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Minister of Interior of Syria, Eng Anas Khattab, visited the National Command Center (NCC) as part of his official visit to Doha. He and his accompanying delegation were received by HE Assistant Undersecretary for Technical and Specialized Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, Staff Major General Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Suwaidi.During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the latest technologies and systems in use at the centre.The visit comes within the framework of exchanging expertise and strengthening bilateral co-operation between the two Ministries of Interior, in a way that contributes to advancing joint security efforts.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen co-operation in labour affairs and human resource development, marking a significant step in enhancing coordination and partnership between the two Gulf nations.The agreement was signed by Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, and UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dr Abdulrahman Abdulmannan al-Awar.The signing forms part of Qatar’s strategic co-operation with governments and international organisations in the labour sector. It aims to enhance collaboration, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and promote best international practices in workforce development.Under the agreement, both parties will implement joint initiatives covering labour legislation and the regulation of employment relations, including recruitment policies, working conditions, occupational safety and health, and dispute resolution. The co-operation also encompasses systems for registering and employing job seekers, as well as programmes for training, upskilling, and requalifying the national workforce.The agreement will facilitate field visits to study best practices and exchange expertise in human resource development. It will also support joint labour-sector initiatives and enable the sharing of labour market data, publications, and the latest legislative developments.

The Investment and Trade Court has signed a cooperation agreement with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), aimed at strengthening partnership and exchanging expertise in the field of intellectual property rights protection.The agreement was signed by President of the Investment and Trade Court Judge Khalid bin Ali al-Obaidli and Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center Ignacio De Castro Llamas, in the presence of Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Abdulbasit al-Ajji, along with a number of judges and court officials.The agreement focuses on supporting the development of an advanced judicial environment capable of keeping pace with best international practices, thereby enhancing the court’s role in protecting intellectual property rights and improving the investment climate in the State of Qatar.Al-Obaidli stated that the agreement reflects the Investment and Trade Court’s commitment to engaging with leading international institutions and benefiting from their expertise, which strengthens Qatar’s position as a developed centre for intellectual property protection and the resolution of commercial and investment disputes.Following the signing, the WIPO delegation toured the court’s facilities, where they were briefed on its various departments and the mechanisms it employs to adjudicate commercial and investment cases.They praised the advanced capabilities and infrastructure they observed, which reflect the court’s status as a pioneering judicial institution both locally and internationally.

Hundreds killed in Sweida bloodshed in JulySuspects filmed several killingsSome later confessed, committee saysDruze deaths spark calls for justiceSyria has interrogated and detained members of its defence and interior ministries suspected of committing abuses against civilians in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida in July, the committee investigating the violence has said.Hundreds of people were killed in Sweida in violence that began between tribes and Druze factions but which worsened after Syrian troops were dispatched to the area. Bereaved relatives accused government forces of committing execution-style killings on camera.Syria appointed a committee to investigate the violence on July 31. Its spokesperson Ammar Izzedin told Syrian and regional media outlets on Tuesday night that members of both the interior and defence ministries had been questioned and referred to the judiciary over their suspected involvement in abuses.Izzedin declined to say how many personnel were detained, but said they were Syrian nationals who carried out the atrocities in an individual capacity.He told regional broadcaster Al-Hadath the committee had confronted the suspects with "the video footage in which they were seen" committing abuses without specifying what they were.Izzedin said the footage was "enough" as evidence since the fighters had filmed themselves, but that several had also confessed to committing the abuses after being shown the videos."They were detained by the interior and defence ministries to be transferred to the judiciary when the investigations are concluded to be publicly tried for the crimes they committed against Syrians," Izzedin said.He told local outlet Syria TV that the committee was keen to act swiftly to arrest the suspects even as it continued its investigative work. He did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for additional comment.Amnesty International urged Syrian authorities on Tuesday to hold members of government forces accountable for extrajudicial executions of Druze men and women on July 15 and 16 in Sweida.In March, Syria's military was accused of mass killings of members of the Alawite minority, to which much of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's ruling elite belonged.A Syrian government fact-finding committee said in July that 1,426 people had died in March in attacks on security forces and subsequent mass killings of Alawites, but concluded that commanders had not given orders for the revenge attacks.It said 298 suspects were linked to violations against Alawites and 265 involved in the initial attack on security forces, and said they had been referred to the judiciary.

