tag

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi met in Doha today Mohammed al-Bashir, Energy Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic. Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and cooperation between Qatar and Syria and means to enhance them.

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs announced that worshippers performed the Eclipse Prayer (Salat al-Khusuf) in mosques across Qatar.In a statement on Sunday, the ministry recalled the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) practice of praying during solar and lunar eclipses, as he said: "The sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse because of the death or life of anyone. So when you see them, invoke Allah and pray until it is over.” In this regard, Sheikh Subaih Al Marri from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs emphasized that the cosmic phenomena like solar and lunar eclipses, earthquakes, and droughts are not punishments for the death or life of any individual, but rather signs from Allah Almighty, intended to remind and warn humanity.Al Marri pointed out that a true believer always resorts to prayer at all times, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did. He considered prayer to be the greatest means of returning back to Allah and getting closer to Him when facing any cosmic event or circumstance that causes fear and panic.

Qatar Reads, an initiative under the Qatar National Library (QNL), and M7 have launched the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 to illustrate the book Maqamat Al-Hariri in diverse artistic formats. Held in Msheireb M7, Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech, the exhibition expands the life of literature to connect and inform community members about our past as a source of cultural and creative innovation. The exhibition, which runs until September 20, is part of “One Book, One Doha”, Qatar Reads' annual reading campaign that brings community members together in a shared reading experience. Each year a book from Arabic literature is selected, inviting everyone to read, reflect and engage through a variety of campaign activities. A total of 30 artists and fashion designers are participating in reviving the content of this Arabic literary masterpiece. The exhibition includes canvas works, installations and fashion designs that were produced by 13 Qatari artists and 17 international artists. Thirty-two artistic and creative works are on display, in addition to eight fashion pieces to celebrate the power of literature and timeless wisdom. In this art exhibition, artists and collaborators bring a fresh visual perspective that infuses the narrative with a creative spirit and artistic depth. This enriches the book's content and transforms it into a multi-dimensional experience. Through their original contributions, the artists reimagine the text, broadening its scope and adding new levels of meaning. The exhibition is not just a representation of the book, it celebrates the creative added value brought by each participating artist, turning the literary work into a vibrant space for dialogue where words and images come together in a harmony worth exploring. HE the Minister of State and QNL president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari said: “It is a true honour to present this magnificent artistic experience that can enable the society to learn and discover new meanings.” “The art exhibition emphasises our role at the QNL – thus expanding our efforts beyond the bookshelves,” he said. “It builds on our heritage and literature to promote imagination and creativity, culturally and technologically.” “We always aim to present our history in new, engaging ways to help the new generations absorb wisdom and build on a solid foundation where they can find engaging topics in old books,” HE Dr al-Kawari added. “This exhibition encourages members of the community to engage with literature in different ways, which means leveraging the power of reading to cultivate a reading culture within the community.” “By merging literacy initiatives with art and fashion, the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 demonstrates that reading is part of our future-oriented vision – fueling creativity, collaboration and cultural dialogue,” he concluded. “When we selected Maqamat Al-Hariri as Book of the Year, it was based on our conviction that its themes would resonate widely across all segments of the community,” said Qatar Reads manager Fatema al-Malki, said. “We are proud of this interactive experience, which highlights art and fashion as powerful tools to reinforce the role of literature in our society, fostering creativity, innovation and cultural enrichment.”

