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The Office of the Public Prosecutor in Rome announced that it has opened an investigation into complaints filed by Italian activists and parliamentarians who were aboard vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which were intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of the Gaza Strip.The Italian news agency (AKI) reported that the prosecutor's office intends to interview participants in the initiative as persons familiar with the events, after reviewing the documents submitted and assessing its jurisdiction over the case.According to media reports, Israeli forces seized vessels belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla last Wednesday while they were sailing in international waters on a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza. Hundreds of international activists were detained aboard the ships before the start of their deportation.The Global Sumud Flotilla — comprising human rights activists, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives from several countries — had sought to deliver humanitarian aid and draw attention to the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip.The investigation, AKI noted, comes amid growing international concern over the treatment of the detained activists and the legality of Israel's interception of the flotilla in international waters.

More than 100 experts and specialists from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), along with national ministries and agencies, took part in a five-day workshop recently organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) office in Qatar, in collaboration with the MoPH. The workshop focused on the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).The National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) provides a comprehensive framework to ensure Qatar’s preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to health threats, ranging from outbreaks of infectious diseases to chemical, biological and radiological hazards. The workshop brought together representatives from government bodies, healthcare providers, academia, civil society and partner organisations with the aim of strengthening Qatar’s capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.Participants actively engaged in discussions and technical activities with experts from the WHO Health Emergencies Programme at both the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and WHO headquarters. The sessions focused on assessing current capacities, identifying key priority gaps and developing a comprehensive national plan for health security.Director of the Health Emergency Department at MoPH, Dr Soha Albayat, stated: “The workshop reflects Qatar’s commitment to the International Health Regulations and to ensuring the highest standards of health security and well being. It represents a key step in the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security.”For her part, WHO Representative in Qatar, Dr Rayana Bou Haka, also emphasised the importance of the workshop, saying: “Health security is one of the top priorities of the WHO partnership with Qatar. This workshop marks an important milestone in our joint efforts to develop and enhance Qatar’s advanced preparedness and response capacities.”Through this workshop, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national health security while contributing to regional and international efforts to protect communities from emerging threats.The workshop concluded with an agreed set of actions to strengthen inter-sectoral co-ordination, build technical and operational capacities, and ensure the sustainability of long-term efforts to enhance health security across all sectors.The outcomes of the workshop will guide the next phase of implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), in alignment with Qatar’s National Health Strategy (NHS) and the WHO’s priorities for emergency preparedness and response.

