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His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, on the sidelines of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit hosted by Doha on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, as well as developments in the region, particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed during the meeting that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty in the face of the blatant Israeli attack. For his part, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expressed his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar and described the Israeli attack as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and international law.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Sunday with Ambassador of the UK to the State of Qatar Neerav Patel. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly partnerships in the development and humanitarian fields, in addition to developments in the region. Ambassador of UK to Qatar expressed his country's solidarilty with the State of Qatar, and its condenmation of the Israeli attack that targeted Doha, stressing that this attack is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on a visit to the UAE, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar. Both sides reiterated their countries' condemnation of the attack and expressed their solidarity with Qatar, emphasizing that such acts undermine regional security, stability, and prospects for peace.

Doha will next month host the seventh Gulf Businesswomen Forum, organised by the Federation of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chambers (FGCCC), in association with the Qatar Chamber and supported by the GCC General Secretariat.The forum, to be held under the theme “Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Investment”, will take place from November 12 to 13, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental – Msheireb, Doha.It aims to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable investment among female business owners in GCC countries by showcasing mechanisms that support their participation in sustainable investment.The forum also seeks to explore ways of transitioning from traditional models to more innovative, digital-based approaches, in line with the Gulf region’s broader shift towards a knowledge economy.Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, a board member of Qatar Chamber, said the forum aims to economically empower Gulf women and strengthen their contribution to economic development across the GCC countries.She underscored the chamber’s commitment to organising this important forum, given the vital role businesswomen play in driving the Gulf economy, improving the business environment, and broadening horizons for investment and entrepreneurship—aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the sustainable development strategies of the GCC countries.The forum serves as a valuable platform for Gulf businesswomen to exchange experiences and expertise, explore new opportunities for cooperation and partnership, and address the key challenges and prospects within various economic sectors.It also highlights inspiring success stories of female entrepreneurs and the main obstacles they encounter.Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi, secretary-general of the FGCCC, said the forum is being held at a significant time, amid a growing regional focus on empowering women and enhancing their role in leading entrepreneurial and investment ventures across the GCC countries.He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to enhancing the economic role of women, stressing its firm belief that investing in Gulf women is an investment in a sustainable future and a diversified, competitive economy.

Qatar Charity (QC) was honoured in a ceremony accompanying the ministerial meetings of the ministers and heads of Civil Service, Labour, and Social Affairs Agencies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which took place in Kuwait. The honourary shield was received by QC CEO Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, in the presence of several high-level dignitaries, including Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Shaikh Fahad Yusuf Saud al-Sabah, and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. Present also in the event were Qatar's Minister of Labour HE Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Nuaimi, and HE the President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa, along with other guests. QC was recognised as one of Qatar’s leading civil society organisations in the social and humanitarian sectors. The honour highlights its outstanding efforts in the fields of charitable and social work, as well as its tangible positive impact both locally and internationally. The honour also underscores QC's deep-rooted commitment to fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities and achieving the goals of sustainable development. QC was also honoured in May with the GCC Housing Award for the 2024–2025 cycle, in the category of private sector and charitable organisations, during the 23rd GCC Housing Ministers Meeting in Kuwait.

