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The College of Sport Sciences at Qatar University (QU) has welcomed its first batch of male and female students since its launch in March 2024. This marks a new achievement that reflects Qatar's commitment to developing sports education and research and supporting its National Vision 2030 for a healthier and more active society. During the fall 2025 semester, 210 male and female students applied for admission to the college, and 103 were accepted. The majority of these students, representing 80% of the total, were Qatari nationals (54 female students and 49 male students). This reflects the community's confidence in the importance of the programmes offered by the college. On this occasion, Dean of the College of Sport Sciences at QU Dr Khalid W Bibi, stated in an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) that through its four-year academic programmes, the college supports the human and social development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. It is committed to remaining flexible and proactive in responding to the needs of the local and regional labour market, as well as to the rapid developments in sports science globally. Prof. Bibi noted that this ensures the provision of quality programmes that keep pace with international academic best practices and standards. Furthermore, its establishment is in itself a reinforcement of the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as this tournament was not just a passing sporting event, but a historic turning point in Qatari sports. He emphasised that the establishment of the college came to meet the national need for qualified personnel in the fields of sport management and sports training, indicating that Qatar is investing in sports today not only with the aim to organise events and enhance athletic performance in competitive sports or as an investment vehicle, but also as a means to encourage physical activity and sports for all. Regarding the motivations behind establishing the College of Sport Sciences at QU and its mission, the college aims to prepare future leaders in the fields of organisation, marketing, governance, training, and sports development through advanced academic programmes (120 credit hours) that combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. Prof. Bibi indicated that the college supports the human and social development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 through sport management by qualifying cadres capable of managing facilities, organising events, sports marketing, and sports development. He added that the college supports sports training by preparing coaches who lead community physical activity programmes and develop elite athletes. Furthermore, the college emphasises the values ​​of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility as the foundation of all its programmes, enhancing the position of sports as a strategic sector in Qatar. Regarding the main academic programmes offered to students, the college provides a bachelor's degree in both Sport Management and Sport Coaching, each comprising 120 credit hours. In this context, the college offers four sub-specialisations related to each, including, Event and Facility Management, Sports Marketing and Sponsorship under Sport Management, as well as coaching for people with special needs and UEFA-standard coaching under Sport Coaching. He pointed out that the college's programmes are not limited to theoretical study alone. Students apply what they have learned through field training in sports institutions, in addition to studying cases such as major facility management, sports marketing, sports economics, and sports and international relations. In the field of sports training, students apply theoretical knowledge practically in sports performance laboratories, where they train in designing strength and conditioning programms, studying exercise physiology, sports injury management, and movement analysis, in addition to practical training with sports clubs. Prof. Bibi underscored that the establishment of the college comes within the framework of enhancing the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, adding that the college is one of the key legacy projects, providing an academic and institutional framework that ensures that the expertise, infrastructure, and knowledge accumulated during the tournament are not limited to that moment, but rather serve as a foundation for building the future of sports in Qatar. He further explained that the college is working to transform the sports legacy into a sustainable project led by national cadres. Academically and practically qualified, they will contribute to the management of the world-class stadiums and sports facilities left by the World Cup, the development of training programmes for elite athletes, and the promotion of the concept of 'Sports for All' as a strategic choice for a healthy and active lifestyle. Prof. Bibi highlighted that the College of Sport Sciences contributes to sharing Qatar's experience to the world through scientific research and international partnerships, transforming the legacy of the World Cup into a platform for knowledge production and competencies development in sports sciences, ensuring that the legacy becomes not just a sporting memory, but an ongoing educational, social, and economic driver for future generations. Prof. Bibi revealed plans to launch postgraduate programmes and new academic programmes, in alignment with the university's strategy and in partnership with the academic affairs, quality assurance, and accreditation offices. He emphasised the college's commitment to being flexible and proactive in responding to the needs of the local and regional labour market, as well as to the rapid global developments in sport sciences. This ensures high-quality programmes that align with international academic standards and best practices, he said, adding that the college's top ranking in the Arab region is a testament to the quality of its faculty and educational research. He also addressed the college's research collaborations with other colleges at Qatar University, national sports institutions, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Qatar Olympic Committee, in addition to local and international academic and research institutions, aiming to develop a data-driven strategy to combat physical inactivity and its impact on public health. Regarding career opportunities for graduates, he explained that graduates of sports management have opportunities in club and federation management, facility operations, marketing and sponsorship, international sports relations, and sports for development. On the other hand, graduates of sports training can work in competitive and community training, physical conditioning, movement analysis, and various physical activity programmes. He added that the career opportunities were identified in consultation with partners over a two-year period, and that co-operation will continue in order to provide training and professional opportunities both before and after graduation, while encouraging students to benefit from the training and volunteer programmes offered by the Student Affairs. He pointed out that the college supports talented student-athletes through flexible schedules, high-level training facilities, and academic support, enabling them to develop their sports careers while gaining practical and managerial experience. The college also offers competitive scholarships to attract outstanding athletes. He added that being a talented athlete is not a requirement for admission to the college, but the college does provide a comprehensive environment for students who wish to combine education with athletic excellence. Regarding women's sports, Prof. Bibi affirmed that the college serves as a leading platform for supporting and developing women's sports in Qatar. He noted that the number of female applicants exceeds that of male applicants, and the college is actively preparing qualified female specialists with both scientific and practical competencies to train girls and women in competitive sports and physical activity. The college also aims to empower its female graduates to take on leadership roles in areas such as sports management, marketing, and sports media.