The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced the award of 13 new contracts worth 12 billion Qatari riyals, which aim to enhance the infrastructure of road and drainage networks and public buildings and improve the quality of life in Qatar.On his part, His Excellency Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer, President of the Public Works Authority, said: “Ashghal's award of new contracts worth QR 12 billion represents a strategic step that enhances the sustainability and integration of infrastructure, consolidates Qatar's leadership in this field, and supports the national economy within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Eng. Khalid Saif Al Khayareen, Projects Affairs Director at Ashghal, said that the authority continues to implement its strategic plan to develop infrastructure services and public buildings in the country in response to the requirements of population growth and urban expansion, and in line with the state's aspirations and future vision. He explained that the new projects that were awarded include 6 key projects, including the construction and development of road networks and several educational, health, and service buildings in coordination with the relevant authorities in the country.Eng. Ahmed Al Ahmad, Asset Affairs Director at Ashghal, said: "The operation and maintenance contracts awarded will contribute to improving the management of road and drainage networks and ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure assets, which will ultimately improve the quality of services provided to citizens and residents." He added that the projects will be implemented to the highest standards of quality and safety, using the latest technologies and equipment in operation and maintenance processes.Road Network Operation and Maintenance WorksThe contracts include the implementation of infrastructure projects to develop road networks across the country, in addition to contracts covering the operation and maintenance of strategic roads in both the North and South Qatar. This is in addition to contracts to develop and adopt intelligent transportation systems (ITS).Contracts were recently awarded to a group of the world's largest contractors, and work is expected to commence in October 2025. The operation and maintenance period extends to five years for all projects, except for the ITS project, which extends to three years.The projects aim to operate and maintain road assets using innovative technologies, including an AI-based digital management platform, self-driving vehicles for asset surveys, and laser technology to proactively detect and deal with road defects, as well as adopting smart systems to monitor road conditions.These works contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable infrastructure, improving efficiency, and extending the lifespan of road assets, using innovative materials and technologies to enhance road durability.Drainage Networks Operation and Maintenance WorksThe projects are expected to commence in Q1 of 2026. In the coming years, Ashghal seeks to increase its reliance on the latest technologies and innovations used in drainage operation and maintenance, including the use of robots and drones equipped with CCTV cameras to inspect assets, and the use of automation, digital twins, and analytics to predict faults. This is in addition to smart control systems and remote sensing technologies.The Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS) will be enhanced, and maintenance priorities will be identified based on risks and integrated with Building Information Modeling (BIM). These new approaches to asset management directly contribute to achieving environmental sustainability and adapting to climate change, which in turn affects drainage networks. Ashghal also pays great attention to developing Qatari employees and transferring knowledge through organizing specialized training courses.These works contribute to improving the efficiency of drainage networks in Qatar, enhancing their capacity, and ensuring their continued operation with high efficiency, meeting the needs of citizens and residents, and contributing to achieving sustainability and quality of life standards.Construction and Development of Four Building ProjectsFour new building projects have been awarded, including the construction of three new schools, the improvement of safety systems in 40 existing schools, the refurbishment of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation, and the renovation of Al Zubara Horse Breeding Farm.* Construction of 3 New SchoolsAshghal continues to support the education sector by constructing three new schools for boys in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, as part of its efforts to provide a modern and advanced educational environment.Implementation is scheduled to begin in Q4 of 2025, and the projects include: The projects include a preparatory school for boys in Mebaireek, a preparatory/secondary school for boys in Mesaimeer, and a model school for boys in Fereej Al Soudan. The projects will focus on the use of high-quality, easy-to-maintain finishing materials to ensure an attractive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.* Improving Safety and Fire Systems in 40 Existing SchoolsAshghal has begun implementing a comprehensive project to modernize and modify 40 existing school buildings in various regions of the country, with the aim of keeping pace with the latest Qatar Civil Defense standards for educational buildings. The project aims to raise the level of safety and operational flexibility in schools by installing modern fire safety and life protection systems, ensuring a safer learning environment for students and educational bodies.* Refurbishment of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical CorporationAs part of supporting the healthcare sector and developing mental health services in the country, Ashghal is preparing to launch a project to complete the development of the Psychiatric Hospital of Hamad Medical Corporation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Health. Implementation works are scheduled to commence in Q4 of 2025.The project includes renovating the existing buildings, constructing a new patient building, as well as developing the external infrastructure, including improving the internal road network and providing new parking lots.* Renovation of Al Zubara Horse Breeding FarmAs part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Ashghal will implement the Design and Build project to Repair and Renovate the Horse Breeding Farm in Al Zubarah, one of the largest specialized farms in the world, supporting Qatar's position as a leading global destination for horse racing and equestrian events. The farm is located on Al Shamal Road, approximately 60 km to the North of Doha, and extends over an area of ​​approximately 150 hectares. The project, scheduled to begin in October 2025, includes comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization works for all buildings and facilities.Highway Network Support ProjectAs part of its plans to complete the highway network, and its ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance connectivity between the various areas in Qatar, Ashghal awarded a project to construct link roads from Al Mazrooah to Al Attoriya and Bu-Thaila areas (zone 71 & 72), with a total length of 22 km.The project aims to connect the surrounding residential areas directly to the highway network, by enhancing the connection between Bu-Thaila and Al Attoriya areas with Al Shamal Road, Al Khor Road, and Dukhan Road via Al Majd Road. This will contribute to supporting economic and agricultural activities in the surrounding areas and provide vital services to the farms, in addition to preparing the area for future urban development in line with the state's vision and the national development plan.Al Karaana Road Development ProjectThe project aims to provide an advanced road network in the Al Karaana area and implement an integrated infrastructure within the project scope. Works include the construction of a 6.5 km road network to provide a direct connection to Salwa Road and facilitate access to the establishments and facilities in the area. A 4.7 km internal road network will also be constructed to regulate traffic in the camel racetrack. Traffic safety features, street lighting, parking lots, and landscaping will also be provided. The project also includes treated wastewater and irrigation networks totaling 17.5 km.

