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A Russian attack hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, killing four people and prompting power cuts in several regions, Ukrainian authorities said Saturday.Moscow has in recent months escalated attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine, damaging natural gas facilities which produce the main fuel for heating in the country.Experts have said Ukraine risks heating outages ahead of the winter months.“Russian strikes once again targeted people’s everyday life. They deprived communities of power, water, and heating, destroyed critical infrastructure, and damaged railway networks,” Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said.Russia launched 458 drones and 45 missiles at Ukraine overnight, said the Ukrainian air force, adding that it had downed 406 drones and nine missiles.“In Dnipro, a Russian drone struck directly at a residential building; as of now, it is known that three people have died in the city. Sadly, there is also a fatality in Kharkiv,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.Attacks forced emergency power cuts in the capital Kyiv and in the northern city of Kharkiv, authorities and energy company DTEK said.They also interrupted water supplies in Kharkiv, where the mayor said there was a “noticeable shortage of electricity.”There was no electricity, water, and partial heating in Kremenchuk, in the eastern Poltava region, the administration said.There were also significant train delays, Restoration Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said, accusing Russia of stepping up its attacks on locomotive depots.“We are working to eliminate the consequences throughout the country. The focus is on the rapid restoration of heat, light and water,” Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.The attack was the ninth massive attack on gas infrastructure since early October, energy company Naftogaz said.Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power and heating grid throughout its almost four-year invasion, destroying a large part of the key civilian infrastructure.As with previous waves of attacks, Russia’s defence ministry said it struck “enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and gas and energy facilities that support their operation.”The attacks on energy infrastructure have raised concerns of heating outages in Ukraine as the war enters its fourth winter.Kyiv’s School of Economics estimated in a report that the attacks shut down half of Ukraine’s natural gas production. Ukraine’s top energy expert, Oleksandr Kharchenko, told a media briefing Wednesday that if Kyiv’s two power and heating plants went offline for more than three days when temperatures fall below minus 10 degrees Celsius, the capital would face a “technological disaster”.Ukraine has in turn stepped up strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries in recent months, seeking to cut off Moscow’s vital energy exports and trigger fuel shortages across the country.On Friday evening, drone attacks on energy infrastructure in southern Russia’s Volgograd region caused power cuts there too, governor Andrei Botcharov said on Telegram.

Syrian Minister of Transport Yaarub Bader met with Manager of Transport Global Practice for the Middle East & North Africa at the World Bank, Ibrahim Dajani. During the meeting, they reviewed several vital projects for developing the infrastructure and rail transport sectors in Syria, efforts to rehabilitate urban roads and improve transportation, as well as a strategic plan to modernize and rehabilitate the railway network.Both sides emphasized that these projects are crucial for sustainable development and achieving economic integration among Syrian governorates.

As the echoes of artillery subsided and the dust of war lifted from Gaza's skies, over two million Palestinians began the arduous journey of reclaiming the breath of life, following months of systematic killing, starvation, and destruction of all basic living foundations.The recent Israeli war spared no corner of Gaza, its firepower devastated infrastructure, halted economic activity, and turned homes and shops into silent rubble, leaving residents grappling with harsh realities that test their resilience amid unhealed wounds.With the initial days of the ceasefire, life began to stir slowly and unevenly in Gaza's markets that had remained empty of people and goods during the aggression, after commercial crossings were closed and the Israeli occupation blocked the flow of food and essential supplies.As the shelling ceased and some displaced families began to return, tentative attempts at economic recovery emerged, yet they face immense obstacles due to the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on merchandise movement.Today, Gaza's markets seem to awaken from beneath the ruins. Partially destroyed shops opened their doors amid streets littered with debris, while merchants attempted to arrange what remains of their goods on worn tables, hoping to attract customers exhausted by poverty and soaring prices.Although some essential goods gradually returned to markets, most Palestinian families continue to struggle to meet daily needs due to skyrocketed prices, low income, and lack of liquidity.The war's flames destroyed everything sustaining Gazans' livelihoods, thousands of shops shuttered, small factories were brought to standstill, and purchasing power fell to unprecedented levels. Even after the ceasefire, suffering remains etched on citizens' faces, who endure daily struggles for a basic meal while standing