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Friday, April 24, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Islamic" (83 articles)

Gulf Times
Business

QIB secures 4 accolades at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2025

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has been named ‘Islamic Bank of the Year in Qatar’, ‘Best Islamic Retail Bank in Qatar’, ‘Best Islamic SME Bank in Qatar’, and ‘Islamic Wealth Management of the Year in Qatar’, at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2025, underscoring its continued leadership across all banking segments.QIB was recognised as ‘Islamic Bank of the Year in Qatar’ for its strong financial performance, market leadership, and innovation. In the first nine months of 2025, the bank delivered a net profit of QR3.45bn in the nine months of 2025, representing a growth of 5.38% over the same period in 2024 and maintaining nearly half of the Islamic banking market share, underscoring its disciplined strategy and focus on sustainable growth.The bank was also awarded the ‘Best Islamic Retail Bank in Qatar’, reflecting its exceptional performance and commitment to customer service. Over the past year, QIB has made remarkable progress in enhancing its digital offerings, revolutionising both customer interactions and internal operations.The bank’s relentless focus on digitalisation has resulted in significant benefits for its diverse stakeholders. Over 83% of customers now bank digitally, and more than half of retail sales are completed via the award-winning QIB Mobile App. With over 320 integrated features, the app enables seamless onboarding, financing, card issuance, and lifestyle services, including the Marketplace and Auto Marketplace, Qatar’s first digital platforms offering customers services beyond traditional banking. Innovations such as the Click-to-Pay service and the Carbon Emission Tracker reflect QIB’s commitment to digital inclusion and climate-conscious banking.The accolade of ‘Best Islamic SME Bank in Qatar’ highlights QIB’s customer-centric approach and commitment to enabling Qatar’s small and medium-sized enterprises. Through a suite of tailored, Shariah-compliant digital solutions, including digital onboarding, Corporate Internet Banking, the QIB Corporate app, and co-branded credit cards with Ooredoo, QIB has simplified business banking. The bank also offers a comprehensive range of payment services such as POS terminals, Payment Gateway, and QIB SoftPOS, empowering SMEs to manage finances, improve liquidity, and scale sustainably.The ‘Islamic Wealth Management of the Year in Qatar’ highlights QIB’s ability to offer highly personalised, relationship-led services rooted in Islamic principles. Each customer benefits from a dedicated relationship manager who crafts tailored financial strategies aligned with personal goals and risk tolerance. The bank offers a full suite of services, including bespoke investment solutions, financing, estate planning, and exclusive access to premium investment opportunities.Bassel Gamal, QIB Group CEO, said: “We are pleased to receive these awards, which reflect our commitment to growth, innovation, and customer empowerment. Supported by our strong financial performance in the first nine months of 2025, these recognitions are a testament to the dedication of our team to deliver world-class Shariah-compliant solutions, the support of our board of directors, as well as the trust and loyalty of our customers.”Marking its 25th anniversary, the Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards is highly regarded within the financial sector as one of the most prestigious recognition programs, celebrating institutions that exemplify outstanding performance in Islamic banking.

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar to participate with 82 athletes in the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has announced that it will participate with a delegation of 82 male and female athletes in the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, which will be held in the Saudi capital Riyadh from November 7 to 21, with more than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries expected to take part.During a press conference held at the QOC Headquarters on Thursday, Mr. Khalifa Jabor Al-Naimi, Deputy Head of the Qatari Administrative Delegation, confirmed that Qatar will compete in 16 sports: Athletics, Duathlon, 3x3 Basketball, Karate, Equestrian, Wrestling, Volleyball, Handball, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Judo, Weightlifting, Camel Racing, Swimming, Fencing, and Para Athletics.Al-Naimi highlighted that Qatar’s participation in the Islamic Solidarity Games reflects the QOC and the State of Qatar’s commitment to being actively present in Islamic, Arab, and Asian sporting events, and to strengthening sporting ties among nations.He added that the Qatari teams have completed their preparations through intensive training programs supervised by their respective federations in coordination with the QOC. He emphasized that the Qatari delegation aims to deliver outstanding performances and reach the podium, particularly in athletics, weightlifting, handball, and volleyball — the sports in which Qatar is expected to perform most strongly.Al-Naimi acknowledged the strong level of competition, given the large number of participating nations. He noted that the main objective is to maximize the technical benefits of the Games by offering opportunities to a wide range of Qatari athletes — both youth athletes being groomed for the Doha 2030 Asian Games and elite athletes capable of competing for medals.He concluded by reviewing Qatar’s proud history in the Islamic Solidarity Games, which began in Mecca 2005 with the first gold medal. That success was followed by Palembang 2013, where Qatar won five medals, and Baku 2017, which marked a turning point with 12 medals (2 gold, 3 silver, 7 bronze). In Konya 2022, Qatar maintained the same total with an improvement in quality — 4 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze. This brought Qatar’s historical total at the Islamic Solidarity Games to 30 medals: 8 gold, 8 silver, and 14 bronze, reaffirming Qatar’s strong presence and readiness to shine again in the Riyadh 2025 edition.The Islamic Solidarity Games program includes 23 sports: Athletics, Fencing, 3x3 Basketball, Swimming, Handball, Table Tennis, Camel Racing, Volleyball, Karate, Muay Thai, Judo, Weightlifting, Futsal, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Esports, Wushu, Boxing, Equestrian (Show Jumping), Duathlon, Jiu-Jitsu, Para Athletics, and Para Weightlifting.

