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At least 18 suspects and several police officers were killed Tuesday during a massive anti-drug raid in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian authorities said."So far, we have 56 arrests and 18 criminals neutralized," Rio State Governor Claudio Castro told a press conference.He described the operation, which involved 2,500 officers and targeted a suspected drug-trafficking ring at a favela in Rio, as the "largest in the history" of the state.

HE the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah al-Hanzab met Monday with the visiting Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand. The meeting discussed co-operation between Qatar and the European Union, particularly joint efforts in Afghanistan.

Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Government Spokesperson Abdoulkader Houssein Omar has said that the two memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed between Qatar and Djibouti regarding the establishment of a joint committee for co-operation and holding political consultations on issues of common interest represent an important step towards strengthening the strategic partnership and bilateral co-operation between the two countries in various fields. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) during his visit to Qatar, he said that the two MoUs aim to establish an institutional framework for co-operation through a joint committee and periodic consultations between the two foreign ministries. This will enhance communication and co-ordination and provide a platform for monitoring the implementation of joint agreements and initiatives, thus supporting fraternal relations between the two countries at all levels. He explained that the areas of infrastructure, energy, health, and education represent priorities for co-operation between Djibouti and Qatar in the coming period. He noted that investment in major development projects and the exchange of technical expertise constitute a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable economic growth and comprehensive development in Djibouti. In his assessment of the level of political relations between the two countries, the minister stressed that these relations are strong and distinguished, reflecting mutual respect and a shared desire to develop the partnership. He noted that the next steps will include enhancing political co-ordination through periodic consultations, exchanging visits by senior officials, and expanding areas of co-operation on regional and international issues of common interest. Regarding developments in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, he stated that Djibouti appreciates the positive role played by Qatar in supporting stability and development in the region, whether through humanitarian and development initiatives or mediation and conflict resolution efforts. He emphasised that co-operation with the State of Qatar contributes to strengthening economic and political security and supporting joint development projects. He expressed Djibouti’s pride in the strong fraternal relations with Qatar, looking forward to continuing to develop bilateral co-operation in the developmental, economic and political fields in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples and embodies the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity between the two countries.

Experts and futurists in medical education and artificial intelligence (AI) from around the world gathered in Doha for a conference organised by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), which explored how technological breakthroughs are revolutionising healthcare and the way medicine is taught.The 2nd Medical Education Technology Conference brought together thought leaders in medical education, technology and the humanities from institutions in Qatar, the US, the UK and the Netherlands to explore the impact of new advances in AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) on healthcare and education.The conference, titled “The Power of Connection: Leveraging Technology for Humanistic Medical Education”, addressed the need to integrate study of the humanities with utilisation of advanced technologies to ensure medical education remains human-centered, ethical and compassionate.The conference, co-directed by professor of clinical medicine and vice-dean for academic and curricular affairs Dr Thurayya Arayssi and Dr Anna Halama, the assistant professor of research in physiology and biophysics, also discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by advances in technology.“New technologies, particularly AI and immersive learning, offer us incredibly powerful teaching tools that have the potential to make medical education radically more effective,” Dr Arayssi said. “However, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that these disruptive technologies are deployed in ways which enable medical education programmes to continue to cultivate empathy, compassion and creativity in future physicians.”The conference featured a series of presentations by expert speakers, Q&A panel discussions, and multiple opportunities for attendees to gain hands-on interactive experiences with technologies such as immersive content creation and VR simulations.Presentations discussed the impact of AI on the cognitive development of students and physicians, the emotional and psychological effects of immersive technologies used for medical simulation-based teaching, and the potential benefits of “gamification” teaching methods.The expert speakers at the conference were drawn from elite international medical and educational institutions, including Weill Cornell Medicine in New York; Cornell University in Ithaca, New York; the University of Cambridge, UK; Kenyon College, Ohio; UCI School of Medicine, California; Southern Illinois University School of Medicine; Amsterdam University Medical Centre; and Princeton University, New Jersey.The event drew participants from all over the world, with healthcare professionals, educators and students in attendance from Qatar, the wider Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region, the US, Europe, India and elsewhere.“This excellent event underlined that the judicious integration of AI and technological advances into medical education has the potential to enhance the acquisition of skills, knowledge and professionalism, which can all help improve patient care,” said WCM-Q dean Dr Javaid Sheikh. “At WCM-Q, we believe in embracing innovation to improve healthcare education, while also working hard to maintain the humanistic values of compassion, care, and empathy that form the core principles of responsible physicianship.”

