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Capt Abdulla Mohamed al-Khanji, chief executive officer of Mwani Qatar, has been chosen as the “Personality of the Year” at the annual The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025 ceremony, held at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.The award recognises outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions to advancing the maritime industry and enhancing its overall performance and efficiency.With more than 22 years of experience in the maritime industry, Captain al-Khanji has held numerous leadership positions that have significantly contributed to enhancing Qatar’s global standing in maritime transport and trade.This recognition comes as part of the TMS' mission to celebrate outstanding leaders who have driven progress in maritime infrastructure, logistics services, and port competitiveness across the region. It highlights the widespread appreciation of Mwani Qatar’s efforts to promote innovation and deliver world-class services in the ports and maritime transport sectors.Held annually in the presence of senior executives and industry leaders from around the world, TMS awards have become one of the most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence and innovation across the shipping, ports, and maritime industries, particularly in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Categories include shipping company of the year, terminal operator of the year, and woman in shipping award.

The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026) has signed a co-operation agreement with Barzan Holdings, under which the company will serve as the Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor of the prestigious event for the fourth consecutive edition. Held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, the ninth edition of Dimdex will take place from Jan 19-22, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The event will be held under the theme: "A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow." The enduring partnership between Dimdex and Barzan Holdings underscores the commitment of national entities to supporting major events hosted by Qatar. It further reflects the notable advancement of the country's defence industries, while providing Barzan Holdings with a unique platform to present its innovations to global markets and to engage with the wealth of expertise the event attracts. The signing ceremony was held at the Qatar Ministry of Defence in the presence of HE Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lt. Gen. (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed al-Mannai and Chief Investment Officer at Barzan Holdings Mohammed Ahmad al-Mulla. The agreement was officiated by Chairman of the Dimdex Organising Committee Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh al-Ansari and Chief Commercial Officer at Barzan Holdings Omar Fahad al-Qadi. In this regard, al-Mannai said: "The Qatari Armed Forces takes great pride in organising and hosting the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, which serves as a platform that reflects our commitment to excellence in the military field. Our partnerships with national bodies and institutions play a vital role in the success of this event and in enhancing its international impact. By combining expertise, innovation, and strategic vision, we work together to strengthen Qatar's position across various security and defense sectors, and to build partnerships that contribute to fostering security and achieving sustainable development." For his part, al-Ansari said: "Our longstanding partnership with Barzan Holdings represents a cornerstone in delivering another exceptional edition of Dimdex. The company's pivotal role in advancing the defence industry and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the State of Qatar is fully aligned with our aspirations to build a future defined by sustainable security for generations to come. Dimdex continues to serve as a premier platform for showcasing these innovations, fostering dialogue between government decision makers, industry leaders and exhibitors, and enabling the establishment of strategic partnerships that shape the future of defence and security regionally and globally." Group Chief Executive Officer of Barzan Holdings Eng. Mohammed bin Bader al-Sadah said: "As long-time partners of Dimdex, Barzan Holdings is proud to return as a Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for the 2026 edition. Over the years, our collaboration has been central to advancing Qatar's defence and maritime security goals. One of our main objectives in this edition is to showcase our capabilities, products and services to the international market, and Dimdex provides us with a strategic avenue to achieve that. Dimdex remains a vital platform for us to connect with industry leaders, showcase our latest technologies, and explore new partnerships that drive innovation and contribute to regional security. Together, we are shaping a safer and more secure future through collaboration, technology, and shared expertise." The Barzan Holdings pavilion at Dimdex 2026 is anticipated to be a focal point of interest for visitors, where the company will present its most recent achievements and contributions to the maritime defence sector. As a national leader in the defence and security sector, Barzan Holdings serves as a key gateway for defence industry trade in Qatar. The company actively fosters global co-operation and influential partnerships aimed at advancing knowledge-sharing and investment in innovative defence technologies, thereby consolidating Qatar's position at the forefront of opportunities in the current and future defence markets. Dimdex reaffirms Qatar's commitment to providing a world-class platform to showcase advanced defence innovations, strengthen long-term partnerships, and create new business opportunities. The event further contributes to supporting local economic growth by attracting thousands of participants and visitors in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)

