tag

The 11th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee between Qatar and Turkiye was held on Oct 22, 2025 in Doha, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with participation of the ministers responsible for the areas of co-operation stated in the Joint Accord on the Establishment of the Supreme Strategic Committee dated Dec 19, 2014.The session, held in a spirit of co-operation and brotherhood, reflected once again strong historical bonds, distinguished relations and the common understanding between the two countries as well as the willingness to further enhance their partnership in all fields.The two sides commended the success of the Supreme Strategic Committee as the highest institutional mechanism of co-operation between Qatar and Turkiye and its contributions to the achievement of exceptional relations between two countries. The two sides look forward to holding the first meeting of political consultations between them at a date to be agreed upon during the year 2026.The committee reviewed the progress in areas of co-operation referred to in the outcome documents of the 10th session and expressed their satisfaction with the level of ongoing co-operation.Both sides expressed their satisfaction with over 100 documents of co-operation signed in the framework of the previous 10 sessions. Here are excerpts from the discussion on many areas:Trade, Finance, Investment and EnergyTaking into account the potential of the two countries' economies and reiterating their goal to reach $5bn trade volume in near future; the two sides agreed to explore new opportunities to expand and diversify trade and economic relations.Culture and EducationThe two sides affirmed their desire to strengthen co-operation and exchange experiences in cultural fields at the bilateral level within the framework of relative international organisations. Qatar and Turkiye agreed to activate cultural, artistic and folkloric activities and events that reflect the rich culture and history of the two countries, and expand the horizon of cultural harmony between the peoples of the two sisterly countries.Media and CommunicationsThe two sides underlined their readiness to further develop cooperation in public diplomacy, media, communications and broadcasting between the two countries on the basis of mutual benefit. Furthermore, they emphasised their desire to exchange information and experience; as well as sharing of best practices. They also called for convening meetings, seminars, workshops, trainings and conferences so as to promote the exchange of visits between officials and experts in the aforementioned areas.Public HealthThe two sides affirmed their readiness to strengthen co-operation in the health sector by activating the executive program and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries through the establishment of a joint working group or committee. They also expressed their satisfaction with the co-operation and solidarity in the field of health and in supporting the Palestinian people in the context of the Gaza crisis.Youth and SportsThe two sides expressed their readiness to co-operate in the fields of youth and sports. The Implementation Programme between the governments of Turkiye and Qatar in the fields of youth and sports for the years (2025-2026), constitutes a concrete legal framework for strengthening cooperation in this field.Labour and EmploymentBoth sides expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and coordination in the areas of work and employment, affirming their mutual keenness to strengthen and develop this co-operation in a manner that serves the shared interests of both parties.DefenceThe two sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral co-operation in the area of defence, and expressed their strong will and determination to explore new opportunities in this field. The two countries agreed on developing future co-operation activities through implementing military programmes and initiatives, including joint exercises, training programmes, co-operation in the fields of armament and logistics support, and the follow-up of the progress and implementation of bilateral agreements.Research and InnovationThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the field of science and technology development. Building upon existing frameworks of co-operation established during the 10th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee, the two sides aspire to continue working on developing key technologies together and upgrade their production capabilities with integrated production solutions.SecurityBoth sides expressed their will to increase their co-operation in the field of law enforcement training, security and required fields in accordance with the agreement of "Security Co-operation Protocol in Education and Training” signed on 2 December, 2015, and "Agreement of Security Cooperation” signed on 25 December, 2001. Furthermore, the two countries will jointly organise meetings for the purpose of exchanging knowledge, supporting training programmes and projects.Development, Humanitarian and ReliefThe Turkish side, as the host of the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC4) in 2011, commended all efforts made by Qatar in hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which was held in Doha from March 5-9, 2023, and its financial contribution amounting to $60mn, of which $10mn is allocated to support the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action and $50mn to help build resilience in LDC countries. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to discuss and build effective plans and partnerships that would help the least developed countries overcome the challenges they face, meet their needs and priorities, support its efforts in realizing the right to development, and achieving sustainable development goals over the next decade.Qatar and Turkiye, as co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of the LDCs at the UN, renewed their continuous support to the sustainable development efforts of the LDCs.Environment and Climate ChangeThe two sides recognised the critical importance of addressing environmental challenges and combating climate change, prioritising these issues in their national policies. Both sides expressed their will to enhance their co-operation to preserve the environment and to combat climate change especially on a bilateral basis as well as on international platforms, without affecting the rights and obligations from conventions any side is a party of.Regional and International IssuesThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the high-level dialogue, co-operation and co-ordination on regional and international issues.The two sides expressed mutual appreciation for each country's active mediation efforts in promoting peace and fostering reconciliation in some of the world's persistent and complex conflicts, as well as their effective leadership in other initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives.Qatar and Turkiye looked forward to the international community playing its role in creating the best possible conditions for the return of displaced persons to their lands and in preparing to launch the reconstruction process of Gaza, particularly in light of Egypt's intention to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.The two sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting the independence of the State of Palestine along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in a manner that ensures a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution.Both sides renewed their strong condemnation of Israel's violation of the sovereignty of Qatar through its treacherous attack that targeted a meeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation at the residence of one of its members, located in a residential neighborhood that includes schools and diplomatic missions.Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Qatar and Turkiye stressed the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and called for dialogue as the means to resolve the crisis.Qatar and Turkiye agreed to hold the 12th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee in Turkiye, in 2026, on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.President Erdogan expressed his profound appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the sincere welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Qatar.

The Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation and the Palestine Wrestling Federation signed a cooperation agreement Wednesday at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters in Doha. This agreement aims to build a stronger sports partnership between the two federations through joint training camps, organizing championships, creating development programs, and exchanging technical, coaching, and refereeing expertise.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Fahad bin Khalid al-Thani, President of the Qatar Boxing and Wrestling Federation, and Riyad Hassan, Secretary-General of the Palestine Wrestling Federation and member of the ‘Sport for All’ Commission at United World Wrestling.The signing ceremony was attended by Abdullah Hamad al-Mosaifri, Assistant Secretary-General of the Qatari Federation, Ghanem Saleh al-Kuwari, Board Member, and Massimiliano Montanari, CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security.This agreement represents an important step in supporting the development of wrestlers from both Qatar and Palestine. It will help improve their technical and physical skills through training camps and prepare them to compete at regional, Arab, continental, and international championships.Sheikh Fahad praised the achievements of Palestinian wrestlers at both the Arab and international levels. He said that this agreement will open new opportunities for athletes from both countries, helping them develop their talents, enhance their competitiveness, and achieve greater success in the sport of wrestling.Hassan expressed his deep appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continuous support of Palestinian sports. He said that this agreement marks a new stage in the growth of wrestling in both countries and will help build a new generation of champions capable of reaching the top of international podiums.The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Sheikh Fahad and Hassan, reflecting the strong relationship and shared commitment between the two federations to promote wrestling excellence.

As part of efforts to advance the implementation of the Government Resource Planning and Management System Project, members of the project’s steering committee took part in the Oracle Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 in Las Vegas in USA.The conference is one of the world’s leading platforms showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, and AI governance.The delegation’s participation aimed to explore the latest international applications and experiences in human and financial resource management systems, artificial intelligence solutions, cloud technologies, and big data analytics, supporting Qatar’s drive to enhance digital transformation and unify national systems across government entities.The visit came within the framework of Qatar’s agreement with global technology giant Oracle, marking a key step in developing the country’s digital infrastructure and leveraging Oracle’s expertise to build integrated smart systems powered by AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics. The partnership seeks to strengthen institutional integration and improve the efficiency of government resource management.Mashaal Ali al-Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Government Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Chair of the Committee, said: “This visit reflects our commitment to building an integrated digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships with global technology leaders. It supports our efforts to enhance the efficiency of government resource management and improve the quality of public services.”Al-Hammadi added that the collaboration with Oracle represents a pivotal step toward adopting AI and cloud technologies in managing human and financial resources, and in developing intelligent systems that support decision-making and institutional performance, in line with the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030 and the country’s vision for a fully data and knowledge-driven government.On the sidelines of the conference, committee members held several bilateral meetings with Oracle executives and representatives of other global technology firms to review leading international experiences in AI and cloud computing applications. The discussions focused on opportunities for development, knowledge exchange, and aligning best practices with the needs of Qatar’s national project — contributing to faster implementation of digital transformation initiatives and improved efficiency in government operations.The Oracle Artificial Intelligence Conference 2025 provided a dynamic platform for these engagements, highlighting the latest global trends in AI and cloud technologies. It showcased how advanced data analytics can drive innovation and enhance institutional performance, with sessions focusing on intelligent cloud applications in human resources, finance, and supply chain management, as well as the future integration of AI and cloud computing as key drivers reshaping business and service models worldwide.The Steering Committee delegation for the Unified Government Resources Planning (UGRP) was established by a Cabinet decision and includes representatives from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau.

