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South Korea, the United States and Japan launched their trilateral multi-domain exercise Monday, in what is seen as their continued efforts to deepen security cooperation. The five-day Freedom Edge exercise got under way in international waters east and south of South Korea's southern island of Jeju from Sept. 15–19, according to the South Korean military. The ongoing exercise is the third round of the trilateral drills, following previous rounds of the exercise conducted in June and November last year, respectively.It is the first such exercise to be held since President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump took office. The Korean military earlier said the three countries will aim to enhance their interoperability to maintain a "solid and stable" trilateral cooperation through the exercise, according to (Yonhap) news agency. The US Indo-Pacific Command said the exercise "demonstrates the countries' shared commitment to collectively achieve and maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific."The exercise will feature training aimed at sharpening ballistic missile defense capabilities, as well as air defense exercises, medical evacuation training and maritime interdiction operation training, it said.

As many as seven companies from Qatar will participate in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025, scheduled from September 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) office in Qatar disclosed to Gulf Times that the participating companies from Doha are Lari Group, Qatar National Import & Export (QNIE), Al Majid Jawad Distribution & Marketing, Magic Touch, Tanit Group, IBRIDGE Trading, and Morex Group.Following previous business meetings between Malaysian companies under MATRADE and their Qatari counterparts under the Qatar Chamber, “MATRADE has observed that all Qatari companies feel comfortable and secure when engaging with Malaysian companies certified as halal” by the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) or the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.MATRADE also informed this paper that it is targeting Qatar “as one of the top prominent markets” in the region to increase awareness about JAKIM’s “vital role in promoting the importance of halal products in daily healthy life.”“MATRADE is also expanding a wide range of business opportunities to halal-concerned Malaysian corporations and organisations, especially to a highly respected entity like Qatar Chamber,” it stated.According to MATRADE, JAKIM, which is “recognised by the Food Safety Department” under the Ministry of Public Health, “stands as one of the world’s most influential and respected authorities in Islamic affairs, particularly in the domain of halal certification and standardisation.“Established under the Prime Minister’s Department, JAKIM plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of Islamic principles in Malaysia while shaping the global halal landscape with its internationally recognised standards.”Last week, MATRADE Qatar hosted a webinar titled ‘The Importance of Halal Products in our Lives’. The session aimed to provide Malaysian companies with insights into the Qatari market – recognised as a key target for halal products – highlighting the growing awareness and positive reception of halal-certified goods among the Qatari population.The webinar was organised by Rami el-Sayegh, senior marketing manager at MATRADE Qatar, and moderated by Shafiq Nasarudin, assistant trade commissioner at MATRADE Dubai. During the webinar, Jaffar Waqqas, category supervisor at QNIE, outlined the requirements and procedures for exporting food products to the Qatari market and emphasised the importance of halal certifications within the Qatari community.“The 21st edition of MIHAS will be a four-day trade showcase held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the MIHAS Virtual platform,” according to its website, which added that the event “is poised to attract one of the highest participations ever.”During a briefing session with foreign missions and industry players held last month in Kuala Lumpur, MATRADE emphasised that “MIHAS 2025 is gaining remarkable traction, with projections pointing to more than 2,300 booths from 45 countries, an impressive leap beyond the 2,028 booths featured in the last edition.”MIHAS 2025, under the theme ‘Pinnacle of Halal Excellence’, will highlight innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation as key drivers of growth.”“Its enhanced Knowledge Hub will advance knowledge exchange, halal investment, and policy alignment, whereas their targeted International Sourcing Programme (INSP) will empower Malaysian exporters with access to curated international buyers, powered by the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) Platform for real-time matching and analytics, ensuring greater efficiency and resilience in business matching,” MATRADE added.Ends

More than 200 journalists and media professionals from various regional and international media institutions continue to arrive in the Qatari capital, Doha, alongside local media outlets, correspondents, and press, to cover the activities of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit.This large gathering of journalists and media professionals will cover the Summit's activities through the media center specially prepared for this important occasion, located inside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The center has been equipped with everything necessary to cover and follow the Summit's proceedings in real-time, including screens, studios, press halls, offices, dozens of cameras, computers, and other advanced technologies, to provide comprehensive, distinguished, and rapid media services, and to broadcast the Summit events smoothly.Through these facilities, the media center offers comprehensive and accessible media services to cover this exceptional event, which is eagerly anticpated and followed by the world and has attracted widespread international attention.In this context, the center witnessed during the early hours of Sunday morning a huge influx of senior media professionals, journalists, and correspondents from various local, Arab, and international media institutions, to participate in covering the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit. The media preparations made in this regard will provide distinguished coverage through the media center hosting this major Arab and Islamic event.This exceptional Summit, in addition to its main theme, aims to strengthen Arab-Islamic solidarity and advance joint Arab and Islamic action towards broader horizons amid current challenges.

