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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has issued a guide for the service of issuing Gulf National Product Certificates for factories, with the aim of clarifying the application requirements, registration steps, and the approval of applications through the Industry Services Portal.The guide seeks to facilitate procedures and clarify technical standards and requirements; explain the role of approved accounting offices in preparing financial and technical reports; in addition to enhancing the quality and accuracy of the required reports and ensuring accurate completion of applications.The guide includes basic application requirements, registration steps, and document submission; the mechanism for reviewing and approving applications; and steps for preparing financial and technical reports.MOCI pointed out that issuing the guide comes as part of its commitment to supporting the national industrial sector as well as enhancing trade exchange among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, by providing a clear reference that helps accelerate procedures and improve the efficiency of services provided to factories.

The United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it was pulling its remaining forces out ‌of Yemen after Saudi Arabia backed a call for UAE forces to leave within 24 hours, in a major crisis ‌between the two Gulf powers and oil producers.Hours ‍earlier, Saudi-led coalition forces had attacked the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla. The airstrike on what Riyadh said was a UAE-linked weapons shipment was the most significant escalation to date in ⁠a widening rift.The UAE defence ministry ‍said it had voluntarily ended the mission of its counterterrorism units in Yemen, its only forces still there after it "concluded" its military presence in 2019.The ministry said its remaining mission was limited to "specialised personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners".In a statement, it said recent developments had prompted a comprehensive assessment, the state news agency WAM reported.Saudi Arabia had accused the UAE of pressuring Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) to push towards the kingdom's borders, and declaring its national security a "red line".It was Riyadh's strongest reaction yet in the falling-out between the neighbours, who once cooperated in ‌a coalition against Yemen’s Houthis but have seen their interests there steadily diverge.The UAE withdrawal of the few forces it had kept in Yemen may ease tensions for now. But the real issue is whether it will keep supporting the STC.Riyadh for its part has continued, through the coalition it heads, to ‍back Yemen's internationally recognised government and the cabinet said ⁠it hoped the UAE would ‌end all military or financial assistance to the STC.The coalition bombed what it said was a dock used to provide foreign military support to the separatists. Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's presidential council, gave Emirati forces 24 hours to leave.The UAE said it had been surprised by the airstrike, and that the shipments in question did not contain weapons and were destined for the Emirati forces. But it said it sought a solution "that prevents escalation, based on reliable facts and existing coordination".In a televised speech, Alimi said it had been "definitively confirmed that the United Arab Emirates pressured and directed the STC to undermine and rebel against the authority of the state through military escalation", according to the Yemeni state news agency.US Secretary of ‌State Marco Rubio ‌spoke ‍with his ⁠Saudi counterpart, ⁠Foreign Minister Prince Faisal ‍bin Farhan al-Saud, about ongoing tensions in Yemen and ‌regional security, the State Department ‍said Tuesday.Saudi Arabia and the UAE are both major players in the OPEC oil exporters' group, and any disagreements could hamper consensus on oil output.They and six other OPEC+ members meet online next Sunday, and OPEC+ delegates say they will extend a policy of maintaining first-quarter production unchanged.Major stock indexes in the ​Gulf fell.Tuesday's airstrike followed the weekend arrival of two ships from the UAE port of Fujairah on Saturday and Sunday without coalition authorisation, the coalition said.The Saudi state news agency published a video showing a ship it identified as "Greenland", from which it said arms and combat vehicles were unloaded. The registered owner and operator of the Greenland, a roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel, is Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company, headquartered in Dubai, with ​a branch in Fujairah, the company website indicates.The coalition said the strike caused no casualties or collateral damage, according to Saudi state media. Two sources told Reuters that it targeted the dock where the cargoes were unloaded.Reuters could not immediately verify what had been hit or the nature or origin of any cargoes that may have been attacked.Yemeni state TV showed what it said was black smoke rising from the port in the early morning, with burned vehicles. Alimi declared a no-fly zone, and a sea and ground blockade on all ports and crossings for 72 hours.Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the STC and deputy head of the presidential council, said in a joint statement with three other members of the council that the UAE remained a main partner in the fight against the Houthis. ⁠It rejected Alimi's orders and said they lacked consensus. 