Qatar National Library (QNL) has announced the launch of its annual September Membership Campaign, inviting new members to enjoy the Library's world-class facilities, resources, and services, with the added opportunity to win an iPad.The campaign reflects QNL's ongoing commitment to its guiding principle, 'QNL4ALL,' which ensures equitable access to knowledge for everyone in the community.QNL membership is free for everyone living in Qatar and provides access to more than one million physical books in 20 languages, a rich collection of digital resources, and state-of-the-art Innovation Stations, including music studios and green-screen rooms. The Library also offers dedicated study and media rooms, as well as a vibrant Children's Library with interactive learning tools and engaging programs for young readers."QNL4ALL is more than just a slogan; it is our promise to the community," said Director of Research and Learning Services at QNL Katia Medawar. "Our aim is to make knowledge accessible to all, whether you are a student, researcher, creative professional, or simply someone with a passion for learning," she added.Members also benefit from expert support for academic and professional development, alongside the option of free institutional membership for workplaces and organizations in Qatar.Membership can be obtained by downloading the QNL mobile app, available on Google Play and Apple's App Store, through the website, or by visiting the Library's User Services Desk.By joining Qatar National Library this September, community members can explore an unparalleled world of knowledge, creativity, and cultural engagement, and enjoy the chance to win exciting prizes.

As part of its commitment to preserving documentary heritage and fostering regional cooperation, the National Archive of Qatar, in collaboration with Unesco, announced the establishment of the Memory of the World Regional Committee for the Arab States.The announcement came during a regional conference hosted in Doha in January 2025 on strengthening co-operation on documentary heritage in the Arab region.At the conference, organised under the patronage of the National Archive of Qatar and Unesco, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar Dr Ahmed Abdullahal-Buainain was elected chair of the committee. That was a milestone that underscored Qatar's growing role in supporting Arab documentary heritage.Additionally, Qatar National Library inaugurated the regional office of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to strengthen co-ordination between institutions dedicated to preserving documentary heritage in the Arab world and the Middle East.In the same context, Qatar also announced the formation of the National Committee for the Implementation of the Unesco Memory of the World Programme. This national mechanism will oversee the preparation of a Qatari registry for documentary heritage, nominate eligible Qatari documents for inscription in the global Memory of the World register, and co-ordinate with the programme's secretariat, the Gulf regional committee, and national stakeholders.Commenting on this initiative, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, told QNA that the committee was established by a Cabinet decision to implement the Unesco programme designed to safeguard the world's documentary heritage. He noted that the committee will propose partnerships with public and private sector entities, organise programmes and events to raise awareness of the programme, and promote the importance of protecting documentary heritage in co-operation with authorities concerned.PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS PLANNEDDr al-Ali said that the committee is currently working on collecting and categorising documents and preparing mechanisms to identify and classify originals. The initial phases of the Memory of the World project are underway, and the coming period will see a series of workshops aimed at training participants on conservation techniques and highlighting the significance of preserving heritage for future generations. Public awareness campaigns and events are also planned in collaboration with national institutions.He stressed that Qatar attributes great importance to safeguarding documentary heritage as a sustainable legacy for future generations. In this regard, the committee works hand in hand with Unesco to co-ordinate responsibilities, carry out its mandate, and implement programmes. Co-operation with Unesco, he added, is continuous and intensive, serving the broader effort to preserve documentary heritage globally.Dr al Ali emphasised that Qatar seeks to expand its initiatives in this field by supporting local, regional, and international efforts to preserve historical documents and raise awareness of their importance, highlighting that documentary heritage is a cornerstone of nations' identity and history. Protecting it, therefore, is a shared responsibility that requires integrated efforts to ensure its continuity for generations to come.In light of the transformations taking place across the Arab world, and the growing risks threatening national archives and the historical memory of people, the importance of the role of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region under Unesco has come to the fore. Qatar was elected chair of this committee in January, reflecting the significant confidence the Arab world places in Qatar and its distinguished role in safeguarding documentary heritage.AMBITIOUS STRATEGYIn this context, Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, who