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An awareness workshop led by cybersecurity trainer Farhan Alsadi underscored the need for individuals and organisations in Qatar to strengthen their digital defences amid rising cyber threats.The session, held under the framework of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), at the Qatar Press Center on Sunday highlighted the fast-evolving risks to personal data, critical infrastructure, and national digital assets.Alsadi cautioned that cybercrime today poses challenges not just to governments and corporations but also to everyday users navigating an increasingly connected world.He explained that cybersecurity is more than firewalls and passwords. “It is a structured set of practices and technologies designed to protect systems, networks, and information from malicious attacks,” he said. This includes securing data, preventing unauthorised access, and adopting swift response mechanisms in case of breaches.Participants were introduced to the central objectives of cybersecurity, beginning with the fundamental aim of protecting data from unauthorised access or exploitation. They learned that safeguarding sensitive information is the first line of defence in a digital world where personal, corporate, and even national assets are increasingly targeted. Closely linked to this is the need to secure networks and digital infrastructure against cyberattacks, ensuring that the systems underpinning communications, commerce, and governance remain resilient.Encryption was highlighted as a vital tool for maintaining the confidentiality of information as it moves across networks, effectively shielding it from interception or misuse. Alongside this, the importance of establishing strong security policies was emphasised, particularly in combating the persistent threat of malware that can cripple operations or compromise trust. Finally, participants were reminded that breaches, despite precautions, remain a reality; therefore, rapid response measures are essential to contain damage, restore functionality, and prevent repeat attacks.Together, these objectives framed cybersecurity not as a single action, but as an ongoing, multi-layered effort to build digital trust and resilience.The workshop stressed that protecting cyberspace is not only about technology but also about people. Raising awareness, Alsadi noted, is central to building a cyber-resilient society. Training sessions, awareness campaigns, and institutional programmes remain the first line of defence.He also pointed to the NCSA’s efforts in training national cadres on the latest cybersecurity tools, alongside supporting research to keep Qatar abreast of global challenges. International co-operation with leading countries and organisations was cited as key to keeping pace with the ever-changing threat landscape.Alsadi drew attention to the NCSA’s role in safeguarding personal data. Initiatives include educating users on their privacy rights, developing institutional training programmes, and adopting best practices based on international standards. Multiple reporting platforms are available for citizens to flag breaches swiftly, ensuring transparency and protection.The workshop also clarified how the NCSA and the Ministry of Interior work hand in hand. While the Agency focuses on awareness, prevention, and technical expertise, the Ministry investigates cybercrimes, gathers digital evidence, and coordinates with international bodies such as Interpol. Together, the two entities form a comprehensive shield for Qatar’s digital environment.Concluding the session, Alsadi urged participants to adopt a proactive stance. “Cybersecurity is not a one-off task but an ongoing responsibility,” he reminded. “Every click, every password, and every data transaction carries a risk — and also an opportunity to protect.”

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) has signed contracts with seven 5-star hotels to offer special rates to QPC members and their families on rooms, restaurants, and other hotel services. The participating hotels are: 21 High Street, The Torch, Mina & Residence, OQ, Bentley, Al Azizia Boutique, and The Muse. The discounts range from 20% to 30% for rooms or suites, meals at all of these hotels' restaurants, and fitness club services. This comes as part of the QPC's commitment to the well-being and comfort of journalists, media professionals, and their families. More offers and discounts on other services will be announced in the coming period. The QPC has signed similar agreements with the following hotels: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Dusit Doha, Dusit Suites, and Warwick Doha, which include significant discounts on accommodation services, restaurants, and fitness clubs. The QPC has also signed a number of agreements to enable members and their families to benefit from special discounts ranging from 20% to 30% at a number of private hospitals: Al Emadi Hospital, Doha Clinic, and Naseem Medical Center. These discounts vary depending on the specialties and medical services provided, and cover a wide range of fields, including periodic checkups, medical consultations, physiotherapy, specialised surgeries, and dental services.