Fifteen people, mostly children, died when a boat sank in a lake in northeastern Ghana. Ghanaian authorities reported that 11 children, aged between two and 14 (five boys and six girls), were among the dead in the accident on Lake Volta in the Oti Region. A statement issued by the Maritime Authority stated that the children and other victims were traveling from Okuma to Bovime when their boat capsized, noting that four adults survived. The statement added that the incident was a serious and unacceptable violation of safety standards. The statement noted that a specialized team has been deployed to determine the cause of the sinking, noting that preliminary findings indicate that the boat was overloaded. The authority confirmed that it will form a high-level investigation committee with the Ministry of Transport, and will launch an ongoing process to enforce lakeside safety measures to ensure compliance with passenger limits and lifejacket regulations. Boating accidents are common on Lake Volta, often caused by overloading and collisions with tree trunks. In August, six people were killed in a similar accident, and 18 people died in May 2023 after their boat struck a submerged tree trunk.

Qatar and Cyprus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance their cooperation in maritime transportation fields. Minister of Transport His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis signed the MoU on the sidelines of the Maritime Cyprus 2025 Conference.As per the MoU, the two countries will enhance their cooperation on meeting the requirements of international maritime carriage, the complete and efficient use of maritime fleet of both countries, ensuring safety and security at the sea, rising of level of protection of marine environment and the prevention of ship-source pollution, and cooperation on maritime transport, science, technologies and sharing the obtained experience.The MoU reflects the Ministry of Transport’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in maritime transportation and creating a marine environment that is safe and sustainable in step with the goals of the QNV 2030.Following the signing ceremony, the two officials discussed bilateral relations in the areas of transportation, and ways to enhance them, particularly regarding maritime navigation and ports.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has announced a mandatory temporary suspension of all maritime navigation activities for vessel owners, following the discovery of a technical malfunction in the Global Positioning System (GPS), which may affect the accuracy of marine navigation devices and compromise sailing safety.In a circular issued Saturday, the ministry stated that the directive is to be enforced immediately upon issuance and will remain in effect until the technical issue is resolved. The ministry emphasised that this measure reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety of sea-goers and their secure return to ports.

The State of Qatar participated in the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership Conference held in Riyadh under the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah.

Nomas Center continues to offer training courses dedicated to teaching the art of sea fishing, one of the most important traditional professions linked to Qatar’s history and rich maritime heritage.This is part of its programmes aimed at instilling authentic values in the hearts of young people and introducing them to the heritage of their forefathers.The course aims to introduce young participants to the basics of marine fishing, starting with knowledge of traditional fishing tools and how to use them, moving on to the art of sailing and safety at sea, and finally to sound environmental practices that ensure the sustainability of marine resources.Trainees also learn the art of casting nets, how to select fishing spots, and how to deal with ocean currents and weather changes.The course pays special attention to practical aspects, with trainees spending time at sea under the supervision of experienced instructors, providing a realistic experience resembling that of fishermen of the past. Theoretical activities are combined with folk stories and narratives that reflect the suffering, patience, and co-operation of ancient fishermen in facing the challenges of the sea.This course is organised in line with Nomas Center’s mission to promote authentic Qatari identity, connect new generations to their national heritage, and instil in them life skills and values such as patience and teamwork.The course witnessed a growing turnout from participants, who emphasised the importance of these programmes in deepening children’s connection to their roots.

The Ministry of Transport has called on all maritime vessel owners, be they individuals or companies, to suspend all forms of maritime navigation (recreation, tourism, fishing, and similar activities), as well as marine vessel rentals (recreation, scooters, jet boats, and similar activities) from Hamad International Airport to the Waterfront in Lusail City.This circular will be effective from 9pm on Saturday, September 13, until 9pm on Monday, September 15.In a statement, the Ministry urged everyone to adhere to this circular, as it coincides with Qatar's hosting of the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, and within the framework of national measures taken to support public security and the safety of individuals.

