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His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's weekly meeting Wednesday at the Amiri Diwan.Following the meeting, His Excellency the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi stated the following:At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet welcomed the results of the 8th meeting of the Qatari-Saudi Co-ordination Council, held on Monday in Riyadh, co-chaired by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.The Cabinet affirmed that the deep-rooted historical relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia have moved to a new stage in light of what was included in the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Coordination Council meeting, and its emphasis on the importance of continuing to support and develop joint co-ordination in priority areas, including political, security, military, energy, industry, economy, investment, trade, technology, infrastructure, culture, tourism and education, in a way that meets the aspirations of the two fraternal peoples and supports security, peace and prosperity in the region.The Cabinet praised the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed that would open new horizons for the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly the agreement to link the two countries by high-speed electric train, which connects the cities of Doha and Riyadh, as it is a major strategic initiative that is consistent with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, and that contributes to facilitating the movement of tourists and trade and enhancing communication between the two fraternal peoples.The Cabinet praised the success of the 23rd Doha Forum 2025, which was inaugurated by His Highness the Amir. The two-day forum was held under the theme "justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress." This edition was distinguished by holding high-level dialogue sessions, in which an elite group of decision-makers, thought leaders, opinion leaders, and experts participated. The sessions were characterised by depth and objectivity, and addressed the key regional and international issues and how to address current challenges, which confirmed the role of the forum and the strength of its influence, and embodied the approach of Qatar's diplomacy that calls for dialogue and supports peaceful solutions, achieving justice, human dignity, and respect for the rights of peoples.The Cabinet welcomed the signing of the historic peace and economic agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Washington, which complements previous agreements that Qatar and the US helped to facilitate and strengthen, and represents an important step toward ending the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, consolidating regional stability, and enhancing co-operation in East and Central Africa.The Cabinet also welcomed the signing by the Government of Colombia and the self-declared EGC of the "Doha Agreement to reinforce the commitment to peace" following two rounds of mediation in Doha, which was reached through the efforts of Qatar and its partners, and included a commitment to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, end the armed conflict, and open a path for both parties toward building a sustainable peace.The Cabinet then considered the topics on its agenda. The Cabinet approved the draft decision to specify the items that government agencies are obligated to provide from national products. The draft decision, prepared by the Ministry of Finance, aims to ensure that national products are given priority, and to promote the growth and competitiveness of local industry, which supports maintaining appropriate prices for those products.The Cabinet also approved the draft Cabinet decision to establish and form a committee to manage the work of the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference 2026. The preparation of the draft decision comes within the framework of the Communications Regulatory Authority's preparations to host that conference, which is scheduled to be held in Doha in November 2026.The Cabinet decided to approve a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the field of technical and vocational education and training between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, and a draft MoU in the field of academic co-operation between University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) in Qatar and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia. The Cabinet concluded its meeting by discussing three reports and making the appropriate decisions regarding them. These included a report on the results of the visit of His Excellency the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to Lebanon in October 2025, a report on the results of participation in the second session of the Qatari-Portuguese Joint Committee for Economic, Commercial, and Technical Co-operation (Lisbon — October 2025), and a report on the results of participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan.  

