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The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC)continues its dedicated efforts to protect the ozone layer by adopting sustainable environmental policies, monitoring ozone-depleting substances, and promoting public awareness of this vital shield, an X post said.The ministry explained that it contributes to reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a safe environment for all, as part of its full support for international efforts aimed at preserving the ozone layer. Protecting the ozone layer is not a temporary task, but a long-term national commitment that reflects the state’s responsibility toward future generations.Accordingly, the MoECC has been organising awareness and training workshops for students, technicians and the community on related issues and topics. Besides, it has established the necessary legislation and constantly monitors the imports and exports of the materials that could potentially harm the ozone layer.The ministry supports the use of environment-friendly alternatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Other efforts include, organising training programmes for customs officers and border inspection personnel, conducts regular inspection of the targeted facilities, and monitor the consumption of related materials and substances in addition to submitting periodic international reports to ensure compliance."The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer falls on September 16. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention a global model for science-based environmental action," the ministry's X post added.

Beyond the TarmacThe lack of adequate returns is one of the biggest barriers discouraging investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production globally.SAF is currently much more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel, often 2–5 times higher depending on the feedstock and technology.Without subsidies, price support, or guaranteed demand, investors face low or negative margins, according to industry analysts.IATA’s SVP of Sustainability and Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen noted investment is needed to fund new SAF production facilities and other sustainability initiatives.“Certainly, money is available if investors think the returns will be there. The amount of finance available to artificial intelligence development speaks to the deep pockets that investors have if they believe in a project.“But the truth is that oil is bringing in about a 20% return while renewable energy is lagging at 5%. Bridging that gap requires the right policies and incentives from regulators.”Thomsen said: “The good news is that solar and wind power have already shown the way forward. SAF needs a similar level of investment to these now-established energy markets so regulators should be aware of the constituents of a good policy.“The blueprint for success is there,” says Thomsen. “And it all fits together because this leads back to the idea of radical collaboration. This is not about giving money to aviation, it is about investing in the energy transition. SAF is just one part of the biofuel complex that will drive advances in renewable power.”IATA says the Asia-Pacific region is aviation’s fastest-growing market and notable for its SAF production opportunities. India, Malaysia, and Vietnam are just a selection of countries in the region that could play crucial roles in SAF production.China, meanwhile, has a strong record in strategic planning and is invariably successful in implementing those plans, often before deadline. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2060 with peak emissions occurring before 2030.A SAF pilot project in China has been extended. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)'s 14th Five-Year Plan calls for over 20,000 tons of SAF consumption in 2025 and a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research Centre to develop standards and a certification system has been established.It is reported that more than 3mn tonnes of SAF production is either planned or in construction.China’s ability to be a trend-setter in SAF is important as SAF will do the heavy lifting if aviation is to reach net-zero by 2050. But Thomsen emphasises that decarbonisation is not just an industry issue.Thomsen suggests that if individual industries try to find their own solution each one will fail. “But together it is possible to succeed,” she adds.“Aside from the economic implications, countries that are forward-looking in this area can achieve greater energy independence. Refineries produce a slew of products so when we talk about SAF production, it is important to remember this is a small share of refined output.“The majority of renewable refined products will benefit other industries. This means that helping airlines obtain sustainable aviation fuel will give most other industries greater access to renewable fuels.”While airlines and regulators are pushing for SAF adoption, the fact remains that the demand is still relatively small and fragmented. Investors worry that commitments may not translate into long-term offtake agreements at profitable prices.Building SAF plants requires billions in upfront investment, with long payback periods. If policy frameworks or incentives such as tax credits, blending mandates, or carbon pricing are unclear, investors may find the risk-return profile unattractive.Many SAF feedstocks (including waste oils, crops and biomass) have alternative uses — like renewable diesel, bio-based chemicals, or even food. These alternatives can offer better returns, drawing investment away from SAF, experts say.Clearly, inadequate returns discourage SAF investment, which is why many experts emphasise the need for a combination of policy incentives, carbon pricing, and long-term purchase commitments from airlines to make SAF commercially viable.