Qatar Press Center (QPC) continues its "Journalists at the centre of crises" series, which highlights the pivotal role of journalism in covering wars, disasters, and humanitarian crises around the world. The series documents the exceptional efforts of journalists and media professionals to convey the truth to the world, despite limited resources and information, and to give voice to victims at a time when truth is often the first casualty of conflict.In this episode, we explore the stories of journalists who sacrificed their lives to bring the truth to the world, disregarding threats and the deliberate targeting of journalists in war and conflict zones. They transformed from witnesses to truth into martyrs and role models for future generations of journalists and media professionals, exemplifying courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the principles of journalism and media. The killing of journalists means more than just the loss of individuals; it represents a loss to human memory and the people's right to knowledge. This makes protecting journalism a priority in an era of relentless wars that spare neither the young nor the old, nor any innocent person.Ali Hassan al-Jaber was a prominent Qatari journalist and cameraman who served as the director of photography at Al Jazeera. On March 12, 2011, while covering the Libyan revolution in Benghazi, his vehicle was ambushed by unknown gunmen who opened fire on him as he returned from a field assignment. He was killed, and his colleague was wounded. The last images captured by Al-Jaber's camera were of the tomb of Libyan martyr Omar al-Mukhtar in the town of Suluq, southwest of Benghazi. His death was the first death of an Al Jazeera correspondent during the Libyan conflict, sparking a wave of international condemnation and repeated calls for the protection of journalists in war zones.Brent Anthony Reno, the American journalist and documentary filmmaker, was not merely a reporter of events; he was part of them, moving with his camera to the front lines without ever compromising his moral and humanitarian principles. On March 13, 2022, while covering the refugee crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Reno was shot and killed by a Russian sniper while crossing an area near Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, a location that was supposed to be a safe passage for civilians.Pierre Zakrzewski, known as "Zak," was a veteran French-Irish photojournalist based in London. He was best known for his work with Fox News, covering armed conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. On March 14, 2022, while covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he and his colleague Benjamin Hall were in a vehicle near Kyiv when it came under Russian artillery fire. Zakrzewski was killed instantly, while Hall was seriously injured and taken to hospital. Following his death, the joint investigation by France, Ireland, and Ukraine led to the case being referred to the International Criminal Court.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC), in co-operation with the Media Development Department of the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC), concluded the “Political Analysis for Media Professionals” course, which was held from August 31-September 3 at the Center’s headquarters.The course was attended by a select group of media professionals and journalists from various local media outlets. The course was presented by Professor Abdullah al-Shaiji, Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University, who shared his extensive academic and practical experience in interpreting the regional and international political landscape and analysing current issues in an in-depth and objective perspective. At the conclusion of the course, Abdullah bin Haji al-Sulaiti, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, distributed certificates to the participants. He also presented a certificate of thanks and appreciation to the lecturer, Professor Abdullah al-Shaiji, in recognition of his efforts and contributions to the success of the training programme. Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, director general of the QPC, expressed his happiness with the fruitful co-operation with the QMC in organising the fourth part of the political analysis course. He emphasised that this partnership comes within the framework of the Center’s commitment to providing the media arena with quality programmes that enhance skills and keep pace with current developments. The director general emphasised that the course attracted an elite group of media professionals and journalists from various media institutions, praising their interaction, which gave a practical dimension to the training experience. The director general emphasised that co-operation with the QMC will expand in the coming period to include the launch of more specialised courses and workshops aimed at providing media professionals with the knowledge and skills that keep pace with the rapid changes in the media and political landscape. Professor Abdullah al-Shaiji said: “This course is an opportunity to qualify young Qataris and provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills in the fields of media and political analysis.”He added: “The course aims to enhance the capacity of young Qataris to gather and analyse accurate information and understand Qatari achievements at all levels. This is particularly true given Qatar’s influential soft power, its significant achievements in development and charitable work, and its pivotal role in bringing viewpoints closer at the Gulf, Arab, and global levels.” He praised the efforts of the QMC and QPC in building qualified media cadres capable of conveying Qatar’s accurate image, correcting negative stereotypes, and defending national achievements with evidence, figures, and statistics, thus contributing to strengthening Qatar’s position regionally and internationally.

HE Director-General of Qatar News Agency (QNA) Ahmed bin Saeed al-Rumaihi met Monday with Acting President of the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Ali bin Abdullah Alzaid at the SPA headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance media co-operation and the exchange of expertise and experiences between the two agencies with the aim of establishing a partnership that serves the shared media objectives and aspirations of both sides.As part of the visit, the director-general toured the different departments of the Saudi Press Agency. He reviewed the workflow and mechanisms in the various editorial sections and was briefed on the latest systems and technologies used in digital publishing and to deliver high-quality news services.His Excellency also visited the SPA News Training Academy, where he was briefed on the training programmes offered to qualify media professionals.In a statement on the occasion, the QNA director-general said the visit reflects the commitment to strengthening bilateral co-operation between the two agencies, with the aim of achieving a strategic partnership that serves the media vision of both countries.His Excellency underscored the importance of strengthening and solidifying media co-operation between the news agencies of the two countries, elevating it to keep pace with the rapid development of bilateral relations in various fields. He also highlighted the importance of this co-operation in serving the shared journey of Gulf media.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) condemns the killing of 20 Palestinians, including five journalists and several ambulance and civil defence crews while evacuating the wounded, in an Israeli air strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.Quoting a medical source, WAFA reported that the journalists killed were: Mohammed Salama, a photojournalist for Al Jazeera; Hussam al-Masri, a photojournalist for Reuters; journalist Mariam Dagga, who works for several media outlets, including Independent Arabia and AP; and journalist Moaz Abu Taha for the American NBC network. Fellow journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz succumbed to his wounds following the Israeli massacre.This brings the number of journalists killed since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza to 245. The QPC affirms that the new Israeli massacre of journalists while performing their professional duties is part of a systematic policy pursued by the occupation army since the beginning of its war of extermination against the people of Gaza on October 7, 2023, targeting journalists’ locations, homes, and tents to prevent them from conveying the truth to the world and to silence their voices forever. The QPC reiterates its call on the international community, UN, human rights, and media organisations, to condemn the targeting of journalists in Gaza and to take urgent action to hold the Israeli occupation accountable before international courts for war crimes against journalists and media professionals. Impunity has encouraged the Israeli occupation forces to continue their series of assassinations, arrests, and intimidation of journalists, in full view of the world.Cameras documented the martyrdom of the journalists live on air. A circulating video shows a group of journalists and paramedics rushing to Nasser Hospital after the fourth floor was bombed, to begin rescuing the victims and wounded.However, they were surprised by a second Israeli airstrike targeting them, resulting in an increase in the number of casualties among photographers and medical personnel.The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip condemned the recent Israeli massacre, noting that the number of journalist martyrs in the Strip had risen to 245 following the latest attack.The office called on the International Federation of Journalists to condemn the crimes against journalists and held Israel responsible for the brutal crimes committed in the Gaza Strip.