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad held a virtual meeting Wednesday with members of the Palestinian government operations room, chaired by Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine.The talks reviewed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Palestine and addressed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.Discussions focused on easing the humanitarian suffering of civilians in Gaza, enhancing partnerships in development and knowledge exchange, and coordinating the entry and distribution of aid, particularly ahead of the winter season.The meeting was part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Representatives from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and around 48 humanitarian organizations and officials took part in the discussions.Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said that Palestinians in Gaza continue to face tremendous hardship, including dire living conditions and insufficient aid one month after the fragile ceasefire went into effect, pointing out that Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control.In a statement issued in Geneva, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza Caroline Seguin said, " Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses, as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to health care is reduced. The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organizations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure," she added.Seguin also noted that thousands of displaced people are living in tents lacking water and electricity, surrounded by accumulated waste and outbreaks of skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases, as winter approaches.The organization called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Qatar took part in the High‑level Ministerial Meeting on Developments in Palestine, held Monday in Istanbul, Turkiye.HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi represented Qatar at the meeting. AFP adds: Gaza's future must be Palestinian-led and avoid any new system of tutelage, Turkiye and six of its top Muslim allies said after talks in Istanbul."Our principle is that Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security, the international community should support this in the best possible way -- diplomatically, institutionally and economically," Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the talks."Nobody wants to see a new system of tutelage emerge," he told a news conference.The talks involved top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia."We've now reached an extremely critical stage: we do not want the genocide in Gaza to resume," Fidan added, saying all seven nations supported plans for the Palestinians to take control of Gaza's security and governance.He also expressed hope that reconciliation efforts between Hamas and the rival West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, "will bear fruit as soon as possible," saying inter-Palestinian unity would "strengthen Palestine's representation in the international community".Fidan said it was crucial that the emerging International Stabilisation Force that will monitor the Gaza ceasefire under Trump's plan, have a "mandate defined by a UN Security Council resolution and a framework for legitimacy".Washington is currently working with Arab and international partners to decide on the composition of the force, with Turkey hoping to play a role, despite fierce opposition from Israel."The countries we've spoken with say they will decide whether to send troops based on ... the ISF's mandate and authority," Fidan said."First, a general consensus needs to be reached on a draft, then it needs to be approved by the members of the Security Council."And it needs to be free from vetoes by any of the permanent (UNSC) members," he said of a blocking move frequently used by key Israel ally Washington.Israel has long viewed Turkiye's diplomatic overtures with suspicion over Ankara's close ties with Hamas.A Turkish disaster relief team, sent to help efforts to recover the remains of those trapped under the rubble -- including Israeli hostages seized by Hamas -- has been stuck at the border because of Israel's refusal to let them in, according to Ankara.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's weekly meeting Wednesday at the Amiri Diwan.Following the meeting, HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi stated the following: At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet welcomed the outcome of the 11th meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, which was held on Oct 22, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.The Cabinet affirmed that the outcome of the session, as reflected in the joint statement issued and the MoUs signed, has elevated the distinguished historic relations between the two countries to a new stage of constructive co-operation in various fields, establishing a fruitful strategic partnership with mutual understanding on various regional and international issues.The Cabinet then considered the topics on its agenda. It approved a draft Cabinet decision to amend the organisation of certain administrative units within ministries, other government bodies, and public authorities and institutions. The draft decision, prepared by the Civil Services and Government Development Bureau in co-ordination with the relevant authorities, aims to establish an administrative unit related to information security and data governance in all government entities.This step is intended to strengthen the digital protection system, ensure the optimal use of government information and data security, and support digital transformation in accordance with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, on secure and sustainable foundations.The Cabinet also decided to approve a draft agreement between the governments of Qatar and Burundi on the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance, as well as a draft letter of intent between Qatar's Public Works Authority and the Development Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding co-operation in the fields of infrastructure development and investment.The Cabinet concluded its meeting by reviewing two reports and taking the appropriate decisions thereon. The first report was submitted by the task force on the implementation of recommendations related to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The second was a report on the results of the participation in the 21st meeting of the Ministers and Heads of Civil Service Authorities in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries (Kuwait — September 2025).

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, participated in the 11th meeting of GCC Islamic affairs ministers held in Kuwait Monday.The Qatari delegation participating in the meeting was headed by HE the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem al-Ghanem.The delegation included HE the Undersecretary of the ministry Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani; Assistant Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs Khalid bin Shaheen al-Ghanem; Director General of the General Administration of Endowments (Awqaf) engineer Hassan bin Abdullah al-Marzouqi, and Director of the Islamic Affairs Department Mohammed bin Jabr al-Mannai.Kuwait’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim al-Wasmi, said that these blessed fraternal meetings embody the visions and directives of the leaders of the GCC states, towards strengthening unity, integration, and rapprochement among member states in various fields.During the sessions, the ministers adopted a number of issues and topics of common interest, most notably: the exchange of scientific research and experiences in the field of endowments (Awqaf) among member states through interactive seminars via videoconferencing technology, in addition to presenting distinguished experiences in the field of Islamic affairs, and the organisation of the GCC Endowment Week and the GCC Week for the Protection of Religious and Moral Values ​​of the Family.The ministers also decided to establish standards and controls for the success of imams in their social role, prepare an intellectual security charter for mosque imams and regulatory indicators, and adopt technical guidelines for the construction and development of mosques, as well as a GCC vision for rationalising electricity consumption in mosques.The ministers emphasised the importance of employing artificial intelligence in the fields of Islamic affairs, advocacy, and guidance.They discussed a working paper on the risks of energy attraction, established a GCC scientific observatory to highlight the true image of Islam’s tolerance, and explored a shared vision for historic mosques.It was also decided to develop a national index to measure the impact of endowments on society and to hold a GCC competition to raise awareness of endowments, charitable work, and volunteering.The ministers also discussed mechanisms for developing joint action and integrating advocacy and guidance efforts, and exchanging best practices in consolidating the values ​​of moderation, tolerance and strengthening community partnerships in serving Islamic and humanitarian causes.On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr al-Wasmi honoured the members of the Permanent Committee working to study the proposals.He also honoured Qatar’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem al-Thani, and Director of the Islamic Affairs Department Mohammed bin Jabr al-Mannai.

