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His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of his country's National Day.

Qatar's economy-maintained growth in the second quarter of 2025 despite a challenging global context, with real GDP rising by 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven primarily by non-hydrocarbon activities, which expanded by 3.4%.According to a statement issued by the National Planning Council (NPC) on Sunday, Qatar's economy registered real GDP growth of 1.9% year-on-year, reaching QR181.8bn at constant prices, compared to QR178.5bn in Q2 2024.Non-hydrocarbon activities accounted for 65.6% of real GDP, with value added reaching QR119.3bn in Q2 2025, compared to QR115.4bn in the same period of 2024. This reflects a year-on-year increase of 3.4%, underscoring the effectiveness of diversification policies outlined in the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) and Qatar National Vision 2030.Within the non-hydrocarbon economy, the fastest-growing activities on a year-on-year basis were: agriculture, forestry and fishing (+15.8%); accommodation and food services (+13.4%); arts, entertainment and recreation (+8.9%); wholesale and retail trade (+8.8%), and Construction (+8.7%).These broad-based gains reflect ongoing investment in tourism, services, and specialised infrastructure, and strengthen the role of private sector activities in Qatar's economy.In total, 11 of 17 economic activities recorded positive real growth in Q2 2025, demonstrating the resilience of Qatar's economic base. Service-related activities such as accommodation, food services, and entertainment continued to expand strongly, reflecting sustained momentum in tourism and domestic demand.NPC noted that its National Statistics Center continues to refine its methods for measuring GDP, with recent revisions applied to Q1 2025 and Q2 2024 estimates. As part of ongoing efforts to align national accounts with international best practices (System of National Accounts 2008/2025), a comprehensive revision of Qatar's national accounts is underway and scheduled for completion by Q1 2026.NPC Secretary-General Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa emphasised the strength and resilience of Qatar's economic performance, noting the sustained expansion of non-hydrocarbon activities."These indicators reflect the progress of Qatar's economy, with non-hydrocarbon sectors recording notable growth that demonstrates the increasing diversification and stability of our national economy," he said."The current growth rates also point to additional opportunities for advancement. There remains significant potential that we aim to unlock through the Third National Development Strategy, which will continue to drive sustainable economic growth and create distinctive investment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the private sector," al-Khalifa added.

The National Conference on Food Safety, which will start Monday is considered a pivotal milestone within national efforts to develop and strengthen the food system and ensure its safety, stressed Jaber Hassan al-Jaber, chairman of the Organising Committee of the Conference.He noted that the event reflects the integration of institutional roles to achieve a safe and sustainable food future, improve the quality of life, and raise public health standards. The National Conference on Food Safety will be held under the patronage of HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, and HE Mansour bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health, from Sept 22-23. It will bring together several ministers, senior officials, decision-makers, and experts in health and food safety.Al-Jaber explained that the conference, organised in partnership between the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Public Health, is part of Qatar’s efforts to establish food safety as a cornerstone of Qatar National Vision 2030. He further stressed that it serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing best practices, strengthening Qatar’s position in the field of food security and safety. The conference will address seven main themes, including legislation and policies by reviewing national and international laws and regulations with emphasis on the draft food law and the Amiri decision to establish the authority; technology and innovation through showcasing the latest applications and programmes such as the electronic food control system and the smart inspection programme; risk management by discussing control systems based on risk assessment and management and the impact of climate change; scientific research and studies by highlighting the role of research in addressing food safety challenges; sustainability and food security by linking safety standards with sustainability concepts to ensure food security; emergency and food-borne disease management by presenting best practices for prevention and rapid response; and Qatar’s experience in the FIFA World Cup 2022 by highlighting the strict oversight that ensured the safety of food served during the tournament.Meanwhile, Khalid al-Sulaiti, deputy chairman of the Organising Committee and assistant director of the Food Safety Department at the Ministry of Public Health, stressed that the National Conference on Food Safety is a significant national initiative reflecting Qatar’s commitment, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to establish a comprehensive food safety system. He explained that this commitment stems from the crucial role of food safety in protecting community health from food-related risks. He further noted that the conference will review the latest developments in the legislative and executive framework of food safety, including the new draft food law, the project to establish the General Food Safety Authority, and the launch of the electronic Watheq e-system for food control in line with international standards.

Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted on Saturday the second edition of 'Write to Inspire: Books and Authors' program, bringing together publishers, authors, and industry professionals. The program explored current state of publishing and authorship in Qatar, with a focus on strengthening collaboration between local publishers and authors while providing them with an opportunity to connect with the wider community.The initiative aligns with Qatar National Library's mission to establish itself as a hub for learning, culture, and dialogue.This year's edition focused on deepening understanding of Qatar's publishing and distribution ecosystem, providing a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, highlight challenges, and explore growth prospects. One of the program's key outcomes was enabling publishers and authors to directly engage with the public.The event also welcomed representatives from Al-Nour Center, who gave a presentation on Braille printing in Qatar. They highlighted that most Braille publications are limited to school textbooks and stressed the need for more diverse reading materials for people with visual impairments.The event also showcased literature and writing prizes in Qatar, celebrating the achievements of local authors.On this occasion, Senior Information Services Librarian at Qatar National Library, Haya Abdulla Al Sheeb, said the event serves as a platform for nurturing Qatari talent and promoting a culture of collaboration within the local publishing industry.She added that bringing together authors, publishers, and readers, this program creates meaningful connections that support local creativity and contribute to a thriving cultural landscape. Al Sheed also underlined that Qatar National Library is working to encourage publishers and writers to devote greater attention to producing Braille books, enriching the availability of such works in Qatar and better serving the needs of the visually impaired.

The Statistical and Data Training Centre at the National Planning Council (NPC), in co-operation with Qatar Foundation (QF), has concluded a specialised training programme entitled ‘Economic Statistics for Managers: From Data to Decisions’.The initiative, held at QF headquarters, was part of national efforts to enhance government efficiency and advance knowledge-based sustainable development, a statement said.The aim is to qualify government leaders in economic fields, empowering them to effectively utilise data and statistics to impact public policies.The programme focused on developing skills for using data efficiently as a fundamental element in improving institutional performance and enhancing decision-making effectiveness.It is also a significant step towards qualifying national cadres and developing their capabilities in statistical leadership, as well as building integrated, collaborative systems for data exchange among various entities. The programme emphasised the importance of building trust in government data as a cornerstone for ensuring effective governance.It highlighted the pivotal role of integration and data exchange between institutions, and encouraged the adoption of modern tools and techniques in future planning.This reinforces the concept of leadership empowerment in the field of data, which enables leaders to support national decisions with accurate and reliable information. The intensive six-day programme covered several key themes, including: fundamentals of data and statistics, national statistical system, statistical literacy for executive leaders, data integration and ethics, statistical data management, strategic leadership, and roadmap design.Hessa Ali al-Malki, director of the Statistical and Data Training Centre at NPC, said: “Organising the programme with Qatar Foundation strengthens our partnerships with the country’s leading academic institutions.”QF’s talent management director Sheikha Ghalia al-Thani, said: “This initiative is part of our strategic co-operation with national institutions, reflecting QF’s steadfast commitment to enhancing national capabilities through knowledge exchange and leadership development across various sectors.”