Qatar, with its prudent leadership, believes in peace as the rational and moral option and in constructive dialogue as the path toward ensuring a more cooperative and safe future among peoples, Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) chairman Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi (pictured) has said.He was addressing the two-day International Conference on Peace Among Followers of Religions 2025, hosted by Malaysia’s Penang state government, under the theme of Cultural and Religious Pluralism: A Pathway to Peace and Harmony in a Turbulent World.Dr al-Naimi touched on the brazen Israeli aggression against Qatar, the nation that has been diligently energising efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region through mediation and dialogue.He stressed that Qatar would continue these efforts despite all challenges and hurdles.This conference is an essential gathering and represents the product of multi-institutional and multicultural partnerships, stemming from the consultations of the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue 2024 and the Second International Conference on Peace Making 2025.Interfaith encounters, Dr al-Naimi said, are not limited to the exchange of knowledge, they spark transformations in thought and behaviour and build practical commitments to advance peace.He also spoke on the tragic situation that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing, stressing that brothers in Palestine have been entrapped in a years-long methodical siege, war, displacement, and starvation.Dr al-Naimi added that the DICID has launched an awareness campaign on deliberate starvation in Gaza to highlight this crime, with hopes remaining substantial with human voices around the globe that demand an end to this calamity.Peace is a joint moral and human responsibility, he stressed, and this conference should go far beyond merely a dialogue to be a springboard to real transformations, practical partnerships, and global efforts that build a future that underpins co-existence, tolerance, and harmony.Organised by the Coalition of Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations in Malaysia, in collaboration with the Penang state government, and in partnership and under the auspices of the DICID, the conference convenes more than 200 dignitaries, including high-ranking officials, religious leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from a host of countries around the world.Regarding the partnership forged with the DICID in organising this event, Dr al-Naimi highlighted that this collaboration, in terms of organisation and sponsorship, embodies the centre’s objectives and efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among followers of religions.He said that the centre has a substantial presence in numerous countries worldwide, including Western and Arab nations.Convening in Malaysia and other southeast Asian countries, Dr al-Naimi stated, is a natural extension of Qatar’s efforts in the field of dialogue and peace-building, which broadens horizons to handle novel challenges.He noted that Malaysia’s experience in unity and peace is a perfect opportunity, as it is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, making it a fertile ground for the experience of interfaith dialogue.

Al Abdulghani Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, marked the successful conclusion of the ninth edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition – S’hail 2025 in its role as the event’s exclusive mobility partner.This marks Al Abdulghani Motors’ first participation in S’hail, underscoring its long-standing commitment to supporting Qatar’s cultural heritage and fostering deeper engagement with the local community, particularly those passionate about hunting and falconry.S’hail is one of the world’s leading events dedicated to falconry, hunting, and camping.It draws top local and international companies showcasing the latest technologies and specialised equipment tailored for hunting enthusiasts.These include advanced off-road vehicle outfitting, caravans designed for desert and safari adventures, as well as the newest falconry gear and camping innovations.“We are delighted to have made our debut at S’hail, an exhibition that truly embodies Qatar’s spirit and rich cultural legacy,” said Al Abdulghani Motors chief executive Abdulghani Nasser al-Abdulghani. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote the cherished traditions of hunting and falconry on a global stage.”Blending innovation with cultural heritage, Al Abdulghani Motors unveiled a uniquely designed exhibition booth at S’hail 2025, inspired by Qatar’s desert landscapes.The booth featured a lineup of standout off-road models, including the Toyota Prado, the LX700h Overtrail, and a Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid.The booth also offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore the exceptional performance and advanced technologies of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.Additionally, a specially modified Toyota Land Cruiser 300, equipped with advanced technologies and exclusive enhancements tailored for hunting and outdoor adventures, was showcased at the main entrance of the exhibition.