serves as Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar and Chair of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region, told QNA that preserving Arab documentary heritage is a collective responsibility requiring institutional co-ordination and strategic vision. He pointed to Qatar's efforts through an ambitious strategy and pioneering projects built on advanced infrastructure and strong technical expertise in digital preservation and preventive conservation.Dr al-Buainain said that the committee represents a regional organisational framework with a strategic function in preserving Arab documentary heritage. It helps raise awareness of the importance of historical documents as an inseparable part of collective memory and a pillar of national identity. He noted that since Unesco launched the Memory of the World Programme in 1992, it has relied on a structure consisting of regional committees and national committees.He said that the committee established plays a pivotal role in co-ordinating Arab efforts and directing them toward integrated work to face the challenges confronting preservation, documentation, and digitization.He added that the creation of the committee also highlights the importance of Arab documentary heritage, which remains underrepresented in the global Memory of the World register at only 4%. He stressed that the figuret does not reflect the richness, long history, and geographic breadth of Arab heritage.Dr al-Buainain stressed that the committee bases its approach on regional co-operation as a practical tool to enhance institutional capacities in Arab states. Its activities focus on joint initiatives including professional training, sharing expertise, and best practices in documentary heritage preservation. It also supports collective nominations to Unesco's Memory of the World register, enhancing knowledge integration among states with historical or cultural ties.Regarding co-ordination mechanisms among Arab states within the committee, he said that it relies on national focal points in each member state, along with subcommittees and working groups on different aspects of preservation. Regular meetings, training workshops, and partnerships with regional and international bodies ensure a high level of technical and institutional co-ordination, enabling flexible and integrated field responses.The Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar and Chair of the Arab Committee outlined the main areas of the committee's plans to preserve Arab documentary heritage. The first area focuses on training and qualification through specialised programmes in preservation, cataloguing, and restoration to raise staff skills in archives and documentation centres. The second focuses on digitization by supporting national and regional projects to convert paper documents into long-term digital copies. The third is on nominations, helping Arab countries prepare comprehensive files for the inscription of their historically valuable documents in Unesco's Memory of the World register. The fourth concerns building unified databases to allow systematic access to historical documents and enhance academic research and co-operation.On Qatar's contributions, Dr al-Buainain said the country was a regional model in preserving national memory, thanks to its sustained support for documentary projects of both local and regional importance. He highlighted Qatar's forward-looking vision, which ties documentary heritage to sustainable cultural development, as well as its strong support for regional institutions.He recalled the key role played by the National Archive of Qatar in organising an international conference on supporting the preservation of documentary heritage in the Arab region. The conference took place in Doha last January. He said that the conference was a turning point, resulting in the launch of the Arab Regional Memory of the World Committee in co-ordination with Unesco. Prior to this event, Unesco had held three virtual preparatory meetings over three months with Arab heritage experts to finalise the committee's bylaws and prepare for the election of its executive bureau, which was successfully completed at the conference.On the role of the National Archive of Qatar, he emphasised that it plays a central role in preservation based on ambitious strategies, advanced infrastructure, technical expertise in digital archiving, preventive conservation, and document treatment. It also trains professionals and participates in Arab documentation projects, making it a leading reference in the region for safeguarding historical memory.Dr al-Buainain concluded by stressing that preserving Arab documentary heritage is not only a technical or professional task, but a collective responsibility requiring the combined efforts of institutions, researchers, and societies. He added that a document is more than a static record: it embodies identity, builds historical awareness, strengthens knowledge, and preserves national and cultural identity for future generations.Director of national collections and special initiatives at Qatar National Library Abeer Saad al-Kuwari emphasised that the library's selection as the first regional office of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in the Middle East and North Africa represents a historic achievement for the Arab world. She noted that it reflects the library's leading role in spreading knowledge and safeguarding heritage.NEW HORIZONS TO BOLSTER REGIONAL CO-OPERATIONIn remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), she said that this selection opens new horizons for strengthening regional co-operation and advancing the library sector in the Arab world. It is also a strategic step that underscores Qatar's commitment to building an advanced information infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa, and consolidating a partnership based on a shared vision of adopting international standards in information and library science while respecting the region's cultural identity.Speaking about the library's role as the IFLA regional office, she clarified that the office functions as IFLA's co-ordinating branch for the region, implementing IFLA programmes and initiatives locally, supporting Arab libraries and information institutions, and enabling co-ordination among 22 Arab countries. The office also promotes training programmes, policy development, and exchanges of knowledge and expertise with international libraries. She described it as a platform for regional co-operation, one that enhances IFLA's role and drives initiatives for knowledge dissemination and heritage preservation across the Arab world.She pointed out that the office strengthens Arab representation in IFLA's decision-making in an unprecedented way. Its presence in Doha, she said, makes it easier to access global expertise hosted by the library through exhibitions and events, while also providing Qatar National Library with direct exposure to international experiences in digitization and conservation. This, she noted, facilitates collaboration with policymakers and experts on joint projects in areas such as heritage disaster management and training specialists in manuscript and document preservation.Al-Kuwari highlighted that the regional office boosts the library's capacity to serve cultural heritage. Through it, the library will launch regional projects to preserve manuscripts and historical documents, and to combat the illicit trade in documentary heritage and cultural treasures, in co-operation with partners.She added that the library is committed to training preservation specialists from different countries on modern conservation and restoration techniques. Since becoming IFLA's regional center for the preservation and conservation of library materials in 2015, the library has led initiatives in this field, organising workshops and training courses to help Arab libraries adopt best practices.She further explained that Qatar National Library has also spearheaded efforts to fight the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. Through its Himaya (Protection) project, it works to counter the smuggling of manuscripts and historical documents in the Middle East and North Africa, in collaboration with international bodies such as Unesco and Interpol. She stressed that these efforts reinforce the protection of Arab and Islamic heritage, ensuring it is passed down to future generations and strengthening identity and awareness of the region's civilisational history.On the library's efforts to preserve Arab and Islamic heritage, she said that this mission is one of its main priorities. To this end, the library established its Heritage Library, which houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts, historical books, maps, and photographs, preserving invaluable treasures that reflect the history of Arab and Islamic civilisation. She noted that the library has digitized more than 16mn pages of heritage and cultural material, and that this effort is ongoing to safeguard them for future generations.She also pointed to the launch of Qatar Digital Library in partnership with international institutions, which offers millions of documentary and historical pages freely online to researchers and the public. In addition, the library has developed the most advanced conservation and preservation centre in the Arab region, where manuscripts and documents are restored using state-of-the-art scientific methods.Alongside its research support, Qatar National Library regularly organises lectures, seminars, and exhibitions that shed light on significant moments in Arab and Islamic history. This year's highlights included an exhibition on the history of manuscript bookmaking in Morocco.DIGITIZATION PROJECTRegarding future plans, al-Kuwari revealed that the library intends to expand its preservation work, building on what has already been achieved. She confirmed that the library will continue its comprehensive digitization project to fully safeguard Arab and Islamic heritage and transform it into an enduring digital legacy of inestimable value. These initiatives, she said, underscore the library's vision of preserving collective memory and strengthening the region's role as a source of inspiration and innovation globally.Concluding her remarks to QNA, she said that the library will continue its partnerships and initiatives to unify Arab efforts in heritage protection. She added that awareness programs will be launched to engage the wider community, particularly youth, in valuing cultural heritage and participating in its preservation through volunteering, research, and documentation. As IFLA's regional office, she confirmed, Qatar National Library will soon announce joint action plans with IFLA to strengthen the library sector and promote heritage documentation and restoration projects across the Arab world. The goal, she stressed, is for the library to remain a beacon for protecting and disseminating heritage and a bridge linking the Arab nation's past with its present and future.

