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From rare desert flora to centuries-old native trees, Qatar’s wild meadows are emerging as a frontline of environmental protection, with authorities accelerating efforts to safeguard fragile ecosystems that cover thousands of hectares across the country.Qatar is home to more than 1,825 natural wild meadows, covering approximately 2.5% of the country’s total land area and providing habitat for between 300 and 500 species of native plants, some of which are protected to ensure their long-term survival.**media[396952]**Most of these meadows are concentrated in the northern and southern regions of the country. To date, 1,273 meadows have been officially registered, with their data recorded in a comprehensive digital database. The information includes details on vegetation cover — such as plants and trees — as well as the threats and challenges facing each site, enabling authorities to develop appropriate protection and maintenance plans.As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has completed the maintenance and fencing of 38 wild meadows across the country to further protect Qatar’s green cover. In addition, the ministry is implementing an ambitious project to rehabilitate 100 Qatari meadows by 2028, prioritising the most endangered areas that contain rare plant species.**media[396953]**To prevent damage, some meadows have been fully closed, while others have been partially restricted to deter intrusion — particularly by irresponsible visitors and motorists attempting to enter sensitive areas with vehicles.So far, more than 17,463 seedlings of native wild plants, shrubs and trees have been planted at targeted rehabilitation sites. In parallel, 4,980 wild trees have been transplanted from state infrastructure project locations to rehabilitation areas, under the supervision of environmental specialists.**media[396954]**MECC has stressed that public access to key ecological sites has not been denied, but rather regulated to prevent harmful or careless practices. The ministry has repeatedly urged the public to enjoy Qatar’s natural landscapes responsibly and to comply with environmental regulations, noting that respect for nature is an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage.Several Qatari meadows are known by distinctive local names, reflecting their environmental and historical significance. These include Umm Al Sahnat Meadow, located in the north-east and covering 232,148 sqm, which hosts native trees such as Sidr, Samr and Awsaj alongside diverse plant species.**media[396955]**Other notable sites include Al Qaiya Meadow in the north-west (approximately 854,461 sqm); Al Sulaimi Al Gharbi Meadow in the north-east (120,739 sqm); Rawdat Muaither Al-Darb near the Muaither and Abu Nakhla areas; Rawdat Al-Ajouz in the northern region west of Umm Al-Amad; and Rawdat Rashid, along with Rawdat Saeed, Rawdat Al Arnab and Rawdat Al Faras.Among the most prominent wild trees and shrubs found in Qatari meadows are Sidra (Ziziphus spina-christi), Samr (Vachellia tortilis), Awsaj (Lycium shawii), Qurm (mangrove) (Avicennia marina) and Gafnah (Dipterygium glaucum).**media[396956]**Native grasses and herbs include Dahah (Lasiurus scindicus), Ain Al Qot (Gymnarrhena micrantha), commonly known as cat’s eye, Aqool (Alhagi maurorum) or camel thorn, as well as Stipagrostis species and Cyperus conglomeratus.**media[396957]**Environmental protection is enforced under Law No. 32 of 1995 on the Prevention of Damage to Plant Ecology and Ecosystems, which stipulates penalties including imprisonment of up to three months and fines ranging from QR1,000 to QR20,000, or both. The law also allows for the confiscation of vehicles or tools used in violations and obliges offenders to compensate for environmental damage. 

The management and students of The Next Generation (TNG) School, Al Daayen Campus, have partnered with the embassy of Pakistan in Doha to promote environmental protection and awareness.Deputy head of mission Atiya Iqbal and community welfare attaché Osama Idrees visited TNG as part of the embassy’s “Green Drive” initiative, a tree-planting and environmental awareness campaign in Qatar, organised in recognition of Qatar National Day (QND).During the visit, TNG Al Daayen’s Student Council members and participants of the British Council’s “Your World Competition” presented their research and projects on environmental sustainability.Students highlighted the inspiration behind their work, the innovative solutions they proposed, and the impact they aim to create.The session featured a detailed and interactive discussion with the embassy representatives, where students asked questions and explored solutions to sustainability challenges, such as digital responsibility, food waste management, and plastic reduction.Senior students, along with the wider Student Council body, attended the event to observe and take forward these discussions across the student community.Their involvement aims to inspire peers and further strengthen a culture of environmental responsibility within the campus.Iqbal lauded the students for their passion, confidence, and clarity of vision.The event concluded with a tree planting activity led by the Pakistan embassy officials within the school premises. 