The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025) continues to establish itself as a comprehensive cultural and economic platform, attracting wide local and international participation while offering opportunities for knowledge exchange, trade, and innovation.The exhibition receives daily visits from high-ranking officials, state guests, and a number of ambassadors, who toured specialised displays in hunting, falconry, and camping.“S’hail is no longer just an exhibition specialising in hunting and falcons,” said Malika Mohamed al-Shreim, a member of the Supreme Committee and Secretary of the Exhibition.“It has become an integrated platform that embraces heritage while keeping pace with modern demands,” the official said. “Since its inception, our aim has been to evolve year after year, offering visitors and participants a rich experience that combines authenticity with innovation, reflecting Qatar’s prestigious position in hosting global events.”Al-Shreim noted that what distinguishes S’hail this year is the commitment of local and international companies to continue and expand their participation in future editions, which reflects their confidence in the exhibition’s value as an economic and cultural platform attracting both enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.Among the highlights of the exhibition are the gift and souvenir pavilions in Zone (B), which combine art, heritage, and innovation.The Amber Stone pavilion showcases rare amber creations, including models of Imam Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Mosque, falcon and horse figures, traditional dhows, and the largest sambuk boat made entirely of amber.The Doha Art for Arts and Trade pavilion presents works by visual artist Noura Tawar, along with an exclusive perfume featuring a falcon design created as a distinctive collectible.This year, the exhibition features leading global safari companies.Elite Safari, managed by Hassan al-Malki, offers integrated hunting and safari programmes in destinations across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and New Zealand, providing comprehensive services from reception and accommodation to transport, hunting trips, game meat processing, trophy shipping, and taxidermy.Other participants include Royal Wings Ltd from Budapest and Infinite Safaris Africa, which provide luxury packages with limousine pickups, stays at 5-star hotels, full hunting programmes, celebratory ceremonies, and family-friendly tourism activities.The bird market remains a major attraction for amateurs and professionals, offering a wide variety of high-quality falcons such as hur, gyr, and shaheen.The birds undergo meticulous processes – from breeding and incubation to veterinary care and training – ensuring readiness for hunting.The Tobacco Control Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation highlighted that S’hail 2025 is not merely a heritage hobby fair but also a space for community roles in promoting awareness and protecting public health.Its pavilion reflects its mission to protect society from the dangers of traditional and electronic smoking and shisha, under a creative slogan inspired by the exhibition’s theme: Hunting is an art... Tobacco is a trap: Catch it before it catches you.The centre offers services including awareness campaigns on smoking’s impact on the respiratory system and heart, as well as instant tests to measure carbon monoxide levels in the body, helping smokers realise the direct harm.It also provides comprehensive treatment programmes for those wishing to quit, with continuous medical follow-ups and counselling.

Qatar's Barzan project has contributed to the Middle East region's natural gas production growth last year, according to International Gas Union in its 2025 Global Gas Report.Commissioned in 2022, the Barzan facility supplies pipeline gas to local industries and Qatar’s power generation sector. It also supplies associated hydrocarbon products to local refineries and petrochemical industries and international markets.According to QatarEnergy, the facility can provide 1.4 BSCFD of sales gas to local power generation and water desalination plants as well as local industries.In addition, Barzan has the production capacity to supply ethane, condensate, LPG and sulphur for local markets and export.Further increases are expected in 2025, with Saudi Arabia’s production projected to rise by 8 bcm, as the first phase of Jafurah field – the country’s largest unconventional natural gas development – is expected to begin operations before the end of the year.The development of Saudi Arabia’s gas resources aligns with national plans to replace up to 1 mmbbl/d of oil with natural gas in the power generation sector and to support the expansion of petrochemicals, blue hydrogen and ammonia production.In the Middle East, natural gas production growth was recorded across all major oil and gas producers in 2024, with the UAE leading the increase with a gain of 7bcm, IGU noted.Natural gas supply grew by 65 bcm (1.6%) y-o-y in 2024, reaching 4,090 bcm, driven by significant production gains in the Middle East (+30 bcm, 4.4%) and Russia (+30 bcm, 5.1%).These increases were supported by marginal growth in Asia (+17 bcm, 2.5%), and North America (+5 bcm, 0.4%), which collectively offset declines in other regions.This growth was supported by a 9bcm increase in global liquefaction capacity. In the US, capacity expanded with the year-end startup of Plaquemines LNG.Congo became an LNG exporter with the commissioning of Congo FLNG, while Mexico – still a net importer – exported its first cargo to Europe from the new Altamira FLNG facility, IGU said.