Beyond the TarmacAn improvement in both passenger and cargo volumes in the global air transport industry during July suggests renewed economic momentum, stronger global trade, and growing travel demand clear signs of resilience and confidence in the global air transport sector.Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 4% in July compared to the same period in 2024.Similarly, total demand in global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.5% in July compared to July 2024 levels.Industry analysts see increased passenger and cargo activity in July reflecting restored international mobility, expansion of route networks, and better global connectivity between markets.In the passenger segment, the July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).International demand rose 5.3% in July compared to July, 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).Domestic demand increased 1.8% in July compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity was up 2.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).In the global air cargo segment, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024 (+4.5% for international operations).IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year.“A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US 'de minimis' exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.“While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”According to IATA, several factors in the operating environment should be noted.First, the global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June.The July jet fuel price was 9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.Global manufacturing contracted in July with the PMI falling to 49.66, the second dip below the 50-mark growth threshold since January.Also, new export orders also remained negative at 48.2 for the fourth month, reflecting waning confidence amid US trade policy uncertainty.“It has been a good northern summer season for airlines. Momentum has grown over the peak season with July demand reaching 4% growth. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July. Moreover, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months,” Walsh noted.Rising cargo volumes typically reflect growth in international trade, manufacturing, and supply chain demand. Passenger growth points to higher consumer confidence, business travel recovery, and robust tourism.July is usually a peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, but stronger-than-usual growth suggests that the industry may be moving beyond past slowdowns triggered by pandemic aftereffects, geopolitical disruptions, or supply chain constraints.Sustained improvements in both segments signal that stakeholders (governments, investors, airports, and logistics firms) see the industry on a stable growth trajectory, supporting investment and fleet expansion.Clearly, the improvement in passenger and cargo volumes in July highlights a rebound in the global air transport industry. Higher passenger traffic reflects strong travel demand, while increased cargo volumes point to healthy global trade flows.The dual rise in passengers and cargo confirms that the industry is on a path of resilience and long-term growth, supported by both consumer demand and global economic activity.Together, they indicate renewed economic momentum, rising consumer and business confidence, and a continued recovery in international connectivity.

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 State of Qatar participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Economic and Social Council in its regular 116th session, which was held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in the Arab Republic of Egypt.Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Saud bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.The agenda of this session included a number of important items, such as the economic and social file of the Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level (35), the latest developments regarding the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, and progress on the Arab Customs Union.The meeting also included discussions on the Arab platform for small and medium-sized enterprises, support for the Palestinian economy, as well as the unified Arab statement for the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.In addition, the session addressed matters related to Arab organisations and institutions of joint Arab action, investment in Arab countries, and sustainable development, along with the follow-up on the implementation of the resolutions from the 115th session of the Economic and Social Council, as well as other economic and social topics included on the agenda.Qatar's participation comes within the framework of its commitment to strengthening joint Arab economic and social cooperation, supporting efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development, and deepening integration among Arab countries across various areas of mutual interest.

The Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (Goic), in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), is currently implementing a project that aims to develop a mechanism to connect factories with research and development centres and universities in Qatar.In this regard, the Qatar Chamber’s (QC) industry committee recently held a meeting with Goic and reviewed the progress of the system, which could go a long way in enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of Qatar’s manufacturing sector.Describing the project as one of the key initiatives of the National Strategy for Manufacturing Industries 2023–30; Abdul Kareem al-Rashid, Strategic Planning Advisor at Goic, said the linkage targets six priority industrial sectors in Qatar: plastics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, basic metal, and building materials. "The mechanism will be piloted in one of the factories operating within these sectors, in collaboration with a research centre, to jointly address a specific challenge," he said, adding one of the most significant expected outcomes of the project is the establishment of a practical and proven mechanism for sustainable co-operation between industry and research centres in Qatar.He also said the project seeks to raise awareness among factories about the importance of collaborating with research and development centres, while strengthening the overall innovation ecosystem that supports industrial development in the country.Abdulrahman bin Abdullah al-Ansari, QC board member, who chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of the project for Qatari factories operating in several vital sectors. Despite Qatar’s remarkable progress in scientific research, development, and innovation, he said "there is still no clear mechanism to connect factories with research and development centres or universities." He affirmed the QC's preparedness to cooperate with Goic and all relevant entities in matters related to coordinating with Qatari factories, whether through direct communication with them or by identifying the obstacles they encounter.He further emphasised the chamber’s commitment to supporting Goic during the pilot testing phase of the proposed mechanism.

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.

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)

Qatar Charity (QC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, aiming to co-operate and co-ordinate on providing many services to workers in Qatar, meeting their humanitarian needs, and improving their quality of life.The agreement was signed by Faisal Rashid al-Fahida, assistant CEO for Programmes and Community Development at QC, and Kholoud Saif al-Kubaisi, executive director of the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, in the presence of officials from both parties.The MoU stipulates co-operation between the two parties to help humanitarian cases involving workers, propose joint projects for their benefit, and exchange consultations and information related to these cases, projects, and initiatives. These initiatives will provide appropriate services and support to workers, with the aim of creating a stimulating environment for them.In a statement on the sidelines of the signing of the agreement, al-Fahida said: “This agreement is not merely a joint framework, but rather a practical embodiment of Qatar Charity’s deep and ongoing commitment to workers, who constitute an integral part of the fabric of our society and represent a fundamental pillar in the growth and development of Qatar.”He added that, through this partnership with the Fund, QC seeks to achieve a qualitative leap in the level of services provided to workers and to intensify co-ordination with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate support in various fields.Kholoud al-Kubaisi stated that the MoU embodies a distinctive model of effective partnership between national institutions and leading humanitarian organisations in Qatar.The MoU represents a framework for co-operation in providing humanitarian services and social support for workers. It includes helping deserving cases, implementing joint projects that address their needs, and exchanging expertise and information to enhance work efficiency and ensure the achievement of desired results, the Fund official said.She also thanked QC for its constructive co-operation, as well as to all those who contributed to the preparation of the MoU, hoping that it would mark the beginning of a new journey of joint achievements that serve both workers and society.