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Students of HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities, representing the centre’s senior, open schooling, primary, and junior sections, recently held a special educational visit to the Indonesian embassy in Doha. Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan welcomed the students and special educators and led them on a guided tour of the embassy premises. The students were introduced to the daily operations and the key functions of various departments and learned how the embassy provides consular services, facilitates cultural and trade relations, and assists local citizens and citizens living abroad. Hassan spoke about his longstanding association with HOPE Qatar. “HOPE Qatar has made a remarkable difference not just in the lives of its students, but also in the lives of their families,” the envoy said. “The love, patience, and professionalism of the staff reflect the true spirit of inclusion.” Hassan also commended HOPE Qatar’s role in promoting empowerment and equality through education, emphasising that “every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be part of society with dignity”. “We are deeply honoured to have visited the Indonesian embassy, and even more grateful for the long and meaningful association we share with ambassador Ridwan Hassan and his family,” said HOPE Qatar founder and chief mentor Dr Rajeev Thomas. The students presented handmade souvenirs to the ambassador as a gesture of appreciation for his kindness and support. In turn, Hassan presented the students with gifts and interacted with them individually, expressing admiration for their confidence, creativity, and positivity. HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities offers quality education and holistic support to children and young adults with disabilities. The centre’s programmes are designed to nurture independence, confidence, and community participation among its learners.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Sunday issued Law No. 22 of 2025 concerning persons with disabilities.The law is effective and set to be published in the official gazette.HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, affirmed that issuance of the new Persons with Disabilities Law marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's journey to protect and promote human rights.She emphasised that the law goes beyond care provision, embedding the principles of empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, recognising them as active partners in development and future-building.The legislation reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to upholding justice and equality for all members of society, emphasising that everyone shares responsibility in shaping a better tomorrow.According to a statement from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the law emphasises protection of civil and political rights of persons with disabilities, including freedom of movement, opinion, and expression, the right to form a family, and participation in elections, associations, and institutions.The law also stipulates that a person's freedom may only be restricted within the limits required by their condition, while prohibiting all forms of violence or exploitation.It includes deterrent measures to protect these rights, prescribing penalties of up to six months' imprisonment and fines of up to QR 100,000 for violations, with fines in certain cases reaching QR 500,000, particularly in instances of neglect, exploitation, or abuse.The law also holds officials in administrative bodies accountable for any negligence or failure to implement its provisions. It requires relevant authorities to establish a unified national database for persons with disabilities and issue identification cards to facilitate access to benefits and services, which embodies Qatar's vision to promote social justice, uphold inclusion and empowerment, and ensure a dignified life for all.

The Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind (QSCCB) announced a program focused on the Holy Quran, in collaboration with the department of persons with disabilities programs at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs. QSCCB explained that the program, presented by Sheikh Amro Al Maliki, will be held weekly (every Wednesday) at the Center after Maghrib prayer. The program comes as part of the Center's efforts in instilling the love for the Holy Quran in the hearts of its members and giving them the opportunity to benefit from the gatherings as well as recitation. Chairman of the QSCCB, Faisal Al Kooheji, stated that the program was organized as part of the Center's belief in the importance of the Holy Quran in shaping young people positively. The center aims to provide a religious space that helps establish a generation deeply connected to the Holy Quran, Al Kooheji added. The QSCCB, established in 2004, is one of the centers affiliated with the Ministry of Culture that culturally serves the blind and people with low vision of both genders.

Senior and open schooling students of HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities, paid an educational visit to the embassy of India recently.The students represented the nationalities of India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.The students were given an opportunity to observe the functioning of the embassy and gain insight into how diplomatic missions operate, making it an enriching learning experience beyond the classroom.They were introduced to the consular section, its functions, and how passports are printed and issued by the mission. In an interaction with ambassador Vipul, the students posed numerous questions and received answers.The visit also featured the formal release of the first copy of ‘Ray of HOPE’ the annual newsletter of HOPE Qatar for the Academic Year 2024–2025 by the ambassador.The students presented handmade gifts to the envoy and received gifts from the embassy. Dr Rajeev Thomas, founder and chief mentor of HOPE Qatar, was present.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged the public to avoid the use of parking spaces for people with disabilities. "Occupying parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities is a traffic offence and a bad habit and violates their rights," MoI said in an X post. The ministry said adhering to designated parking spaces and avoiding the use of parking spaces for people with disabilities is a civilised behaviour that reflects compliance with traffic laws and guidelines and preserves the rights of others.