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Redefining the pace of setting up of businesses, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has introduced a platinum onboarding service, aimed at fast-tracking incorporation of companies within the QFC in as little as one hour upon final application submission.Designed for entities seeking speed, precision, and premium experience, the platinum onboarding service represents the highest tier of QFC’s “elite services”. “The platinum onboarding service marks a major milestone in our commitment to making Qatar one of the easiest and most efficient places to do business.By offering a one-hour incorporation process, we’re setting a new regional benchmark for speed and service excellence," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC Authority. The newly enhanced onboarding framework also includes premium and executive service options.Each tier offers tailored support, ensuring every client receives personalised guidance throughout their setup journey. The platinum tier presents a new standard in ultra-accelerated business establishment: Highly efficient and meticulously coordinated.This paid service enables one-hour incorporation, activated upon submission of the final online application, with the computer card and tax card issued within the same hour for Qatar residents.Beyond fast-track establishment, it delivers a bespoke concierge experience that extends into life in Doha, offering meet-and-greet airport transfers, relocation coordination, school placement support, personalised settling-in guidance, and family integration services.Clients also benefit from medical coordination for residence permits and introductions to the QFC-aligned banking partners, ensuring an arrival and transition that are effortless and fully supported. With this launch, the QFC continues to strengthen its role as a preferred platform for international and local businesses looking to establish and expand in Qatar and the wider region.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework for the Peace Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance (M23 Movement).GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the significant and valuable efforts exerted by the State of Qatar in hosting and supporting the negotiation process, noting that Qatar's active contribution to achieving this important step underscores its firm commitment to promoting regional and international security and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.Albudaiwi expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for achieving comprehensive reconciliation and establishing lasting stability and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), in collaboration with American Hospital Clinics, organised a staff awareness initiative to mark ‘World Diabetes Day’ at QIB’s head office, reinforcing the bank’s ongoing commitment to employees’ well-being and community health.Throughout the day, medical professionals from American Hospital Clinics provided blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, and on-the-spot consultations with specialised doctors to help employees understand risk factors and adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Participants received practical guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and preventive measures to support long-term health.Mashaal Abdulaziz al-Derham, assistant general manager – head of Corporate Communications & Quality Assurance at QIB, said: “At QIB, we are committed to creating a supportive and healthy workplace while contributing to the well-being of our colleagues and the wider community.“Our ‘World Diabetes Day’ awareness initiative provided employees with practical tools for early detection and prevention, and we thank American Hospital Clinics for their valuable partnership in delivering expert screenings and guidance.”QIB regularly partners with leading healthcare institutions to deliver evidence-based health activations for employees, including screening days, awareness sessions, and expert talks that support early detection and prevention. These efforts form part of QIB’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and align with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainable human development across the community.

Qatar Charity (QC) has completed a new round of food assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gaza, distributing 26,000 food baskets that benefited around 130,000 people.The initiative was funded by generous donors in Qatar through the campaign "Labbeh Gaza: Commitment and Solidarity".QC said the aid aims to ease the severe humanitarian crisis and improve food security for families affected by the blockade and two years of the war.Gaza continues to face acute shortages of essential supplies, with the UN declaring a widespread famine in August, the first ever in the Middle East. According to UN agencies, over 500,000 people are trapped in famine conditions, while 91% of Gaza's population, around 1.95mn people, suffers from extreme food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).Each basket contains basic food supplies sufficient for a family for about a month.Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, calling the assistance "a timely lifeline" and "a message of solidarity from hearts that never forget." Qatar Charity continues to urge donors to support its ongoing "Labbeh Gaza" campaign.Contributions can be made via the organisation's website and mobile app, through its home collection service, by dialling 44290000, or by visiting its branches and representatives in commercial centers.As part of Qatar's land bridge of humanitarian aid, a recent shipment of relief supplies, including shelter tents and essential items, crossed the Rafah border to help ease the suffering of Gazans, especially with winter approaching and temperatures dropping.