Qatar has unveiled a new book documenting the country's environmental achievements and long-term climate ambitions, as officials reaffirm the State's commitment to sustainable development.The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change launched 'Environmental Sustainability in Qatar 2025' at a ceremony attended and sponsored by His Excellency Minister of Environment and Climate Change Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie. The publication aims to capture Qatar's national journey in protecting natural resources, reducing emissions and embedding sustainability across government and industry.Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, Ahamed Mohammed al-Sada, said sustainability has become a national guiding principle shaping future policies and projects. Qatar, he noted, is working to balance economic growth with environmental protection while improving quality of life. Al-Sada described the new book as a reference point that highlights the commitment of both public and private institutions to applying best environmental practices. It also showcases the country's progress in expanding clean energy, improving air-quality monitoring, and backing innovative low-emission initiatives.**media[389146]**The launch was paired with a conference featuring sessions on sustainable transport, green real-estate development and the role of banks in supporting the green economy - a forum that officials said helped generate recommendations aligned with the country's sustainability goals.The publication comes as Qatar advances several national strategies, including its Third National Development Strategy and the ministry's 2024-2030 environmental strategy. These frameworks set out priorities for environmental governance, resource management and long-term climate planning.The book outlines key ministry programs, from emissions-reduction initiatives and biodiversity protection to enhanced environmental readiness and improved monitoring systems. It also documents national projects in water, energy and waste management, green infrastructure and sustainable mobility.The chapters highlight conservation efforts for marine and terrestrial wildlife, habitat restoration projects, species-monitoring programs and regular coastal clean-ups.**media[389147]**The publication also features community-led environmental initiatives and research projects that have deepened understanding of Qatar's ecosystems.Urban sustainability is another focal point, with case studies on expanding green spaces, upgrading public parks, adopting green-building standards and integrating public transport, electric vehicles and pedestrian and cycling networks into city planning.The book also details Qatar's participation in global climate agreements, its role in hosting major environmental conferences and its support for developing nations seeking climate finance and resilience assistance. The ministry said the publication reflects Qatar's dedication to documenting its environmental progress and advancing a development model that balances economic growth with the preservation of natural resources. The goal, it added, is to ensure long-term environmental security for future generations and contribute to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. 

Qatari suppliers are stepping up with innovative, environmental and sustainable materials that improve building performance while reducing environmental impact to support Saudi Arabia’s strides in making energy-efficient and sustainable growth in the building industry a top priority, as it accelerates its Vision 2030 plan.Insulation, modular components, high-performance finishing materials, solar-integrated lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, water management solutions, and eco-friendly structural elements are among the wide range of energy-efficient solutions offered by Qatari businesses.These materials help developers create long-lasting, future-ready projects, lower energy costs, and comply with green building standards. Ensuring that these solutions reach the Saudi market effectively, collaboration between institutions is also driving sustainable construction in Saudi Arabia.Supported by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the Qatar Exports Office in Riyadh serves as a hub connecting Saudi developers, contractors, and procurement teams with approved Qatari vendors. The office provides supplier verification, matchmaking services, and market insights, ensuring Saudi stakeholders can access trusted partners for sustainable building projects.Qatari suppliers have already demonstrated their ability to deliver durable, environmentally friendly solutions at scale, making them ideal partners for projects ranging from commercial complexes to major residential developments and infrastructure. These partnerships not only strengthen Qatar-Saudi economic ties in the construction sector but also advance the Kingdom’s sustainability objectives.Among the Qatari companies at the forefront of the collaboration are HP Industries, Central Ventilation Systems, Beyond Lighting, and Al Ruwais Plastic Factory. Complementing these efforts, other prominent players such as Seashore Group, Suhail Engineering Industries, and Gulf GRC further strengthen Qatar’s commitment to technological innovation and environmental responsibility.Together, these suppliers bring innovative, sustainable products that are well-suited to the Kingdom’s growing demand for green building materials, infrastructure resilience, and smart urban development. Many more Qatari companies stand ready to respond to the Kingdom’s evolving needs. Saudi entities interested in exploring partnerships with Qatari suppliers or identifying energy-efficient building solutions are invited to connect directly with the Qatar Exports Office.