As part of the efforts made by the Qatar government and humanitarian organisations to support the resilience of the people, institutions, and vital sectors of Syria, a high-level delegation from Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) arrived at Damascus International Airport Sunday. The delegation was headed by QRCS president Yousef bin Ali al-Khater, secretary-general Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, assistant secretary-general for Relief and International Development Mohamed Bader al-Sada, and assistant secretary-general for Communication and Resource Development Mohamed Ahmed al-Beshri. They were received by Syria's Minister of Health Dr Musaab Nazzal al-Ali, Qatar embassy in Syria charge d'affaires Khalifa Abdullah al-Mahmoud, Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARCS) president Dr Mohamed Hazem Bakleh, Damascus Health Directorate director Dr Wael Dagmash, representative of Syria’s ministry of foreign affairs and staff of the QRCS’s representation office in Türkiye. The purpose of the humanitarian visit was to deliver a new batch of aid from Qatar under the “Take Heart Syria” initiative, containing medical equipment and supplies donated by Sidra Medicine, Al-Tafa’ol Trading Company, United International Trading Company, and Doha Health Care Group, in co-ordination with the QRCS, SARCS, and Syria’s ministry of health. The delegation from Qatar arrived at Damascus International Airport aboard a Qatar Amiri Air Force aircraft, carrying 12 tonnes of critical and sophisticated medical equipment to help Syrian hospitals continue providing quality healthcare services for patients. This airlift was preceded by three land aid convoys. On August 28, a total of 22 aid trucks started to depart from the warehouses of Sidra Medicine and the QRCS in Doha in three batches. The convoys travelled through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, ending in Syria, with 78 tonnes of aid. Thus, the total volume of aid delivered under the initiative totaled 90 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies, at a value of over QR45mn. In his keynote speech during the event, al-Khater, said: "These combined efforts were meant to send a message of solidarity to Syria, helping revitalise the Syrian healthcare sector and strengthening the capacity of its medical institutions to meet the needs of millions of Syrians.” “Over the past years, the QRCS implemented large-scale projects and programmes covering various sectors, including health, shelter, emergency relief, food security, water and sanitation, and livelihoods, with a total value of $160mn,” he added. “More than 13mn people across the country benefited from these interventions”. The QRCS president promised to keep working hard to ensure the delivery of more aid from Qatar to the people of Syria, as well as to intensify support to provide the Syrian health sector with the vital supplies needed for medical facilities. “In the name of the Syrian government and people, I would like to welcome this medical shipment from the State of Qatar, through the QRCS,” said Syrian Health Minister Dr al-Ali. “This humanitarian initiative is not merely equipment and supplies, but rather a message of genuine solidarity, a new lease on life for our patients, and a renewed hope for our medical professionals, who continue to do their job despite the difficulties and challenges.” Al-Mahmoud described the aid as a practical demonstration of Qatar’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Syrian people. The SARCS’s Dr Bakleh said that the generous initiative represents the deep fraternal ties between the peoples of Syria and Qatar and best embodies the spirit of humanitarian solidarity. Al-Emadi revealed that the aid shipment from Qatar contained X-ray, anaesthesia, and dialysis equipment; advanced laboratory testing equipment; vital signs monitoring machines; ventilators; incubators; radiography and laser imaging systems; plasma and biological storage freezers; cardiac and neurological monitoring devices; clinical decision support systems; stretchers; disinfection and protection tools; medical consumables; first-aid kits; and other equipment that covers a wide range of healthcare services, as an essential boost to rehabilitate medical infrastructure in Syria and enable hospitals to resume some of their suspended or limited services.

In recognition of its “outstanding efforts in supporting national employment and enhancing the participation of Qatari talents in the private sector”, QNB was honoured during the 11th meeting of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Ministers of Labour Committee, held recently in Kuwait.This recognition reaffirms QNB’s leading role in contributing to Qatar’s economic and social development by attracting national talent and providing quality job opportunities for Qatari youth.On this occasion, Khalil Ibrahim al-Ansari, executive vice president- HR Strategy and Integration, QNB Group Human Capital commented:“We are proud of this recognition, which reflects our strong commitment to supporting Qatar’s nationalisation plans and empowering Qatari talents to play a vital role in the private sector. Developing national human capital is a cornerstone of our strategy and long-term vision.QNB remains committed to its Qatarisation strategy through various initiatives and programmes that empower Qatari professionals, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.QNB sponsors key initiatives in the financial sector in collaboration with academic and business partners, such as “Kawader Malia Programme,” which focuses on training and developing Qatari talent.

HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari met with Chief Executive Officer of Citigroup Jane Fraser, who is visiting the country, reports QNA. The meeting discussed co-operation relations between the two sides and prospects for enhancing them in the fields of investment, finance and economy, as well as issues of common concern.