The Ministry of Municipality has continued its efforts to combat the spread of insects and pests at various places across the country, to maintain public health and hygiene.The various municipalities carried out several campaigns to fight insects during September 26- October 16, when 5,342 requests were handled. These included 1,148 in Doha municipality, 117 in Sheehaniya, 802 in Umm Salal, 100 in Al Shamal, 584 in Al Wakra, 185 in Al Khor and Al Thakhira, 1,362 in Al Rayyan, and 1,034 in Al Daayan Municipality.Through Oun App, 3,447 requests were received, 1,832 through the unified call centre, 63 through the ministry website, with a total requests of 5,342 within one week.The insecticide spraying campaigns are going on alongside the different awareness campaigns meant to instruct the public on how to curb the spread of insects and pests.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Radiation Control Department, announced the accreditation of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) as an international collaborative centre, the "Anchor Center," in radiation medicine.This achievement is the result of close and ongoing cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department, and HMC, as part of joint efforts to develop peaceful applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to further scientific and medical progress for the benefit of Qatari society and humanity as a whole.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MoECC Yousef al-Hamar emphasised that the accreditation of HMC as an international collaborative centre with the IAEA is a major achievement that adds to Qatar's distinguished record in the areas of international cooperation and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It also reflects the great confidence that the country's institutions enjoy among specialised international organisations.Al-Hamar pointed out that this fruitful cooperation highlights Qatar's commitment to empowering its national cadres and building human capacity in the fields of radiology and radiation control, through research, training, and professional development programmes, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 towards sustainable human and health development.He indicated that this achievement represents international recognition of the competence of Qatari national cadres and the advanced infrastructure the country possesses in the field of radiation and medical applications. It also reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and its contribution to enhancing the health sector's capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer according to the latest international standards.This accreditation is a significant national achievement that enhances Qatar's position in the fields of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, as part of the "Rays of Hope" initiative launched by the IAEA to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, particularly in developing countries. (QNA)###OPT TRIMThis achievement comes within the framework of the practical arrangements signed between the Ministry of Public Health and IAEA in November 2023, during the visit of the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the department of technical cooperation Hua Liu to Doha, which will contribute to strengthening the advanced healthcare system in the country.This event embodies Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat cancer and affirms its active role in providing specialised medical expertise and services at the regional and global levels.This also reflects the close cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department — as the national point of contact with the IAEA and relevant state institutions — in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and developing national capabilities in the fields of radiation medicine and peaceful nuclear technology, thus consolidating Qatar's position in supporting international initiatives aimed at employing nuclear technologies to serve humanity. (QNA)

The Ministry of Sports and Youth, in co-operation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), has launched “The Art of Debate and Argument Building” training programme for GCC youth. The programme will run until Oct 24 in Doha.Held in partnership with the Qatar Foundation’s QatarDebate Center, the programme, aims to develop the skills of GCC youth in the art of debate, enhance their critical thinking and logical analysis capabilities, and to encourage constructive dialogue and persuasion skills.The programme also seeks to empower participants with the foundations and skills of debate, develop public speaking and discussion management skills, and promote shared values ​​and cultural understanding among GCC youth.The QatarDebate Center provides training to youth participating in the programme through certified trainers.The programme features specialised training workshops and practical experiences through mini-debate simulations, in addition to cultural activities and field visits to prominent landmarks in Qatar, with the aim of enhancing communication and building professional networks among participating Gulf youth.It targets youth from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, aged 18 to 29, with a total of 36 young men and women participating, five participants from each country, in addition to 11 participants from the host country, Qatar.In this context, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Fawaz Abdullah al-Musaifari said in a remarks that the Ministry of Sports and Youth places great importance on supporting joint Gulf youth work, believing in the importance of strengthening cohesion and integration among youth from the GCC countries, and continuously striving to provide a supportive environment to empower Gulf youth and to enhance their capabilities.He explained that this programme represents a practical model of this approach, as it is keen to provide participants with the knowledge and skills that qualify them for leadership and effective contribution to their communities, thus enhancing the position of Gulf youth in the comprehensive development process.Regarding QatarDebate’s participation in the programme, Turki al-Suwaidi, programme specialist at QatarDebate, expressed pride in partnering with the Ministry of Sports and Youth to implement this programme, which aims to empower Gulf youth with the tools of constructive dialogue and the art of persuasion. He noted that QatarDebate believes in the importance of equipping youth with skills that enhance critical thinking and effective communication, and is committed, through this collaboration, to transferring debate training expertise and experience to a new generation of ambitious youth in the GCC countries. Programme Director, Nasser Mohammed al-Jabri emphasised the team’s full readiness to ensure the success of this programme, as all necessary preparations have been made to ensure a rich and distinguished training experience for all participants.Organising this programme reflects the Ministry of Sports and Youth’s commitment to promoting a culture of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding among the youth of the region, and to offering quality programmes that align with global best practices in building the capacity of youth and empowering them to become future leaders in their communities.