The General Authority of Customs (GAC) announced that HE Chairman of the Authority Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Jamal has been selected as Chairman of the Executive Council of the Customs Union Authority of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.In a statement, the authority stated that the Chairman of the General Authority of Customs was selected during the 14th meeting of the Executive Council of the Customs Union Authority, held in Kuwait.The election of the Chairman of the Council is based on the Union's bylaws that stipulate that the Chairman of the Executive Council be selected from among the representatives of the member states for a two-year renewable term.The GCC Customs Union Authority was established on June 1, 2012, pursuant to a decision taken by 32nd session of the GCC Supreme Council, held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December 2011.It aims to oversee the implementation of the Customs Union Authority, facilitate the movement of goods between member states, and establish the GCC as a single market for the outside world.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) urged the international community on Wednesday to take immediate and deterrent measures to halt the inflammatory calls and dangerous practices of the Israeli occupation forces aimed at deepening settlement activity and annexing the occupied West Bank.In a statement, Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said that these inflammatory calls, made by a minister in the government of the Israeli occupation forces, confirm the occupation's continuous and systematic approach of destabilising security and stability in the region, reflecting its insistence on undermining peace opportunities and its blatant defiance of international conventions, as well as its continued violation of all laws and norms.He affirmed the GCC's support for the brotherly Palestinian people in confronting these aggressive statements and practices, and in backing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, first and foremost the establishment of their independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.​

Qatar Charity (QC) and Misr El Kheir Foundation (MEK) have renewed their framework agreement originally signed in 2024. This partnership aims to continue and expand joint humanitarian and development projects in the Arab Republic of Egypt.The renewed agreement was signed by Chief Global Operations Officer at QC Nawaf Abdulla Al Hammadi and CEO of Misr El Kheir Foundation Dr. Mohamed Refay.During the signing ceremony, Al Hammadi expressed his happiness about renewing the partnership with Misr El Kheir Foundation, one of Egypt's largest charitable organizations.He stated, "Our partnership has been strategic and fruitful, covering multiple sectors both within Egypt and beyond." For his part, Dr. Refay highlighted the importance of the agreement, saying, "We are delighted to renew this framework agreement with Qatar Charity, continuing our joint efforts in relief and development." The renewal comes after the previous agreement yielded tangible results during its first year of implementation, significantly improving the living conditions of thousands of beneficiaries in Egypt.This agreement aims to fund joint humanitarian and development projects over the next two years, building on the effective collaboration between the two organizations and reaffirming their shared commitment to serving the most vulnerable communities and achieving sustainable development.

As part of its commitment to preserving documentary heritage and fostering regional cooperation, the National Archive of Qatar, in collaboration with Unesco, announced the establishment of the Memory of the World Regional Committee for the Arab States.The announcement came during a regional conference hosted in Doha in January 2025 on strengthening co-operation on documentary heritage in the Arab region.At the conference, organised under the patronage of the National Archive of Qatar and Unesco, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar Dr Ahmed Abdullahal-Buainain was elected chair of the committee. That was a milestone that underscored Qatar's growing role in supporting Arab documentary heritage.Additionally, Qatar National Library inaugurated the regional office of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to strengthen co-ordination between institutions dedicated to preserving documentary heritage in the Arab world and the Middle East.In the same context, Qatar also announced the formation of the National Committee for the Implementation of the Unesco Memory of the World Programme. This national mechanism will oversee the preparation of a Qatari registry for documentary heritage, nominate eligible Qatari documents for inscription in the global Memory of the World register, and co-ordinate with the programme's secretariat, the Gulf regional committee, and national stakeholders.Commenting on this initiative, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, told QNA that the committee was established by a Cabinet decision to implement the Unesco programme designed to safeguard the world's documentary heritage. He noted that the committee will propose partnerships with public and private sector entities, organise programmes and events to raise awareness of the programme, and promote the importance of protecting documentary heritage in co-operation with authorities concerned.PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS PLANNEDDr al-Ali said that the committee is currently working on collecting and categorising documents and preparing mechanisms to identify and classify originals. The initial phases of the Memory of the World project are underway, and the coming period will see a series of workshops aimed at training participants on conservation techniques and highlighting the significance of preserving heritage for future generations. Public awareness campaigns and events are also planned in collaboration with national institutions.He stressed that Qatar attributes great importance to safeguarding documentary heritage as a sustainable legacy for future