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Qatar Charity, in collaboration with the Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Charitable Foundation, has laid the foundation stone for Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Educational Complex in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.The project is fully funded by Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani Endowment.The ceremony was attended by prominent local figures, officials from the Ministry of Education, and representatives from Qatar Charity’s Sri Lanka office.The new complex, to be built within Fathima Balika Maha Vidyalaya in Trincomalee, will span approximately 1,560sqm and is valued at QR 2.4mn. It will feature four main buildings housing 12 classrooms, a large hall, a library, a science laboratory, administrative and staff rooms, as well as a service building, a water well, and essential facilities — creating a safe, inspiring, and well-equipped educational space.Zeenah al-Munawara Mohamed Naleem, zonal director of education – Kinniya Zone, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the family of Sheikh Eid Bin Mohammad Al Thani and Qatar Charity and emphasised that the new facilities would significantly improve the quality of education and ease the difficulties currently faced by the school.Abdul Fareed Lareef, principal of Fathima Balika Maha Vidyalaya, echoed the sentiments, stating that the project marks “the beginning of a new chapter for education and students at this school.”Mahmoud Abu Khalifa, director of Qatar Charity’s Sri Lanka office, emphasised that this landmark project is part of a broader educational strategy that includes building schools, science labs, and providing learning materials, alongside interventions in health, food security, housing, water, and economic empowerment—all aligned with national sustainable development plans. 

Qatar continues to move confidently along a robust path of development and nation-building towards a bright future, ensuring that every citizen is equipped to excel, contribute meaningfully, and distinguish themselves at the highest level.National institutions remain committed to translating Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030) into tangible outcomes, reflecting a sustained drive towards comprehensive and sustainable development.In recent years, the country has made significant progress in energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare, while strengthening its position as an attractive investment hub in competitive sectors such as technology and tourism.Guided by the leadership’s enduring belief that “Qatar deserves the best from its citizens”, the nation has pressed ahead with major national projects, reinforcing its standing as a model of ambition and achievement.Economic indicators underscore this trajectory, highlighting steady growth, strong financial performance, and rising international reserves and foreign currency assets at the Qatar Central Bank by the end of 2024.Qatar’s sovereign credit rating has remained high among leading global credit rating agencies, reaffirming the resilience of the national economy and its status as a safe and stable destination for investment.On the global stage, Qatar ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and 27th worldwide in the 2025 Global Peace Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in Australia, advancing two places from its 2024 ranking.The country has maintained regional leadership in the index from 2015 to 2025, achieving advanced global rankings and outperforming many developed nations.The index also ranked Qatar eighth globally and first in the Arab world among the safest and most socially secure countries, placing it within the world’s top ten.Qatar recorded another milestone by ranking ninth globally in the 2025 Global Competitiveness Report issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, marking its first entry into the top ten.The report assesses 67 economies based on more than 330 indicators across four pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.Significant gains were recorded in business efficiency, with Qatar rising from 11th to fifth globally, reflecting reforms to enhance labour market flexibility, support entrepreneurship, and empower the private sector. The country maintained seventh place globally in both economic performance and government efficiency, while advancing three positions in infrastructure due to sustained investment in transport, education, healthcare, and digital systems.Qatar also ranked among the top 20 countries globally in the 2025 Global Digital Competitiveness Index, covering 69 economies. It rose from 26th in 2024 to 20th in 2025, in line with QNV2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024–2030, which place digital transformation and innovation at the core of national development.The country ranked 13th in Knowledge, 36th in Technology, and 14th in Future Readiness, reflecting strong human capital, advanced digital infrastructure, and adaptability to future demands.Qatar won three awards at the GCC e-Government Award 2025, held in the State of Kuwait, in recognition of outstanding government initiatives in digital transformation and smart services.In innovation, Qatar ranked 48th globally in the Global Innovation Index 2025 issued by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), advancing 22 positions over six years from 70th to 48th, highlighting its sustained commitment to research, development, and innovation.The country led the Arab world and MENA region in the Numbeo Healthcare Index, ranking first regionally and 18th globally in the mid-2025 index, reflecting the high standard and continued advancement of its healthcare sector in line with NDS3.In food security, Qatar ranked second in the Arab world and 24th globally in the Global Food Security Index 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen local production and reduce reliance on imports.Qatar secured 22nd place globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2025 issued by Brand Finance, highlighting its growing international influence.The country also achieved advanced rankings in public transport at global, Arab, and regional levels, according to the 2025 “Transport Report in the Middle East and North Africa” published by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).During 2025, MWANI QATAR played a key role in strengthening maritime trade, handling more than 1.11 million standard containers (TEUs) during the first nine months of the year.Hamad Port achieved first place in the Gulf region for the first time and ranked 11th globally in the Container Port Performance Index 2024, issued by the World Bank in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence.Meanwhile, Hamad International Airport expanded its annual passenger capacity to more than 65mn following the completion of its latest expansion project. It retained the title of best airport in the Middle East for the 11th consecutive year and was named the world’s best airport for shopping for the third consecutive year. 

Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad has held talks in Doha with Malawi’s Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Joseph Mwanamvekha. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance co-operation, particularly in the areas of economic planning, sustainable development and capacity building. The two sides also discussed issues of mutual interest. 

The Qatari-Omani Joint Committee held its 24th session meetings in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman, over two days.The Qatari side was headed by His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, while the Omani side was headed by Minister of Finance Sultan bin Salim al-Habsi.During the meetings, the committee discussed the full spectrum of bilateral co-operation between the two fraternal countries, foremost among which were economic, commercial, investment, and development co-operation. The discussions also addressed ways to further strengthen the partnership in a manner that serves mutual interests and contributes to advancing joint Gulf co-operation.In this context, HE al-Kuwari emphasised the importance of these meetings and their role in advancing bilateral relations, saying: "The meetings of the Joint Committee reflect the depth of relations between our two countries and serve as an important platform to strengthen economic and investment co-operation, develop practical partnerships, support Gulf integration, and open broader horizons for sustainable development across various sectors."In turn, al-Habsi said: "This Joint Committee represents an exemplary model of bilateral co-operation, at a time when there is a growing need to enhance joint efforts to achieve progress, prosperity, and sustainable economic and social development for our two fraternal peoples."The committee also followed up on the progress of a number of joint projects and considered a set of initiatives and proposals aimed at enhancing co-operation in the sectors of agriculture, telecommunications, transport, tourism, banking services, and education, in addition to exploring investment opportunities available in both countries.The Qatari-Omani Joint Committee held its first meeting in Doha in April 1995, and its sessions have since continued alternately between the two countries, thereby reinforcing the path of joint co-operation and co-ordination. 

The high-speed electric passenger train project between Qatar and Saudi Arabia is a strategic step within the two countries' efforts to enhance co-operation and developmental integration, and to consolidate sustainable development and the shared commitment toward broader horizons of development and prosperity in the region.The high-speed railway line spans 785km, strategically connecting Riyadh and Doha, and will pass through key stations including Hofuf and Dammam, while also linking King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport.The train will form a new artery for rapid and sustainable transportation, improving the regional travel experience with speeds exceeding 300kmph, reducing travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, significantly enhancing mobility, boosting trade and tourism, and improving quality of life.The project is slated for completion in six years, utilising the latest railway technologies and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operation and to adhere to the highest international standards of quality and safety. It is expected to have an economic impact of nearly SR115bn on the GDP of both countries, serve over 10mn passengers annually, and create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.The high-speed railway will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition to more efficient and innovative transportation patterns for smart and sustainable mobility in the region. This makes the rail line one of the most important strategic projects supporting regional development and strengthening connectivity and integration among the GCC countries. 

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. 

Mannai Energy and Positive Zero have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of clean energy projects across Qatar. The MoU, which supports Qatar National Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, was signed Abey Rajan, general manager of Mannai Energy, and David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero.The strategic partnership brings together Mannai Energy’s deep expertise in project delivery and local market integration with Positive Zero’s leadership in intelligent, site-integrated energy systems. By leveraging an “as-a-service” model, the collaboration will enable businesses and industries in Qatar to adopt advanced clean energy solutions, such as on-site solar PV (rooftop, carport, and ground-mount), energy efficiency programmes, and clean mobility initiatives, without upfront investment.These solutions are designed to reduce operational costs, lower carbon emissions, and support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Rajan said, “We are proud to partner with Positive Zero in advancing Qatar’s clean energy agenda.This initiative reflects Mannai Corporation’s dedication to innovation, environmental responsibility, and supporting the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. Together, we aim to deliver impactful projects that foster sustainable growth, energy resilience, and a better quality of life for future generations.” Auriau said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Mannai Energy in support of Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy and National Climate Change Action Plan.Through this partnership, we will expand access to cost-effective clean energy solutions, empowering Qatar’s businesses and communities to contribute to a sustainable future.” The partnership will also focus on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the development of local talent — key priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030. Mannai Energy will provide engineering, procurement, construction, and operations and maintenance services to international standards, while Positive Zero will lead project development, financing, and asset management throughout the project lifecycle.

