Return," features Qatari artist Fatma al-Naimi, while the second, "What Remains to Be Seen," showcases Palestinian artist Dr Aissa Deebi. Both exhibitions will be on view until December 13. **media[382688]** Artist Fatma al-Naimi told the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the residency experience has been positive and enriching, allowing her to exchange experiences with participating artists, engage in dialogues about art, and participate in various activities at Fire Station's AIR, including cultural forums, lectures, and art exhibitions. She also highlighted the opportunity to utilise the open studio's diverse resources and techniques. **media[382689]** Al-Naimi explained that her year-long experience culminated in this exhibition, reflecting on personal moments, memories, and experiences, which she translated into artworks using various mediums, including printmaking, painting, and video art, employing diverse techniques and media. Palestinian visual artist Aissa Deebi, praised the excellence of the artist residency programme and its role in promoting creative and cultural work. He emphasised that it provides an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, research, and presenting artistic experiences to the public, especially given Qatar's ongoing artistic renaissance and its focus on the impact of art on building society and the national economy. He said his works in the exhibition are inspired by the circumstances of the aggression against Gaza and aim to highlight the role of art during times of war, fostering hope, and affirming the importance of creativity in strengthening Palestinian cultural identity. **media[382690]** Launched in 2021, Ruwad Residency supports and fosters dialogue between Qatar-based established and emerging artists. By providing time, space, and resources, the programme reinforces the Fire Station's role as a hub for artistic exchange and innovation. The residency also ensures the Fire Station's continued connection to local artists and creates meaningful exchanges through mentorship. Nominated by the Fire Station, Ruwad artists participate for up to two years, gaining access to studio space and the opportunity to engage with the wider community through public programmes such as talks and workshops.

Qatar Charity (QC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gambia’s Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare to strengthen co-operation in social protection, economic empowerment, and improving the quality of life for vulnerable groups. **media[382657]** The signing ceremony was attended by Fatou Sanyang Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare of Gambia; His Excellency Abdullah Jassim al-Kuwari, acting Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Qatar in Gambia; and Mustafa Essatte, director of QC’s office in Gambia, alongside senior officials and civil society representatives. The MoU was signed by Ilo Jallow, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, and Mustafa Essatte, director of QC’s office in Gambia. **media[382658]** Speaking at the event, Kinteh stressed the importance of this partnership, saying, “This co-operation represents a pivotal step in achieving the ministry’s goals of strengthening social protection for vulnerable groups, empowering women economically and socially, improving care services for children and the elderly, and supporting social inclusion programmes to raise living standards in rural communities. **media[382659]** “We believe that working hand-in-hand with QC will deliver a tangible and sustainable impact on the ground,” the Minister said, thanking the Embassy of Qatar, QC, and the people of Qatar for their continued support. **media[382660]** Al-Kuwari lauded the initiative, noting its role in advancing social development and economic empowerment in Gambia. Essatte said the MoU reflects a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, empowering women, and improving living standards. He stressed the importance of joint efforts for sustainable impact and thanked the Minister, the Qatari envoy, and the people of Qatar for their continued support. **media[382661]** The ceremony also marked the distribution of essential aid, including 200 kitchen sets, 320 solar-powered lamps, 69 blood pressure monitors, 19 sewing machines, 14 vegetable stalls, and four electric wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. Over the past three months, QC’s office in Gambia completed 28 solar-powered wells in 28 villages, benefiting about 8,400 people. The office also launched six sheep-farming projects and five poultry projects, distributed 62 sewing machines, set up 26 fruit and vegetable stalls, and provided three motorbikes, supporting 102 low-income families. Social and educational efforts included distributing 90 blood sugar monitors, 11 school bag and uniform provision projects, 15 bicycles for orphans, building a home for a mother of orphaned children, and constructing a mosque covering 80 sqm.

Market EyeReflecting the fading rate cut hopes in the US; the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Sunday saw as much as 83% of the constituents end in the red, resulting in more than 111 points plunge in the key index and more than QR6bn erosion in capitalisation.The Gulf institutions were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 1.01% to 10,846.84 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,955 points.The local individuals’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 2.61%.The foreign funds continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR6.37bn or 0.97% to QR649.46n, mainly on large and midcap segments.The domestic institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.08mn trade across 27 deals.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 1.01%, the All Share Index by 0.87% and the All Islamic Index by 1.28% in the main market.The telecom sector index plummeted 2.91%, industrials (1.56%), transport (1.48%), real estate (0.98%), consumer goods and services (0.61%) and banks and financial services (0.43%); while insurance gained 0.64%.As many as 44 stocks declined, while only five gained and four were unchanged.Major shakers in the main market include Vodafone Qatar, Ooredoo, Qatar Oman Investment, Industries Qatar, Baladna, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Meeza, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Barwa, Milaha, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Qatar Insurance, Commercial Bank, Ahlibank Qatar, Inma Holding and Al Khaleej Takaful were among the movers in the main bourse.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR4.25mn compared with net buyers of QR19.25mn the previous trading day.The local individual investors’ net buying declined substantially to QR20.98mn against QR40.82mn on November 13.However, the domestic institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR12.64mn compared with net sellers of QR16mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR4.39mn against QR2.4mn the previous trading day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR2.38mn compared to QR1.77mn on November 13.The foreign retail investors’ net buying rose markedly to QR1.36mn against QR0.65mn on Sunday.The Arab funds were seen net buyers to the tune of QR0.83mn compared with no major net exposure the previous trading day.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened significantly to QR38.31mn against QR48.99mn on November 13.The main market saw 33% contraction in trade volumes to 82.94mn shares, 42% in value to QR218.64mn and 33% in deals to 14,485.In the venture market, a total of 0.01mn equities valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across six transactions.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), inaugrated the awareness and educational exhibition accompanying the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The inaugration was attended by Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry Maha Zayed Qaqaa Al Ruwaili and Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs Omar Abdulaziz Al Naama. The exhibition aims to introduce students to the importance of combating corruption, promoting a culture of integrity, and highlighting the State of Qatar's efforts in supporting international initiatives in this field. It also seeks to encourage students to adopt positive behaviors that promote integrity in their school and community environments. Al Ruwaili confirmed that the exhibition will receive student visits from Nov. 16-20 at the Ministry's headquarters, with the aim of consolidating the values ​​of integrity and transparency among students, and supporting educational and awareness efforts that contribute to building a generation aware of issues of combating corruption and its impact on society and development. For his part, Director of the Planning, Quality and Innovation Department at ACTA Eid Al Hajri confirmed that organizing the exhibition comes in conjunction with Doha's hosting of the 11th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption. He noted that the conference, which Doha will host from Dec. 15-19, will bring together representatives from 192 member states, as well as UN bodies, regional organizations, civil society institutions, research centers, and private sector representatives. Al Hajri explained that hosting the conference, which is jointly organized by ACTA and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, is an international testament to the confidence in the State of Qatar's efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption. It also highlights the country's position as a center for international dialogue and development initiatives. He noted that this is not the first time Qatar has hostedthe conference, as it previously hosted the third session in 2009, which was the first session held in the Middle East region. He added that the conference is the most important global gathering held every two years for States Parties to the Convention, aimed at discussing global corruption-related challenges, reviewing efforts undertaken, and proposing practical solutions to enhance transparency and integrity.