generations. In this regard, the committee works hand in hand with Unesco to co-ordinate responsibilities, carry out its mandate, and implement programmes. Co-operation with Unesco, he added, is continuous and intensive, serving the broader effort to preserve documentary heritage globally.Dr al Ali emphasised that Qatar seeks to expand its initiatives in this field by supporting local, regional, and international efforts to preserve historical documents and raise awareness of their importance, highlighting that documentary heritage is a cornerstone of nations' identity and history. Protecting it, therefore, is a shared responsibility that requires integrated efforts to ensure its continuity for generations to come.In light of the transformations taking place across the Arab world, and the growing risks threatening national archives and the historical memory of people, the importance of the role of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region under Unesco has come to the fore. Qatar was elected chair of this committee in January, reflecting the significant confidence the Arab world places in Qatar and its distinguished role in safeguarding documentary heritage.AMBITIOUS STRATEGYIn this context, Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, who serves as Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar and Chair of the Memory of the World Committee for the Arab Region, told QNA that preserving Arab documentary heritage is a collective responsibility requiring institutional co-ordination and strategic vision. He pointed to Qatar's efforts through an ambitious strategy and pioneering projects built on advanced infrastructure and strong technical expertise in digital preservation and preventive conservation.Dr al-Buainain said that the committee represents a regional organisational framework with a strategic function in preserving Arab documentary heritage. It helps raise awareness of the importance of historical documents as an inseparable part of collective memory and a pillar of national identity. He noted that since Unesco launched the Memory of the World Programme in 1992, it has relied on a structure consisting of regional committees and national committees.He said that the committee established plays a pivotal role in co-ordinating Arab efforts and directing them toward integrated work to face the challenges confronting preservation, documentation, and digitization.He added that the creation of the committee also highlights the importance of Arab documentary heritage, which remains underrepresented in the global Memory of the World register at only 4%. He stressed that the figuret does not reflect the richness, long history, and geographic breadth of Arab heritage.Dr al-Buainain stressed that the committee bases its approach on regional co-operation as a practical tool to enhance institutional capacities in Arab states. Its activities focus on joint initiatives including professional training, sharing expertise, and best practices in documentary heritage preservation. It also supports collective nominations to Unesco's Memory of the World register, enhancing knowledge integration among states with historical or cultural ties.Regarding co-ordination mechanisms among Arab states within the committee, he said that it relies on national focal points in each member state, along with subcommittees and working groups on different aspects of preservation. Regular meetings, training workshops, and partnerships with regional and international bodies ensure a high level of technical and institutional co-ordination, enabling flexible and integrated field responses.The Secretary-General of the National Archive of Qatar and Chair of the Arab Committee outlined the main areas of the committee's plans to preserve Arab documentary heritage. The first area focuses on training and qualification through specialised programmes in preservation, cataloguing, and restoration to raise staff skills in archives and documentation centres. The second focuses on digitization by supporting national and regional projects to convert paper documents into long-term digital copies. The third is on nominations, helping Arab countries prepare comprehensive files for the inscription of their historically valuable documents in Unesco's Memory of the World register. The fourth concerns building unified databases to allow systematic access to historical documents and enhance academic research and co-operation.On Qatar's contributions, Dr al-Buainain said the country was a regional model in preserving national memory, thanks to its sustained support for documentary projects of both local and regional importance. He highlighted Qatar's forward-looking vision, which ties documentary heritage to sustainable cultural development, as well as its strong support for regional institutions.He recalled the key role played by the National Archive of Qatar in organising an international conference on supporting the preservation of documentary heritage in the Arab region. The conference took place in Doha last January. He said that the conference was a turning point, resulting in the launch of the Arab Regional Memory of the World Committee in co-ordination with Unesco. Prior to this event, Unesco had held three virtual preparatory meetings over three months with Arab heritage experts to finalise the committee's bylaws and prepare for the election of its executive bureau, which was successfully completed at the conference.On the role of the National Archive of Qatar, he emphasised that it plays a central role in preservation based on ambitious strategies, advanced infrastructure, technical expertise in digital archiving, preventive conservation, and document treatment. It also trains professionals and participates in Arab documentation projects, making it a leading reference in the region for safeguarding historical memory.Dr al-Buainain concluded by stressing that preserving Arab documentary heritage is not only a technical or professional task, but a collective responsibility requiring the combined efforts of institutions, researchers, and societies. He added that a document is more than a static