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Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced updates to the "Hayya" GCC Residents Visa (A2). The new features are designed to make travel to Qatar smoother and more convenient during a season rich in international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events.The updates, which will take effect on 30 November 2025, allows visitors from GCC countries to stay in Qatar for up to two months and offers multiple-entry access. These enhancements are designed to make it easier for visitors to attend a variety of events throughout the season and enjoy a seamless entry experience across all points of arrival.These updates come at a key moment as Qatar prepares to welcome regional visitors for the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup alongside a packed events calendar. The new visa features allow GCC residents to move in and out of the country with ease, enabling fans to attend matches and enjoy Qatar's broader cultural and entertainment offerings. Through the Hayya Platform, Qatar continues to ensure a smooth arrival experience and strong operational readiness for the tournament and other major events during peak periods.Commenting on the new updates, Director of Hayya, Saeed Al Kuwari said: "These measures go beyond simple procedural changes. They reflect Qatar Tourism's broader vision to strengthen the country's openness to the region, facilitate visitor movement during major sports and cultural events, increase arrivals, and enhance tourism's contribution to the national economy. They also reinforce Qatar's position as a leading regional destination for tourism and international events."Operated by Qatar Tourism, Hayya serves as Qatar's official e-visa digital platform. As Qatar's central digital gateway, Hayya streamlines access to the country through integrated visa processing and event access, all within a single, user-friendly interface.By making entry seamless for GCC residents, Qatar Tourism is enabling more visitors from neighbouring countries to enjoy the season's events, strengthening Qatar's global tourism profile, and supporting economic growth.Hayya offers five distinct visa categories: the Tourist Visa (A1), GCC Resident Visa (A2), Visa with ETA (A3), Companion of GCC Citizen Visa (A4), and the Visa-Free for US Citizens (F1). 

The State of Qatar participated Thursday in a high-level briefing on Wage Protection Systems (WPS) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, convened on the margins of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body meetings in Geneva.His Excellency Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri represented the State of Qatar at the session. The session, organized by the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC States, and supported by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar and the Permanent Mission of the GCC in Geneva, showcased the outcomes of a joint study undertaken with the ILO on the evolution of WPS across the region.The meeting underscored the collective determination of GCC countries to continue strengthening labour market governance, promote fair working conditions, and advance the objectives of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, in line with broader commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.In his address, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri described the joint study as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the GCC and the ILO. He noted that the findings reflect a shared resolve to uphold social justice, reinforce workers' rights, and entrench the principles of decent work across the region.HE the Minister highlighted that the GCC's experience in wage protection has matured into a recognized regional and international model. He emphasized that the transition from traditional regulations to integrated digital platforms has enhanced transparency, strengthened compliance, and ensured timely payment of wages - contributing to greater trust between employers and workers, and supporting long-term labour market stability.He added that this progress is anchored in a clear political commitment from GCC governments to balance robust worker protection with the growth and continuity of private-sector enterprises, through a framework grounded in transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with international partners.His Excellency the Minister of Labour reaffirmed that wage protection remains a central pillar of Qatar's labour market reforms. He noted that the country has implemented a comprehensive suite of mechanisms - including the electronic WPS, streamlined dispute-resolution pathways, and the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund - all contributing to the broader agenda of social justice and to the objectives of the Global Coalition.