Some 16 government entities will take part in the 3rd edition of the Annual Meeting of the State Procurement Programme 2026 from October 20 to 22, the organisers announced today.The event will be held under the slogan ‘One Vision, Multiple Opportunities’, officials of the Ministry of Finance, represented by the Government Procurement Regulatory Department and Qatar Development Bank, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Chamber said at a media event at the Ministry of Finance.They said the 2026 Government Procurement Plan Forum is considered one of the most prominent events in the field of government procurement.This announcement comes following the success of the previous two editions, with last year's forum witnessing notable attendance, reflecting the active role the forum plays in strengthening communication and cooperation between the public and private sectors.The 2026 Government Procurement Plan Forum is considered a strategic platform aimed at enhancing collaboration between government entities and local companies, while providing an enabling environment for economic growth and technological development within the procurement sector.With participation from some 16 government entities, this year’s edition will feature a renewed set of focus areas.Workshops will explore key themes such as procurement policies and legislation, digital transformation, and company classification. In addition, updates related to the In-Country Value (ICV) framework for 2026 will be presented.Panel discussions will address issues including support for small and medium-sized enterprises, cost-saving opportunities, competitiveness enhancement, investment potential, promotion of local products.The Government Procurement Regulatory Department at the Ministry of Finance has invited all companies, entrepreneurs, and interested parties to take part in the third edition of the forum.The event offers a unique opportunity to gain direct insight into the government’s procurement plans for 2026 and to explore available opportunities for building future partnerships and participating competitively in the national procurement market.The previous edition of the forum attracted more than 2,000 participants from the local community, including entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives of companies of different sizes.Over 980 representatives from across the economic spectrum took part, contributing to the creation of an ideal environment for communication and partnership-building.The diversity of participation spanned several key sectors, including manufacturing, services, construction, construction technology, hospitality, and other industries.This broad and inclusive engagement reflects the forum’s growing importance as a national platform for reinforcing collaboration between the public and private sectors, while also empowering companies and advancing the national economy.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands David van Weel on the sidelines of the 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the European Union, currently taking place in Kuwait. The meeting discussed ways to enhance the GCC-Dutch relations and the strategic partnership between the GCC and the European Union, in a manner that serves common interests. The two sides also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. Albudaiwi commended the Netherlands' balanced positions and expressed hope that it would recognize the State of Palestine, a step that would support efforts to achieve the two-state solution and promote security and stability in the region.

The State of Qatar participated in a ministerial roundtable meeting on healthcare in the Gaza Strip, hosted by the United Kingdom, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The State of Qatar was represented by His Excellency Minister of Public Health Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud.His Excellency stressed that the humanitarian catastrophe facing civilians in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli aggression constitutes war crimes, emphasizing that the world cannot remain silent in the face of this tragedy.His Excellency called for immediate action to stop the aggression, save lives, and protect health facilities and their workers.His Excellency also highlighted the role played by the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, in standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the State of Palestine as a whole, and its commitment to assisting them. He also noted that Qatar continues its efforts to find a just solution despite the treacherous attack launched by Israel against the State of Qatar in a desperate attempt to undermine any hope for peace and an end to the war.During the roundtable meeting, participants heard firsthand testimonies from doctors and healthcare workers who worked in the Gaza Strip, who provided vivid accounts of the tragedies they experienced there.The roundtable was attended by the British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, HE Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and President of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Dr. Younes Al-Khatib.His Excellency Minister of Public Health also participated in a number of events accompanying the meetings of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, including the event 'One Vision, One Future: Rallying Global Momentum on NCDs for Generations to Come,' organized by the Sultanate of Oman, 'The Political Economy of Implementing Primary Health Care: Key Policy Shifts,' organized by the Republic of Kazakhstan, and "A Global Movement to Improve Survival and Reduce Suffering for Children with Cancer and other Catastrophic Diseases,' organized by the Republic of Uzbekistan and the World Health Organization, in addition to other entities.

The State of Qatar participated in the 49th Annual Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 and China, held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

The State of Qatar participated in the High Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Qatari delegation to the meeting was headed by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.

