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In celebration of the Arab Document Day, which falls on Oct 17 of each year, the National Archives of Qatar announced the organisation of a special event for this occasion. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct 16, at the Sheraton Grand Doha at 10am.The event will be attended by a select group of specialists, experts, representatives of Arab national institutions, academics, and those interested in the field of archives and documentation.The National Archives of Qatar has invited all interested parties, researchers, and the public to participate. This event falls within the framework of the National Archives of Qatar’s role in promoting Arab co-operation in the fields of archives and preservation of documentary heritage.It also stems from its chairmanship of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region, represented by Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, and underscores Qatar’s efforts to preserve national memory and support documentary projects with an Arab and regional dimension.In this regard, Dr al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar, stated: “This celebration affirms the importance of the document as a source of knowledge, a tool for protecting identity and documenting the development process, and an opportunity to exchange expertise and enhance co-operation between Arab documentary institutions.”The event will include a symposium titled ‘Manuscripts and Documents: Arab Memory in International Archives’, which highlights the reality of Arab manuscripts and documents in international archives and ways to enhance their presence and protection, within a vision that seeks to consolidate the position of the Arab document on the global scene. The Arab Document Day is an initiative launched by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) in 2001, with the aim of highlighting the importance of the document as a living memory of nations and a fundamental pillar in preserving Arab identity.The National Archives of Qatar is marking this occasion this year to affirm its commitment to its national role in preserving documentary heritage and enhancing its presence both regionally and internationally.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Qatar National Library (QNL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing co-operation in the fields of environmental and climate knowledge exchange. The MoU was signed in the presence of HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie. The initiative is part of the national efforts to promote environmental culture within the community and support the goals of sustainable development. The MoU was signed by MoECC Under-Secretary engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Mahmoud and QNL executive director Tan Huism in the presence of officials from both sides. The MoU, aside from supporting joint co-operation in organising community initiatives and events, also seeks to explore opportunities for developing educational and research content, exchanging educational and scientific materials, and collaborating in the areas of public relations, marketing, and joint promotion of programmes and projects. Under the MoU, the QNL will provide the MoECC with lists of available environmental books and references in all languages, as well as access to selected electronic resources for use within the library that is planned to be established at the ministry’s headquarters. The agreement includes organising orientation tours for ministry employees to introduce them to the QNL’s services and facilities. The MoU further provides for co-operation in capacity building through specialised workshops for MoECC employees on how to utilise the QNL’s printed and electronic resources. It covers the exchange of publications and the provision of technical consultations in the areas of restoration and digitisation of environmental manuscripts and documents, as well as preserving electronic copies of them. The QNL will also be given priority access to duplicate works available at the ministry. Al-Mahmoud stressed that the signing of the MoU with the QNL is an important step toward expanding institutional co-operation among national entities. He noted that this partnership contributes to documenting and disseminating environmental knowledge and enhancing scientific research that supports the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. The official said that the signing of the MoU comes at a time when environmental challenges are increasing both locally and globally, reflecting Qatar’s firm commitment to supporting environmental culture and sustainable development efforts. He affirmed that through this partnership, the MoECC seeks to make knowledge and experience exchange a central pillar of co-operation with the QNL, in order to develop research capabilities and foster innovation in environmental fields.

A national strike over a government savings plan grounded flights and disrupted public transport in Belgium on Tuesday, with tens of thousands expected to join a demonstration in Brussels.Brussels airport -- Belgium's largest -- cancelled all departures as security workers downed their tools. Charleroi Airport, a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair, said it could not operate any flights due to lack of staff.The strike is the last in a series to hit the European country since Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever took office as prime minister in February.Grappling with a budget deficit whose size violates European Union rules, the government is looking to reform pensions and make other savings that have infuriated trade unions."This government promised more sustainable jobs and increased purchasing power. Hot air! And once again, everyone is paying, except the rich," trade union CSC said, calling on people to take to the streets in protest.Unions expect tens of thousands to join a rally in Brussels on Wednesday, as delays and cancellations also hit the capital's metro, tram, and bus services.Police in the capital advised citizens to avoid some central areas and travel by car.The protest action will increase pressure on De Wever's coalition government, which on Monday failed to agree on a budget, forcing the prime minister to postpone a key speech to parliament scheduled for Tuesday.Trade unions have mounted strong opposition against planned reforms including cutting early retirement and a wage indexation freeze.As it looks to find about 10 billion euros ($12 billion) in savings, Brussels -- long a laggard -- has also pledged to ramp up spending on defence as part of a NATO push to boost rearmament.De Wever came to power after lengthy coalition talks following Belgium's federal elections in June last year.