Qatar returns to the 2025 sporting calendar after a 10-year absence to host the final round of the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship this weekend (October 30-November 1).Aquabike Promotion and the Doha Marine Sports Club (DMSC) will host the three-day Old Doha Port Grand Prix of Qatar on Doha Bay. The event will act as the final round of the World Championship and the stand-alone Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship.The provisional entry features 90 riders from 19 nations, with 28 competing in Runabout GP1, 23 in Ski Division GP1, 13 in Ski Ladies GP1 and a staggering 12 in Freestyle. In addition, 14 will compete in the Asian Continental section of the weekend.Francois Medori heads to Doha with a maximum 100 points for winning four successive Runabout GP1 Motos. The Corsican will be aiming to defend a 16-point advantage over Jeremy Perez, with current World Champion Samuel Johansson somehow retaining third in the rankings, despite picking up just three points from the second of the recent heats in Sardinia.All the major protagonists are among the 28-rider field and they include Pierre-Francois Savelli, Robin Laforge, Gyorgy Kasza, Andrzej Wisniewski, Martin Doulik and Linus Lindberg.The host nation will be represented by Khalid al-Mohannadi and Waleed al-Sharshani and the Emirati trio of Khalid al-Maazmi, Khalifa Belsalah and Mohammed Mohsin boost the regional entry.The Qatar event also sees the dramatic return of five-time World Champion Yousef al-Abdulrazzaq and fellow Kuwaiti riders, Rashed al-Dawas and Ahmad al-Khadhari.Dane Oliver Koch Hansen arrives in Doha with an 11-point lead over Jeremy Poret in the battle for the Ski Division GP1 world title. The leading racers on the planet battled it out in three gripping Motos in Sardinia two weeks ago with a pair of victories for Belgian Quinten Bossche sandwiching a lone win for Mickael Poret.Reliability issues have plagued defending champion Bossche this season, however, and three Moto wins have been coupled with three non-finishes. That was left the Ostende racer languishing in sixth in the standings behind Koch Hansen, Jeremy Poret, Japan’s Toshi O’Hara, Mickael Poret and young Belgian Yoni Hamelin.All of the title contenders will be present in Doha where they line up against the likes of former champion Kevin Reiterer, Anthony Beernaut, Morgan Poret, Benjamin Scharff and Axel Courtois.Nizar Abuljadayel represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is the only GCC entrant in the field.The fight for honours in Ski Ladies GP1 promises to be a classic and 13 riders are making the trip to Qatar for the three-Moto finale. Estelle Poret has a seven-point cushion over Benedicte Drange with defending champion Jasmiin Ypraus a further point adrift in third. Naomi Benini and Virginie Morlaes are tied for fourth, albeit 35 points behind the leading French girl.Drange has taken four wins from six Motos but suffering a costly retirement from the third Moto in Indonesia. Poret has never been off the podium and won one heat, while Ypraus had a win and four podium finishes before engine issues plagued her before the last of the Motos in Sardinia.The Estonian’s number one ski failed to start and she was forced to turn to her back-up machine which misfired its way around the course to pick up just 10 points. Could that have been the moment when Ypraus lost the world title?Jessica Chavanne suffered a miserable weekend in Sardinia and the new European champion will be hoping for better fortune on Doha Bay, where she lines up alongside the likes of Sofie and Jonna Borgstrom, Heloise Delcluze, River Varner, Joana Graça, Janina Johansson and French newcomer Emy Garcia.The Freestyle category has attracted a staggering 12 entrants, although the defending European champion and current World Championship leader Roberto Mariani tops the field from defending champion and title rival Rashid al-Mulla from Abu Dhabi. The pair are separated by 10 points heading into the final two Motos of the season with Massimo Accumolo three points further behind in the bronze medal position. Portugal’s Paulo Nunes is fourth.There are six Qatari entrants in the provisional field: Abdulaziz al-Abdullah, Nayef al-Nama, Salem al-Kubaisi, Issa al-Assi, Abdulrahman al-Sulaiti and Bader al-Abdullah will be hoping for success in front of home crowds. They will be joined by Kuwait’s Aziz al-Armeli and Saudi Arabia’s Nizar Abuljadayel.Four of the Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship entrants will represent Qatar, with five from the UAE, four from Saudi Arabia and one from Kuwait. Mahmoud Abumaali, Khalaf al-Kuwari, Waleed al-Ibrahim and Waleed al-Sharshani will fly the Qatari flag with Abdullah al-Fadhel lining up for Kuwait.Registration and scrutineering formalities take place Wednesday. A hectic Thursday timetable sees the free practice sessions for the Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship fire into life from 9:30 am and precede nearly two hours of practice for the Ski Ladies GP1, Ski Division GP1, Runabout GP1 and Freestyle competitors.The afternoon is dominated by the various qualifying and pole position sessions.The first Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship Moto kickstarts Friday’s action from 10am and is followed by opening Motos for Ski Ladies GP1 and Ski Division GP1. The second of the Motos follow in the afternoon before the Runabout GP1 and Freestyle contenders take part in their first heats.The evening’s action will be rounded off by a Parallel Slalom competition and a Freestyle night show to entertain spectators in the Old Port area on Doha Corniche.Qualifying for the Qatar International Cup and a session for non-qualified Runabout GP2 riders opens Saturday morning’s action. Further free practice follows before a Moto for the Qatar International Cup to round off the morning.The third Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship Moto is first on the agenda in the afternoon and precedes the final Ski Ladies GP1 and Ski GP1 Motos that will decide the outcome of the World Championship.Runabout GP1 and Freestyle contenders then take to the water for their second Motos that will draw a curtain on the season’s UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship.