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is charting a course towards a sustainable future by utilising its rich marine heritage through a flourishing blue economy, with regional scientific co-operation and joint coastal initiatives acting as key enablers, marine conservationist and ocean advocate engineer Ahmed Nabil has said.“I have many fellows at Qatar University (QU), they are doing an excellent job as well in marine conservation, helping in minimising the impact of coastal development. So I would say Qatar is playing a key role, and as I always say, there is no ceiling for improvement,” he said, lauding Qatar’s efforts and the contributions of researchers at QU.Nabil was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Qatar Events Show 2025’s ‘Tourism and the Blue Economy: A Pathway to Climate Resilient Events in the 21st Century’ session Thursday. Citing the significant strides made in recent years, Nabil noted a ‘wonderful progress’ in this area, with environmental authorities and agencies playing increasingly vital roles in coastal development projects.With the GCC region historically dependent on oil and gas, he said the blue economy serves as an opportunity for economic diversification, with tourism at its forefront. He pointed to the region’s deep historical connection to the ocean, rooted in centuries of fishing, pearl diving, and hunting. This legacy, he added, provides a natural springboard for developing unique tourist experiences that showcase local cultures and heritage.Well positioned within the Arab Gulf, Nabil said the region boasts a rich marine environment packed with diverse species, including unique “resilient corals” capable of withstanding harsh conditions. He noted that these corals could be essential for the future of marine ecosystems globally, which are increasingly threatened by coral bleaching due to climate change.“Starting from the Arab Gulf, the corals and the fish, or the rich biodiversity, could be a very good starting point for research for supporting the world and the corals of the future,” he pointed out.Beyond research, he said he sees the region becoming a prime destination for eco-tourism activities such as whale and shark watching, turtle nesting observations, various water sports, among others.Nabil noted the significant technological advancements within GCC nations, describing the last decade as a period of “wonderful movement”. He cited the UAE’s leading research vessels as a proof to collaborative regional efforts in marine science, working side by side. He also commended QU’s ongoing work in seagrass and Dugong conservation, underlining his conviction that the GCC is “in the lead” in these conservation efforts.Nabil stressed that collaboration is indispensable for the success of the blue economy, urging for further development of scientific co-operation among all GCC countries and across the Arab Gulf.Defining the blue economy broadly to cover all ocean-related human activities from fishing and shipping to coastal development, resorts, and water sports he spotlighted its growing relevance for the GCC.Given its strategic location along the Arab Gulf, Arab Sea, and Red Sea, Nabil said the ocean plays an important role in the region’s geography, resources, and the cultural fabric of its people.“That’s why we believe the next or the future of the economy is going to be from the ocean and back to the ocean,” he said.

As part of the State of Qatar's efforts to promote national industry and enhance local content in government procurement, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), organised a dedicated meeting to present and discuss the draft Mandatory List of National Products, reports QNA.The meeting targeted owners and managers of Qatari factories as well as contracting companies, providing a platform for direct dialogue on the proposed implementation mechanisms, and offering an opportunity to gather feedback and insights from representatives of the industrial sector regarding activation opportunities and integration with government entities.This initiative reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities to empower national manufacturers to benefit from government procurement opportunities and to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors, contributing to the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030 for a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy.

In line with Qatar’s commitment to supporting the brotherly Syrian people, a delegation from Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) conducted a field visit to the Syrian Arab Republic. The visit aimed to assess Syria’s current developmental and humanitarian needs and to identify avenues for collaboration with local and international partners to strengthen support for the country’s key sectors and advance sustainable development. In a statement, QFFD said the three-day visit included technical meetings with several international organizations and UN agencies. Discussions focused on the current priorities and the most pressing needs, with an emphasis on impactful and sustainable projects in essential sectors such as health, water, food security, and community rehabilitation. The delegation held meetings with representatives from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), focusing on ways to advance urban recovery and essential services in affected areas, while reviewing progress on ongoing joint initiatives. The delegation also met with the World Food Programme (WFP), including a field visit to Eastern Ghouta to take a look at several on-the-ground projects. These included the Adra wastewater treatment plant, the Rihan water lifting station, and the irrigation canal, in addition to a small and medium enterprise initiative. The visit offered an opportunity to engage with local farmers and entrepreneurs, and to witness first-hand the positive impact of community recovery programs. Further meetings were held with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to discuss potential areas of co-operation, and the Syrian Ministry of Health. Discussions with the Ministry covered health sector priorities, including support for medical centers, access to medicines, and coordination mechanisms to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of joint efforts. This field visit underscores QFFD’s dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing humanitarian assistance, and reinforcing the resilience and well-being of Syrian communities. Through impactful partnerships and collaboration, QFFD continues to implement targeted initiatives that deliver meaningful and sustainable support to address the country’s most pressing needs.