The 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) has concluded with a record-breaking over 700 events, activations, and initiatives, and thousands of participants joining forces to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness across the country.Organised by Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), this year’s milestone edition marked a decade of collective climate action, bringing together organisations, businesses, and individuals to promote sustainability across Qatar.Engineer Ahmed Mohammed al-Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs at the MoECC, affirmed that QSW 2025 played a significant role in enhancing joint environmental work among various governmental and private entities and civil society institutions through events and initiatives focused on raising awareness and promoting responsible practices toward the environment.He confirmed that the MoECC will invest the outcomes of this week in supporting initiatives that contribute to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the management of natural resources, noting that the ministry continues its commitment to providing a more sustainable environment for current and future generations.Al-Sada emphasised the ministry’s keenness to continue co-operation with various sectors in the country to ensure the expansion of environmental initiatives and the development of climate action mechanisms in line with the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, contributing to the achievement of the Qatar National Vision 2030 goals.Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, executive director of Earthna, said: “Qatar Sustainability Week 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a nation unites behind a shared goal. As we mark a decade of progress, we are proud of the collective effort that continues to shape Qatar’s sustainable future and inspire positive change at every level of society.”As Earthna looks ahead to 2026, plans are already underway to expand the programme’s reach and deepen its impact across schools, communities, and the private sector.

Katara Cultural Village hosted an event on Tuesday on the culinary culture of Peru, spotlighting the rich culinary heritage of the South American nation. The event featured presentations that highlighted the environmental and natural resources that have shaped Peruvian lifestyles across various historical eras. **media[381056]** Peru's ambassador to Qatar, Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica, praised the collaboration with Katara, describing it as a distinguished platform for cultural exchange and a vital bridge connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian Gulf. He expressed his appreciation for organising the event, which celebrated iconic elements of Peruvian cuisine, most notably Ceviche, a dish inscribed by Unesco in 2023 on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. **media[381057]** The ambassador emphasised that Ceviche is a key cultural symbol, reflecting Peruvians' deep connection to the ocean, rivers, and land. He noted that the dish embodies Peru's geographic and ethnic diversity and its rich cultural fusion, while also representing the intergenerational transmission of knowledge through fishing practices, market traditions, festive rituals, and communal values.

From the depths of the sea to the vibrant neighbourhoods of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, United Development Company’s Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2025 embodied a journey of collective action and environmental awareness, uniting residents, partners, and volunteers through impactful initiatives.This year’s edition witnessed record participation from divers, volunteers, and the wider community, surpassing last year’s engagement both in attendance and impact. The week further reinforced UDC’s position as one of Qatar’s leading advocates for sustainability, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, a statement said Sunday.As part of the week’s activities, UDC organised the largest seabed cleanup campaign in the region, bringing together over 250 volunteer divers from the local community, with the support of professional diving centres and environmental organisations.The initiative resulted in the recovery of 843kg of recyclable marine waste. The impact of this campaign has been evident since its launch in 2019, as the significant decline in collected waste volumes compared to previous years reflects its lasting effectiveness and positive contribution to marine conservation.**media[379719]**In parallel, UDC’s Plastic Recycling Initiative achieved notable progress by collecting 1,500kg of recyclable plastic materials, reinforcing the principles of a circular economy within UDC’s communities and supporting Qatar’s national efforts to reduce plastic pollution.The blood donation campaign organised in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation was one of the week’s standout initiatives, attracting a large turnout of residents and visitors and doubling the number of donors compared to last year.In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, awareness campaigns held at Gewan Island encouraged positive environmental behaviours and promoted sustainable practices in daily life.Concluding this year’s QSW, UDC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to leading sustainable urban development in Qatar and continuing to expand its environmental and community initiatives, the statement added.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department organised a beach cleanup initiative at Umm Bab, as part of a series of environmental campaigns carried out throughout the year. The initiative seeks to encourage the participation of the local community, volunteer groups, and institutions in national efforts to reduce marine pollution and maintain the beauty of beaches. The ministry emphasised that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all members of society.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the meetings of the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, hosted by the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. The Qatari delegation to the meetings was headed by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, who affirmed in his address Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting joint Arab environmental efforts and strengthening regional and international co-operation to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and protect natural resources for the benefit of future generations. On the sidelines of the session, HE the minister held meetings with a number of ministers and heads of participating bodies. He discussed with them aspects of environmental co-operation, co-ordinating Arab positions in international forums, and prospects for partnership in regional and international initiatives aimed at combating desertification and addressing the challenges associated with drought, particularly in developing countries.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, participated in the work of the 26th meeting of the Technical Committee for Environment, affiliated with the Council of Arab Ministers in Charge of Environmental Affairs, held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott.The meeting was part of the ongoing preparations for the 36th session of the Council of Arab Ministers and Heads of Environmental Authorities, scheduled for Oct. 30 in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with the participation of delegations representing member states and regional and international organizations concerned with environmental issues.The technical meeting discussed the follow-up on the implementation of the decisions issued by the Council of Arab Ministers in Charge of Environmental Affairs in its previous sessions, and reviewed joint Arab initiatives in the areas of environmental protection and sustainable development, which constituted an important milestone in the course of joint Arab environmental action.The meeting was an opportunity to coordinate positions and visions in preparation for upcoming international environmental agreements, particularly the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) and the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to be held in Belem, Brazil.