The second cycle of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's (MCIT) Scale Now – a growth programme designed to equip Qatar’s digital entrepreneurs achieve success on local, regional, and global levels and featuring as many as 13 high-potential firms from Qatar and beyond – is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2025.The Cycle 2 – currently in the capacity building phase, with pilot and expansion plans in progress – has entities driving innovation across AI (artificial intelligence), Healthtech, EdTech, Gaming, Cybersecurity, ERP (enterprise resource planning), Retail, and Sustainability; said MCIT in a presentation made recently.The Cycle 2 has two AI companies Bilby, which provides AI-driven data analytics that evaluate public statements to predict future behaviour; and Khadoom, an on-demand AI-powered personal assistant platform that helps users outsource daily errands through messaging apps.It saw SEK Games, a Turkish game development studio specialising in free-to-play mobile games in the idle, arcade, and simulation genres; Adeer, offering a business management app that simplifies sales, inventory, finance, and tax operations for small and micro businesses; and ENABLE, providing an AI-driven retail platform that boosts revenue through customer loyalty and operational optimisation.On Cybersecurity, Cytomate delivers automated threat assessment and cyber defence solutions that reduce human error and enhance protection.The Cycle 2 has two Edtech firms as Ynmo, which offers a bilingual AI-powered platform that helps educators create personalised learning plans for children with disabilities; and Kamkalima, which develops Arabic literacy through interactive learning tools, AI features, and a comprehensive digital content library.The Cycle 2 has four Healthtech firms as Rhazes, providing a generative AI clinical assistant that supports doctors with real-time patient care guidance; and Dieture, offering a personalised meal subscription service that delivers customised, health-focused meals.It also had PhysioHome, connecting patients with licensed rehabilitation professionals for home-based therapy and care; and Shezlong, operating a secure mental health and psychotherapy platform for Arabic-speaking users in the Middle East and North Africa.On environment and sustainability, the Cycle 2 has Nafas, which offers AI-driven air quality management through hardware-as-a-service, helping buildings maintain healthy indoor environments efficiently.The Cycle 2 companies are currently participating in an intensive capability-building phase, combining specialised mentorship with targeted business acceleration.This phase focuses on four core areas such as Strategy, which encompasses growth mapping, market positioning, and competitive differentiation; Product (product-market fit, feature refinement, and scalability engineering); Operations (key performance indicators alignment, process efficiency, and resource optimisation), and Finance (forecasting, capital structure, and investor readiness).The programme’s capability modules turn ambition into execution, equipping founders not just to grow, but to lead sustainably."Following the capability-building stage, Cycle 2 will progress into pilot development and regional expansion planning, partnering with local enterprises and government entities to co-develop solutions, validate business models, and prepare companies for global scale," MCIT said.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.