Gulf Times
Qatar

National Museum of Korea set to open Islamic art gallery

The National Museum of Korea will open a new permanent exhibition dedicated to Islamic history and culture next month, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the world’s most influential civilisations. In collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, the Islamic gallery will open Nov 22 on the third floor of the museum’s World Art Gallery. This marks the first time the museum has established a permanent space devoted to Islamic culture.

Gulf Times
Qatar

ICLM underscores importance of investing in skills development

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the 6th Session of the Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers (ICLM) concluded Saturday in Doha, reaffirming the commitment of member states to strengthen cooperation on employment, social protection, and human capital development.Chaired by HE Minister of Labour and Chair of the 6th ICLM, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, the closing session brought together labour ministers, heads of delegations, and representatives from international and regional organisations, alongside experts and civil society, to adopt the final communique of the conference.In his remarks, HE Dr. Al Marri praised the "constructive engagement and shared vision" demonstrated by all delegations, which, he said, had "enriched the discussions and strengthened the spirit of partnership among OIC member states.""The exchange of ideas and best practices over the past two days has shown that when we work together, we can turn shared challenges into shared progress," he said. "Our collective efforts today lay the foundation for fairer, more resilient labour markets across the Islamic world."Dr. Al Marri expressed appreciation for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretariat, the technical committees, and all participating institutions whose contributions ensured the success of the conference. He also reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for collaborative initiatives that advance labour standards, job creation, and sustainable development.The final communique welcomed Qatar's proposal, in partnership with the OIC Labour Centre, SESRIC, the Arab Labour Organisation, and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to launch joint regional training programmes aimed at developing unified regional guidelines for the recognition of professional skills and qualifications.The document underscored the importance of investing in skills development, promoting decent work, and supporting private sector growth to enhance competitiveness among OIC member states. It also encouraged closer cooperation in the fields of occupational safety and health, agricultural skills development, and the use of digital technologies to shape the future of work."The Islamic world stands at a turning point in the transformation of labour markets," Dr. Al Marri said. "Embracing innovation while upholding the dignity of work will be key to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth for all."The ministers reiterated their collective support for Palestine's right to full membership in the International Labour Organization and other international bodies, highlighting the importance of ensuring decent work and economic opportunities for the Palestinian people.Delegates also commended SESRIC for its regular assessment of the OIC Labour Market Strategy, which helps track progress, identify challenges, and promote knowledge exchange among member states.The final communique further welcomed initiatives to foster networks of small and medium enterprises, women-led cooperatives, and investment promotion agencies, aimed at empowering entrepreneurship and women's economic participation.The conference called on member states to leverage artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance labour market governance, while ensuring ethical and inclusive approaches to technological change.In closing, the participants expressed their deep appreciation to the Government of Qatar for its generous hospitality and excellent organisation of the 6th ICLM, which they described as a milestone in advancing cooperation and solidarity among OIC member states."Qatar is proud to host this platform for dialogue and unity," Dr. Al Marri concluded. "Together, we are shaping a future of work that is just, inclusive, and centred on human dignity."

Gulf Times
Business

Minister of Finance meets President of Islamic Development Bank Group, CEO of Deutsche Bank

His Excellency Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari met with the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group Dr Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Jasser, on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, the relations between the two parties were reviewed, along with prospects for enhancing and developing them in key shared investment and financial sectors, in addition to discussing a number of topics of mutual interest. HE Minister of Finance also met with Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bank, Christian Sewing, on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. During the meeting, a number of topics related to shared interests were discussed, with a focus on financial and economic matters.