in long queues for limited aid that barely covers their needs.Qatari News Agency (QNA) toured central and local markets where the scene reflected a mix of hope and pain. Some shops resumed operations after owners repaired what could be salvaged, while others remained closed, consumed by destruction or deprived of financial resources.Items previously absent during the war, vegetables, certain fruits, legumes, canned goods, and staples such as rice, oil, sugar, flour, and cleaning materials, began pouring into markets.Yet prices remain high compared to pre-war levels, having surged to dozens of times their original value during the aggression. Fresh and frozen meats, dairy, and eggs remain scarce due to continued Israeli restrictions that limit their entry to sufficient quantities.Khaled Abu Mar'a, a food trader in Khan Yunis, said the markets witnessed some kind of relative recovery after the war's end, though still far from the minimum required to restart the local economy.People tried to bring in essential goods through commercial crossings immediately after the ceasefire took effect, but the Israeli occupation still prevents the entry of meat, dairy, eggs, and milk in normal quantities. Only extremely limited amounts reached the enclave, which sustained high prices and made it difficult for citizens to meet daily needs, Abu Mar'a told QNA.He affirmed that people come to the markets with hope, but leave empty-handed, shocked by prices. Today, the citizen must choose between buying a little food or saving the remaining money for medicine or cooking fuel.In the popular market of Deir al-Balah, the elderly Aliyan Faris walks with heavy steps, inspecting bags of grains and loaves of bread in small shops partially reopened, attempting to purchase some food for his grandchildren who lost their father during the war. Yet, he ultimately returns empty-handed, as soaring prices and scarce funds have made acquiring necessities nearly impossible.During the war, Gazans lived almost without food, dreaming of a single loaf of bread. After the shelling ceased, they hoped things would improve, but the reality had changed little, Faris told QNA. Faris added that he lost his job, his source of income, and his shop that once supported his family. Today, he survives on aid, which is hardly sufficient.Faris's story mirrors that of thousands of Gazan families who encountered the same fate. Many live in tents or partially destroyed houses, struggling to endure poverty, hunger, and cold, while no real signs of economic recovery are evident. Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli occupation persistently blocks the entry of aid into Gaza.Director of the Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Ismail Al Thawabta, emphasized that since the ceasefire took effect, only 1,000 humanitarian aid trucks have entered the Strip out of 6,600 agreed upon.The average number of trucks entering daily does not exceed 89, out of 600 that should enter regularly, reflecting the ongoing strangulation and starvation policy imposed on over two million Palestinians in the embattled Strip, he tells QNA.He highlighted that these quantities are insufficient by far, underlining the urgent requirement for a steady flow of aid, including food, medical, and relief supplies, as well as fuel and cooking gas to maintain essential services such as water, electricity, and health.Economist Ahmed Abu Qamar stated that economic data indicate only 15 percent of the enclave's actual market needs have been met since the war began, highlighting the depth of the crisis and the occupation's persistent economic trickle as a tool of collective pressure.Aid trucks roll into the enclave in dribs and drabs, literally in the dozens, far below the 600 trucks required to meet basic needs. This substantial gap has caused severe price fluctuations, supply disruptions, and made the local market hostage to political and field dynamics, Abu Qamar added.He noted that the recent slight decline in some prices has not materially improved living standards, with poverty exceeding 90 percent and unemployment reaching around 83 percent, among the highest globally.The partial closure of crossings and delays in aid delivery continue to impede any chance of Gaza's economic recovery, which reels from structural distortion due to the blockade and repeated wars.In a recent report, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics confirmed that Gaza has been mired in a maelstrom of unprecedented unemployment two years after the Israeli war. During the onslaught, unemployment exceeded 80 percent, driving the number of jobless to record levels and deepening the social and humanitarian crisis.The report highlighted that the war decimated Gaza's economic infrastructure almost entirely, where factories and production facilities ceased operations, and transport, communication, and energy networks were damaged, making the resumption of economic life extremely difficult.Despite weeks passing since the ceasefire, Gaza continues to endure the consequences of an unfinished war: destruction remains evident, the economy paralyzed, and Gazans struggle to survive amid hunger, blockade, and a lack of prospects.Today, Gazans attempt to rise from beneath the rubble with bare hands and hearts heavy with hope, aware that the road to recovery remains long and arduous as long as Israel persists in its policies of economic strangulation and deprivation.In Gaza, the war may have ended militarily, but it continues to rage in daily life, where people struggle each morning to prove that life can emerge even from the ashes.

