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Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) regarding the turning point in the Palestinian cause and the targeting of journalists in Gaza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Press Center, Saad Al Rumaihi stated that the Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, represent a historic shift in the course of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as the people of Gaza stood alone in the face of this brutal aggression that did not distinguish between people and stone.He added that the Palestinian people have recorded a heroic epic that will be immortalized in history. Now, as the second year nears its end, the struggle and resistance of Gaza's people continue, despite the imbalance of power between the two sides.Regarding the objective of the Israeli entity in continuing its aggression on the devastated Strip, Al Rumaihi stressed that people cannot learn the facts and what is happening on the ground and the course of battles, except through journalists and media professionals who deliver information to the public, as known in wars and major events.He added that they are unknown soldiers who stand bravely so that the world can see, hear, and read the news of these events and understand the reality and what is happening.Therefore, he accentuated, the Israeli occupation has deliberately silenced these voices as long as they convey to the world the true image and the tragedies faced by the people of Gaza.He highlighted that the occupation can only achieve this through the most heinous and extreme violations, unfortunately, through the physical elimination of these great journalists.He underscored that the Israeli assaults on Palestinian journalists clearly reveal Israel's insistence on imposing its unilateral media narrative, which contradicts the reality on the ground.In light of the world's failure and inability to enact binding laws to protect journalists and media professionals and defend them against Israeli arrogance, the Chairman of the Qatar Press Center affirmed in his statements to QNA, that the situation requires urgent action to protect journalists, so that the matter does not remain a mere dream difficult to achieve.Al Rumaihi confirmed that Israel continues its arrogance without any deterrent punishment from international bodies and organizations concerned with humanitarian and journalistic affairs.He reiterated the need to capitalize on the wave of international outrage and the storm of criticism directed at Israeli policy due to its continuous and deliberate targeting of civilians in the Gaza Strip, including journalists, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the growing global humanitarian sentiment toward the Palestinian cause and Al Aqsa Mosque.He pointed out that the demonstrations and sit-ins that have swept many countries around the world now reflect this solidarity, even in the United States of America, where university campuses have turned into platforms for defending Gaza and its people.He explained that the Qatar Press Center has sought and continues to support the steadfastness of the people of Gaza through numerous media initiatives, seminars, exhibitions, news coverage, and other means, which it considers a duty as it lives through these events and follows their developments.The Chairman of the Qatar Press Center concluded by emphasizing the necessity of standing by the Palestinian people, moving beyond mere condemnation and denunciation, which is all we currently possess.He added that specialized global organizations must exert more pressure on Israel to stop its aggression against the Palestinian people, enabling them to obtain their most basic rights to live in safety and dignity.With every Israeli assault on media workers in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, renewed calls emerge from all press unions, media, human rights, and legal organizations around the world for explicit condemnation of these repeated crimes, with the urgent need to put an end to them, so that Israel does not succeed in its attempts to silence voices and images and prevent the transmission of the truth about the crimes it commits against the Palestinian people.