The Qatar Football Association has announced the national squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which will take place from November 3 to 27 at Aspire Academy venues and Khalifa International Stadium.This year's tournament marks a historic expansion, with 48 teams competing for the first time in a FIFA youth event, playing 104 matches over 25 days.Qatar will also host five consecutive editions of the competition through 2029, as the event becomes an annual fixture instead of being held every two years.Qatar has been drawn into Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia.Head coach Alvaro Mejia has selected a 21-player squad, including goalkeepers Ahmed Saber, Khaled Shukri, and Abdulrahman Khalid. Other key players include Tamim Al Qadi, Adam Riyadh, Zaid Faisal, Sultan Al Abdulrahman, Saud Al Hamad, Issa Waleed, Saifuddin Ahmed, Sheikh Mohammed, Abdulaziz Younes, Omar Al Marzouqi, Faisal Saeed, Karam Hadi, Malik Majed, Mohammed Akram, Mostafa Khalid, Muhannad Jamil, Mohammed Abdulrahman, and Yazan Hani.Qatar's campaign begins against Italy on November 3, followed by South Africa on November 6, and Bolivia on November 9 in their final group-stage match.

Thousands of civilians remained trapped in Sudan's stricken city of El-Fasher, with fears growing for their safety, the United Nations and local groups said on Monday, after paramilitary forces claimed control of the army's last stronghold in the western Darfur region.Since May 2024, El-Fasher has been besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been fighting a brutal war with Sudan's army for over two years.Footage shared by pro-democracy activists on Monday purportedly showed dozens of people lying dead on the ground alongside burned-out vehicles.AFP was unable to contact civilians in the city, where the Sudanese Journalists' Syndicate says communications, including satellite networks, have been cut off by a media blackout.The syndicate expressed "deep concern for the safety of journalists" in El-Fasher, adding that independent reporter Muammar Ibrahim has been detained by RSF forces since Sunday.The RSF said on Sunday they had seized control of the city, but the army and its allies did not respond to requests for comment.If confirmed, the city's capture would mark a significant turning point in Sudan's war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million people since April 2023.It would give the RSF control over all five state capitals in Darfur, consolidating its parallel administration in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur.Such a shift could potentially partition Sudan, with the army holding the north, east and centre, and the RSF dominating Darfur and parts of the south."This represents a terrible escalation in the conflict," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in answer to an AFP question on Monday, adding that "the level of suffering that we are witnessing in Sudan is unbearable".Around 260,000 civilians, half of them children, remain trapped in El-Fasher without aid, where many have resorted to eating animal fodder.Despite RSF assurances of civilian protection, the local resistance committee accused the paramilitaries of committing atrocities, saying that since Sunday, innocent civilians had suffered "the worst forms of violence and ethnic cleansing."A video circulated by the RSF appeared to show fighters detaining dozens of men in civilian clothing accusing them of supporting the army and the Joint Forces.Fighting, pro-democracy activists said on Sunday night, continued "in the vicinity of El-Fasher airport and several areas west of the city," with a "complete absence of air support", citing failures by the army and its allies to protect residents.The army-aligned governor of Darfur called on Monday for the protection of civilians in El-Fasher and demanded "an independent investigation into the violations and massacres carried out by the militia away from public view."The UN last month voiced alarm over potential massacres targeting non-Arab communities in El-Fasher, similar