Qatar Islamic Bank has achieved a new milestone by winning 17 prestigious accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards “reinforcing its leadership” in innovation and digitisation.
Business

QIB bags 17 accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), country's leading digital bank, has achieved a new milestone by winning 17 prestigious accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards “reinforcing its leadership” in innovation and digitisation.The recognition spanned across corporate, consumer, AI, and innovation global, regional and local categories, highlighting QIB’s leadership and prominent position within the banking sector globally.At the ceremony held recently in London, QIB was honoured as the Best Personalised Financial Advice Consumer Banking in the World in the Global AI in Finance Awards category, recognising the bank’s position at the forefront of AI-driven banking innovation in the region and beyond.Additionally, QIB won four accolades; Best Consumer Bank in AI and Best Personalised Financial Advice, both in Qatar and in the Middle East, in acknowledgement of QIB’s advanced AI-driven capabilities that deliver secure, intelligent, and customer-focused financial services.With a clear focus on delivering smarter, more intuitive digital experience, QIB has been systematically embedding artificial intelligence across its operations to anticipate customer needs, elevate service quality, and drive sustainable growth. QIB’s AI strategy goes beyond personalisation.By integrating AI into areas such as fraud detection, process automation, and digital onboarding, the bank has significantly improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced its reliance on traditional, paper-based workflows.These advancements reflect QIB’s commitment to responsible AI innovation that aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.In the Consumer Banking category, QIB was celebrated as Most Innovative Digital Bank in Qatar and the Middle East, Best in lending and Best Online Product Offerings in Qatar, affirming the bank’s consistent efforts to boost customer engagement and satisfaction through exceptional service and pioneering digital solutions.In the Corporate Banking category, QIB was recognised with multiple prestigious accolades at both the regional and local levels, being named the Best Mobile Banking App, Most Innovative Digital Bank, and Best Online/User Experience (UX) Portal in Qatar and the Middle East.The bank was also honoured with the Best SME Banking Platform in Qatar, reaffirming its commitment to empowering businesses through innovative, user-centric digital solutions. These recognitions highlight QIB’s continuous efforts to enhance customer experiences and set new benchmarks in digital banking.Moreover, QIB was named among the Top Innovators in Qatar, which is telling about its continuous drive to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the financial sector.QIB’s Group CEO Bassel Gamal commented: “We are happy to be recognised by Global Finance. These accolades mirror our efforts and commitment to investing in technology and innovation to provide secure, convenient, and customer-centric digital solutions. They also underscore QIB’s leading role in shaping the future of digital banking in Qatar and beyond.“On this occasion, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their continuous support, Qatar Central Bank for its ongoing encouragement of innovation and digital transformation, and each one of our team members for their exceptional performance and dedication.”Global Finance World’s Best Digital Awards are widely regarded as on the most prestigious in the global banking industry and are seen as an endorsement of excellence and best practices.They recognise institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership across different consumer sub-categories including Best User Experience (UX) Design, Best Mobile Banking App and Best Innovation and Transformation.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar takes part in GCC Islamic Affairs ministers meeting in Kuwait

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.

Relatives of missing students rest as rescuers continue searching for victims at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Sunday. AFP
International

Death toll from Indonesia school collapse rises to 45

The death toll from an Indonesian school collapse rose to 45 on Sunday, officials said, as rescuers recovered more victims buried under the rubble.Part of the multi-storey building of Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Indonesia's Java island collapsed suddenly on Monday as students gathered for afternoon prayers.Rescuers retrieved another 19 victims from the rubble on Sunday, National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) operations director Yudhi Bramantyo said."According to our calculation, the total number of victims we have evacuated are 149, with 45 reported dead ... and 104 survivors," Yudhi told reporters Sunday, up from a toll of 37 earlier on Sunday and including several body parts.Nanang Sigit, the head of the local search and rescue agency, confirmed the same death toll.Yudhi said before the latest bodies were found on Sunday that at least 26 people were still missing.Rescuers were still working around the clock in the rubble of the Islamic boarding school."We will continue to do our best," he said."In other words, we will probably extend the operation until we are sure that all victims... have been recovered."Yudhi estimated that authorities would be able to clear the rubble by Tuesday.The recovery operation was around "60 percent" complete, national disaster agency official Budi Irawan told reporters earlier on Sunday."Our hope is that by tomorrow everything will be levelled and we can determine the approximate number of victims who are in the rubble," Budi said in a livestreamed news conference.Investigators have been looking into the cause of the collapse, but initial signs pointed to substandard construction, according to experts.The rescue operation was complex because vibrations in one place could affect other areas, officials said.The families of the missing agreed on Thursday for heavy equipment to be used, after the 72-hour "golden period" for the best chance of survival came to an end.Lax construction standards have raised widespread concerns about building safety in Indonesia.At least three people were killed and dozens were injured in September when a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.