Four students from Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) are named as joint first co-authors on a perspective paper proposing microbiome-based solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).They were guided by their supervisor, Dr Ghizlane Bendriss, assistant professor of biology at WCM-Q, who is the lead author of the paper. The paper has been published in Frontiers in Microbiomes, a leading scientific journal.Students Ali al-Kuwari, Hamad al-Karbi, Abdulla al-Khuzaei and Dounia Baroudi conducted the study in response to an announcement at the 7th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Health, held in November 2024, which emphasised that tackling AMR was a national priority.The perspective paper discusses several strategies to address the loss of diversity caused by antibiotics, including diet, probiotics, fecal transplants (FMT), and the fermentation of animal and plant products.Preliminary findings from an experiment with camel milk fermentation suggest that fermentation increases microbial diversity, enhances microbiome resilience, and potentially reduces resistance to common antibiotics like tetracycline, streptomycin, penicillin, and chloramphenicol.The increase of diversity allows the microbiome to naturally resist pathogens without additional antibiotic use.Dr Bendriss said: “Over the past four decades, antibiotic innovation and approvals have sharply declined, with annual FDA approvals dropping from about three in the 1980s to barely one today, the share of new antibiotics falling from 20% to 6% of drug approvals, and almost no truly new classes emerging since the mid-20th century.To effectively address AMR, we really need to completely shift our strategy. Microbes already possess a natural ability to fight one another by competing for nutrients and by producing antimicrobial metabolites.Therefore, I believe that microbiome-based solutions such as probiotics or FMT can offer the most sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical interventions.”Additionally, the paper discusses a mechanistic model to underscore the importance of maintaining microbial balance as an effective strategy for mitigating AMR and promoting long-term health.Further research is, however, still needed to better understand the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for public health.Student al-Kuwari said: “This project deepened my understanding of the microbial world and introduced me to the boundless potential of microbiome-based approaches in tackling real-world health challenges.With antimicrobial resistance becoming an increasingly urgent global concern, contributing to research that explores innovative, targeted solutions has been both timely and meaningful.”Fellow student Baroudi said: “Through this research, I realised that fighting harmful bacteria isn’t just about using more antibiotics; sometimes, it’s about finding better ways to restore and encourage a healthy balance of microbes.This research focuses on identifying sustainable approaches, like fermentation and restoring microbial balance, as innovative ways to nurture microbial ecosystems and offer new hope against the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.”

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with HE Deputy Minister and Government Representative for Korean Nationals Overseas Protection and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Jung Ki-hong, who is currently visiting the country. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

Qatar’s athletics team added four more medals including one gold, two silver, and a bronze on Tuesday at the 11th Arab U-18 Athletics Championship in Tunisia, bringing their total to five with one day of competition remaining.Younis al-Balushi led the charge with gold in the pole vault, while teammate Abdullah Al Abdullah secured silver in the same event.Timo Jumaa clocked 10.76 seconds to take silver in the 100m sprint, and Saleh Mahmoud added a bronze in the discus throw to his earlier gold in shot put.