Qatar Charity celebrated the graduation of 185 male and female university students sponsored under its 'Talib Al-Ilm' scholarship programme for the 2024-2025 academic year.The initiative, generously supported by the people of Qatar, aims to promote higher education, empower youth, and prepare a new generation of qualified leaders capable of driving social and community development.Speaking at the ceremony, Adam Abdul Fattah expressed pride in the partnership between Qatar Charity and SIMAD University, describing the occasion as a "historic milestone" in a journey of co-operation spanning several years.He said: "This moment marks not the end, but the beginning of a new journey one that calls for commitment, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility towards building a better future for your communities." He extended heartfelt thanks to the people of Qatar for their continued generosity, noting that their support has enabled thousands of students to complete their education and pursue professional success.In his remarks, Dr Mohamed Mohamud praised Qatar Charity's long-standing contribution to education and capacity building in Somalia.He highlighted that over the past 27 years Qatar Charity has played a vital role in preparing a new generation of leaders who now occupy influential positions in both government and the private sector.Since its launch in 1997, the "Talib Al-Ilm" programme has supported more than 3,600 university students around the world, providing full and partial scholarships to those in need.As part of its broader "Tamkeen" (empowerment) initiative, Qatar Charity has also supported over 225,000 students across 23 countries, enabling them to pursue their studies and build a brighter future.

Maysara delivered a strong performance to claim the Al Noof Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Uqda Racecourse Saturday. The five-year-old mare, in the colours of Mohammed Abdulhadi al-Hajri and trained by Hamad al-Jehani, showed admirable versatility to win the 1300m Local Thoroughbred Open Race for the three-year-old+. Under a well-judged ride from Arnaud De Lepine, Maysara advanced from mid-pack before surging to the front in the closing stages, securing victory by ½ a length and giving her owner a second win on the day. Breaking cleanly from barrier five, Maysara was settled towards the rear as Doghan cut out the early fractions, tracked by Mutamarrid and the race favourite Harb. Midway through the race, Messaouda swept forward to take over, with Doghan and Harb keeping close tabs on the new leader. **media[382073]** The complexion of the race changed dramatically in the home straight. From the middle of the pack, Maysara unleashed a decisive turn of foot, slicing through her rivals and driving past Harb in the final strides to land the spoils. Harb, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki for Al Rabban Racing and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, kept on well for second, three lengths ahead of Lulwat Al Faisal, trained by Khalifa Hamed Nasser al-Sawai for Al Emadi Racing and ridden by Lukas Delozier, who stayed on to secure third. Axis edges a thrilling finish to break his maiden Axis was finally rewarded for his consistency, capturing his maiden victory on his ninth career start, and second appearance this season, with a determined, narrow success in a gripping opener, the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for three-seven-year-olds over 1200m (Class 6), which attracted 13 runners. The three-year-old bay gelding, owned and trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, built on his second-place finish a week ago and delivered a perfectly judged effort under jockey Tomas Lukasek to prevail by a short head, with only a neck separating the runner-up and third. Axis broke alertly from barrier one and settled in a handy position behind the early pace, which was initially shared by Breakout Star and, shortly after, Megalithic. Torgot then assumed control and set the tempo until the home bend where Axis began to make his decisive move. Once in the straight, he swept to the front, but immediately faced fierce challenges from North Audley and Boss Dog, both finishing strongly on either side of him. The three contenders flashed past the post almost inseparable, but the photo finish confirmed Axis as the winner. Boss Dog, representing Aldeebl Racing for trainer Mohammed al-Ghazali under Alberto Sanna, took second by a neck from North Audley, giving trainer Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki a 1–3 finish through the ride of Lukas Delozier.