The 2025 Arab Scientific Journals Impact and Citation Report (ARCIF), issued as its tenth annual report, confirmed Qatar’s advancement in the field of engineering and technology within the Arab world, based on a comprehensive monitoring of scientific production across the region.Dr Sami al-Khazendar, Head of the ARCIF initiative, one of the programmes under the Ma’arefa Database headquartered in Amman, Jordan, explained that the new report crowns a decade of meticulous tracking of Arab scientific publications, noting that the ten-year results reflect steady growth in the volume and significance of research despite the challenges facing the region.The ARCIF teams examined approximately 5,500 scientific journals issued by 1,500 scientific institutions in 20 Arab countries, excluding Djibouti and the Comoros, in addition to eight foreign countries publishing Arabic-language journals. Of these, 1,272 journals met 32 internationally recognised standards approved by ARCIF, al-Khazendar noted.According to the report, data from 364,000 Arab authors were analysed, covering more than 956,000 scientific papers, with the work of 111,000 authors being cited.Comparisons with the 2016 report showed an increase of 367% in the number of journals, 870% in the number of articles, and 6,800% in the number of cited Arab authors.Dr al-Khazendar emphasised that ARCIF has moved Arab scientific production from invisible space to global recognition, stressing that the ARCIF impact factor has become a trusted reference for measuring the influence of Arab journals according to international indicators.He also highlighted the growing Arab awareness of the importance of publishing in Arabic to build knowledge and foster innovation.In the overall ranking, Algeria led the Arab countries with the highest number of accredited journals (426), followed by Egypt (364), Iraq (122), Saudi Arabia (75), and Jordan (45).In terms of the general impact factor, Egypt ranked first, followed by Saudi Arabia.At the specialised level, Qatar led in engineering and technology, while Egypt topped the fields of economics, social sciences, education, law, and media. Saudi Arabia led in Arabic language and literature, while Palestine achieved first place in the Immediacy Index through the Palestinian Journal of Open Education and e-Learning.In the index of cited authors, Algeria ranked first with 26,834 authors, followed by Egypt with 21,988, Iraq with 21,367, Saudi Arabia with 10,712, and Jordan with 6,098, with a notable increase in the number of cited Arab researchers across the region.The digital edition of the 2025 report will be available on the ARCIF website (http://emarefa.net/arcif) before the end of 2025, providing researchers and policymakers with the latest data on the Arab scientific publishing landscape.The ARCIF impact factor operates under the supervision of a Coordinating Council that includes representatives from the Unesco Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States in Beirut, ESCWA, and the Ma’arefa Database, alongside a scientific committee composed of Arab and international experts and academics from several Arab countries and the United Kingdom.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has launched 20 new electronic services on its official website as part of the 2024–30 digital transformation strategy. The initiative aims to achieve excellence in governmental service provision and enhance user experience through full digital transformation in line with National Vision 2030. Affirming that the launch of these e-Services marks a significant step towards comprehensive digital transformation, MOCI said this development contributes to faster transactions, streamlined procedures, and enhanced service quality, ultimately strengthening Qatar’s business environment and competitiveness regionally and internationally. The ministry said users can access the new e-Services via its website through the e-Services section, using the National Authentication System (NAS) to ensure data security and confidentiality. The initiative seeks to simplify procedures, accelerate transaction processing, and improve efficiency, thereby enhancing services for consumers and investors and strengthening institutional excellence in government service provision. The newly launched services cover a wide range of MOCI's activities, including specialised licensing, market monitoring for goods and services, and price assessment for commercial establishments. They also include services related to competition and consumer protection, and combating commercial fraud, such as product recalls, handling and tracking complaints, and enabling users to submit complaints electronically and monitor inspection activities. Additionally, the new services integrate directly with the General Authority of Customs to facilitate product registration after customs clearance. Users can also view company information, track applications, and monitor their status through this service. These e-Services serve all user categories interacting with the ministry, including companies with recalled products, citizens and residents reporting consumer law violations, and business owners registering goods and services.