The State of Qatar continues to implement advanced strategies in environmental protection and air quality improvement, as part of Qatar National Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the core of national policies. Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Qatar has emerged as a regional leader in developing a comprehensive and precise national air quality monitoring and improvement system, relying on the latest globally recognized environmental technologies and systems. In a pioneering step, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, advanced air quality monitoring stations were deployed around each stadium, covering areas of up to 5 square kilometers. These stations enabled real-time environmental data analysis in both fan zones and stadium surroundings, offering a global model for implementing environmental sustainability in major events. The stations were equipped with cutting-edge sensors capable of measuring pollutant gas concentrations and airborne particles, as well as identifying their sources. They also had the ability to transmit data instantly to the Air Quality Monitoring and Analysis Unit, which analyzes the data and issues early warnings when necessary. Air quality in the State of Qatar is subject to continuous, real-time monitoring through an integrated national network comprising more than 45 fixed and mobile stations distributed across various regions of the country, including residential areas, industrial zones, major roads, and the surroundings of key facilities. Assistant Director of the Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department at the Ministry Abdullah Al Khulaifi said, in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), that air quality in Qatar is closely monitored around the clock through advanced systems linked to the Air Quality Monitoring and Analysis Unit, where data is instantly analyzed to ensure compliance with national and international standards. Al Khalifi explained that the national air quality monitoring network includes over 45 specialized stations measuring ambient air quality, in addition to another network of 20 stations located at main roads and intersections to monitor emissions from traffic and vehicles. He noted that these stations are internationally certified and provide an accurate representation of air quality conditions across the country. He stated that the Ministry relies on advanced systems for data analysis through a specialized unit within the Monitoring and Inspection Department, where data from monitoring stations nationwide is collected for environmental assessment and the preparation of periodic reports. The Assistant Director also revealed that the Ministry is working to upgrade monitoring systems by adopting the latest technologies, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to enhance forecasting efficiency and the ability to predict potential pollution events, thereby enabling prompt action to mitigate any negative impacts. Al Khalifi emphasized that the efforts go beyond monitoring alone, encompassing broad awareness and community initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of environmental and air quality preservation. These efforts include media campaigns and partnerships with schools and universities, with the goal of instilling a sense of environmental responsibility across all segments of society. Al Khalifi noted that the Ministry is committed to enhancing data transparency and raising public awareness, which led to the launch of the Electronic Air Quality Platform. This platform provides the public with real-time information on air quality in eight key regions across the country, using simplified color-coded indicators based on the globally recognized Air Quality Index (AQI) system. It allows citizens and residents to easily understand the air quality in their surroundings. He explained that the AQI levels are displayed according to six internationally approved categories that reflect the condition of ambient air. These are represented by color gradients, from green, indicating clean air, to purple, which signals hazardous pollution levels. The AQI is based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ground-level ozone (O₃), and carbon monoxide (CO). He added that the monitored data also includes a variety of additional variables, such as hydrocarbons, sulfur compounds, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), along with meteorological readings like temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and visibility. This enables a comprehensive analysis of how atmospheric conditions impact air quality." Al Khalifi stressed that the data published by the Ministry is based on field readings from certified monitoring stations and undergoes scientific validation. This is the only reliable source for assessing air quality in the State of Qatar. He cautioned against relying on unofficial data published by some external sources that use uncertified devices or general satellite-based simulation models. These entities do not have accurate monitoring equipment inside the country and lack a deep understanding of Qatar's local environmental conditions. He also stated that all these entities that publish air quality