The Gulf Health Council launched an awareness campaign on headches aimed at educating the public on common types of headaches, their causes, and methods of prevention, while emphasizing the importance of following a healthy lifestyle and the safe use of painkillers, as well as informing the community about the indicators that require consulting a doctor.The campaign seeks to enable individuals to distinguish between the most common types of headaches, such as migraine, tension headache, and headache resulting from the excessive use of painkillers, in a way that helps them choose the optimal healthy behavior to deal with pain and avoid its triggers.The campaign includes a series of awareness products and interactive media materials through the council's digital platforms, including an interactive quiz to measure individuals' knowledge and health behaviors, through which participants are provided with personalized tips based on their answers to support their ability to control headaches and improve their quality of life.The campaign also includes an awareness guide, brochures, and multimedia educational content that highlights the most common headache triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, excessive caffeine, dehydration, prolonged screen use, and hormonal disorders.The campaign focuses on two main groups: people with migraine and those prone to tension headaches, such as students and employees in office-based professions, doctors, teachers, workers in high-stress environments, members of the Gulf community aged 18 and above, and all entities from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.The campaign also focuses on a set of core awareness messages, most notably raising health awareness about the differences between common types of headaches and their causes in order to identify the optimal treatment option; enabling individuals with knowledge about prevention methods and reducing headache-triggering factors; correcting misconceptions related to headaches and promoting a culture of consulting a doctor when needed; educating the community about healthy lifestyle habits (adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, stress management, physical activity); and raising awareness about the importance of the safe use of painkillers to avoid headaches resulting from their overuse.Studies indicate that headache is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, with its disorders affecting about 40 percent of the population (equivalent to 3.1 billion people globally), and it is often underestimated or self-managed without medical consultation, despite the availability of effective treatments.The council explained that headache is not merely a passing pain, but may hinder daily life, as its recurring attacks affect the professional and social performance of those affected, noting that migraine is among the most impactful diseases on quality of life globally for the age group 15-49 years.Studies have also shown that increasing caffeine consumption by 100 mg per day may raise the likelihood of developing migraine by 5 percent, while drinking water regularly and exercising contribute to reducing the frequency of attacks and improving quality of life by up to 40 percent.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework for the Peace Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance (M23 Movement).GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the significant and valuable efforts exerted by the State of Qatar in hosting and supporting the negotiation process, noting that Qatar's active contribution to achieving this important step underscores its firm commitment to promoting regional and international security and resolving conflicts through peaceful means.Albudaiwi expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for achieving comprehensive reconciliation and establishing lasting stability and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Global Carbon Council (GCC), recognised as the Global South’s first internationally accredited carbon market programme under ICAO’s Corsia scheme, and the State Secretariat for Climate Change of the Province of Misiones, Argentina, formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday during COP30 in Belem, Brazil.The agreement was signed by Dr Yousef Alhorr, founding chairman of GCC, and Gervasio Malagrida, secretary, Department of Climate Change, Misiones, Argentina.The MoU establishes a framework for co-operation to promote the development and implementation of carbon market initiatives in Misiones Province.Key areas of collaboration are: Capacity-building workshops and training programmes on GCC standards, project registration, issuance processes, and methodology development; support for integrating GCC standards and methodologies into the domestic carbon market of Misiones; advisory support for finalising the provincial Carbon Policy Framework, aligned with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement and other mutually agreed activities to strengthen climate action and carbon market infrastructure.Dr Alhorr said: “This MoU represents a significant step forward in advancing high-integrity carbon markets in the Global South. By partnering with Misiones, GCC aims to bring technical expertise, global best practices, and innovative methodologies to support sustainable development and climate action at the provincial level. Together, we will strengthen carbon market infrastructure, empower local stakeholders, and demonstrate how transparent and scalable carbon solutions can deliver measurable environmental and socio-economic benefits.”“This partnership with GCC provides Misiones with a unique opportunity to align our carbon policy and market initiatives with international standards. The technical guidance, capacity-building programs, and digital tools provided by GCC will enable us to implement high-quality carbon projects, strengthen institutional capabilities, and attract climate finance. We are confident that this collaboration will accelerate our climate action agenda, support sustainable energy and land-use solutions, and position Misiones as a leader in carbon market innovation within Argentina and the region,” added Malagrida.This collaboration reinforces both parties’ dedication to building robust carbon market infrastructure, supporting sustainable development, and fostering regional and international co-operation under the Paris Agreement.

His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region's security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples. Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, held today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency emphasized that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan. He stressed that the Gulf legislative councils, through their regular meetings and ongoing coordination, have proven themselves to be a powerful voice for this Gulf unity, in addition to their unwavering support for unified Gulf policies and positions on various regional and international issues. His Excellency noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world. He emphasized that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums. In his address, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice. He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being. On the regional front, His Excellency stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all. He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms. In this context, His Excellency commended the honorable positions of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fraternal solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasized the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development. He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values. His Excellency began his address by expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hospitality and excellent organization, wishing it success in presiding over the current session and in achieving the aspirations of the legislative councils to enhance joint Gulf cooperation. His Excellency Speaker Al Ghanim, extended thanks and appreciation to the sisterly United Arab Amirates, represented by the Federal National Council, for the remarkable efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session, and for the qualitative initiatives it achieved that contributed to strengthening Gulf parliamentary work and unifying positions in regional and international forums. At the same time, he praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for its diligent work in supporting the joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms of cooperation between the Council's institutions.