Gulf Times
Region

Arab, Islamic FMs back Hamas steps to end war

The Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, on Sunday welcomed the steps taken by Hamas regarding US President Donald Trump's proposal to end the war on Gaza, release all hostages, alive or deceased, and the immediate launch of negotiations on implementation mechanisms.In a joint statement, the foreign ministers also welcomed President Trump's call on Israel to immediately stop the bombing and to begin implementation of the exchange agreement and they expressed appreciation for his commitment to establishing peace in the region.They also affirmed that such developments represent a real opportunity to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire, and to address the critical humanitarian conditions facing people in Gaza Strip.The foreign ministers also welcomed the announcement by Hamas of its readiness to hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian Administrative Committee of independent technocrats. They emphasised the need for the immediate launch of negotiations to agree on mechanisms to implement the proposal, and address all of its aspects.The foreign ministers reiterated their joint commitment to support efforts towards the implementation of the proposal, to work for the immediate end of the war on Gaza, and achieve a comprehensive agreement that ensures unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, no displacement of the Palestinian people, and that no measures are taken that threaten the security and safety of civilians, the release of hostages, the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, unifying Gaza and the West Bank, and reaching a security mechanism that guarantees the security of all sides, in a manner that leads to the full Israeli withdrawal, and to the rebuilding of Gaza, and that creates a path for a just peace on the basis of the two-state solution.

Displaced Palestinians shelter in a tent camp in Mawasi area, after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept some other terms in a US plan to end the war, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday. REUTERS
Region

Hamas response to Trump plan wins ally's support, lifting hostage release hopes

Islamic Jihad move could facilitate release of hostagesIsrael strikes Gaza after Trump calls for end to bombardmentIsrael says Gaza City is still a dangerous combat zoneTrump plan and Hamas response lift spirits of PalestiniansRelative of released Israeli hostage calls for end to warPalestinian Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas that also holds hostages, on Saturday endorsed the group's response to a US plan to end the war in Gaza - a move that could help pave the way for the release of Israelis still held by both parties.Hamas on Friday accepted certain key parts of US President Donald Trump's plan, including ending the war, Israel's withdrawal and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.Hamas's response triggered a chorus of optimistic statements by world leaders urging an immediate cessation of the deadliest conflict involving Israel since its creation in 1948, and demanding freedom for the Israelis still held in the enclave.A further possible boost to hopes for peace came with a supportive statement from Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as more hardline."Hamas' (reaction) to Trump's plan represents the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision," the group said.Asked when talks on implementing the US plan would begin, a Hamas official told Reuters "things have yet to be arranged".Hamas' stance, and its backing by Islamic Jihad, may raise the spirit of Gazans, who had watched one ceasefire effort after another fail as Israeli strikes hit the strip over the past two years, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacing millions."May the suffering lift off the people of Gaza, the people of Gaza are among the oppressed of the earth, and any ray of hope for the oppressed people is a victory," said Sharif al-Fakhouri, resident of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.Amid the optimism several issues remain unresolved, such as whether Hamas will agree to disarm, one of Israel's top demands.Some Palestinians expressed fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads Israel's most far-right government ever, will ultimately withdraw from any plan to end the war."What is important is that Netanyahu does not sabotage this, because now that Hamas agreed, Netanyahu will disagree, as he usually does," said Jerusalem resident Jamal Shihada.Israeli airstrikes persisted early on Saturday but they were less intense, after U.S. President Donald Trump had called for a halt to the bombing saying Hamas was ready for peace.In its daily update, the Gaza health ministry said Israeli fire killed at least 66 Palestinians across the enclave in the past 24 hours.Netanyahu's office said Israel was preparing for "immediate implementation" of the first stage of Trump's Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas' response.Shortly after, Israeli media reported that the country's political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza.Trump's plan and Hamas' reaction won support around the world, from Australia to India to Canada and European capitals."An end to this terrible war is within reach," said Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.Hamas responded to Trump's 20-point plan after the U.S. president gave the group until Sunday to accept or face grave consequences.Trump, who has cast himself as the only person capable of achieving peace in Gaza, has invested significant political capital in efforts to end the war that has left US ally Israel increasingly isolated on the world stage.Trump said on Friday he believed Hamas had shown it was "ready for a lasting PEACE" and he put the onus on Netanyahu's government. "Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.Domestically, the prime minister is caught between growing pressure to end the war - from hostage families and a war-weary public - and demands from hardline members of his coalition who insist there must be no let-up in Israel's campaign in Gaza."It's time to end this horrific war and bring every single hostage back home. We are for rebuilding and the rehabilitation," said Efrat Machikawa, an active member of Israel's hostage families forum and the niece of Gadi Moses, a hostage who was released in January."We're fed up with the war. We don't want any revenge. We want to concentrate on life."