Head of the Gaza Water Authority, Eng. Saadi Ali revealed the extent of the losses and massive destruction of the water sector and irrigation networks in the strip, which the occupation deliberately destroyed and cut off services to citizens during the aggression on Gaza.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ali said that the extent of the damage and losses in the water sector exceeds 85 percent, explaining that the occupation forces targeted critical water infrastructure, including sources, distribution networks, wastewater treatment facilities, sewage lines, and desalination plants, severely disrupting access to clean water for the population.He estimated the value of destroyed international water projects in Gaza at around $3 billion, encompassing infrastructure, equipment, solar energy systems, desalination pumps, and other vital assets. He also reported the destruction of 725 central water wells and 134 freshwater projects, while over 700,000 meters of water pipelines were damaged due to bombardment and ground incursions.The Head of the Water Authority warned that the Gaza Strip is facing a major crisis, affecting the entire water sector and all its components and facilities, directly negatively impacting citizens.He explained that, in light of the fuel shortage, the Water Authority, municipalities, and relevant authorities have been unable to provide services to citizens except partially and limitedly, with the remaining facilities that were not destroyed. They rely on aging energy generators that are worn out and in need of maintenance and spare parts. He pointed out that during the two years of the aggression on Gaza, no spare parts or oil have been imported for the generators, which are at risk of shutting down at any time and are only operated for six hours per day.Despite a ceasefire agreement, he stressed that no materials, equipment, or machinery have been allowed into Gaza to support the water and sanitation sectors, further deepening the crisis. Clean water remains largely unavailable across neighborhoods and displacement camps, home to thousands of displaced people.To address the crisis, the Water Authority has developed recovery plans in coordination with local and international partners. However, implementation remains stalled due to the continued closure of border crossings and restrictions on importing necessary supplies.Ali emphasized that restoring basic water services, ensuring at least 50 liters per person per day, requires urgent rehabilitation of destroyed wells, desalination facilities, and sewage treatment plants.He also warned that water and sewage systems in the neighborhoods and streets of the Gaza Strip are intertwined due to Israeli destruction and bulldozing, raising the threat of disease outbreaks, particularly among children.With winter approaching, he highlighted the risk of flooding in Gaza City, especially due to the destruction of the Sheikh Radwan water basin. Eight sewage pumps in Gaza have stopped functioning completely or partially, further compounding the risk of sewage leakage into groundwater and drinking supplies.Ali concluded by calling for the immediate reopening of border crossings to allow the entry of spare parts, pipes, and pumps essential for repairs and reconstruction, stressing that this is a cornerstone for restoring water services and preventing a full-scale environmental and health catastrophe.

Four people, including two children, were killed, and two others were injured in a Russian attack on the Brovary district in Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian news agency (Ukrinform), Head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration Mykola Kalashnyk indicated that Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack on cities last night, targeting energy infrastructure. Since the outbreak of the war in Feb. 2022, Russia and Ukraine issued near-daily reports of attacks and interceptions. Due to the conditions of the ongoing conflict, these claims cannot be independently verified.