Qatar’s national golf team claimed both the team and individual titles in the under-16 category at the Gulf Golf Championship, held at Ghala Golf Club in Muscat, Oman.The youngsters delivered a consistent performance over three days to finish top of the team standings with a total score of +51 in one of the most competitive junior editions of the championship. Bahrain placed second after a close contest that went down to the final rounds, posting +59, while the United Arab Emirates finished third on +67. In the individual event, Qatar’s Daniel Sokolov stole the spotlight with a commanding display, securing the gold medal with an impressive overall score of -6. Sokolov finished well clear of his nearest challengers, underlining his promise and potential at both regional and continental levels. Bahrain’s Khalid Sadeeq took second place on +26, with Oman’s Mohib al-Kathiri claiming third at +31. The Gulf Junior Golf Championship is regarded as a key event on the GCC sporting calendar, playing an important role in identifying and nurturing young talent and preparing future national team players. Ghala Golf Club, one of the region’s most renowned courses, added a technical edge to the competition with a layout that demands precision and consistency. Qatar Golf Association president and head of the Qatari delegation Hamad Abdullah al-Mana expressed pride in the achievement. Al-Mana added that the result reflects the QGA’s continued commitment to junior development and its long-term strategy of building competitive national teams capable of achieving success at Gulf, regional and international levels. 

One hundred twenty six inmates in Qatar’s correctional institutions are continuing their formal education while serving their sentences, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on rehabilitation through learning as a pathway to reintegration.The initiative was highlighted during the launch of Unified Gulf Inmate Week 2025, which underscores the Gulf Cooperation Council’s shared humanitarian approach to corrections and its commitment to strengthening the reformative role of penal institutions.Colonel Yousef Bilal al-Abdullah, Assistant Director of the Correctional and Rehabilitation Institutions Department at the Ministry of Interior, said 126 inmates are currently enrolled in various educational programmes, ranging from transitional levels to higher education, while undergoing rehabilitation.He explained that Qatar’s rehabilitation framework within penal and correctional institutions is built on two main pillars: education and vocational training, with education playing a central role in shaping behaviour, values and long-term prospects.“Correctional and rehabilitation institutions are not merely places for serving sentences,” Colonel al-Abdullah said, noting that they are designed to rectify behaviour, foster positive values and build inmates’ character on solid educational and social foundations — all of which enhance opportunities for successful reintegration into society after release.As part of the educational pillar, inmates are able to pursue structured academic pathways, including a diploma programme implemented in co-operation with the Community College. Colonel al-Abdullah said the first graduating cohort, comprising around 20 inmates, is expected to complete its studies in January 2026.The programmes cover a range of disciplines, including secretarial studies and administrative work, alongside ongoing collaboration with Cambridge College in the fields of secretarial studies, libraries and administrative affairs.The opening ceremony of Unified Gulf Inmate Week featured a symbolic theatrical performance conveying the importance of community and institutional solidarity in granting inmates a second chance based on trust, support and inclusion. The performance emphasised that meaningful reform extends beyond the walls of correctional facilities and relies on the role of society in welcoming individuals back after release.Colonel al-Abdullah said the performance was delivered in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture, civil society organisations and several departments within the Ministry of Interior, as part of efforts to strengthen community partnerships in support of rehabilitation and reform programmes.Alongside education, the vocational pillar of rehabilitation focuses on equipping inmates with practical trades and skills that enable them to secure legitimate employment after completing their sentences, contributing to financial stability for themselves and their families.To support productive engagement, correctional and rehabilitation institutions also take part in local and international exhibitions showcasing inmates’ products, including an exhibition currently being held at Villagio Mall. These products are additionally marketed electronically through the Ministry of Interior’s Sooum application, with full financial returns directed to inmates after the cost of raw materials is deducted — providing a lawful source of income aimed at ensuring stability following release. 

Gulf Publishing and Printing Company, publisher of Arrayah and Gulf Times, has announced the appointment of Nasser Ali as Head of Public Relations and Communications as part of its strategic plan to enhance the corporate communications system and to develop the company’s media and community presence. This appointment comes in recognition of Nasser Ali’s extensive professional experience and high level of competence in the field of public relations.In the meantime, he is expected to play an active role in supporting the company’s image, strengthening its relationships with various stakeholders, and consolidating communication channels with the public and the means of media. Accordingly, the executive management of the company has expressed its confidence that this step will contribute to achieving greater institutional excellence, wishing him every success in his new role. 