The ambassador of Spain to Qatar Dr Alvaro Renedo Zalba is joined by HE the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani and HE the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Secretary-General Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi in cutting a ceremonial cake at a reception Sunday in Doha to mark the National Day of Spain. With them are MoFA Department of Protocol director ambassador Ibrahim Fakro and the Diplomatic Corps’ dean and Eritrean ambassador Ali Ibrahim Ahmed.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Dr. Pedro Sanchez, on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the King Felipe VI of Spain, on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the King Felipe VI of Spain, on the occasion of his country's National Day.

The ‘Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change’ (QNDCC 2025) brought together technical experts to tackle climate challenges and turn commitments into action through knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The event, co-hosted by The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development and Qatar Foundation’s Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, featured conversations that addressed an array of topics, from exploring pathways for a thriving blue economy, sustainable finance, to adaptation.Supported by QNB, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Media City Qatar, the event also covered wide-ranging engagements and discussions during this year’s edition. “It was a privilege to deliver the keynote address at QNDCC 2025 on behalf of the Al-Attiyah Foundation. This important event serves as a vital platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to exchange ideas and accelerate action on climate and energy transition.“Under the leadership of HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, the foundation remains steadfast in promoting dialogue and collaboration that support a more sustainable and resilient global future,” said Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, board member of the Al-Attiyah Foundation and former Minister of Energy and Industry.Justin Mundy, chair of Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate change as a scientific, not political, challenge. “Climate change is extremely important. This is not a political issue; this is a scientific issue, because physics, chemistry, and biology tell us that the planet is warming. We are not only doing this for future generations; we must do more for our present generation. The time to act is now,” he said.QNB, as a Strategic Partner of QNDCC 2025, reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Qatar's efforts in addressing environmental challenges and advancing the transition toward a more sustainable future. Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, director-general of QFFD, underscored the critical importance of collective action in addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change.He said, “Our partnership with Earthna, as the Sustainable Development Partner of QNDCC 2025, reflects QFFD’s steadfast commitment to fostering regional and multilateral co-operation and to advancing climate resilience through inclusive dialogue and the exchange of knowledge and best practices.“Climate change remains a pressing development challenge, and we remain committed to catalysing innovative solutions to build a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.”QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani said, “The Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change provides a vital platform to exchange insights and reinforce collaboration and expertise exchange toward a more sustainable future.“At QFZ, sustainability is a core pillar of our development strategy. We are embedding green technologies, resource-efficient facilities, and low-emission models across our zones and investment projects to ensure that investment and innovation go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.”Engineer Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: “Supporting the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change reflects Media City Qatar’s commitment to advancing dialogue on sustainability through the power of media and innovation.”He added: “Our new headquarters in Msheireb Downtown Doha, spanning 23,000sq m across four LEED Gold-certified buildings, embodies this vision, serving as a digital-first and energy-efficient space designed for creativity and connection.“At Media City Qatar, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of content creators, digital publishers, and innovators who can raise awareness and inspire collective action toward a more sustainable world.”

The Qatar National Library (QNL) organised a panel discussion on Tuesday that brought together scholars to explore the often overlooked yet vital role women have played in shaping cultural and social ties amid some of the Islamic world’s most significant upheavals.Held under the theme of Women in Al Andalus and Palestine: From Marginalisation to Influence, the panel featured Dr Fadwa al-Haziti, professor of higher education at Hassan II University in Casablanca and an expert in cross-cultural and post-colonial studies, and Dr Basma Dajani, professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Jordan, renowned for her research on women patrons in Arab-Islamic civilisation.The panel explored how women cultivated values of steadfastness and sacrifice, emerging as pillars of resistance and guardians of collective memory despite enduring displacement, marginalisation, and loss."The seminar focuses on Arab and Muslim women throughout history with particular emphasis on the experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women,” said Dr al-Haziti.“Our nation has faced challenges throughout its history similar to those we face today, such as the post-Andalusian period,” she continued. “This discussion aims to highlight the reality of Palestinian women, affirm their right to preserve their memory and identity, and shed light on their suffering under occupation, including violence, siege, famine, and genocide.""Invoking Andalusia in the context of Palestine is not about making comparisons, but about reflection and broadening perspectives,” Dr al-Haziti stressed. “From this perspective, we explore the shared experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women, with a focus on their influence and marginalisation.”"The primary goal of this gathering is to reinforce awareness of the Palestinian cause, not only in terms of supporting the Palestinian people, but also recognizing that Palestine’s struggle is central to the Arab and Islamic world," she added."At a time when moral values are eroding, Gaza, with its women and children, serves as a moral compass, reminding us that belief in truth, commitment to homeland, and preservation of dignity are at the core of our humanity,” said Dr Dajani. “When dignity is stripped away, life itself loses its justification.”"Thus, revisiting pivotal moments in our Arab-Islamic history is not a retreat into the past, but a call for resilience, collective action, and cultural responsibility to confront the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine and to ensure that humanity and dignity remain at the forefront of global consciousness," she added."At the QNL, we are committed to preserving and disseminating our cultural heritage,” said QNL engagement specialist Ikhlas Ahmed. “This panel sheds essential light on the profound contributions of women in bridging cultures and preserving identity across the Arab world. Their central role in the social fabric of our region underscores the vital impact women have on society."

HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim conferred with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Professor Numan Kurtulmus, on the sidelines of the Global Parliamentary Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism, hosted by Istanbul. During the meeting, the Speaker of the Turkish National Assembly expressed his condemnation of the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar on September 9, considering it a form of state terrorism. He emphasized that targeting a safe civilian site in Doha represents a flagrant violation of international law and diplomatic norms. For his part, HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim emphasised the importance of activating the working mechanisms of the parliamentary group in support of Palestine, in light of current developments. He called for more countries from South America, Asia, and Europe to join this group, contributing to unifying parliamentary positions on the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and Israeli threats to the region. He also highlighted that a just and lasting solution is based on implementing the two-state solution and guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council appreciated the distinguished fraternal relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye, stressing the Shura Council's commitment to continuing coordination and joint action to serve just causes and strengthen Arab and Islamic solidarity. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the existing parliamentary cooperation between the Shura Council and the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, and ways to enhance them to serve common interests. They also discussed prospects for parliamentary coordination in regional and international forums, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and supporting humanitarian efforts to enhance international peace and security. They stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, and unifying Arab and Islamic parliamentary positions in the face of Israeli aggression. HE Al Ghanim met with Head of Special Projects and Innovation Branch of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Guadalupe Megre. The meeting reviewed areas of cooperation between the Shura Council and the UNOCT, particularly with regard to enhancing parliamentary participation in counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism efforts, and joint coordination in implementing programs and initiatives organized by the Office for Parliamentary Participation in Doha. The two sides also discussed ways to develop international parliamentary partnerships in capacity building and exchange of expertise, which would contribute to unifying global efforts to combat terrorism and support international peace and security.

More than 100 experts and specialists from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), along with national ministries and agencies, took part in a five-day workshop recently organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Qatar, in collaboration with the MoPH. The workshop focused on the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) provides a comprehensive framework to ensure Qatar’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to health threats, ranging from outbreaks of infectious diseases to chemical, biological and radiological hazards. The workshop brought together representatives from government bodies, healthcare providers, academia, civil society and partner organisations with the aim of strengthening Qatar’s capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.Participants actively engaged in discussions and technical activities with experts from the WHO Health Emergencies Programme at both the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and WHO headquarters. The sessions focused on assessing current capacities, identifying key priority gaps and developing a comprehensive national plan for health security.Director of the Health Emergency Department at MoPH, Dr Soha Albayat, stated: “The workshop reflects Qatar’s commitment to the International Health Regulations and to ensuring the highest standards of health security and well being. It represents a key step in the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security.”For her part, WHO Representative in Qatar, Dr Rayana Bou Haka, also emphasised the importance of the workshop, saying: “Health security is one of the top priorities of the WHO partnership with Qatar. This workshop marks an important milestone in our joint efforts to develop and enhance Qatar’s advanced preparedness and response capacities.”Through this workshop, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national health security while contributing to regional and international efforts to protect communities from emerging threats.The workshop concluded with an agreed set of actions to strengthen inter-sectoral co-ordination, build technical and operational capacities, and ensure the sustainability of long-term efforts to enhance health security across all sectors.The outcomes of the workshop will guide the next phase of implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), in alignment with Qatar’s National Health Strategy (NHS) and the WHO’s priorities for emergency preparedness and response.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has stepped down just weeks after taking office. The French Presidency said in a statement on Monday that President Emmanuel Macron has accepted Lecornu's resignation. Lecornu, appointed on September 9, faced strong criticism from opposition parties and right-wing politicians after unveiling part of his new Cabinet on Sunday evening. He was due to present his government's general policy statement before the National Assembly on Tuesday. The two previous governments, led by Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou, fell after parliamentary votes of no confidence over their proposed austerity budgets. France has been experiencing a prolonged political crisis since President Macron called early legislative elections last year in an effort to consolidate his authority. However, the move resulted in a deeply divided parliament, split among three rival blocs.