Qatar’s Ministry of Social Development and Family has launched an initiative aimed at strengthening ethical values within Qatari families and promoting value-based upbringing.The initiative, coinciding with the celebration of World Children’s Day, was unveiled by Sustainable Development Goals Ambassador Layan al-Hajri. Also attending were Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs, Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim al-Thani and Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, Shaikha al-Nassr.The endeavour seeks to support families in instilling core values such as honesty, respect, co-operation and diligence through educational activities and community partnerships.During the event, the ministry introduced an Ethical Family Charter as a new educational reference and announced a 30-Day Morality Challenge, which encourages children to practise a daily value through digital tools and games tailored to the Qatari context.A series of interactive workshops for children was also held at the Museum of Islamic Art, including art sessions, values-themed activities and child-rights games, with wide participation from families.Assistant Director of the Family Development Department, Nouf al-Abdullah, said the initiative supports the ministry’s strategy to reinforce moral identity rooted in Islamic principles.Meanwhile, SDG Ambassador al-Hajri and Executive Director of the SDG Ambassadors Center, Iman al-Obaidli, both highlighted the role of youth-led initiatives in strengthening community values and supporting family cohesion.The event concluded with families and children signing the Ethical Family Charter, with the ministry reaffirming its commitment to supporting programmes that promote family and childhood development.

His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie inaugurated Monday the student project exhibition held as part of the fourth edition of Sustainable Development Day organised by Lusail University. His Excellency the minister, accompanied by His Excellency the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Lusail University Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri, toured the exhibition, where he viewed a number of student innovations in the fields of renewable energy, resource management, and environmental conservation. This year’s event was held with the participation of more than 200 students from various academic programs, confirming the university’s commitment to supporting national efforts in the field of sustainability, promoting environmental awareness among students, and enabling them to contribute to initiatives that support the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. **media[383116]** During the event, students presented initiatives that reflected an advanced awareness of sustainability issues. Then they applied their theoretical knowledge in real-world projects that support the implementation of the national strategy for the environment and climate change. Dean of the College of Education and Arts at Lusail University Professor Dr Ramzi Naim Nasser said that the university celebrates Sustainable Development Day annually based on its firm commitment to the values ​​of sustainability in education and in its various academic initiatives and programs. He explained that since its establishment, Lusail University has adopted a specialised university course in sustainability, which is taught to all students, and forms a framework for consolidating their environmental, social and economic awareness. He stressed that sustainability at the university is not just a theoretical concept, but real practice that they are keen to instil in all activities. Dr Nasser noted that the exhibition of student projects saw the participation of 50-60 students who presented innovative projects and practical solutions in various fields. He pointed out that some of the innovations show a remarkable development in creative thinking, including a smart helmet for construction workers equipped with heat sensors and a GPS tracking system, which is a model that reflects the growing skills of students and their ability to create applicable solutions. The Dean of the College of Education and Arts pointed out that the participating projects are subject to academic evaluation within the coursework, and a specialised judging committee evaluates them and selects three winning projects in recognition of outstanding student efforts. He stressed that the issue of sustainability is no longer a luxury as was previously thought, noting that UN reports show that many of the Sustainable Development Goals need more efforts to be achieved, hence the importance of instilling this awareness among students from an early stage. Dr Nasser explained that the Sustainable Development Day event coincides with Qatar Sustainability Week, noting the university’s keenness to participate annually in this national event in line with its role in spreading and promoting a culture of sustainability among young people. Sustainable Development Day also included a number of awareness activities, student presentations and environmental competitions, in addition to awarding the best projects and outstanding presentations, in a step that reflects the university’s keenness to promote the spirit of creativity and encourage initiatives that support awareness and consolidate the values ​​of community participation.