Under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chairman of the National Planning Council, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani the "National Development Forum: Social Development Pillar" will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on Sunday.Organized by the National Planning Council (NPC) under the theme "Sustaining Prosperity in Qatari Society," the forum is part of a series of National Development Forums organized by the National Planning Council to foster open national dialogue on the priorities of the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), contributing to the realization of the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 into tangible national outcomes.The forum will be attended by their excellencies the ministers, senior officials and representatives from the private sector, civil society and local and international organizations operating in the State of Qatar. It will serve as a national platform to discuss the pillar of social development and the role of family, community, and national identity in supporting the path of national prosperity.A panel discussion at the forum will feature HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi; HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani; HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud; and HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji.This panel discussion will highlight the importance of developing a cohesive society where individuals enjoy a high quality of life and thrive on a spirit of participation and shared responsibility. The first theme of the discussion, "Continuing to Improve the Quality of Life for All Citizens and Residents," will review national efforts to enhance the quality of healthcare, expand social protection, support vulnerable groups, and promote active and healthy lifestyles for all.The second theme, "Strengthening Family and Community Cohesion for a Balanced and Resilient Life," will discuss the importance of family support policies and community initiatives that promote social cohesion and empower individuals to contribute to building a more resilient and balanced society.The third theme, "Preserving Qatari Culture and Identity in a Vibrant, Cohesive, and Open Society," will focus on the fundamental role of national culture, creativity, and heritage in strengthening Qatari identity and fostering a positive openness to the world. It will also highlight efforts to enhance Qatar's position as a leading cultural and tourist destination.HE Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa stated that the forum underscores the importance of the family as the cornerstone of building a cohesive society that achieves the desired social progress within an environment that ensures a high quality of life. He emphasized that Qatar National Vision 2030 and successive national development strategies have consistently placed social development and the family at the heart of their development policies.He affirmed that ongoing, structured community dialogue is a fundamental pillar of the National Planning Council's work, noting that social progress is the cornerstone of the nation's prosperity."Through the National Development Forum on the pillar of social development, we emphasize that social welfare is not an end in itself, but rather a foundation for sustainable prosperity and a key driver for achieving Qatar National Vision 2030," His Excellency added.This forum embodies the National Planning Council's commitment to fostering a culture of dialogue and partnership among all stakeholders in development, and to unifying national efforts towards a more prosperous and sustainable future, where comprehensive development is an investment in and for people.

QNB said in its weekly commentary that it expects the US Federal Reserve to continue its monetary easing cycle at a moderate pace by cutting the federal funds rate two more times to 3.5 percent. The bank said that declining employment levels and a drop in capacity utilization below trend justify continued reductions in key interest rates, while the limited likelihood of a sharp slowdown in growth creates an appropriate lower bound for interest rates near their neutral levels. QNB noted that the Federal Reserve has returned to the forefront of the global macroeconomic scene after a period dominated by US-led trade negotiations and debates over fiscal policies. It explained that uncertainty surrounding economic policies has eased significantly thanks to the conclusion of several trade agreements and the adoption by President Donald Trump's administration of a less contentious fiscal framework. Uncertainty related to inflation has also receded, after it became clear that the impact of higher tariffs on prices was smaller than expected. The report stated that monetary policy has become a point of contention. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by an additional 25 basis points late last month, continuing the easing cycle that began in September 2024 and resumed this year after an eight-month pause. However, a clear division has emerged among committee members. The report observed a widening gap between market expectations and policymakers' positions regarding the future direction of interest rates. While markets expect the easing cycle to continue, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that additional rate cuts remain uncertain. The bank argued that under these expectations, there is room for two more 25-basis-point rate cuts, likely with the first in December and the second in early 2026. The report based this outlook on two main points. The first is that there remains sufficient room for two additional rate cuts because current interest rates are still excessively tight relative to existing macroeconomic conditions in the United States. It pointed out that the current interest rate of 4 percent remains restrictive and stands roughly 50 basis points above the neutral level, while data on capacity utilization, the labor market, and industrial activity show that the U.S. economy is operating below its potential. The second point, according to the report, is that there is room for further monetary easing. It noted, however, that the deeper rate cuts supported by more dovish Federal Reserve members, and anticipated by markets, appear overly aggressive. In conclusion, QNB's weekly report emphasized that the US economy has largely adjusted, slowing from growth rates near 3 percent in 2023 and 2024 to about 2 percent this year, without signs of a sharp downturn or possible recession. It highlighted the strength of investment driven by record capital spending from technology companies seeking to lead the artificial-intelligence wave, while consumption continues its gradual slowdown and US households benefit from their strongest net financial position in decades.