At a cost exceeding one billion Qatari Riyals, the Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' announced the commencement of the Roads and Infrastructure Development Project in Umm Slal Mohammed West, as part of its comprehensive plan to develop infrastructure services across the country. In a press release today, Ashghal said the project aims to develop the internal road network in the area and raise safety standards, in addition to developing infrastructure facilities and providing advanced services to meet the needs of residents and respond to future urban growth requirements. Project Engineer at the Roads Projects Department at Ashghal Eng. Noor Ashkanani emphasized the importance of the Umm Slal Mohammed West project, which will serve around 747 citizen land plots. It will implement an internal roads network and provide connectivity to public facilities and main roads, such as Al Mazrouah Road. It will also provide integrated and advanced infrastructure services, including sewage and rainwater drainage networks, to serve the population expansion and commercial projects currently under construction in the area. Eng. Noor Ashkanani explained that the project includes the development and construction of 36.5 km of internal roads, while ensuring traffic safety. More than 1,200 street lighting poles, road signs, and road markings will be installed, in addition to 73 km of pedestrian paths and 12 km of bicycle paths, and 5,000 parking spaces. Landscaping works will also be carried out, covering an area of 385,000 sqm. Infrastructure development works include the construction of a 27-km sewage network, an 83-km stormwater and groundwater drainage network, 38 km of potable water lines, and a 24-km treated wastewater network. The project is located in Umm Salal Mohammed West area, bordered by Al Mazrouah Road to the West and Umm Salal North Road to the Northeast. It covers a total area of approximately 3,180,000 sqm. Before commencement of work, the project was divided into four geographical zones, which will be worked on sequentially, with the aim of accelerating completion and minimizing the impact of construction work on the area.

Dubai doesn’t lack spectacle and glitzy glamour. From AI-powered governance to futuristic towers, innovation here is stitched into the skyline. But in a city where ambition often outpaces visibility, the next battleground isn’t infrastructure - it’s influence. And one boutique award-winning PR firm, Blackspire Partners is reshaping how reputation is engineered and sculpted in the GCC. Founded in 2021 by Edward Bruce and Lewis Webster, Blackspire Partners has turned its Dubai base into a launchpad for regional and global campaigns. Where traditional PR leans on bloated retainers, endless press releases, and fuzzy metrics, Blackspire Partners’ philosophy is built on speed, transparency and accountability. “Our mission is to strip away the smoke and mirrors of retainers and empty promises. We want brands to see results, not invoices,” says Edward Bruce, who cut his teeth in the music industry before pivoting into brand storytelling.The results speak for themselves. Since relocating its HQ to the UAE, Blackspire Partners has delivered millions in PR value, securing client coverage globally from Arabian Business to Nasdaq. Their Media Success Promise — a pledge that every engagement delivers tangible media value — has helped position them among the GCC’s most forward-thinking PR agencies. Why the Region MattersDubai is more than a local market; it’s a global stage. Brands here must reach investors in New York, policymakers in Riyadh, and consumers in Mumbai, all at once. That’s where Blackspire Partners’ positioning pays off, making them among the best in the market.With a multilingual team spanning Arabic, English, French and Hindi, the firm doesn’t just translate campaigns, it adapts them with cultural fluency. In a region as fast-moving as the GCC, that nuance is what separates brands that break through from those that fade.“PR used to be about volume. Now it’s about hitting the right cultural frequency. In the Gulf, that means crafting stories that connect locally but scale globally, and that’s where we excel,” says Lewis, who previously managed multi-six figure marketing budgets for ASUS and Tim Hortons. From Headlines to AuthorityBlackspire Partners’ clients, from luxury houses to sustainability innovators aren’t just chasing mentions. They’re looking for authority. Whether it’s helping a healthcare disruptor like WELL Health land in Forbes or positioning Badr El Jundi, the CEO of Greenverse Partners as a global leader, the firm focuses on stories that travel across industries and borders. This transglobal approach has made them a PR powerhouse that not only delivers results but also fosters cultural integrity. Dubai has always been about scale. But as it doubles down on AI, sustainability, and digital-first industries, reputation is becoming as critical as capital. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reminds us, “In the race for excellence, there is no finish line.” Blackspire Partners is betting on that truth and helping brands ensure their reputation doesn’t finish in a momentary buzz, but is built to last. For ambitious companies entering the Gulf region, the message is clear: in Dubai’s race for influence, those who master their narrative will own the future.