Beyond the TarmacThe Asia-Pacific region’s aviation industry is back on the growth trajectory.The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global body of airlines, predicts 9% growth for Asia-Pacific in 2025.Which means, a region that has struggled to shrug off the strictures of Covid-19 is once again posting the highest growth rate in the world.Aviation in Asia-Pacific supports $890bn in GDP and 42mn jobs, with the potential to increase to $2.3tn in GDP and 62mn jobs by 2043.Analysts say rising middle-class populations, particularly in China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are fuelling demand for both domestic and international travel.Asia is the epicentre of global e-commerce (China and Southeast Asia leading), driving robust demand for air cargo and integrated logistics.Asia-Pacific is home to some of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets. Countries like Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and Australia continue to record strong inbound flows. Analysts believe regional tourism agreements and visa liberalisation policies are expected to boost connectivity.The UNWTO and IATA forecast Asia-Pacific to contribute more than half of global passenger growth over the next two decades.“Most countries have crossed the line of pre-COVID figures and are experiencing increasing air travel demand,” says Sheldon Hee, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific.“Four of the most populous countries in the world are in our region and all are young, emerging economies with a fast-growing middle class. We are even seeing some significant visa relaxation policies.“But the resumption of growth comes with challenges,” he adds. “The profit margin for 2025 is expected to be just 1.9%, or $2.60 per passenger. Aviation in Asia-Pacific must become more economically robust to meet demand with a high level of customer service delivered cost-efficiently.”Airport and airspace capacity are naturally the main considerations. On the positive side, there are at least 90 new airports under construction or in the planning stage, including significant gateways in Australia, India, and Vietnam. Each is a sign that the relevant government has aviation development on its agenda.“But there is more room for collaboration,” says Hee. “Airlines don’t need over-investment in facilities that would require deeper cost recovery. Development must be calibrated correctly, and airlines must be part of the conversation so that investments are correctly staged.”To assist passenger throughput — especially amid narrow margins — digitalisation in both passenger and cargo operations is essential. Every efficiency will count.Digitalisation and contactless travel centred on IATA’s ‘One ID’ will also be key enablers in enhancing the customer experience.India’s ‘Digi Yatra’, a facial recognition system for verified domestic customers, is leading the way but interoperability will be critical.Meanwhile, airspace is also being upgraded across the region but there is a notable bottleneck in the Bay of Bengal where aircraft get bunched for a variety of factors.The different levels of maturity in this diverse region mean there are also plenty of areas still reliant on older equipment, which leads to inefficiencies on a broader scale.Air cargo is an important part of needed capacity as Asia-Pacific is a major origin point for the booming e-commerce trade. Cargo revenues are often critical to the profitability of a flight, and this is certainly the case in Asia-Pacific.Trade barriers and tariffs could change traditional flows but demographic conditions and the desire to trade more within the region mean there are multiple opportunities for air cargo ahead.Although the outlook remains positive for this sector, there are inefficiencies to address. Paper is still commonplace in the region and optimisation based on the ONE Record has plenty of room for growth.“The industry is also doing a lot of work to make the carriage of dangerous goods (DG), and particularly lithium batteries, safer,” says Hee. “Good progress is being made but this work is especially pertinent to Asia-Pacific given the manufacturing in the region. We must educate the upstream shippers about the need for correct DG packaging and documentation.”IATA said it continues to work with governments and aviation authorities to promote the benefits of aviation and the business case for unlocking capacity.Undoubtedly, Asia-Pacific will remain the fastest-growing aviation region globally, led by China and India. Regional connectivity, tourism, and cargo are estimated to expand strongly.That said, the region’s air traffic management systems need modernisation to handle rising volumes efficiently and safely. Despite expansion, congestion at major airports in the region remains a major concern.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani on Tuesday met the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, and Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Rustem Umero, currently visiting the country.Discussions during the meeting dealt with co-operation between the two countries and means to support and enhance it.They also discussed the latest developments of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and ways to resolve it peacefully, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar's support for all international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means.The two Ukrainian officials expressed their country's appreciation for Qatar's efforts to reunite a number of Ukrainian children with their families in Ukraine. They also lauded Qatar's positive diplomatic efforts and its active role in Ukraine and the world.

Rawabi Hypermarket has officially launched its Back-to-School promotion, offering exclusive discounts on essential school supplies.The event was inaugurated by Kannu Baker, group general manager of Al Rawabi Group of Companies along with other officials.As part of this initiative, Rawabi Hypermarket has introduced interactive IQ questions and fun activities in its Back-to-School promotion booklet. These additions aim to encourage children’s curiosity, enhance problem-solving skills, and make learning an enjoyable experience, even outside the classroom, a statement explained.The Back-to-School promotion features 'unbeatable deals' on stationery, notebooks, backpacks, uniforms, and more. Speaking at the launch, Baker, said: "At Rawabi Hypermarket, we believe in supporting the development of the next generation. This year, we’ve taken extra steps to ensure that our Back-to-School campaign not only helps families save but also brings joy and inspires students through engaging activities. It’s about creating meaningful experiences for our customers beyond the traditional shopping trip."The promotion will run across all Rawabi Hypermarket outlets in Qatar until September 5, the statement added.

A delegation from the State of Qatar, led by the Qatar Leadership Centre, visited key Rwandan institutions this week as part of a study tour aimed at deepening bilateral ties and exchanging knowledge.The delegation was received by the officials of the Rwanda Cooperation, Office of the Ombudsman, Rwanda Governance Board and National Bank of Rwanda during the visits to the offices.The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) hosted the group, with Deputy CEO Dr Félicien Usengumukiza highlighting how good governance has played a central role in Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. RGB shared insights into its mandate and the country’s policy-driven development model.At the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR), Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of evidence-based monetary policy. The NBR team showcased its decision-making process, which includes economic projections, public engagement, and policy debate.The delegation has explored Rwanda’s progress in governance, economic sectors, human capital, aviation & national identity, Rwanda Cooperation said.Both institutions described the visit as a reflection of the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress.