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Bedaiwi stressed the importance of evaluating and developing the digital infrastructure of the General Secretariat and its affiliated organizational units, to keep pace with developments in this field.This came during a workshop held by the General Directorate of Digital Transformation and Information Technology, at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat, with the participation of the assistant secretaries and heads of organizational units at the General Secretariat.The workshop aimed to review the efforts implemented and discuss the strategic guidelines for the future operational model for digital transformation. This workshop comes in support of decision-making and aligning digital initiatives with the institutional work needs of the GCC General Secretariat. 

The Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday fell about 11 points on selling pressure especially in the banks, consumer goods and insurance sectors.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was down 0.1% to 10,712.82 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,792 points.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 1.34%.More than 44% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR0.5bn or 0.08% to QR639.65bn, mainly on microcap segments.However, the domestic institutions turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.07mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank) valued at QR0.15mn trade across 26 deals.The foreign institutions were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen making gains vis-à-vis declines in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab individuals were seen net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was down 0.1% and the All Share Index by 0.14%; while the All Islamic Index was up 0.04% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index fell 0.24%, consumer goods and services (0.16%), insurance (0.12%) and industrials (0.1%); while transport gained 0.16%, real estate (0.15%) and telecom (0.14%).As many as 18 stocks gained, while 23 declined and 11 were unchanged.Major shakers in the main market included Ahlibank Qatar, Industries Qatar, Doha Insurance, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Islamic Bank, Lesha Bank, Dlala, Widam Food, Mekdam Holding and Qatar Electricity and Water.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Inma Holding, Al Mahhar Holding, Qamco, Qatar Oman Investment, Aamal Company, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar and Milaha were among the movers in the main market.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR45.33mn compared to QR0.4mn on December 3.The local retail investors’ net buying decreased marginally to QR5.81mn against QR6.98mn the previous day.However, the domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR19.43mn compared with net sellers of QR2.61mn on Wednesday.The foreign institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR16.74mn against QR0.23mn on December 3.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.15mn compared with net sellers of QR3.17mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.35mn against net sellers of QR0.41mn on Wednesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.14mn compared to QR0.62mn on December 3.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.The main market saw an 11% jump in trade volumes to 105.91mn shares and 35% in value to QR365.49mn on almost doubled deals to 29,567.In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.06mn changed hands across 13 transactions. 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has held an introductory workshop on mechanisms to combat harmful practices in international trade and their role in safeguarding Gulf industries.The two-day event was organised in co-operation with the GCC General Secretariat's technical bureau for anti-dumping duties.The workshop brought together specialists from the General Authority of Customs responsible for implementing anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard duties, along with ministry officials working in related fields.The programme aimed to raise awareness of the Common GCC Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard Measures, and to highlight the role of customs authorities in enforcing measures issued by the relevant ministerial committees, thereby helping protect regional industries from unfair trade practices.Participants were introduced to the types of harmful practices in international trade such as dumping, subsidies and surges in imports — and were briefed on the related local and regional legislations, including the Common GCC Law and relevant World Trade Organisation agreements. The workshop also outlined the role of the GCC's technical secretariat burrea in combating harmful practices and supporting Gulf industries.Discussions covered the economic impact of harmful trade practices, key outcomes achieved through the implementation of the anti-dumping law, and detailed procedures for filing complaints, conducting investigations and applying measures. The strategic role of customs authorities across GCC states in addressing such practices was also emphasised.The workshop concluded with a discussion session during which customs officials raised questions about the challenges related to implementing anti-dumping duties, while organisers presented proposed solutions and recommendations. 

The sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition concluded on Sunday at The Pearl Island, awarding 20 winners across the competition’s various categories. The five-day event, organised by the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association, featured wide participation from across the GCC for the second consecutive year.In a press statement, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of the Association’s Board, said: “This year’s edition was defined by competitive energy among participants, giving it a truly exceptional character. It succeeded in attracting visitors from all GCC countries, creating a celebration that combines luxury with the heritage of automotive history.”He noted that the exhibition witnessed significant expansion in both area and number of participating cars, reaching 65 vehicles, the largest display since the exhibition’s inception. Omar Hussain Alfardan, vice-chairman of the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association, said: “The remarkable turnout at this year’s edition affirms the strong stature of this event and its growing role in enriching classic car culture in Qatar and the region.“The extraordinary audience engagement reflected a genuine passion for this historic world, reinforcing the exhibition’s position as an elegant platform that brings together car enthusiasts, experts, and designers. At the association, we remain committed to organising this event to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination, and to inspire the next generation with a spirit of authenticity and creativity,” Alfardan added.Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Board Member, lauded the prestigious status the exhibition has earned among classic car lovers in Qatar and the GCC. This, he pointed out, was evident in the diverse participation from all GCC countries and in the unprecedented audience turnout, the largest ever recorded for a classic car event in the region.Hassan al-Bairami, winner of the Best Classic Car Restoration Project award for his 1968 Mercedes 230S and a participant from Kuwait, said: “This is our first participation in the Qatar Classic Luxury Cars Contest, and winning this prestigious award is the culmination of a full year of preparation and dedicated work.“We shipped 10 cars from Kuwait specifically to take part in this edition. It was a major challenge in terms of logistics and preparations, but the outcome was exceptional, we received three awards, which truly reflects the level of effort made by the entire team.”

The Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association launched the sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition 2025 at The Pearl Island yesterday, featuring some of the world’s rarest vintage vehicles.The expanded showcase, held under the honorary patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, was inaugurated by prominent Qatari businessman and philanthropist HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani. He is also the chairman of Al Faisal Holding, and the founder of the Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge. He was joined by Ahmed al-Hammadi, director general of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority and Chairman of United Development Company (UDC).Running until November 23 at Medina Centrale, the event is held under the direct supervision of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) and displays an array of classic vehicles from Qatar and across the GCC.HE Sheikh Faisal lauded the exhibition as a major milestone, driven by record-breaking regional participation for the second year running. He stressed that the extensive national support highlights Qatar’s resolve to protect its engineering history.“We are proud of the distinguished status this event has achieved regionally and globally. It has become a platform that brings together classic car enthusiasts, supporting institutions, and audiences passionate about industrial and engineering heritage. These events are not just about displaying cars — they tell stories of innovation, design, and history, enriching Qatar’s cultural identity,” he said in a press statement.Organisers noted that a competition will select the top cars across five categories, covering models from pre-1947 to 1995, with three winners in each category. Additional awards will recognise standout vehicles for authenticity, heritage preservation, and overall excellence. For the first time, winners will receive both financial and in-kind prizes.Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khalid al-Thani, Board Member of the association, stated that every edition aims to deliver added value by selecting the finest classic cars for display.Engineer Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, secretary-general and Board Member, added: “The sixth edition of the event has witnessed broad participation from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, representing 40% of the total participating vehicles.”Qatar Museums CEO Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi noted that this marks the first official presence of the Qatar Auto Museum in the exhibition, highlighting the institution’s role in showcasing cultural history and the artistic value of automobiles. This includes a remarkable display of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, linking the exhibition to the origins of the modern automotive era.UDC CEO Yasser al-Jaidah stated that hosting the event at The Pearl Island adds a prestigious dimension to the island’s lineup of high-profile cultural and luxury experiences. He stressed that the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to view some of the world’s rarest classic vehicles in an environment that blends heritage with elegance.Hussain Omar Alfardan, CMO of Alfardan Automotive, stressed that sponsoring the event aligns with the group’s strategy to support Qatar’s growing passion for classic cars. He noted that this interest represents an appreciation of artistic and historical value. He also highlighted the aim of building a community around this passion and contributing to the economic and tourism sectors through sustainable events.Meanwhile, organisers added that Daam’s sponsorship of the exhibition underlines its dedication to preserving national heritage and cultivating cultural awareness. By supporting such initiatives, the fund seeks to deepen community engagement and foster intergenerational connections that honour Qatar’s enduring legacy.