Qatar's maritime sector saw higher vessels traffic through its Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports in August 2025, translating into robust expansion across containers, cargoes and building materials on both yearly and monthly basis, according to the official statistics.The increased maritime activities is indicative of the strong performance, especially of the non-hydrocarbons private sector and is in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, as Mwani Qatar continues to implement its ambitious strategy to enhance the sector's contribution to diversifying the economy and strengthening the county's position as a regional trade hub.As many as 290 ships had called on Qatar's three ports in August 2025, which was higher by 21.85% and 8.21% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.Hamad Port, whose strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf, supporting countries such as Kuwait and Iraq and south towards Oman, saw as many as 165 vessels call (excluding military) on the port in the review period. The three ports had seen a total of 2,045 vessels in the first eight months of this year.The general and bulk cargo handled through the three ports amounted to 254,528 freight tonnes in August 2025, which zoomed 129.25% and 8.58% on yearly and monthly basis respectively.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – handled as much as 108,026 freight tonnes of bulk and 120,710 freight tonnes of breakbulk in August this year. The three ports together handled as much as 1.3mn cargoes in January-August 2025.The container movement through three ports amounted to 126,481 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which surged 10.07% and 8.13% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.Hamad Port, the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, alone handled 124,757 TEUs of containers handled this August. The three ports together handled a total of 986,240 TEUs of containers during January-August 2025.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 72,535 tonnes in August 2025, which zoomed 453.7% and 37.7% on an annualised and monthly basis respectively. The three ports together handled as much as 451,190 tonnes of building materials during the first eight months of this year.The three ports were seen handling 20,002 livestock heads in August 2025, which however showed 16.68% and 29.2% plunge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. The ports had handled as many as 399,987 livestock heads during January-August 2025.The three ports handled 9,254 RORO in August 2025, which registered 14.35% and 27.69% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Hamad Port alone handled 9,224 units in the review period. The three ports together handled as many as 78,869 units in the first eight months of this year.Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, notably in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the data of the National Planning Council.

As Doha awaits a welcome respite from the summer heat, the Old Doha Port is emerging as one of Qatar’s most dynamic destinations, combining maritime heritage with modern leisure, culture, and recreation.From its colourful districts and expansive parks to world-class dining and marine facilities, the revitalised port offers something for residents, tourists, and seafarers.Mina District, a lively neighbourhood overflowing with restaurants, cafes, cultural retailers, and international shops, features a vibrant architecture and has quickly become a favourite backdrop for photos.According to Old Doha Port, visitors can explore more than 50 dining spots, 100 shops, and 150 serviced apartments, all connected by a scenic promenade overlooking the Terminal building, where cruise ships and yachts dock. The iconic fish market, offering the freshest catch, adds an authentic local touch.Adjacent to Mina, the Containers Yard pays tribute to the port’s commercial past. Once a hub for cargo shipping, the area now brims with colourful containers transformed into shops, eateries, and service centres. It caters to marine adventurers with yacht rentals, watersports, and even a 100-ton yacht lift.The marina accommodates up to 200 boats, including luxury superyachts, while specialised workshops, fuel stations, and an on-site Ministry of Transportation office streamline services for seafarers. The result is a unique space where maritime heritage meets contemporary culture.For those seeking tranquility, Old Doha Port noted that its Mina Parks offers more than 250,000 sqm of greenery. Featuring 5km of dedicated running and cycling tracks and an 8km wooden promenade, the parks connect seamlessly with the Corniche, extending Doha’s most iconic public space. Native Qatari trees and maritime-themed landscaping create a welcoming environment for both families and fitness enthusiasts, making it a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle.Nearby, the Fishermen’s Slipway — the largest in Qatar — offers easy sea access for maritime enthusiasts. With a 60m wide launch, two levels, and a secondary entrance, it provides a convenient and accessible space for fishermen and hobbyists, located just behind Halul Cafe with direct links to the Corniche.Anchoring the development is The Terminal, Doha’s official seaport and a grand national gateway for international visitors. Recognised by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful cruise terminals, it welcomes more than 300,000 passengers annually.The facility can host two mega cruise ships simultaneously, each carrying up to 6,000 guests. Inside, streamlined passport and customs services ensure quick arrivals, while attractions like the City Gallery and The Aquarium immerse travellers in Qatar’s culture and marine life before they step into the bustling Mina neighbourhood.For those wishing to extend their stay, the Mina Hotel & Residences provides a five-star boutique retreat with 30 luxury rooms and 119 serviced apartments. Overlooking the sea, West Bay, and the cruise terminal, the hotel blends minimalist design with contemporary comfort, complete with fine dining, a serene lobby, and refined amenities.