The start of a new academic year is a moment of tremendous energy. After our most selective admission round in campus history, we welcome our largest-ever incoming class. They are an impressive cohort, and will join our returning students for a busy, productive, and enriching year.This year is particularly significant for Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar as we embark on a new chapter. In May, we extended our partnership with Qatar Foundation for another decade. This partnership is based on a shared vision that education transforms lives. With this new contract, we will have a more significant impact than ever before. We look forward to enhancing the educational experience for our students, and the students of Education City.An exciting development at CMU-Q is the launch of our new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence. Carnegie Mellon was the first to introduce the BSAI programme in the US, and now we are the first to offer this top-ranked programme in Qatar.For students interested in becoming AI leaders, this degree provides an excellent foundation. For students in the rest of our programmes, AI will continue to be part of their education, as they learn to thrive in an AI-driven world.CMU-Q opened its doors more than two decades ago, and we are proud of our network of more than 1,450 alumni who are making an impact in Qatar and around the world. As the global Carnegie Mellon community celebrates its 125th anniversary, we are filled with optimism for the year ahead and our role in contributing to a future built on knowledge and innovation.

The start of the new academic year is always a moment I look forward to. It is a time of new beginnings, of reconnections, of energy and hopefulness. Our orientation programs fill the halls of the WCM-Q campus with new students full of excitement for the challenges ahead. Those students just starting out on their journey at WCM-Q are busily getting to know the college and making new friends, full of plans for the future, while those who are returning do so with a sense of purpose and determination.Our faculty and staff are likewise full of energy and plans for the year ahead, and the college brims with positivity - it is a truly inspirational time of year.Looking ahead, we are anticipating a number of events with special enthusiasm – stand-out happenings include our annual Student Research Forum, the third edition of our alumni-led Updates in Primary Care Conference, the second edition of our Precision Health Innovation and Education global summit, which this year is taking place in Doha, and the second edition of our Medical Education Technology Conference, which proved such a success when launched last year.We will also be welcoming experts from around the world to Doha for the third edition of our Qatar Proteomics Conference, helping to consolidate Qatar’s leading international position in this important and dynamic research field.There is also great activity in our research labs to look forward to, as our expert investigators continue their work to advance the science and practice of medicine with renewed vigour.Similarly, we look forward to a new season of community engagement through our public health initiatives, including Sahtak Awalan – Your Health First, and our recently launched public health movement, Sehatuha, which promotes and supports female health and wellness. It will be a busy year, and one filled with many opportunities to achieve great things alongside our friends and colleagues in Qatar Foundation partner institutions – we are very excited to be getting started.

Last week GU-Q welcomed the Class of 2029, which includes 160 students, representing nearly 50 countries, almost half of whom are Qatari, with students joining us for the first time from Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Niger, and Turkmenistan. This diversity boosts our global reputation and strengthens the university’s position as a unique centre in the Middle East for political science and humanities education, all part of a world-class curriculum. Through our ongoing integration with Georgetown University’s Washington, DC, campus, we will this year be joined by six visiting faculty and four doctoral fellows from Washington, DC. They will be teaching here, along with visiting scholars from the universities of Oxford, Indiana, and King’s College. This fall, eight visiting fellows, some of whom are practitioners, will arrive to offer intensive courses of one credit hour each. GU-Q’s 2025 Convocation was an opportunity to meet with new students and draw their attention to the fact that they are inheriting a legacy established long before they came to this world, bound by a common call to justice and service. This campus and what is being offered will reshape the students’ personalities marking the beginning of a new phase of their lives. We are all looking forward to an academic year full of vitality, vibrancy and tangible achievements, in one of the world’s most ambitious education systems, Education City, made possible by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, who have made Qatar Foundation an engine of human potential through their leadership.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met Monday at the Amiri Diwan with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Constantinos Kombos, who is visiting the country.The two sides discussed co-operation between the two countries and ways to support and develop it. They also discussed enhancing economic partnership, especially in the energy field, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.