record: it embodies identity, builds historical awareness, strengthens knowledge, and preserves national and cultural identity for future generations.Director of national collections and special initiatives at Qatar National Library Abeer Saad al-Kuwari emphasised that the library's selection as the first regional office of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in the Middle East and North Africa represents a historic achievement for the Arab world. She noted that it reflects the library's leading role in spreading knowledge and safeguarding heritage.NEW HORIZONS TO BOLSTER REGIONAL CO-OPERATIONIn remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), she said that this selection opens new horizons for strengthening regional co-operation and advancing the library sector in the Arab world. It is also a strategic step that underscores Qatar's commitment to building an advanced information infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa, and consolidating a partnership based on a shared vision of adopting international standards in information and library science while respecting the region's cultural identity.Speaking about the library's role as the IFLA regional office, she clarified that the office functions as IFLA's co-ordinating branch for the region, implementing IFLA programmes and initiatives locally, supporting Arab libraries and information institutions, and enabling co-ordination among 22 Arab countries. The office also promotes training programmes, policy development, and exchanges of knowledge and expertise with international libraries. She described it as a platform for regional co-operation, one that enhances IFLA's role and drives initiatives for knowledge dissemination and heritage preservation across the Arab world.She pointed out that the office strengthens Arab representation in IFLA's decision-making in an unprecedented way. Its presence in Doha, she said, makes it easier to access global expertise hosted by the library through exhibitions and events, while also providing Qatar National Library with direct exposure to international experiences in digitization and conservation. This, she noted, facilitates collaboration with policymakers and experts on joint projects in areas such as heritage disaster management and training specialists in manuscript and document preservation.Al-Kuwari highlighted that the regional office boosts the library's capacity to serve cultural heritage. Through it, the library will launch regional projects to preserve manuscripts and historical documents, and to combat the illicit trade in documentary heritage and cultural treasures, in co-operation with partners.She added that the library is committed to training preservation specialists from different countries on modern conservation and restoration techniques. Since becoming IFLA's regional center for the preservation and conservation of library materials in 2015, the library has led initiatives in this field, organising workshops and training courses to help Arab libraries adopt best practices.She further explained that Qatar National Library has also spearheaded efforts to fight the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. Through its Himaya (Protection) project, it works to counter the smuggling of manuscripts and historical documents in the Middle East and North Africa, in collaboration with international bodies such as Unesco and Interpol. She stressed that these efforts reinforce the protection of Arab and Islamic heritage, ensuring it is passed down to future generations and strengthening identity and awareness of the region's civilisational history.On the library's efforts to preserve Arab and Islamic heritage, she said that this mission is one of its main priorities. To this end, the library established its Heritage Library, which houses a vast collection of rare manuscripts, historical books, maps, and photographs, preserving invaluable treasures that reflect the history of Arab and Islamic civilisation. She noted that the library has digitized more than 16mn pages of heritage and cultural material, and that this effort is ongoing to safeguard them for future generations.She also pointed to the launch of Qatar Digital Library in partnership with international institutions, which offers millions of documentary and historical pages freely online to researchers and the public. In addition, the library has developed the most advanced conservation and preservation centre in the Arab region, where manuscripts and documents are restored using state-of-the-art scientific methods.Alongside its research support, Qatar National Library regularly organises lectures, seminars, and exhibitions that shed light on significant moments in Arab and Islamic history. This year's highlights included an exhibition on the history of manuscript bookmaking in Morocco.DIGITIZATION PROJECTRegarding future plans, al-Kuwari revealed that the library intends to expand its preservation work, building on what has already been achieved. She confirmed that the library will continue its comprehensive digitization project to fully safeguard Arab and Islamic heritage and transform it into an enduring digital legacy of inestimable value. These initiatives, she said, underscore the library's vision of preserving collective memory and strengthening the region's role as a source of inspiration and innovation globally.Concluding her remarks to QNA, she said that the library will continue its partnerships and initiatives to unify Arab efforts in heritage protection. She added that awareness programs will be launched to engage the wider community, particularly youth, in valuing cultural heritage and participating in its preservation through volunteering, research, and documentation. As IFLA's regional office, she confirmed, Qatar National Library will soon announce joint action plans with IFLA to strengthen the library sector and promote heritage documentation and restoration projects across the Arab world. The goal, she stressed, is for the library to remain a beacon for protecting and disseminating heritage and a bridge linking the Arab nation's past with its present and future.