platforms on the internet rely on unreliable data sources linked to commercial websites that use monitoring technologies and commercial devices which do not meet even the basic internationally recognized standards and requirements. Moreover, these platforms are not accredited by any specialized environmental monitoring authority, especially the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They have spread widely due to their low cost and extensive commercial marketing campaigns. He explained that many platforms use the same misleading data sources but differ in how they present the information, underscoring the importance of relying on trusted sources and official national agencies for accurate information.He clarified that the Ministry takes into account the impacts of population growth, urban development, and the increasing number of vehicles, which is why it adopts sustainable transportation plans such as metro systems, electric buses, and cycling paths. These efforts aim to reduce traffic-related emissions and achieve an environmental balance that reflects the country's vision toward smart and sustainable cities.He pointed out that the environmental monitoring system is based on national laws governing environmental protection, such as Law No. (30) of 2002 and its Executive Regulation No. (4) of 2005, with standards aligned with the requirements of international environmental bodies. This alignment enhances the credibility and professionalism of the Ministry's work.Assistant Director of the Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department at the Ministry Abdullah Al Khulaifi concluded by saying that the Ministry continues to expand the national air quality monitoring network, which started with a limited number of stations and now exceeds 45 stations, with plans to increase to over 50 stations in the near future. The Ministry also continuously implements technical updates and standardizes operational procedures to ensure data consistency and efficiency, in institutional cooperation with several national entities such as the Ministry of Public Health, Ashghal Public Works Authority, Qatar Meteorology Department, and QatarEnergy, thereby enhancing integration in environmental data monitoring and analysis.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has officially unveiled the Winter Camping Season 2025-2026, scheduled to run from Oct. 15, 2025 to April 15, 2026. Registration for the highly anticipated event will begin on October 1 and runs through October 14, available via the ministry's official website and the "Be'ah" mobile application.It will reopen from October 15 to November 15 for areas where spots will remain available. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by key ministry officials and stakeholders, who gave an overview of the latest updates on regulations and environmental guidelines for this year's season.The conference also highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and sustainable camping experience for all participants. MoECC's Public Relations Director, Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri emphasized the importance of the camp as a platform for fostering community engagement with Qatar's environment and promoting environmental awareness.He noted that the previous season saw a total of 2,860 camps, including 1,315 land camps, 433 sea camps, and 1,112 located within protected nature reserves. Meanwhile, the Director of the Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, said the three-phase registration process is based on geographic location as follows:October 1–4: Central region (including Umm Al-Atham, Rawdat Rashid, Rawdat Aisha, South Khuraij, Abu Samra, and Zekreet Coastal Reserve) October 5–8: Southern region (including Seline Reserve on October 5, and areas like Al-Nuqyan, Al-Kharara, Makinis, Seline, and Khor Al-Addid from October 6–8) October 9–14: Northern region, covering all available sites.Al Nuaimi further outlined key regulations for campers, including requirements for applicants to be Qatari nationals aged 25 or older. Applicants must also pay registration fees and insurance through the ministry's electronic system, maintain cleanliness, and avoid causing harm to the environment.He added that any violations will result in fines and potential revocation of permits. Insurance for unconfirmed camps will not be refunded after 30 days, and any reservation not confirmed within this period will automatically be canceled.The camping permit is personal and cannot be transferred or subleased. Assistant Head of the Environmental Security Department at the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Lt. Colonel Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al Nuaimi underscored the importance of campers adhering to environmental regulations to ensure a safe and eco-friendly season.In alignment with Qatar's commitment to environmental sustainability, MoECC's Director of Planning and Quality Department, Aisha Al Baker, announced the launch of the Sustainable Environmental Camping Award 2025-2026. The award recognizes five camps that demonstrate exemplary environmental practices, such as resource conservation, biodiversity protection, and the promotion of recycling.