National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) announced that QIIB has become the first bank in Qatar to be awarded the National Information Assurance (NIA) certificate.The bank successfully achieved the electronic compliance certificate for NIA certification number 10023.QIIB is now officially listed as a certified entity on the NCSA's website.QIIB Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei stated, “Receiving the first NIA certification in the banking sector in Qatar marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of our institution and reaffirms our position as a pioneer in adopting the highest standards of cybersecurity.“This achievement was made possible through the constructive collaboration with the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the supervisory authorities, most notably the Qatar Central Bank.”“This certification is a clear testament to our strict adherence to advanced information security practices and reflects our alignment with the national cybersecurity strategy of the State of Qatar. It further strengthens our clients’ confidence in the security and reliability of our digital banking services.”He further noted: “We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) for its continuous support and valuable guidance throughout this certification process. Their role has been instrumental in helping us reach this remarkable milestone.”“With this certification, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in the latest cybersecurity solutions and technologies to ensure highly secure and resilient digital banking services. This reflects our dedication to meeting our clients’ expectations while contributing to the national efforts of building a safe and integrated digital ecosystem in Qatar,” al-Shaibei added.NCSA emphasised the importance of compliance with the National Information Assurance (NIA) Standard as it contributes to the protection of national information assets and strengthens the cybersecurity posture across sectors.NCSA said it looks forward to other banks and financial institutions, government entities and organisations within critical sectors obtaining the National Information Assurance (NIA) Certification, which will fundamentally enhance and contribute to raising the level of cyber resilience across the nation.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to end collective bargaining with federal unions in some agencies that have "national security missions", the White House said.The order would apply to unions in agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), the Patent and Trademark Office, the National Weather Service and others, the White House said in a statement.Trump also signed a presidential memorandum aimed at preventing federal grant money from going toward political lobbying, the White House said.The memo directs Attorney-General Pam Bondi to investigate whether funds from federal grants "are being illegally used to support lobbying activities and to take appropriate enforcement action", according to a White House fact sheet.

The National Planning Council (NPC) has concluded the "Data Summer Camp 2025" organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY), represented by the Qatar Scientific Club (QSC).The camp was held over five days at the Club’s headquarters in Doha.The camp welcomed 125 participants who had the opportunity to explore Qatar’s Open Data Portal, which hosts more than 1,100 datasets covering various economic, social, and service sectors.They also worked on developing innovative solutions, including interactive dashboards using Microsoft Power BI, smart applications, and predictive models based on artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.These efforts strengthened their ability to link real-world challenges with modern digital tools and implement projects that contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030.The programme featured specialised workshops, practical exercises, and applied projects inspired by the needs and development aspirations of Qatari society.This enriched the participants’ experience and enhanced their skills in deriving analytical insights and effectively utilising data.During the closing ceremony, the top three winning teams in both categories, high school and university students aged 15-22, were honoured.The ceremony included final presentations by the shortlisted teams, where participants presented their projects designed to provide practical solutions aligned with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030.In the high school category, Team Mesaieed won first place for a project on using solar energy in households to reduce natural gas consumption and contribute to the transition toward renewable energy and sustainable development.Team Smaisma secured second place for a project proposing solutions to prevent water waste and showcasing datasets that could help raise awareness of this critical issue.Team Al Sadd came third with a project analysing the number of students with disabilities and the dedicated staff supporting them.In the university category, Team Tamkeen claimed first place for a project creating a platform for persons with disabilities aimed at reducing employment gaps compared to their peers.Team Al Khor came second for a project analysing national databases to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption, providing insights to integrate renewable energy sources and implement measures to reduce Qatar’s carbon footprint.Team Reginald won third place for a project analysing Qatar’s import and export activities using Harmoniszed System (HS) codes and linking them to a *CO₂ emissions database, enabling precise and targeted environmental analysis.The director of the NPC’s National Data Affairs Department, Maha Rashid al-Mattwi, emphasised the importance of this camp as part of a series of regular initiatives and activities organised by the Council to promote innovation, encourage youth to develop skills in statistical analysis and AI, and harness the power of data to support Qatar’s economy."The Data Summer Camp is an important step toward preparing a new generation capable of understanding the language of numbers, analysing data, and transforming information into tools for development and innovation,” she said."We believe Qatar’s future depends on nurturing young minds and equipping them with the tools of digital transformation so they can play an active role in nation-building and in realising its ambitious vision," al-Mattwi added.