A two-day conference on role of chemistry and chemical engineering in building a more sustainable future kicked off in Doha Sunday. Organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in collaboration with the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Qatar University (QU), the Innovations in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Future Conference brings together about 160 experts and specialists in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the oil, gas, and water sectors. The conference, the fourth of its kind, , showcasing innovative technologies, and highlighting the pioneering role of chemistry and chemical engineering in building a more sustainable future. It also promotes collaboration across disciplines and contributes to supporting research in Qatar within priority areas of the National Development Plan. In his speech at the conference, HE former Minister of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Doha University Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, emphasised that sustainability is no longer an option, but rather a necessity imposed by global environmental challenges, underscoring the importance of innovation and scientific research in the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering to achieve balanced and sustainable development. HE Dr Al Sada noted that Qatar, known for its abundant natural gas resources and rapid economic development, is moving toward expanding its development horizons to include the rational management of natural resources and environmental protection, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, of which environmental development is a fundamental pillar. He explained that chemistry and chemical engineering represent a key focus in supporting sustainability through the development of innovative solutions in the fields of energy, water, industry, and materials science. He emphasised the country's commitment to promoting the use of clean technologies and improving production efficiency in line with its environmental responsibilities. Speaking on scientific research efforts at higher education institutions, such as Texas A&M University at Qatar, and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), he pointed out that they contribute to the development of solar energy systems, carbon capture technologies, and eco-friendly water desalination, supporting the country's transition to a low-emission and more sustainable future. He also highlighted the importance of waste management in line with the principles of green chemistry, through recycling, the optimal use of resources, and pollution reduction, stressing that such efforts support the shift toward a circular economy that protects the environment and creates added value. In his opening remarks, the Conference Chair, Associate Dean for External Affairs and Head of the Division of Science at HBKU, Dr Hassan Said Bazzi, said that the conference provides a platform for students and researchers to showcase their expertise and ongoing projects in Qatar. This includes the real-world application of scientific innovation and the promotion of collaboration between academia and industry in support of national strategic goals and Qatar National Vision 2030. For his part, Vice-President for Research at HBKU Eyad Ahmad Masad, emphasised that the materials and processes currently under development form the foundation for future solutions. These innovations contribute to lowering emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the quality of life. He reiterated the university’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that support the sustainability of Qatar’s environment and resources. In turn, Chair of the Committee on International Activities (IAC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Dr Michael McGinnis, remarked that the conference serves as an exceptional platform for interaction between academics and practitioners.

Qatar Museums (QM), under the patronage of HE the Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, and in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and a number of regional and international partners, is preparing to organise the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, on October 28-30 in Doha, under the theme *Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Future.The QM announced on its Facebook account that the conference is being held as part of efforts to enhance Arab co-operation in the field of protecting and preserving cultural heritage and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing this vital sector.The QM said that the conference is aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental, technological, and social sustainability of cultural heritage in light of global change, while working to develop future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices.It also seeks to enhance the status of heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, and a key driver of sustainable development.The conference focuses on key objectives, most notably: addressing environmental and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to the development of long-term visions and strategies that ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage; supporting Arab co-operation in the field of heritage preservation and the exchange of expertise between cultural institutions; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a marker of identity and history, and a source of inspiration and creativity for current and future generations.The conference will address a wide range of vital issues, including concepts, mechanisms, and approaches to sustainability in cultural heritage; the natural, environmental, technological, and human challenges facing heritage sustainability; sustainability strategies and the development of effective approaches to heritage preservation; digital transformation and its role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations; the role of cultural tourism in enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites; and the experiences of Arab countries in protecting and sustaining cultural heritage.The concept of contemporary heritage as a bridge linking the past to the future will also be discussed.The conference will include a high-level opening session featuring representatives of the organisation's Arab member states, keynote addresses by ministers and prominent figures from the Arab world and international organisations, and papers from the organising committee and the Young Researchers Forum.On the sidelines of the conference, the QM will organise the Youth Forum on October 26-30 as a key initiative paving the way for the launch of the conference activities.The forum targets young people and university students specialising in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, providing an interactive platform for young researchers to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.This embodies the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025”.The forum will conclude with the launch of the visions and aspirations of the new generation of Arab researchers toward a more sustainable future for cultural heritage.The declaration will represent an open call to unify efforts among cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, affirming the role of youth in leading future cultural work with a spirit of innovation and responsibility.

As part of joint national efforts to attract Qatari talent to the government sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in co-operation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), concluded the first round of the 'Rapid Recruitment Campaign'.This campaign targeted candidates through the 'Kawader' platform and lasted two days. It witnessed a strong turnout from national candidates. During the campaign, a number of in-person interviews were conducted with Qatari candidates over two days, resulting in the selection of several candidates to join various departments across the ministry. The campaign also provided candidates with the opportunity to learn more about MCIT’s work environment and gain insights into the major national digital projects it oversees.The initiative aimed to facilitate the integration of qualified national professionals into MCIT by enabling direct interviews, assessing their skills and capabilities, and expediting their recruitment into a digital work environment. It further sought to expand their participation in major national projects and contribute to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation.The campaign is fully aligned with the objectives of Digital Agenda 2030, which aspires to create over 26,000 new job opportunities in the ICT sector by 2030, in addition to enhancing the skills of professionals working in the ICT field. These efforts will further strengthen the readiness of Qatar’s national workforce to support the country’s digital transformation and solidify its position as a leading nation in digital innovation and progress.