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with the National Planning Council, is conducting the National Immunization Coverage Survey in the State of Qatar. The fieldwork for this survey will take place from Sept. 24 to Dec. 24, 2025. This National Immunization Coverage Survey is the first of its kind in the country. It aims to scientifically and systematically measure vaccination coverage rates and their related determinants. The survey is designed to strengthen health security and ensure the continued provision of the highest levels of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. The survey targeted a random sample of more than 11,000 households, representing all residents of Qatar, both citizens and expatriates, who have children aged between one year and under seven years. Data will be collected from the children's guardians through home visits and by reviewing their vaccination cards. The Ministry of Public Health held a press conference today, to announce the survey, during which the Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department at the Ministry, Dr. Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi, Director of Statistical Operations at the National Planning Council Saud Matar Al Shammari, spoke. Dr. Hamad Eid Al Rumaihi said, "This national survey reaffirms the Ministry of Public Health's commitment to protecting individuals and society in Qatar from health risks related to vaccine-preventable communicable diseases." He added: "The survey results will provide a comprehensive national database that will help develop the national immunization program, improve vaccination outreach to all targeted groups in Qatar, and continue making progress in addressing challenges." For his part, Saud Matar Al Shammari confirmed that all preparations have been completed for the commencement of the fieldwork, noting that participating researchers have received intensive training to ensure the quality of data collection and to guarantee genuine representation of the various segments of Qatari society. He stressed that all data collected will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. He added: "Immunizing children directly contributes to achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing deaths and diseases that vaccines can prevent. It is an effective and cost-efficient health intervention to strengthen health systems and achieve universal health coverage." The survey will be implemented in collaboration with the World Health Organization and in accordance with international standards adopted in this field, ensuring the data quality and the reliability of the results. This collaboration also extends the strategic partnership between the MoPH and the National Planning Council, which has previously resulted in the implementation of several national health surveys, such as the National Survey for Measuring Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases, the National Ageing Survey, and other surveys that have provided essential data to support and develop health policies and services in Qatar. It is worth mentioning that the National Immunization Program at the MoPH, established in 1979, continues to develop its services regularly. Vaccinations are free of charge at 31 health centers affiliated with the Primary Health Care Corporation and 71 private health institutions. The national immunization schedule includes 15 vaccines that protect against 17 diseases, from birth up to 18 years of age. The Ministry of Public Health invites all families participating in the survey to fully cooperate with the field teams and researchers. Participation in this survey is an essential national contribution towards building a healthy and safe future for our children. The public may contact the unified health sector call center at (16000) for any inquiries regarding the survey and its field team.

Doha's national manufacturing strategy, which reinforces broader diversification by targeting high-value industries, will not only have ripple effect beyond industries but also slated to drive growth in infrastructure and real estate, alongside priority sectors, through trickle-down effect, according to KPMG in Qatar."The National Manufacturing Strategy serves as a central pillar within the Third National Development Strategy, reinforcing Qatar’s broader diversification agenda by targeting high-value, innovation-driven industrial growth, and positioning manufacturing as a core engine for building long-term economic resilience," KPMG in Qatar said in an article posted on a social media.Combining short-term, low-cost quick-win projects with longer-term, high-impact investments reflects a dual-track strategy that builds early momentum, lays the groundwork for systemic transformation, manages risk, and sustains stakeholder engagement through visible progress, according to the article.Highlighting the need for empowered execution through cohesive partnerships; the report said effective implementation hinges not only on the right strategy but also on the right actors, with the emphasis on solid, capable partnerships reflecting the recognition that policy ambition must be matched by public and private institutional capacity to drive results at scale.Suggesting priority sectors as growth catalysts; it said the targeted sectors are not only economically viable but are strategically selected to build competitive advantage by aligning with Qatar’s natural strengths, while the increased focus on industrialisation is expected to drive growth in the infrastructure and realty sectors alongside the priority sectors in the strategy.The priority sectors are pharmaceuticals, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics, food and beverage, metal and fabricated metals, and construction materials, according to the national manufacturing strategy.On unlocking the potential in pharmaceuticals, KPMG in Qatar said it enhances national health security through local production of essential medicines by offering high value-added potential and opportunities for skilled employment.On plastics, which utilises petrochemical outputs to create high demand consumer and industrial products; the article said it encourages innovation in packaging, construction, and manufacturing applications.About focus on metals and fabricated metals, it facilitates infrastructure and industrial development through critical inputs by promoting higher value-added activities in metalworking and product assembly.On the potential in chemicals and petrochemicals, the article said it leverages Qatar’s abundant hydrocarbon resources for downstream diversification, supporting export growth and global competitiveness in industrial chemicals."As Qatar advances its national manufacturing strategy, the ripple effects will extend beyond industry, shaping the country’s infrastructure and real estate landscape in critical ways," it said, adding increased manufacturing activity would drive demand for purpose-built industrial zones, logistics hubs, and warehousing facilities.KPMG noted demand for accommodation, office space, and complementary developments such as retail and food and beverage outlets is likely to increase around emerging manufacturing clusters, supporting broader patterns of urban expansion.Growth in manufacturing would require robust transportation networks, utilities, sustainable, Eco-friendly, digital infrastructure to ensure seamless operations and connectivity, it said, adding coordinated planning will be essential to balance industrial growth with sustainability, zoning efficiency, and urban liveability.Highlighting that Qatar already has a well-established built environment, comprising extensive infrastructure and real estate developments distributed across various zones; it said further expansion of these sectors is expected to generate significant trickle-down effects across other areas of the economy."The evolution of these sectors has been shaped by a series of economic, geopolitical, and global events over the past decade, each influencing demand patterns and driving shifts in growth and investment across the broader landscape," it said.