The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) in partnership with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, hosted a virtual session to connect US firms with Qatar’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.The webinar highlighted Qatar’s R&D and innovation landscape, and introduced QRDI Council’s strategic programmes, funding opportunities, and pathways for cross-border collaboration with US startups, researchers, and corporate innovation teams in advanced and emerging technologies.The session supported the Third Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS3), which prioritises economic diversification through science, technology, and innovation.By facilitating direct access to Qatar’s innovation platforms and fostering structured exchange between the US and Qatari markets, the event advances USQBC Doha’s mission to deepen bilateral ties and promote innovation-driven growth.QRDI Council’s expertise and strategic initiatives underscore the alignment between institutional offerings and Qatar’s long-term development vision.“Qatar is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation, and USQBC Doha is committed to advancing partnerships that position US and Qatari firms at the forefront of this transformation. By linking cutting edge American capabilities with Qatar’s national innovation priorities, we are creating pathways for longterm growth, shared prosperity, and meaningful collaboration across both ecosystems," said Sheikha Mayes H al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha.“Through our partnership with QRDI Council, we are accelerating cross-border collaboration, unlocking growth pathways, and supporting national innovation priorities.”Hind Zaki, Senior Program Director, Global Innovation Alliances & Partnerships at QRDI Council, said:“By connecting global innovators with our strategic programmes, we create high-value opportunities that benefit both Qatar and international markets. These collaborations reinforce Qatar’s role as the region’s gateway for piloting and innovation, while actively supporting companies in their ability to scale regionally.”This webinar is part of an ongoing collaboration between USQBC Doha and the QRDI Council to create channels for US companies to engage with Qatar’s innovation ecosystem to expand technology and knowledge exchange, strengthen economic ties, and open new opportunities across both economies.USQBC Doha is a strategic platform advancing commercial engagement within and between the US and Qatar. At the intersection of business, policy, and investment, it provides institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation across high-impact sectors. Through dialogue, partnerships, and sector initiatives, USQBC Doha strengthens bilateral economic ties, supports private sector growth, and fosters innovation aligned with national development goals.QRDI Council is a government entity with the mission to support research, development and innovation (RDI) activities as well as to develop RDI talent in Qatar. The Council strives to make Qatar a top destination for global talent and a pioneering research, innovation, and development hub with its motto“locally empowered, globally connected.”Playing a pivotal role within the Qatar National Development Strategy, the QRDI Council is actively shaping the Innovation component of the Economic Diversification goal. The Council’s commitment underlines its unwavering dedication to the Qatar National Vision 2030.QRDI Council aims to make Qatar a global innovation hub and a top choice for R&D centres worldwide, seeing RDI as vital for Qatar's growth and prosperity.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Sunday with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah al-Farhan al-Saud, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country.During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs wished the Saudi ambassador success in his future assignments, and further progress and prosperity for relations between the two countries.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the occasion of his swearing-in for a new presidential term, wishing him success in performing his duties and the relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani also sent a similar cable of congratulations to the President of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the occasion of his swearing-in for a new presidential term.

HE Attorney-General Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi inaugurated Sunday the sixth qualifying course for the assistants of the Public Prosecution for the 2025/2026 academic year, marking the beginning of a new phase of training and qualifications. The course, which will last for a full year, is organised and supervised by the Criminal Studies Institute at the Public Prosecution.In his opening remarks, HE Al Nuaimi emphasised the importance of the foundational course in preparing fully qualified legal personnel capable of contributing to the work of the Public Prosecution. He noted that passing this course is a basic and mandatory requirement for completing a legal career, which includes ongoing tests and assessments to ensure the achievement the desired level of competency.HE Al Nuaimi praised the efforts made by the Criminal Studies Institute in preparing qualified legal personnel, especially with the implementation of the provisions of Public Prosecution Law No. 9 of 2023, which enhances the role of the Public Prosecution in achieving justice.At the end of the ceremony, HE the Attorney General handed over certificates to the graduates of the fifth qualifying course for 2024/2025, comprising 13 assistant prosecutors.The previous course lasted a full year and included 31 specialised training courses totaling 428 hours, covering the fields, procedures, and applications of the Public Prosecution's work.

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, met Saturday with Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov, who is visiting the country, reports QNA. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual interest aimed at enhancing co-operation between the two countries in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields, as well as ways to support and develop this co-operation. They also explored the successful economic policies adopted by the State of Qatar to support the private sector, in addition to the incentives, legislation, and promising investment opportunities the country provides to encourage investors and business leaders to invest in the Qatari market.

Iraq hopes fellow producers will reconsider its oil export quota to better reflect its production capacity, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Saturday, a day ahead of an Opec+ meeting in a rare public comment by a senior Iraqi official.Iraq, the group's largest overproducer, is under pressure from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to cut output to compensate for having produced more than its agreed volume.It is among countries that submitted plans in April to make further oil output cuts to compensate for pumping above agreed quotas.Iraq's oil exports averaged 3.38mn barrels per day in August, according to the oil ministry. September average oil exports are expected to be between 3.4mn bpd and 3.45mn, the chief of the state oil company SOMO said on Saturday.Opec counts oil flows from Kurdistan as part of Iraq's quota.Al-Sudani previously appealed publicly for a review of Iraq's production quota in late 2022.Opec+, which includes Opec members plus Russia and other allies, has reversed its strategy of output cuts from April and has already raised quotas by some 2.5mn barrels per day, about 2.4% of world demand.The move is intended to boost market share and follows pressure from US President Donald Trump to lower oil prices.Eight countries from Opec+ are set to meet online today to consider a further output hike.Another output boost would mean Opec+, which pumps about half of the world's oil, would be starting to unwind a second layer of cuts of about 1.65mn barrels per day, or 1.6% of world demand, more than a year ahead of schedule.Responding to a question about Sunday's meeting, Iraq's Opec representative Ali Nazar said attention was focused on balancing the market, whether through increases, maintaining current production, or cuts.Separately, al-Sudani also said there would be arrangements to facilitate the entry of major oil companies to Iraq.In the past two years, Iraq has signed agreements with oil majors that had previously retreated from the country, including Chevron, France's TotalEnergies and UK oil major BP.