India ‘A skipper Jitesh Sharma and rival captain Irfan Khan of Pakistan feel a total of ‘160’ would be par score at the Asia Cup Rising Stars cricket tournament which starts today.Pakistan open their campaign at the eight-team T20 tournament for emerging players in Asia with a match against Oman today.Also today, India ‘A’ will take on the UAE in the second match of the day at West End Stadium in Asia Town. Defending champions Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Bangladesh complete the roster at the 10-team tournament being staged in Doha for the first time by Qatar Cricket Association (QCA).“We have got some data from the games already played here, and most of the scores have been around 150–160,” Sharma, who has played 12 T20Is for India, said Thursday. “So, based on that, we are preparing and assuming that these wickets will play like typical Asian wickets,” the 32-year-old added.“But you know T20 is an uncertain game – you never know what you are going to face, you just have to react. We want to go with the flow and see how the wickets behave, but at the back of our minds we know that the pitches might be quite challenging if scores are around 150–160,” he added.When asked if teams with stronger batting or stronger bowling line-ups would dominate in Doha, Sharma said: “I think batsmen win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments – that’s what I believe. Whichever team bowls well will have the best chance to win the tournament. We are blessed to have a very good support staff, media team and video analysts.”Pakistan skipper Khan, just 22, said his team have also studied the playing conditions in Doha where the opening match will be played during day time today.“We have adequate information on the conditions here. We plan according to our opposite number. You will see our performances when we reach the ground. We feel 160-170 runs is a good target to defend. If you bowl well, you can defend easily,” Khan, who has played 9 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Pakistan, said Thursday.Khan said his team is raring to go with roles clearly defined for each of the players of the squad.“I feel I don’t have to boss around like a captain because the players around me know their roles well. They take responsibility well. I don’t have to guide them all the time as all of them are keen to do well and the atmosphere around the dressing room is really good. You will see good results,” Khan added.“We have good combinations in batting, bowling and even fielding is good,” he added.When asked about the India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, Khan said Thursday: “Right now we are only looking at the match on Friday (against Oman). We don’t have pressure. We have faith in our abilities. We let our instincts take over when the match starts.”India ‘A’ skipper Sharma added: “We are not looking at any particular match. All three league matches are important and then hopefully the semi-final and the final. We should respect all the opponents and play fair cricket.”Sri Lanka captain Dunith Wellalage said Thursday: “We came here after finishing as runners-up last time, so we know what it takes to go deep in a tournament. The conditions in Qatar are quite similar to what we have at home, and that gives us confidence. We have a group of experienced players and a strong support staff. Our focus is simple: cut down on mistakes, trust our plans, and try to deliver our best in every game.”Wellalage, who has played 1 Test and 31 ODIs for Sri Lanka, added: “I have been playing with most of these boys since the Under-19 level for more than three years, so the understanding in the team is very good. Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanindu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige – all of them are experienced and I am sure we will get good support from them. Every team here is a challenge and we respect all our opponents, but we believe in our squad. The environment is really good, we have been given an excellent ground to train on, and we want to make full use of these conditions.”“I am grateful to the Asian Cricket Council and to Qatar for hosting this event,” the 22-year-old Sri Lankan captain said.Sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old Indian left-handed batsman, is also part of the India ‘A’ squad.The prodigious talent, who plays domestic cricket for Bihar and represents the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, achieved a historic debut in the T20 franchise league this year by becoming its youngest player.Suryavanshi further etched his name in the record books by smashing a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest and fastest Indian centurion in the competition’s history.UAE captain Alishan Sharafu said at a press conference Thursday: “I think we’ve got a relatively young bunch of boys in this side you know with lots of talent and you know they’re all super excited to be here and most of them, having grown up in the UAE, grew up in diverse cultures. So we’ve never really looked at people coming from different places. And we’re just proud to represent the UAE and hopefully have a good tournament here.”GROUPS AND FIXTURESGroup A: Afghanistan A, Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Hong KongGroup B: India A, Pakistan Shaheens, UAE, OmanNov 14 - Oman vs Pakistan; India ‘A’ vs UAENov 15 - Bangladesh vs Hong Kong; Afghanistan vs Sri LankaNov 16 - Oman vs UAE; India ‘A’ vs PakistanNov 17 - Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs BangladeshNov 18 - Pakistan vs UAE; India ‘A’ vs OmanNov 19 - Afghanistan vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh vs Sri LankaNov 21 - Semi-finals: A1 vs B2; B1 vs A2Nov 23 - FinalVenue: West End Stadium, Asian Town, Doha