The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition – S’hail 2025 continues to shine in its ninth edition, reaffirming its position as a global platform celebrating the heritage of hunting and falconry, while offering visitors and participants a rich experience that blends authenticity with the spirit of innovation.The exhibition, running until tomorrow at Katara Cultural Village, has been drawing a large number of visitors since it opened on Wednesday.S’hail 2025 director Abdulaziz al-Sayed described the event as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest products in hunting rifles, camping and falconry gear, falcon farms, as well as outfitting and modifying hunting vehicles, caravans, and trailers, in addition to knives and handicrafts.“S’hail represents an exceptional opportunity to connect with a wide audience of enthusiasts and experts, build international networks, and launch pioneering projects in an environment that celebrates heritage while embracing creativity at the same time,” he said.S’hail 2025 has stood out with the diversity of its pavilions and participants, as companies unveiled their latest innovations in hunting, camping, and smart technologies – offering an exceptional experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and aspirations.Among the attractions is the pavilion of Qatar’s Golden Cabin Company, which specialises in manufacturing mobile homes and caravans.It unveiled its Smart Room technology, fully powered by solar energy, enabling caravans to run 24/7.This technology is the first of its kind and the most advanced in the Middle East, with models customisable to client needs, providing camping enthusiasts with a modern, sustainable, and fully integrated experience in the heart of nature.A selection of leading international companies in off-road vehicle outfitting has showcased the latest accessories and technological solutions designed to take desert trips and camping adventures to unprecedented levels of luxury and safety.The exhibition also featured a distinctive programme of events that attracts both visitors and participants, including auctions of rare falcons, competitions for the most beautiful burqa (falcon hood), best pavilion, and best garage, along with workshops and awareness sessions highlighting the sustainability of hunting sports and the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage.As part of national efforts to protect wildlife, the External Reserves Office of the State, affiliated with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), is taking part at S’hail 2025 to raise awareness about the endangered houbara bustard.Four centres are producing more than 21,500 birds annually, with plans to expand production capacity through three additional centres by 2026, located both within Qatar and abroad, in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, China, Kazakhstan, and Iran.This initiative is one of the region’s most significant environmental conservation efforts, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.The exhibition has also showcased the works of 30 artists, presenting around 80 pieces ranging from fine arts to sculpture and various schools of artistic expression, turning S’hail into a vibrant platform of creativity and inspiration for visitors.In addition, live studios on-site broadcast events and interviews in real time.The programme includes a series of lectures aimed at raising awareness and spreading knowledge on hunting, falconry, and the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Kingdee International Software Group Company have officially announced the inauguration of Kingdee’s regional headquarters at Ras Bufontas Free Zone in Qatar. The two parties also signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in developing digital solutions and supporting Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. This milestone marks the Chinese technology leader’s strategic entry into the Middle East market, further positioning Qatar as a strategic hub for investment in emerging technologies and innovation. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Abdulla Hamad Al-Binali, Acting Chief Operating Officer at QFZ; Jason Zhang, President of Kingdee Group; and senior representatives from key public- and private-sector stakeholders. Founded in 1993, Kingdee is a global leader in enterprise management cloud SaaS solutions. With over 7.4mn customers globally and operations in some 172 countries, Kingdee brings a wealth of domain expertise and deep technological capabilities. The launch of its regional headquarters in Qatar is in line with the company’s strategy to strengthen its international footprint. In December 2023, Kingdee signed an agreement with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), under which QIA committed to invest approximately QR728mn ($200mn) in the company, establishing a strategic partnership that supports Kingdee’s expansion in the region. As part of this partnership, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed by Kingdee and QFZ during the ceremony to expand opportunities for developing advanced digital solutions in Qatar and the wider region. The agreement also, outlines plans to conduct a feasibility study for establishing an innovation ecosystem and a center of excellence in Qatar, encourage Kingdee’s partners and suppliers to establish a presence in the free zones, and collaborate with research and academic institutions to support national capacity building and engage Qatari talent. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Kingdee to our free zones. Kingdee’s decision to establish its regional base here is a strong validation of Qatar’s ability to attract pioneering international companies at the forefront of modern technology. With access to cutting-edge infrastructure, unparalleled connectivity, and the investment opportunities that Qatar’s free zones provide to expand across regional markets, Kingdee is well-positioned for growth and success. “Their presence will further strengthen our technology sector and contribute to Qatar’s thriving innovation ecosystem.” Jason Zhang, President, Kingdee Group, said: “Qatar is an economic hub in the Middle East and a crucial node of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. The open policies of QFZ, the global perspective of QIA, and the strategic efforts of Invest Qatar have created tremendous opportunities for us to ‘base in Qatar, radiate across the Gulf region, and go global.’” Zhang added: “We will embrace an open and inclusive mindset that integrates global digital technologies with management wisdom to empower local enterprises as well as those going global with world-class products and services to achieve extraordinary results.” The establishment of Kingdee Qatar will strongly support the strategic goals of Qatar’s National Digital Agenda 2030 by delivering “AI-driven + cloud-native” digital transformation solutions, enabling local enterprises to accelerate their progress from “digitalization” to “intelligentization”. Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) continues to attract global companies in the fields of technology and cloud computing, strengthening its position as an advanced, future-ready investment destination. This enables companies to expand locally, regionally, and globally from Qatar, benefiting from a flexible business environment and state of the art infrastructure. This is part of supporting the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030 and strengthening the pillars of the Third National Development Strategy.