The seventh Gulf Businesswomen's Forum, organised by the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) in co-operation with the Qatar Chamber (QC) and with the support of the General Secretariat of the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), concluded on Thursday. The event was held under the theme "Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Investment". The forum's final statement, issued after two days of discussions, called for encouraging Gulf women to enter promising economic sectors, promoting digital transformation and the adoption of modern technologies in women's business projects, and empowering them to utilise smart solutions to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. The statement also emphasised the need to increase the participation of Gulf women in non-traditional sectors such as technology, renewable energy, creative industries, and financial technology through specialised training and development programs. **media[381270]** The statement recommended activating the "Gulf Businesswomen's Platform," launched during the forum, to serve as a unified Gulf database for communication and the exchange of investment opportunities among businesswomen. It further recommended supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by Gulf women through joint financing and training initiatives. Assistant Secretary-General of the FGCCC, Noura al-Salem affirmed the Federation's commitment to following up on the implementation of the forum's outcomes and recommendations in coordination with relevant authorities in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. This aims to support the Gulf women's entrepreneurship ecosystem and enhance its contribution to sustainable economic development. **media[381271]** The second day of the forum featured three working sessions and showcased further success stories of Gulf businesswomen and entrepreneurs. Board member of QC and Chairperson of the Qatari Businesswomen's Forum, Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani and several heads of participating delegations were in attendance. The first session, "Gulf Businesswomen and Sustainable Investment," explored the contribution of Gulf businesswomen to the knowledge economy, the challenges facing non-traditional investments, and the role of modern technologies in developing women's projects. The second session, "Women Entrepreneurs in the Gulf: From Tradition to Innovation," discussed the role of education and training in empowering Gulf women to engage in modern investments, the future of investments for businesswomen in the Gulf within the framework of Vision 2030, and the non-traditional sectors that have become a new destination for Gulf businesswomen. The third session, "Role of Arbitration in Enhancing the Gulf Women's Business Environment," addressed several topics, including the role of arbitration in protecting the investments of Gulf businesswomen, fair and transparent contracts as a guarantee for the success of Gulf businesswomen's investments, and resolving commercial disputes through arbitration.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa met Wednesday with His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, speakers of the Legislative Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Yamahi. **media[381073]** The meeting took place ahead of the 19th periodic meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the GCC countries, scheduled to be held in Manama today. Discussions during the meeting dealt with ways to enhance co-operation and integration among the GCC countries in various fields, in addition to a number of issues of common interest, most notably prospects for developing joint GCC action to achieve the aspirations of the region's peoples.

The Shura Council will take part in the 19th periodic meeting of the leaders of Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, scheduled to be held today in Bahrain. **media[381069]** His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, chairs the Qatari delegation to the meeting. The meeting will address a range of parliamentary issues of common interest, including ways to strengthen co-operation among GCC legislative bodies and between these councils and the European Parliament, as well as other parliaments worldwide.

Qatar took part in the two-day Egypt-GCC Trade and Investment Forum, which concluded Monday in Cairo. The event, themed ‘A Roadmap to Strengthening Egyptian-Gulf Economic Cooperation’, brought together ministers, senior officials and business leaders from the Gulf Co-operation Council) countries and Egypt.Qatar was represented by Mohammed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, accompanied by a delegation from the public and private sectors.The forum aimed to strengthen economic relations between Egypt and the GCC states by providing a platform to review the investment landscape and identify new opportunities for co-operation across various economic, commercial, and investment sectors.Participants also discussed recent developments and legislative frameworks that facilitate strategic partnerships between public and private sector investors, as well as challenges impacting investment flows between the two sides.The Egypt-GCC Trade and Investment Forum serves as a strategic platform for deepening economic partnerships and shaping the future of investment co-operation, in line with the development visions of Egypt and the GCC states.The forum concluded with several outcomes and recommendations, including the launch of partnership initiatives, the signing of memoranda of understanding between private sector entities, and proposals for new joint projects between Egypt and the GCC countries.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met in Kuwait with European Union (EU) Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 9th GCC-EU Economic Forum. During the meeting, several economic and commercial topics were discussed, along with ways to enhance GCC-European relations in areas and priorities of common interest. Both sides affirmed their aspiration to strengthen relations and build numerous partnerships in various fields between the Cooperation Council and the EU.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met in London with Chair of the International Trade Committee in the United Kingdom Parliament Liam Byrne. At the beginning of the meeting, the Secretary General underscored the important role played by legislative institutions in supporting the paths of economic and trade cooperation between nations. He praised the historical relations between the GCC and the UK and the continuous growth they are witnessing at various levels. They also reviewed the progress made in the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the GCC and the UK, aiming to reach a comprehensive agreement that serves mutual interests and allows for broader horizons of economic and investment integration, thereby enhancing the strategic partnership between the two sides.