Highlighting that education is the core pillar for development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, United Nations Advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Founder of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) noted Tuesday that there can be no development amidst discrimination, no stability with marginalisation, no prosperity amid exclusion.She was delivering the keynote address at the high-level session on 'Education as the Foundation of the New Social Contract for Social justice and Development' at the Second World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD2) being held at Qatar National Convention Centre.**media[377721]**Her Highness noted that the world must never accept the reality that there are 272mn out-of-school children, according to 2023 Unesco figures.She explained: “The grim figures and statistics carry with them a distressing message, one that appeals to the conscience of humanity. They call for our immediate mobilisation to transform policies and mandates into actions and achievements. Social development is not a fixed matrix, nor is it a set of hollow rhetoric, or a publicity stunt, or a façade masking veiled truths. Rather, it is the story of an individual who uplifts their community when given a fair chance, and who achieves the extraordinary when granted a genuine opportunity to innovate.**media[377720]**“Education is the core pillar for development; there can be no development without knowledge and no renaissance without an enlightened mind. Education is not a luxury, nor a privilege, nor a favour to be granted. It is a right, a responsibility, and a tool to liberate the mind, build human capacity, safeguard our values and generate ideas to reshape our world. To achieve a real sustainable development as we envision it, education must be recognised as equal in importance to development itself, advancing together on the same track.”The founder of EAA Foundation said that much is said about development, but people often refrain from closely examining its true essence.**media[377717]**“Its most prominent pillar is human beings themselves, who make up the heart of social development and its ultimate purpose. If we consider human beings our most valuable assets, then education remains the most enduring form of capital investment. They are the spring from which the streams of progress flow and the foundation upon which the pillars of sustainable development are erected,” Her Highness highlighted.She said that success in achieving sustainable development is not only reserved for those with more abundant resources, but for those who possess the wisdom to invest and manage it effectively.“This is the vision that drove us in Qatar to establish a path of development that places young people in their rightful role as shapers of the future, as learners, innovators, entrepreneurs, and citizens engaged in decision-making. This inspiring vision has led to remarkable achievements by Qatar: successfully utilising natural resources, empowering human capital, and generating meaningful job opportunities that replace traditional job duplication. With a deep-rooted belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are interconnected, Qatar has exerted every effort to instill the foundations of peace and the pillars of diplomacy as the cornerstones of its social development goals,” stressed the QF Chairperson.**media[377718]**She noted that education is the sum of all sectors saying: “There can be no economy, politics, healthcare, culture or even a sustainable ecosystem without education. And if we fail to advance education with innovative sustainable solutions that align with the accelerating technological advancements of our world, then no development project, be it economic, cultural, or social, will succeed, and we will remain trapped in the cycle of failure, regression, and powerlessness, and we will lose our footing in the landscape of development. To the extent that we invest in education, we can better shape a future for humanity.”“This is an ongoing effort that enables the individual to demand from their nations what is unattainable elsewhere: a sense of contentment in belonging and the legitimacy to dream: To dream of a future with unlimited potential, one that encompasses the breadth of the human condition, everything from the primordial cave to the mysterious frontiers of space, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Let us dream of a more luminous dream—a shared all-encompassing dream: the dream of development,” Sheikha Moza.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered another keynote address at the session, highlighting that education is the foundation of a renewed social policy, anchored in human rights, social justice, and inclusion.

The Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards for Lifetime Achievement will recognise six exceptional individuals at its 2025 edition at a high-profile ceremony in Doha on October 22.The awards honour global leaders for their outstanding lifetime contributions to the advancement of energy and sustainable development.Each honouree is carefully selected by an independent international committee of experts, ensuring that the Awards remain one of the most respected accolades in the industry.Previous winners of the award include His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi; the 69th United States Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson; the creator of the Dated Brent benchmark (now the world’s most important crude oil marker) John Kingston, and Professor Michael Grätzel, a pioneer of molecular photovoltaics who first demonstrated that mesoscopic photosystems based on molecular light harvesters can efficiently convert light into electricity.Speaking ahead of the event, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Chairman of Al-Attiyah Foundation said:“As with all previous winners, the 2025 honourees — who will be revealed on the night — represent the highest standards of leadership and innovation in energy. Their lifetime achievements are not only remarkable in scale but also in their lasting influence on the global energy community. I look forward to initiating them to our alumni in the coming weeks.”The awards ceremony will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Resort and Convention Centre, gathering over 300 of the most influential figures in the energy industry.The evening is sponsored by ExxonMobil, underlining the strong support of leading energy companies.Al-Attiyah Foundation’s member organisations include some of the world’s most prestigious and significant companies. Members of the Foundation are: QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, Woqod, Shell, QNB, Qatar Electricity & Water Co., Q-Chem, QAPCO (Qatar Petrochemical Company), Dolphin Energy, QAFCO (Qatar Fertiliser Company), ConocoPhillips, Qatar Cool, Gulf Helicopters, Marubeni, Sasol and JTA Holding.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with Dr. Rola Abdullah Hussein Dashti, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The meeting dealt with areas of cooperation between the State of Qatar and ESCWA in sustainable development, empowering the most vulnerable groups, and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.During the meeting, Dr. Al Misnad reaffirmed the State of Qatar's interest in strengthening partnerships with regional and international organizations to achieve common goals in development and economic prosperity.For her part, Dr. Dashti praised Qatar's active role in supporting development and humanitarian work and emphasized ESCWA's commitment to expanding avenues of cooperation with Qatar.Both sides agreed to continue coordination and consultations on future programs and initiatives that serve economic and social development in the region.