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 enters a decisive phase as the knockout rounds get underway today, with 16 teams ready to battle for a place in the round of 32 across two action-packed days.The drama begins with an all-African clash between Zambia and Mali. Tournament debutants Zambia have turned heads with their fearless performances, remaining unbeaten in the group stage and even holding Brazil to a draw. Mali, meanwhile, collected six points from their group and posted two clean sheets, showing their trademark defensive solidity.European heavyweights Portugal and Belgium promise goals in what could be one of the most explosive encounters of the round. Both sides averaged more than three goals per match in the groups, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-scoring showdown.Switzerland, unbeaten at the U-17 World Cup for 16 years, take on a resilient Egypt side that proved difficult to break down in the group stage. The Swiss will need to extend that proud record to reach the last eight.France meet Colombia in another standout tie. After conceding just once en route to topping Group K, Lionel Rouxel’s French side face a disciplined Colombian team that has not conceded since the opening seconds of their first match against Germany.Argentina, led by Diego Placente, who guided their U-20s to the World Cup final earlier this year, look poised for another deep run as they face Mexico. The Mexicans scraped through as the final third-placed qualifier and will be desperate to make their mark.The Ireland continue their dream debut campaign against Canada in a fixture brimming with history. The Irish topped Group J without defeat, while Canada earned their first-ever U-17 World Cup win and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time after drawing with 2023 finalists France.“We’ve only gone and made history again [just as we did with the first win]. This is a real boost for our development program. Just look at that smile. We’re going to keep working hard to make history,” Vitulano said shortly after the final whistle had been blown," said Canada head coach Mike Vitulano."We ran a training camp at U-15 level, another when they made the step up to the U-16 side, and then the final sessions were all geared towards World Cup preparation. We’ve steadily improved over time,” he said,USA, flawless so far, go up against a resurgent Morocco side. The Americans have dazzled with Cavan Sullivan leading the charge, while Morocco staged one of the tournament’s most astonishing comebacks — going from zero points and goals to a record-breaking 16-0 victory over New Caledonia that catapulted them into the last 16.Closing out the round, Brazil lock horns with Paraguay in a South American showdown. Brazil’s attacking duo, Dell and Felipe Morais, lit up the group stage with 11 unanswered goals in their first two games. But Paraguay’s disciplined defence will provide their toughest test yet as the knockout stage begins in earnest.

His Excellency Deputy Governor of the Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan al-Thani participated in the meeting of the Financial Stability Board Regional Consultative Group for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), which was held in Istanbul Thursday.The meeting discussed a number of topics on the agenda and appropriate decisions were taken, the QCB said.

With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming every industry, including education, teachers around the world are navigating a complex new era. Despite growing enthusiasm for AI, many teachers remain underprepared to use it effectively; in Qatar, only 30% of surveyed teachers reported a strong understanding of how AI works in education.“This highlights a critical knowledge gap that must be addressed through targeted professional development,” said Reem al-Sulaiti, manager of Research and Policy at WISE, a global education think tank and an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF).Studies led by WISE in collaboration with USC Rossier School of Education, MIT Open Learning, and QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University offer a comprehensive view of how educators in diverse contexts are adopting AI tools to personalise learning, manage classrooms, and prepare students for an AI-driven future.These studies, spanning countries such as Qatar, the US, India, the Philippines, Colombia, Ghana, and Uganda, reveal both the promise and the pitfalls of AI in education. Qatar stands out in WISE’s global research as a country with advanced infrastructure and strong enthusiasm for AI in education, yet it still faces critical challenges in teacher readiness and equitable integration.“Despite Qatar’s robust digital infrastructure, the WISE research study in partnership with MIT found that many AI tools are not well integrated into Arabic-language platforms or aligned with local curricula,” al-Sulaiti said.“Teachers emphasised the need for culturally relevant and linguistically accessible tools that support differentiated instruction for diverse learners, including multilingual students and those with special needs.” Although across all five countries in the WISE research study in partnership with USC, 60% of teachers reported that AI helped them tailour instruction to meet diverse student needs – from adjusting content and pace to providing targeted support as enables more personalised learning experiences – many teachers noted that existing AI tools are poorly aligned with local curricula and cultural contexts.“We need AI that reflects our languages, our learners, and our goals,” al-Sulaiti said. WISE’s research also underscores the ethical complexities of AI in the classroom. Teachers expressed concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI to reinforce existing inequalities.In the Global South, inconsistent access to devices, internet, and electricity means that AI tools often benefit high-performing, well-resourced students while leaving others behind. “Equity gaps don’t stem from AI itself but from whether teachers receive training in equitable, inclusive integration,” al-Sulaiti said. Teachers called for AI tools that support struggling learners, multilingual students, and those with special needs. They also stressed the need for institutional policies on data safety, academic integrity, and ethical AI use.