HE Ali Bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance, held a bilateral meeting with Mathias Cormann, the secretary of The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in France.During the meeting, various pressing subjects related to both parties were discussed, particularly in the areas of finance and economy.Moreover, both parties expressed their intention to cooperate meaningfully for mutual benefits and shared interests.

Tesla's $1tn, 10-year pay package to retain CEO Elon Musk is likely to be approved by shareholders at the company's annual meeting in November even though the amount is staggering.That is because it was crafted with an eye on keeping Musk in place, addressing concerns about the company's technical outlook and giving big company owners just enough reason to back the massive amount, investors and executive pay analysts said.Earlier on Friday, the automaker's board approved what it called "A Super Ambitious Incentive Package for a Pioneering, Ambitious and Unique CEO" that sets out lofty earnings and valuation targets awarding Musk millions of shares over the next decade if he hits them. It immediately gives Musk 96mn shares of restricted stock worth more than $31bn as of intraday trading on Friday that vests over the next two years, as well as more control over the company. His total 2025 compensation package is worth north of $113bn, executive compensation research firm Equilar has estimated."The pay package, which makes a big bet on the future of robots, may see shareholder support," said Taufiq Rahim, a SpaceX investor and principal at 2040 Advisory. "But it raises larger social questions about the outsized gains going to relatively few capital holders, which is likely not sustainable and will face public pressures.”The package is designed to keep Musk from leaving and is squarely focused on transforming Tesla into an artificial-intelligence and robotics powerhouse, the board said in a securities filing. It said Musk is the only person on the planet who can unlock Tesla's full potential.The compensation committee started negotiating Musk's pay package in February, it said, meeting with lawyers 37 times and directly with Musk 10 times over seven months. Certain items were non-negotiable for the idiosyncratic CEO: he wanted 25% of the company, to control Tesla's future direction and to be fully compensated for a 2018 pay package that was hung up in litigation.Musk threatened to leave more than once, and the board worried the company's AI talent would follow him out the door, it said in the filing.The $31bn in restricted shares, which he cannot sell for at least five years, is partial payback for a $56bn 2018 pay plan that a Delaware court voided last year. If Musk wins in court within a certain time frame, he will not receive the one-time payment "so there can be no 'double dip,'" the board said."Musk also raised the possibility that he may pursue his other interests and leave Tesla if he did not receive such assurance," the board said.The pay plan is by far the largest ever for any CEO, Equilar said. And while it is likely to face legal challenges, compensation experts see it winning shareholder approval."Time and time again, Tesla's shareholders have approved these grants over the years," Equilar Research Director Courtney Yu told Reuters. "While it may seem outlandish now, shareholders will get tremendous value out of it if Elon Musk is successful."None of Tesla's three largest outside investors, Vanguard Group, BlackRock or State Street, immediately said on Friday how they would vote. Among them, Vanguard and BlackRock supported Musk's $56bn pay package last year, disclosures show, while State Street funds voted against it.Tesla and top funds can still expect pressure over the pay, however, with a number of union figures and public-sector treasurers voicing concern."We urge shareholders to reject Musk’s money grab, take away the Tesla board’s rubber stamp, and restore basic corporate governance standards," said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, in a statement.Musk, who currently controls close to 13% of the company, would own 25% if the plan is approved, so long as he hits his performance targets and sticks around for at least seven more years. Payable over 12 tranches after hitting certain milestones, the ultimate prize could make Tesla the most valuable company in the world with an aspirational market capitalisation of $8.5tn, making it worth more than Microsoft, Meta Platforms and Alphabet combined, today, the board noted.Kristin Hull, founder and chief investment officer of Tesla investor Nia Impact Capital, called the package irresponsible. "This is investor money that could go into R&D or acquisitions, places that would really benefit Tesla in the long term," she said, adding that she is considering a challenge with other shareholders.Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, called Musk a visionary but said the pay plan was excessive and could set a bad precedent in corporate governance. He questioned whether Musk was worth that much."He also presides over a company that has lost its edge, is being overtaken by rivals, and whose brand has been tarnished by Musk’s actions outside of Tesla," he said.Tesla’s shares closed up 3.6% at $350.84 on Friday. They are down 13% for 2025, although they have recovered from their lows. Investors worry about its deteriorating electric vehicle business and rising foreign competition."One minute Tesla’s board is wondering if Elon Musk is a liability to the company given his outspoken views and political distractions, the next they’re effectively saying ‘pick a number, any number’ to lock him in for as long as possible," Coatsworth said."Surely Musk should be fighting for his job, not Tesla’s board fighting to keep him?"