The session discussed the serious humanitarian and human rights consequences of the unlawful Israeli attack on Qatar on September 9.
Qatar

Israeli attack on Qatar blatant violation of UN Charter, international law: IPHRC of OIC

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to examine the grave implications of the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.The session discussed the serious humanitarian and human rights consequences of the unlawful Israeli attack on Qatar on September 9, describing it as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, and a threat to regional peace, safety, and stability.In a statement delivered on behalf of the Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha, by Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al Quds Affairs, the organisation strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Qatar, calling it a flagrant breach of international law, including the UN Charter and the fundamental principles governing peaceful relations between states.**media[361808]**He added that targeting a member state of the OIC that actively contributes to mediation and peace efforts sets a dangerous precedent and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Israel bears full responsibility for this unlawful and unjustified attack and must be held accountable.The OIC also denounced ongoing Israeli violations and crimes in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, including collective punishment, starvation, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.The aggression against Qatar, he noted, marks a dangerous escalation in the regional context, not only an assault on Qatar's sovereignty but also on the collective international efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages and detainees.**media[361810]**He expressed the OIC's deep solidarity with Qatar and pledged unwavering support for any measures the country may take to safeguard its security, sovereignty, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents.HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and member of the IPHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stated that the Israeli aggression against Qatar has left deep wounds and humanitarian tragedies, most notably the martyrdom of six individuals, numerous injuries, and the terrorising of civilians.As a member of the IPHRC, HE Al Attiyah strongly condemned this attack, which targeted a civilian area and posed a serious threat to residents and diplomatic missions, adding that it resulted in severe violations, including worsening health conditions for people with chronic illnesses and the temporary deprivation of education for at least 1,000 students due to damage to schools and kindergartens, in addition to acute psychological trauma suffered by children and their families.HE Al Attiyah emphasised that the meeting represents a vital step toward justice for victims and their families, and toward bringing perpetrators of the most serious violations to international accountability.She stressed that the recurrence and expansion of grave violations reflect a deeply troubled international landscape, driven by complicity with aggressors and the failure of protection mechanisms to fulfill their roles. This, she said, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the global system to fulfill the objectives of the UN Charter, translate justice and equality into lived realities, end impunity, and restore hope to millions yearning for a world governed by the values of truth, justice, and peace.She reaffirmed the Commission's role in confronting the grave violations committed by Israeli occupation authorities and expressed confidence that the emergency session would yield conclusions and recommendations capable of shaping a unified and unequivocal international stance against the crimes of aggression, condemning all resulting violations, and ensuring accountability and non-repetition.HE Al Attiyah also highlighted the importance of supporting national human rights institutions and civil society organisations in documenting violations and encouraging their coordination and participation in all actions undertaken by the Commission.For his part, the Chairperson of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Haci Ali Acikgul condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, saying it is an unjustified and illegitimate aggression against a sovereign state, and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the fundamental principles of international law, and international humanitarian law.He emphasised that the attack on the State of Qatar was not an isolated incident but rather part of a systematic pattern pursued by the Israeli occupation to target civilians, especially women and children in the Gaza Strip, through a policy of collective punishment, forced displacement, the use of starvation as a weapon, and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.He added that the Committee reaffirms its full solidarity with the State of Qatar, both government and people, adding that the attack on a state that acts as a mediator to end the conflict is, in essence, an attack on the principle of negotiation itself. The Committee also supports the unanimous condemnation issued by the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Doha on September 15, and supports the roadmap laid out by the Summit for coordinated diplomatic, political, and legal action, he said.He pointed to the importance of demanding that the United Nations Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and other relevant bodies take urgent and decisive action to condemn the Israeli aggression, prevent any future violations, and enforce binding obligations under international law. He called for the opening of independent and impartial investigations into the attack, holding Israel accountable at the international level, and supporting the referral of violations committed by Israel against the State of Qatar and in the occupied Palestinian territories to international judicial mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.Executive Director of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Hadi bin Ali Alyami said that this emergency session reflects their deep awareness of the gravity of the situation and their shared commitment to their responsibilities as the OIC's IPHRC, which comes in response to the serious human rights repercussions resulting from the unlawful Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.Alyami added that this aggression was not a passing incident but rather represents a flagrant violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and a blatant breach of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which constitute the fundamental pillar of international peace and security. The world was shocked by the targeting of a country known for its active role in humanitarian and diplomatic mediation, its tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to facilitate the release of detainees in Gaza.He pointed out that the IPHRC took the initiative from the outset to condemn the attack on the State of Qatar, calling on everyone to raise their voices in international forums to end impunity, protect civilians, and preserve human dignity in accordance with the principles of international peace and security.For her part, the President of the Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hala bint Mazyad Al Tuwaijri said this session comes amid a grave incident, namely the attack launched by the Israeli occupation authorities against the State of Qatar, which carries serious repercussions for human rights and international humanitarian law, and poses a direct threat to regional and international peace and security.Al Tuwaijri pointed out that the attack constitutes a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights law, violating the right to life and the right to security. It resulted in the killing and wounding of many people, as well as terrorising innocent civilians, especially women and children in the targeted civilian area.She added that they are fully aware that the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar at this time, while sponsoring mediation efforts to stop the war in Gaza and end the humanitarian crisis there, poses an obstacle to efforts to establish peace in the region through diplomatic means.She stressed that such actions cannot be justified under any pretext, but rather reflect a disregard for international standards and a determination to violate the rules agreed upon by the international community to protect humanity.