China's value-added industrial output expanded 5.2% year-on-year in August and growth slowed from a 5.7% rise in July. In the first eight months of this year, China's industrial output increased by 6.2 percent compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Xinhua News Agency reported.The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises, each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.8 million US dollars). A breakdown of the data showed that the manufacturing sector's value-added output increased by 5.7% year-on-year last month, while that of mining grew by 5.1%.The value-added output of the electricity, heat, gas, water production and supply sector rose by 2.4%.China's retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country's consumption strength, expanded 3.4% year-on-year in August, following a 3.7% rise in July, official data showed.

Leading logistics services provider Gulf Warehousing Company has been named the ‘National Winner for Qatar’ in the wastewater treatment sector for its sewage water treatment plant in the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park.The award was announced as part of the 15th edition of the annual MEED Projects Awards, held in collaboration with Mashreq Bank. This recognition qualifies the company for the regional stage, where the MENA winners will be announced on November 19.GWC Group Managing Director Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “We are honoured to receive the MEED Projects Award at the national level, standing alongside a distinguished lineup of leading infrastructure projects across the Middle East and North Africa.“This prestigious recognition underscores the quality of our project and the dedicated efforts invested in developing sustainable infrastructure that supports Qatar’s development journey in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.”He added: “This award not only celebrates our contribution to national development but also highlights the strategic importance of the Sewage Treatment Plant in the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park. It marks a milestone in our ongoing commitment to upholding the highest sustainability standards, safeguarding the environment, and advancing sustainable development and support to the small and medium enterprises.”The Sewage Treatment Plant at GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park adheres to world-class standards for water treatment and sustainability best practices, effectively generating TSE Water (Treated Sewage Effluent) to irrigate plants and trees.Using TSE water for irrigation can improve soil fertility, reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, and conserve water resources, which promotes sustainable agricultural practices and aligns with Qatar’s sustainable development goals.The plant treats 456 cubic meters of water daily, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply for irrigation systems. The recycled water is used to irrigate a total of 20,000 square meters of landscaped areas, including trees, shrubs, and grass.GWC Acting Group CEO Matthew Kearns stated: “This is the second award in just a few months for the Sewage Treatment Plant at the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, following its recognition in November 2024 as the ‘Best Water Recycling Initiative’ at the Tarsheed Energy Efficiency Forum, organised by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) as part of its National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed).“This achievement clearly highlights the project’s significance and serves as a strong motivation for GWC to continue advancing sustainable infrastructure, driving growth-oriented projects, and leading the development of the logistics services sector.”The annual MEED Projects Awards, in association with Mashreq, represent the pinnacle of recognition for the most outstanding projects across the Middle East and North Africa. The awards emphasise innovation, sustainability, and positive community impact, and have become a benchmark for excellence and achievement in the region.This year, some 87 projects across 17 categories were shortlisted following a thorough and impartial judging process that focused on engineering brilliance, technological innovation, sustainable practices, and the significant benefits these projects bring to society — reflecting the highest standards of quality, innovation, and impact.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is organising the “My Family and I” today and tomorrow, from 9am to 11.30am, via Microsoft Teams.The forum features a group of specialists and experts in the fields of motherhood, childhood, child health, and parenting, the QNL website said.The forum aims to provide an educational and interactive platform that brings together mothers, fathers, and educators with specialists through training sessions and dialogues that highlight the most prominent issues related to maternal and child health and the daily challenges facing families.It also provides practical advice and scientific tips that will support families in building a healthy and safe environment for children.The QNL announced that participation in the forum is open to everyone.Electronic certificates of attendance will be awarded to participants at the conclusion of the forum.