to those reported after the RSF captured the nearby Zamzam camp in April.The United Nations's migration agency said 2,500 to 3,000 people fled El-Fasher on Sunday, seeking safety within the city or westward to Tawila and Mellit towns.Sudan's de facto leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, appeared publicly on Sunday night but only for a meeting with the Turkish ambassador in Port Sudan.The army-led Transitional Sovereignty Council said they discussed the "siege imposed by the terrorist Rapid Support militia on El-Fasher."Tom Fletcher, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha), called for safe passage for civilians trapped in the fighting.Access to the city remains severely restricted due to ongoing combat.Since August, the RSF have intensified artillery and drone attacks on El-Fasher, gradually eroding the army's last defensive positions.Despite repeated international appeals for a ceasefire, with both the RSF and the army accused of committing atrocities, neither side has shown willingness to compromise.Representatives from the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates met in Washington on Friday to plot a path towards "peace and stability in Sudan" and a transition to civilian rule, according to a statement by US senior advisor for Africa Massad Boulos.But the meeting appeared not to yield any tangible progress."It is clear that... it is not only a Sudanese problem, with the army and Rapid Support Forces fighting each other," Guterres said."We have more and more an external interference that undermines the possibility to a ceasefire and to a political solution."

Pokrovsk key to Ukraine's defence of Donetsk regionUkraine says Russia placed main strike force in areaAbout 200 Russian military in city, Kyiv saysRussia says assault groups trying to advance near train stationUkraine is rushing to strengthen its positions in the strategic eastern transport hub of Pokrovsk as about 200 Russian troops have infiltrated the city in small groups, Kyiv's military said on Monday.The Ukrainian general staff, which made the estimate of enemy forces, reported small arms firefights and the active deployment of drones. The Russian defence ministry said that its assault groups were trying to advance near the train station."There is fierce fighting in the city and on the approaches to the city... Logistics are difficult. But we must continue to destroy the occupiers," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday.Russia has been aiming to occupy Pokrovsk, a key part of Kyiv's defensive lines, for months, seeing it as a crucial point for its push to fully capture the Donetsk region.Its forces have renewed their attempts in the wake of a failed push by US President Donald Trump to secure a ceasefire, Ukrainian officials say.The 7th Rapid Response Unit of Ukraine's airborne troops on Monday said that the positions in the city have been strengthened in recent days as urban fighting continued."The occupiers, who have entered the city, are not trying to take hold, but intend to advance further north," the unit said in a Facebook post. "In doing so, the enemy wants to disperse our defence forces and block land logistics corridors."Russia has concentrated its main strike force against the city, according to Zelenskiy.Zelenskiy, citing Ukrainian intelligence, told US media outlet Axios that Russian President Vladimir Putin had privately claimed that Moscow would capture the entire Donbas, comprising Donetsk and Luhansk regions, by October 15. Reuters could not independently verify the claim.The Ukrainian open-source mapping project Deep State in the past week has reduced the area to the southwest of Pokrovsk that it considers under Ukrainian control, increasing the area "requiring clarification" to around one-fifth of the city.Russia controls about 75% of the Donetsk region. About 6,600 square kilometres is still under Ukraine's control.Moscow's troops regularly report incremental gains in the region but they have failed to secure any strategic breakthrough for over a year now.