The State of Qatar participated in the Geneva PeaceTalks 2025, held on the sidelines of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, with the presence of prominent thought leaders and decision-makers.HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater delivered a keynote address at the event, which is marked by the United Nations each year on September 9.In her speech, Her Excellency emphasized the devastating impact of conflicts on children and stressed the importance of enabling them to continue their education so they can fulfill their aspirations and contribute to rebuilding their communities.She highlighted the role of education in fostering resilience in conflict zones and supporting peace-building efforts.She also addressed the recent attack on the State of Qatar, despite its ongoing efforts to promote peace and mediate conflicts through peaceful means, pointing to the troubling double standards evident in global responses.Concluding her remarks, Her Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering commitment to international efforts aimed at protecting education in conflict-affected areas, supporting peace processes, and promoting justice and equality as essential foundations for global stability and security.

Around 270 bcm of approved or under construction LNG liquefaction capacity is currently in the pipeline to be commissioned by 2030, primarily driven by projects in the US and Qatar, according to International Gas Union (IGU).This marks a new growth phase following a prolonged period of stagnation, reflecting the inherently cyclical nature of the liquefaction sector, IGU said in its ‘Global Gas Report 2025’.These cycles are driven by the capital-intensive nature of projects – typically costing around $0.75bn per bcm – and long development timelines, often spanning four to five years from Final Investment Decision (FID) to operation.To manage market risk, developers usually secure most of their capacity through long-term contracts. Due to these factors, the LNG market is expected to remain broadly balanced, with limited opportunity for new developments in the short term and ample supply by 2030.Amid rising demand, there is indication of growing LNG supply reinforcing natural gas’ role as a reliable fuel to meet expected shortfalls, IGU noted.Despite tightness in the near term, the global LNG market is expected to gradually ease over the next few years, and move into surplus as new supply comes online toward 2030.According to IGU, uncertainty surrounding the timing of LNG supply persists despite the expected surge associated with the next wave of LNG projects.In October 2024, TotalEnergies revised its forecast, now anticipating that the next wave of LNG supply will only come to market from 2027, two-years after the previously projected 2025 timeline.The supply outlook remains uncertain due to potential delays as well as regulatory, technical and financial risks to projects. While there is a potential for increased project FIDs as a result of US import tariffs, policies such as the sanctions on Russian LNG are set to strike a blow to global LNG supply as upcoming projects’ ability to acquire necessary equipment, secure vessels and find buyers is becoming increasingly limited.Disruptions to key LNG transit routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, increase shipping times and costs, undermining project economics and investor confidence. This may lead to slower FIDs for projects dependent on long-distance or chokepoint-exposed routes.IGU noted gas has also proved itself a vital component of global energy security. LNG trade has historically offered cross-border flexibility to respond to shifting demand-supply dynamics during market uncertainties.For instance, the 2022-2024 European energy crisis following the reduction of Russian piped gas supply was stabilised using LNG imports from the US and Qatar.Similarly, East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea rely on spot LNG purchases to balance seasonal fluctuations, establishing natural gas and LNG as geopolitical tools for preventing deeper economic or social fallout through resilient and diversified supply, IGU said.

HH the Amir and President of the UAE held a meeting at the Amiri Diwan, where they discussed the close fraternal relations between the two countries & ways to support them across various fields, the regional & international developments & efforts to achieve peace & stability.