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced that Qatar Airways has activated Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) within its digital infrastructure, with regulatory support from CRA, to accelerate the adoption of IPv6 across key sectors. This milestone comes as part of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing Qatar's digital readiness, aligning with the latest international standards, and meeting the requirements of the digital economy. IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol, responsible for identifying devices, connecting them, and enabling data transfer across networks. It provides an enormous number of addresses compared to previous versions, making it a pivotal element in the development of communications networks. IPv6 also supports the expansion of smart and connected services while enhancing readiness for the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Smart cities, and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions. As the entity overseeing the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce, CRA closely monitored Qatar Airways' transition from Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) to IPv6 across its networks, ensuring that the transition adhered to approved regulatory, technical, and security guidelines. This process reflects CRA's coordinating role in enhancing the integration of Qatar's national communications infrastructure. Qatar Airways executed the IPv6 transition through a well-thought-out plan, enhancing its digital readiness for future requirements and serving as a benchmark for other organizations. In this context, Director of Technical Affairs at CRA, Ali Al Suwaidi, stated: "The activation of IPv6 by Qatar Airways represents a significant milestone achievement, reflecting the close collaboration between CRA and the members of the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce. It also demonstrates Qatar Airways' readiness and the integration of its digital infrastructure, positioning it as a model within the national taskforce." Al Suwaidi further emphasized CRA's commitment to supporting all stakeholders in the transition to IPv6 through awareness-raising, technical assistance, and strengthened institutional coordination. He noted that the transition to this protocol is a strategic necessity for developing communications networks and enhancing data security, thereby enhancing the readiness of the national infrastructure and reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading digital hub, all in alignment with CRA's strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar Airways Chief Information Officer Suhail Kamil Kadri, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with the Communications Regulatory Authority in advancing IPv6 adoption, a milestone that underscores our commitment to innovation and digital transformation. This achievement reflects our alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and highlights the importance of secure, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure. By embracing this next generation of connectivity, we set a new benchmark for sustainability and operational excellence within the aviation industry." According to data from the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Qatar has made significant progress in adopting IPv6. This advancement serves as a positive indicator, emphasizing the importance of accelerating institutional and technical adoption of IPv6 to keep pace with the evolution of digital services and enhancing the readiness of the national communications infrastructure.

Represented by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), the State of Qatar is taking part in the 2nd edition of the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference, which opened in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, on Tuesday.Multiple transportation and infrastructure government and private organizations, experts and specialists are participating in Global Rail 2025, which runs through Oct. 2.An MoT booth at the event is featuring mockups and visual presentations on Qatari public transportation and railways projects, as well as land transportation plans and strategies, including ITSs, environmental sustainability solutions, and the full electrification of public bus fleet to 100 percent by 2030.MoT booth visitors can also experience steering the Lusail Tram and virtually walking inside Doha Metro stations and trains with the VR technology provided by Qatar Rail team at the booth.Several Arab and GCC ministers have visited MOT booth, which also saw a large turnout from several officials, experts, and general visitors, who were impressed by the Qatari sustainable public transit model and the outstanding achievements in terms of smart infrastructure and projects.MoT continues its focus on creating a fully integrated, smart and sustainable transportation system to contribute to achieving the goals of the Qatar NDS3, MOT Strategy 2025-2030, and QNV 2030.

Techno Q, a leader in technology and digital solutions, particularly in the sports sector, has won new government contracts valued at QR62mn.These contracts include the supply, installation, and maintenance of giant screen systems and broadcasting infrastructure in several sports facilities across the country.This achievement is further evidence of the trust that government entities place in Techno Q’s services and its high efficiency in executing vital projects that meet international standards, the company said in its regulatory filing with the Qatar Stock Exchange.It also reflects the country's commitment to developing sports infrastructure and providing an advanced environment that supports both athletes and fans."These projects are not just new contracts; they are a direct contribution to supporting the development of sports in our country and an affirmation of our strategic partners' trust in our capabilities," said Zeyad al-Jaidah, a board member and managing director at Techno Q.Through these projects, Techno Q continues to solidify its position as a key partner in the nation's sports renaissance by providing advanced technological solutions and utilising the latest global systems in display, broadcasting, and lighting.This ensures that it keeps pace with the rapid developments in the sports industry and enhances the experience of fans, the filing said."With increasing national investments in this vital sector, Techno Q looks forward to more future successes and to solidifying its role as a reliable national company that supports the state's efforts in building a comprehensive and sustainable sports system," it added.