HE the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, inaugurated Sunday three distinguished art exhibitions at the Qatar's epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech (M7). The distinguished art exhibitions include "Fashion Trust Arabia: Threads of Impact," which celebrates the 7th anniversary of the Fashion Trust Arabia initiative; "Houbara Haven tiara" by Chaumet, featuring Qatari designer Aisha al-Attiyah; and "Amazigh Hair Couture," curated by Moroccan artists Lalla Essaydi and Amina Agueznay, under the creative direction of Ilham Mastour. In her remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Maha al-Sulaiti said that the "Fashion Trust Arabia: Threads of Impact" exhibition includes the works of more than 90 designers supported by the Fashion Trust Arabia initiative, including Fashion Trust Arabia Award winners, finalists, and designers from Qatar. She added that fashion tells stories, connects cultures, and sparks creativity. As a leading centre for innovation in fashion and design, M7 is committed to accelerating the growth of the creative economy, and Fashion Trust Arabia plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. Together, M7 and Fashion Trust Arabia continue to drive impactful transformations in this sector." Al-Sulaiti indicated that M7, in partnership with Chaumet, launched the "Chaumet Tiara Project" in 2024, in light of the momentum generated by the "Chaumet and Nature" exhibition held at M7 in Doha, which celebrated the jewellery designed by the house inspired by nature as part of the legacy of the "Qatar-France 2020" Year of Culture. She pointed out that the "Houbara Haven tiara" exhibition by Chaumet, by Qatari designer Aisha al-Attiyah, chronicles the tiara's journey from dream to reality. It was the winning design from among 80 participants who submitted entries to the competition launched by M7. The exhibition offers visitors behind-the-scenes insights into the collaboration between designer Al-Attiyah and Chaumet. Through sketches, photographs, and archival documents, it reveals how al-Attiyah was able to embody her unique vision and touch in a dialogue that pulsates with the rich heritage of the luxury jewellery house. Al-Attiyah told QNA that creating the tiara took her 740 hours and required precise and dedicated work in the Chaumet luxury jewellery workshop, with a group of craftsmen contributing to the crafting, setting, polishing, and engraving. She added that she is extremely happy to be the winning designer of the Chaumet Tiara project. She said that this event is a turning point in her journey as an emerging jewellery designer. It is a great honor to benefit from the support of M7 during this experience, as she benefits from the knowledge of the designers, craftsmen, and skilled artisans at the Maison Chaumet, who brought her design to life with their valuable expertise. She expressed her pride to share Qatar's rich history with the world through this masterpiece. The exhibition's design takes visitors on a journey inspired by the falcon's hunting patterns, exploring spaces that evoke its search path and the Houbara's haven. Ultimately, the tiara is revealed amidst jewels colored in shades of green, symbolising the "Awsaj" bush. Director of M7, Maha al-Sulaiti said that the 'Amazigh Hair Couture' exhibition celebrates the artistry, heritage, and cultural symbolism of Amazigh hair traditions, specifically from Morocco. She deemed the exhibition, "A powerful celebration of identity and artistic expression, reflecting M7's mission to elevate diverse voices and connect regional talents with global audiences. "We are proud to continue our partnership with Ilham Mestour and provide a platform for Arab and North African designers and artists such as Lalla Essaydi and Amina Agueznay to continue to champion and reclaim authorship over their narratives, sharing traditions in ways that are both contemporary and rooted in culture." In turn, Hair Artist and the Exhibition's Creative Director, Ilham Mestour said that 'Amazigh Hair Couture' is organised across four thematic zones, these are: Roots and Rituals, Body and Soul, Reframing the Gaze, and Crafting Continuity, adding that it explores how hair serves as a vital carrier of memory, beauty, resistance, and identity within matrilineal Amazigh cultures. Mestour pointed out that the exhibition draws from a history stretching back thousands of years and that the works on view span archival material and contemporary practice, highlighing the resilience and creativity embedded in these rituals, and affirming hair as a medium of care, representation, and intergenerational legacy. "Through this exhibition, I honour my Amazigh ancestry by transforming inherited rituals into my work globally, carrying forward the voices of the past," Mestour said, adding, "My collaboration with M7, from teaching in the Mastering Hair masterclass to presenting my work in this exhibition, enables me to continue to share these traditions and ensure they remain alive for future generations of creatives." The exhibition is curated by Rajae El Mouhandiz, an interdisciplinary artist and curator based in Rotterdam, and brings together fine art photography, scent, hair installations, textile works, and ethnographic archival material. "Amazigh Hair Couture" is organised as a legacy of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, which was one of the initiative's most beloved celebrations, with a strong legacy of ongoing partnerships across heritage, creative economies, social and economic development and innovation. The M7 exhibition programme is part of Qatar Museums' 20th anniversary programming which is being celebrated under the banner of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign to honour the nation's cultural journey over the past 50 years. It is also part of the Qatar Creates Fall/Winter 2025 season. (QNA)