Anchoring its agenda on the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy and the long-term goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Cabinet Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating efforts across all sectors under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani chaired the Cabinet’s regular session at the Amiri Diwan, where he urged ministers to double down on performance in the coming period to meet the objectives set out in the national strategy and vision.Following the meeting, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi stated the following:At the outset of the meeting, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed Their Excellencies the ministers on the resumption of the Cabinet sessions following the summer break.The Cabinet reviewed the completion of preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year, which will mark the opening of new schools, further development of curricula, and the strengthening of the requirements and foundations of the educational process.As such, the Cabinet hoped that a terrific academic year would abound with successes and achievements in terms of a wholesome educational environment, through which the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030 will be accomplished in the areas of education.The Cabinet considered the items on the agenda and approved a draft decision issued by the Minister of Commerce and Industry to promulgate the executive regulations of Law No. (8) of 2020 on the Regulation of the Auditing Profession.This draft decision is prepared in implementation of Article (55) of Law No. (8) of 2020 and reflects the Ministry's commitment to ensuring that legislative tools keep pace with developments in the field of auditing.The Cabinet also decided to take the necessary measures to ratify the charter establishing the World Water Council.In addition, it decided to approve the draft technical cooperation agreement between Qatar’s Supreme Judicial Council and the United Nations, represented by the United Nations Regional Institute for Crime and Justice Research, and the draft memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of public prosecution between the Public Prosecution of the State of Qatar and the Public Prosecution of the Republic of Albania.Furthermore, the Cabinet decided to approve the draft executive programme of the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Qatar and Oman in the agricultural, animal, and fisheries fields for 2025-2027.Finally, the Cabinet wrapped up its meeting by examining four reports and taking the appropriate decisions accordingly, which included the first semi-annual report for 2025 on the budget allocated for cybersecurity projects in government entities, the first report on the activities of the National Ports Security Committee, a report on the outcomes of the participation of HE Minister of Social Development and Family in the 44th session of the Arab Women's Committee, the regional preparatory meeting for the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), and a report on the outcomes of the participation of HE Minister of Municipality in the 28th meeting of the Ministers of Municipal Affairs of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) held its annual educational forum for the academic year 2025-2026 at the Qatar National Convention Center on Tuesday. Held under the patronage and attendance of HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed al-Khater, the forum was attended by school principals, teachers, students, parents, community partners, media representatives, and senior ministry officials. The forum aims to enhance communication with school leaders, teachers, and students, and to review the ministry's strategic directions for the new academic year as part of the "Back to School 2025" event. HE MoEHE Undersecretary Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi emphasised in his speech that the "Back to School" initiative represents a welcoming celebration and an inspiring educational start. He said the event aims to prepare all stakeholders in the educational system for the new academic year, strengthen the partnership between the ministry and the community, introduce the ministry’s strategic projects and motivate students and teachers for a positive and energetic beginning. Dr al-Nuaimi also highlighted the importance of the occasion in building a supportive and integrated educational environment between home and school, in line with the goals of education in Qatar. He welcomed the new students, teachers, and administrative staff, wishing them a successful start and a fruitful academic journey. He praised the achievements made during the past period, including the expansion of early childhood education and inclusive schools, the launch of educational vouchers for students with disabilities, the adoption of inclusive education and early intervention initiatives, and curriculum development. He also noted the expansion of scholarship opportunities to prestigious universities both within the country and abroad, in line with the needs of the labour market and Qatar National Vision 2030. He pointed out that the ministry adopts a balanced and integrated approach that responds to the requirements of economic diversification and the shift toward a knowledge-based economy. He emphasised that the teacher is at the heart of educational development and that the impact is directly reflected in students. This is achieved through high-quality training programmes and increased opportunities to hire Qatari teachers through initiatives such as "Tomooh," "Tamkeen," and "Tamheen." He added that the ultimate goal of the new academic year is to provide quality education to students and prepare them to compete regionally and globally, highlighting the opening of new schools that offer education based on international standards while preserving national identity and core values. He also stressed that students' quality of life is a strategic priority for the ministry, by providing an engaging and integrated educational environment that enhances attendance, participation, and academic performance, and supports their personal development. The minister honoured 28 male and female teachers from the sixth cohort of the "Tamheen" programme, which is implemented by the ministry in cooperation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau. The programme aims to attract and qualify national talents to join the teaching profession, contributing to enriching the educational environment with qualified Qatari personnel. The event also included recognition of the partners who contributed to the success of the Back to School 2025 activities. These included: Ooredoo, Mowasalat (Karwa), KidZania, Al Rawnaq Bookstore, and Alif Bookstore - in appreciation of their support for the event. The event concluded with a tour by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education of the educational projects exhibition, showcasing work by teachers participating in the "Tamheen," promising start, and innovation leaders programmes. She listened to their presentations and the outcomes of their projects, which aim to improve academic performance, boost student motivation, and increase parental involvement in the educational process.