In a strategic move that underscores Qatar’s growing role in the global superyacht industry, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Feadship, the world-renowned Dutch builder of custom superyachts, to explore collaboration in marine infrastructure, design, and sector engagement.The MoU, signed during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, reflects a shared vision to develop “Marsa” Port at Umm Alhoul Free Zone into a premier superyacht destination in the Gulf, fostering excellence across maintenance, refit, provisioning, and owner experiences. The MoU was formalized by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Bas Nederpelt, Chief Commercial Officer of Feadship.Under the MoU, Feadship will provide advisory support to QFZ’s leadership on the development of world-class maintenance, repair, and refit (MRR) facilities, while also contributing to broader initiatives to enhance Qatar’s role in custom yacht design and luxury maritime innovation.Sheikh Mohammed stated: “Qatar is becoming a global hub for the superyacht community, driven by world-class infrastructure and a market forecast to grow 7.4% annually through 2030. With the highest ownership per capita in the region, our partnership with Feadship advances our ambition to make Marsa the Gulf’s leading superyacht destination - creating lasting value for investors, owners, and the maritime sector.”Beyond port infrastructure, the collaboration opens new avenues for global engagement through high-level events, knowledge sharing, and owner experiences that will draw international attention to Qatar’s evolving marine sector.Nederpelt said: “Feadship welcomes the opportunity to explore this collaboration with QFZ. We recognize Qatar’s ambition to develop Marsa Port as a destination for the superyacht community and are pleased to contribute in an advisory capacity as part of this exploratory partnership. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to knowledge exchange and dialogue, ensuring that any future steps are aligned with the highest standards of our industry.”This partnership is part of QFZ’s broader strategy to create a future-focused, sustainable marine cluster that attracts leading global players, enhances the Gulf region’s luxury offerings, and places Qatar firmly on the global superyacht map.

The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced the award of 13 new contracts worth 12 billion Qatari riyals, which aim to enhance the infrastructure of road and drainage networks and public buildings and improve the quality of life in Qatar.On his part, His Excellency Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer, President of the Public Works Authority, said: “Ashghal's award of new contracts worth QR 12 billion represents a strategic step that enhances the sustainability and integration of infrastructure, consolidates Qatar's leadership in this field, and supports the national economy within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Eng. Khalid Saif Al Khayareen, Projects Affairs Director at Ashghal, said that the authority continues to implement its strategic plan to develop infrastructure services and public buildings in the country in response to the requirements of population growth and urban expansion, and in line with the state's aspirations and future vision. He explained that the new projects that were awarded include 6 key projects, including the construction and development of road networks and several educational, health, and service buildings in coordination with the relevant authorities in the country.Eng. Ahmed Al Ahmad, Asset Affairs Director at Ashghal, said: "The operation and maintenance contracts awarded will contribute to improving the management of road and drainage networks and ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure assets, which will ultimately improve the quality of services provided to citizens and residents." He added that the projects will be implemented to the highest standards of quality and safety, using the latest technologies and equipment in operation and maintenance processes.Road Network Operation and Maintenance WorksThe contracts include the implementation of infrastructure projects to develop road networks across the country, in addition to contracts covering the operation and maintenance of strategic roads in both the North and South Qatar. This is in addition to contracts to develop and adopt intelligent transportation systems (ITS).Contracts were recently awarded to a group of the world's largest contractors, and work is expected to commence in October 2025. The operation and maintenance period extends to five years for all projects, except for the ITS project, which extends to three years.The projects aim to operate and maintain road assets using innovative technologies, including an AI-based digital management platform, self-driving vehicles for asset surveys, and laser technology to proactively detect and deal with road defects, as well as adopting smart systems to monitor road conditions.These works contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable infrastructure, improving efficiency, and extending the lifespan of road assets, using innovative materials and technologies to enhance road durability.Drainage Networks Operation and Maintenance WorksThe projects are expected to commence in Q1 of 2026. In the coming years, Ashghal seeks