HE the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem met Sunday with the visiting Syrian Minister of Endowments Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri and his accompanying delegation from the Supreme Fatwa Council.The two sides discussed co-operation relations in the fields of endowments and Islamic affairs, and ways to enhance and develop them. They also exchanged views on topics of common interest.

The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has organised the 2025 Person-Centred Care (PCC) Middle East Forum. The event was attended by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud and HE the HMC managing director Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Suwaidi, along with regional and international healthcare leaders, professionals, and innovators committed to advancing person-centred approaches to healthcare transformation. Delivered by the HMC in partnership with US-based Planetree International, the forum has established itself as the region’s premier platform for sharing best practices and innovations that place patients and families at the heart of care. This year’s theme, *Shaping the Future of Care: Innovations in Person-Centered Care, focused on how innovation, integration and inclusivity are reshaping healthcare delivery across systems and communities. The programme featured three key tracks: Person-Centred Digital Transformation, Collaborative Care; Building Partnerships for Better Outcomes, and Care Beyond Boundaries; and Systematic Personalisation Across Networks. Throughout the two-day event, speakers and delegates explored how emerging technologies, collaborative partnerships and co-designed models of care can enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes. The forum highlighted the HMC’s leadership in embedding person-centred care across its network – from pioneering digital tools such as the Lbaih mobile app, which enables patients to access and manage their healthcare information via their mobile devices, to establishing Qatar’s first AI Centre of Excellence driving the development of SMART hospital frameworks. Beyond technology, the HMC’s person-centred approach has established the Person-Centred Care Ambassadors Programme, empowering volunteers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and professions to enrich the hospital experience of patients and families through compassionate service and meaningful interaction. Another example is the HMC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a collaborative group of patients, family members and caregivers who partner with HMC teams to shape programmes, services, and initiatives. Through the PFAC, the perspectives and lived experiences of patients directly influence care delivery, ensuring that services truly reflect their needs and expectations.

HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah affirmed that the launch of the AI-powered building permit issuance system represents a qualitative national achievement that enhances the country's digital transformation process and places it at the forefront of countries employing AI technologies in government services.In a speech marking the Ministry of Municipality's inauguration of the AI-powered permit issuance system, HE al-Attiyah noted that it represents a pioneering step that embodies the country's drive to accelerate digital transformation and enhance the quality and efficiency of government services, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.He explained that the new system represents a qualitative leap in the field of issuing building permits, as it contributes to accelerating procedures, increasing performance efficiency, and enhancing the quality of services provided to beneficiaries. It enables the issuance of building permits in just 120 minutes, instead of 30 days, thanks to its ability to automatically read engineering drawings and verify their compliance with approved technical standards. This contributes to improving the beneficiary experience and facilitating procedures without compromising technical accuracy.The AI-powered building permit issuance system is one of the key projects within the Ministry of Municipality's digital transformation programme, which aims to expedite transactions, standardise technical standards, support the engineering sector and consulting offices, simplify procedures, and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of outputs by processing drawings electronically, with a completion rate of up to 70% in the first phase.