Qatar Chamber delegation joining several participating dignitaries during the event.
Business

Qatar Chamber joins Islamic Chamber meeting and Digital Economy Forum in Amman

Qatar Chamber recently participated in the 39th meeting of the board of directors of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and the ‘Invest in the Digital Economy Forum’, held in Amman, Jordan.The events came as part of the Islamic Chamber’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic integration and advance the Islamic business sector globally.Qatar Chamber’s delegation included board members Dr Mohammed bin Jawhar al-Mohammad, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Jalil al-Abdul Ghani, and Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Emadi.The meeting discussed mechanisms to foster economic co-operation among Islamic countries, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and support joint development projects.During the meeting, heads and representatives of chambers and unions from 16 Islamic countries, together with leading economic experts and decision-makers, reviewed the progress of the Islamic Chamber’s projects and initiatives, which aim to empower private sector organisations and support Muslim businesses in non-Islamic countries.It also reviewed the action plan prepared by the general secretariat, based on a study submitted by Qatar Chamber at the previous meeting. The study included three comparative analytical reports assessing the organisation’s performance against similar institutional models, alongside a set of proposals outlining the organisation’s future role and potential directions in the coming phase.Speaking at the meeting, al-Mohammad condemned the brutal attack on Qatar by the Zionist entity, emphasising that it occurred at a time when Qatar was actively seeking to promote peace and explore all avenues for a peaceful resolution in Gaza.He added that this attack on Qatar, as well as on other Arab and Islamic countries, calls for a reassessment of strategies and a reformulation of approaches within the framework of the Islamic Chamber, which represents the Islamic economy across 57 countries and advocates on behalf of the economic interests of the Muslim world.Al-Mohammad underscored the ICCD’s pivotal role in enhancing co-ordination among its member chambers and ensuring their active participation in international forums. He also highlighted the importance of encouraging chambers to collaborate, support initiatives launched by individual members, and motivate others to join these efforts.In this context, he pointed to the Jordan Chamber’s initiative in the digital field, emphasising that it should be supported as a successful model. Al-Mohammad also stressed the importance of establishing joint economic entities that serve the private sector and Islamic countries and societies, establishing Islamic banks with contributions from member chambers, and launching insurance companies, educational, health, and technical companies, as well as contracting and construction projects.During the meeting, Abdullah Saleh Kamel was re-elected by acclamation as president of the Islamic Chamber for a new term (2026-2030). The meeting further reviewed an update of the Palestine Initiative, launched by the Islamic Chamber during the 39th General Assembly in Qatar.The initiative aims to support SMEs in Palestine, empower youth to work remotely, and provide job opportunities with various companies and organisations worldwide through digital economy tools. It also seeks to enhance skills across multiple fields through targeted training, thereby contributing to Palestine’s integration into the global market and the development of a strong and resilient national economy despite existing challenges.