Dick Cheney, celebrated as a master Republican strategist but defined by the darkest chapters of America's "War on Terror," was honoured Thursday in a funeral attended by Washington's elite that pointedly left out President Donald Trump.Cheney's career over half a decade reads like a catalogue of American statecraft, even as his long shadow over foreign policy — as defence secretary during the Gulf War and as the 46th vice president under George W Bush — still divides the country.Bush and fellow former president Joe Biden were among more than 1,000 guests at the Washington National Cathedral. But Trump, who hasn't commented on Cheney's death, and his vice president JD Vance were not invited.Every living former vice president — Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore and Dan Quayle — were in attendance, along with generals, foreign dignitaries and Supreme Court justices. "Vice President Dick Cheney was an American patriot who served this country like very few in our history, and I was always inspired by his by his quiet and steady leadership," Pence told cable news network MS NOW outside the cathedral. Bush was due to deliver a tribute, along with Cheney's daughter Liz — famously ousted from the congressional Republican Party over her opposition to Trump.Praised for his intellect and described by historians as the "most powerful vice president in modern US history," Cheney was admired as a strategist of unusual clarity, and a steady hand who helped steer the nation through its darkest hours.His career spanned the Cold War, the Gulf conflict and the turbulent aftermath of the September 11 attacks. As vice president under Bush, he redefined a traditionally ceremonial role into one of unparalleled influence, helping drive national security policy and expanding presidential authority.He was said to embody the paradoxes of power as a meticulous behind-the-scenes operator who often found himself in the spotlight, a staunch conservative and a statesman regarded both as indispensable and dangerous. Flags across states were lowered to half-staff after his death on November 3. But looming over every tribute will be the darker side of his legacy: the expansion of executive power, the "War on Terror," the invasion of Iraq and the now-infamous debate over America's use of torture.For critics, he was the architect of some of the nation's most calamitous decisions, a politician whose belief in executive power and aggressive foreign policy left deep scars at home and abroad. Cheney was a key advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq — famously stating that "there is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction" — a conviction that haunted his legacy after the intelligence unraveled.He championed sweeping surveillance powers under the Patriot Act and defended controversial "enhanced interrogation" tactics. But Cheney underwent a late-career reinvention as a critic of his own party's populist drift.A vocal detractor of Trump, whom he called a "threat to our republic," he even endorsed Harris, the president's Democratic election rival in 2024. Trump's absence from the funeral reflected the ideological rifts that divided Washington and the wider United States during Cheney's final years, and the demise of the bipartisanship valued by the oldest generation of Washington power-brokers.The president has been silent on Cheney's death, although his press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Trump was "aware" of his passing. Responding to criticism from Cheney, Trump once described the former vice president as an "irrelevant RINO" — meaning "Republican In Name Only" — and a "king of endless, nonsensical wars, wasting lives and trillions of dollars."

The Gulf Studies Centre at College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University (QU), organised the 10th edition of its annual multidisciplinary conference, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and experts from academic institutions across the Gulf region and beyond.Under the theme ‘Bridging Tradition and Progress’, this year’s conference featured more than 10 speakers from QU and other regional and international universities, including Kuwait University, Abu Dhabi University, Bahrain University, Lebanese University, Colombia University, Oxford University, and the University of Edinburgh, in addition to experts from Unesco.Through seven specialised academic sessions, participants discussed topics related to family, artificial intelligence (AI), cultural diplomacy, law, language, and other issues connected to social transformations in the region.The sessions addressed themes related to national identity amid globalisation, the role of the family in social and economic development, and the relationship between modernisation and cultural continuity.The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries as they work to balance modernisation requirements with the preservation of heritage and social traditions.In her remarks, Dr Fatima Ali al-Kubaisi, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at QU, noted that culture, national identity, and the role of the family form essential pillars of national development, making the integration of cultural discourse into development strategies a necessity across the region. She said the college’s commitment to expanding research efforts focused on national identity in the context of rapid global change. She added that the conference deepens understanding of developmental trajectories in Gulf societies and strengthens the exchange of expertise while drawing on international models in identity and cultural studies.This, she said, reinforces QU’s standing as a leading research destination in the region. Dr Maryam al-Kuwari, director of the Gulf Studies Centre at QU, noted that the conference themes address a wide range of issues, including national identity in the context of globalisation, the role of the family in social and economic development, and the relationship between modernisation and cultural continuity.