to increase its reliance on the latest technologies and innovations used in drainage operation and maintenance, including the use of robots and drones equipped with CCTV cameras to inspect assets, and the use of automation, digital twins, and analytics to predict faults. This is in addition to smart control systems and remote sensing technologies.The Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS) will be enhanced, and maintenance priorities will be identified based on risks and integrated with Building Information Modeling (BIM). These new approaches to asset management directly contribute to achieving environmental sustainability and adapting to climate change, which in turn affects drainage networks. Ashghal also pays great attention to developing Qatari employees and transferring knowledge through organizing specialized training courses.These works contribute to improving the efficiency of drainage networks in Qatar, enhancing their capacity, and ensuring their continued operation with high efficiency, meeting the needs of citizens and residents, and contributing to achieving sustainability and quality of life standards.Construction and Development of Four Building ProjectsFour new building projects have been awarded, including the construction of three new schools, the improvement of safety systems in 40 existing schools, the refurbishment of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation, and the renovation of Al Zubara Horse Breeding Farm.* Construction of 3 New SchoolsAshghal continues to support the education sector by constructing three new schools for boys in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, as part of its efforts to provide a modern and advanced educational environment.Implementation is scheduled to begin in Q4 of 2025, and the projects include: The projects include a preparatory school for boys in Mebaireek, a preparatory/secondary school for boys in Mesaimeer, and a model school for boys in Fereej Al Soudan. The projects will focus on the use of high-quality, easy-to-maintain finishing materials to ensure an attractive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.* Improving Safety and Fire Systems in 40 Existing SchoolsAshghal has begun implementing a comprehensive project to modernize and modify 40 existing school buildings in various regions of the country, with the aim of keeping pace with the latest Qatar Civil Defense standards for educational buildings. The project aims to raise the level of safety and operational flexibility in schools by installing modern fire safety and life protection systems, ensuring a safer learning environment for students and educational bodies.* Refurbishment of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical CorporationAs part of supporting the healthcare sector and developing mental health services in the country, Ashghal is preparing to launch a project to complete the development of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health. Implementation works are scheduled to commence in Q4 of 2025.The project includes renovating the existing buildings, constructing a new patient building, as well as developing the external infrastructure, including improving the internal road network and providing new parking lots.* Renovation of Al Zubara Horse Breeding FarmAs part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Ashghal will implement the Design and Build project to Repair and Renovate the Horse Breeding Farm in Al Zubarah, one of the largest specialized farms in the world, supporting Qatar's position as a leading global destination for horse racing and equestrian events. The farm is located on Al Shamal Road, approximately 60 km to the North of Doha, and extends over an area of ​​approximately 150 hectares. The project, scheduled to begin in October 2025, includes comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization works for all buildings and facilities.Highway Network Support ProjectAs part of its plans to complete the highway network, and its ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance connectivity between the various areas in Qatar, Ashghal awarded a project to construct link roads from Al Mazrooah to Al Attoriya and Bu-Thaila areas (zone 71 & 72), with a total length of 22 km.The project aims to connect the surrounding residential areas directly to the highway network, by enhancing the connection between Bu-Thaila and Al Attoriya areas with Al Shamal Road, Al Khor Road, and Dukhan Road via Al Majd Road. This will contribute to supporting economic and agricultural activities in the surrounding areas and provide vital services to the farms, in addition to preparing the area for future urban development in line with the state's vision and the national development plan.Al Karaana Road Development ProjectThe project aims to provide an advanced road network in the Al Karaana area and implement an integrated infrastructure within the project scope. Works include the construction of a 6.5 km road network to provide a direct connection to Salwa Road and facilitate access to the establishments and facilities in the area. A 4.7 km internal road network will also be constructed to regulate traffic in the camel racetrack. Traffic safety features, street lighting, parking lots, and landscaping will also be provided. The project also includes treated wastewater and irrigation networks totaling 17.5 km.