The State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York under the theme: "Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being."The delegation of the State of Qatar was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.In his address, HE Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of joint international efforts to confront the growing challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third.He noted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritises the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, with a clear target of reducing NCD-related mortality by 36%.Drawing on the findings of the 2023 National STEPS Survey, HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, alongside innovative initiatives such as awareness programs linking oral health to the prevention of chronic diseases. He also underlined Qatar's continued investment in training healthcare professionals in collaboration with leading universities and institutions and the introduction of new care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health."Innovation lies at the heart of our vision," he said. "We employ AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine, through projects in personalised healthcare carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine."He further stressed Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Qatar, HE Al Mahmoud added, has also expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centres, and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.He affirmed: "The progress achieved by the State of Qatar reflects its firm conviction that health is a fundamental pillar of human and social development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue these efforts and to work hand in hand with our international partners for a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for all."The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening global and national commitments to address the challenges of NCDs and mental health through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation, health system transformation, sustainable financing, tackling social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants of risk and inequality, and accelerating a comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality response worldwide.

Qatar participated in the high-level ministerial meeting launching the Global Autism Alliance, held at the UN headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansour bin Ibrahim al-Mahmoud and HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi.The meeting announced the establishment of the alliance as an international platform aimed at fostering understanding, coordinating efforts, and expanding global initiatives to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.In his opening remarks, HE the Minister of Public Health emphasised the importance of launching the Global Autism Alliance to strengthen joint efforts for sustainable improvement and to provide necessary support to individuals with autism and their families worldwide. He underlined that Qatar attaches great importance to health as a means to achieve a more just, secure, and humane world, and that autism remains a key priority in both public health and social development.He noted that in 2017 Qatar launched its first National Autism Plan, a comprehensive strategy covering awareness, early diagnosis, medical intervention, inclusive education, and lifelong support. He added that the plan is reinforced by large-scale awareness campaigns and strong partnerships with families and communities.He also said that Qatar’s integrated, rights-based approach demonstrates a firm commitment to ensuring that every individual with autism can reach their potential and actively contribute to society.For her part, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family reaffirmed Qatar’s ongoing commitment to promoting social inclusion and achieving health, education, and social equity for individuals with autism. She stressed that this commitment stems from Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s comprehensive, rights-based approach to supporting the most vulnerable. She also praised international partnerships that strengthen this initiative.She highlighted that the initiative reflects the vision of Chairperson of Qatar Foundation Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who played a pivotal role in advancing dignity and inclusivity for people with autism and in helping the UN General Assembly adopt Resolution 62/139 in December 2007, which designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.Al-Nuaimi further explained that the Global Autism Alliance is an important step toward advancing international co-operation and knowledge-sharing through research and innovation, with the aim of increasing the impact of global efforts. She stressed the importance of making innovation central to the initiative, particularly in reimagining social systems, supporting families, and fostering community participation to ensure equal opportunities for all.She noted that the alliance represents a qualitative leap in co-ordinated international efforts to raise awareness about autism and improve services provided to individuals with autism, through collaboration among governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.The event was organised in partnership with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, the World Health Organisation, Unicef, and Autism Speaks.As part of its commitment to supporting children with autism, Qatar continues its efforts under the Qatar Foundation Strategy 2025-2035, which provides comprehensive support in education, health, and innovation, while strengthening social inclusion. These efforts include early intervention programs offering therapeutic and rehabilitation sessions for children aged 3 to 14, as well as autism-friendly hospitals such as Sidra Medicine, which provides suitable medical environments for children during treatment. Qatar also continues to raise awareness through World Autism Day activities and focuses on inclusive education by integrating specialised programmes for children with autism into both public and private schools.

Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, President of the Public Works Authority, received a delegation from the Saudi Exports Development Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, headed by Eng. Saud Al Qablan, Vice President of Export Services. This is within the framework of enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences between the two sides and supporting opportunities for future partnerships between the two countries.The delegation included a number of officials from the Exports Development Authority, in addition to representatives of leading Saudi companies, including: Tatweer Education Holding, Al Rawaf Contracting, Rawaf and Huashi, Saudi Meters Company (SMC) and Holystar. The delegation showcased the most prominent fields of work of the companies and their specialised services in the contracting, infrastructure sectors and related services.During the meeting, Ashghal’s officials reviewed the Authority's most prominent directions and future plans, in addition to the projects scheduled to be presented during the coming period, stressing the Authority's keenness to enhance cooperation with various regional and international bodies in a way that supports the comprehensive development process in Qatar.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in partnership with Generation Amazing (GA) Foundation, has completed two teacher training workshops under Cycle 2 of the Healthy Cities: Sports for Health and Development Programme. The initiative supports Qatar’s broader Healthy Cities vision and aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting health, wellbeing, and inclusion through sport, a statement from GA said.Bringing together more than 40 teachers from 15 schools across Qatar, the workshops were designed to equip educators with the tools to deliver a sports-based health curriculum to students aged 8–12. To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, training was delivered in both English and Arabic.On August 27, Awsaj Academy in Education City hosted English-language sessions for teachers from 11 international schools, including Qatar Academy Doha, Qatar Academy Sidra, Qatar Academy Wakra, Qatar Academy Msheireb, Awsaj, Renad, Tariq Bin Ziad and Academyati, Sherborne Qatar School, Newton International School, Compass International School Doha, the Palestinian School and Podar Pearl School.On September 1, Fifth Assalam School under the umbrella of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation’s Together Project welcomed Arabic-speaking teachers from the Assalam Group of Schools for a full-day workshop. The sessions combined theoretical learning, hands-on activities, and interactive workshops to ensure teachers were fully prepared to deliver six engaging lessons in the new academic year. Jassim al-Ali, events director at GA, said: “Sport is a powerful tool for development; it brings communities together, builds life skills, and promotes health in a way that is both engaging and transformative. Through this initiative, we are using sport to foster inclusion, leadership, and positive change in schools and communities across Qatar.” These workshops are part of the ongoing rollout of the Sports for Health and Development Programme, established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between MoPH and GA in October 2024. Cycle 2 represents a major step forward in expanding the initiative and reinforcing the critical role schools play in promoting healthier, more active lifestyles among children in Qatar.Representatives from both MoPH and GA attended the sessions, with closing remarks underscoring the pivotal role of teachers as changemakers and champions of wellbeing in their schools and communities.

HE Attorney-General Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi inaugurated Sunday the sixth qualifying course for the assistants of the Public Prosecution for the 2025/2026 academic year, marking the beginning of a new phase of training and qualifications. The course, which will last for a full year, is organised and supervised by the Criminal Studies Institute at the Public Prosecution.In his opening remarks, HE Al Nuaimi emphasised the importance of the foundational course in preparing fully qualified legal personnel capable of contributing to the work of the Public Prosecution. He noted that passing this course is a basic and mandatory requirement for completing a legal career, which includes ongoing tests and assessments to ensure the achievement the desired level of competency.HE Al Nuaimi praised the efforts made by the Criminal Studies Institute in preparing qualified legal personnel, especially with the implementation of the provisions of Public Prosecution Law No. 9 of 2023, which enhances the role of the Public Prosecution in achieving justice.At the end of the ceremony, HE the Attorney General handed over certificates to the graduates of the fifth qualifying course for 2024/2025, comprising 13 assistant prosecutors.The previous course lasted a full year and included 31 specialised training courses totaling 428 hours, covering the fields, procedures, and applications of the Public Prosecution's work.

Rajagiri Public School (RPS), Doha, hosted the 5th edition of its annual educational conference, Metanoia 2025 – Learning Beyond the Horizon. The two-day event saw educators and thought leaders engage in an exchange of ideas rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the emerging demands of 21st-century education.RPS director and noted consultant psychiatrist Dr Aju Abraham inaugurated the event and stressed on fostering psychological well-being in both children and adults within the educational ecosystem. Ten presentations by RPS faculty showcased innovative teaching strategies and progressive educational paradigms.Gayathri Palla, Microsoft Cloud Architect, Qatar, spoke on Cyber Safety and Security in Educational Spaces. The chief guest at the valedictory function was Bimalendu B Nath, director of MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Qatar Campus. RPS administrative director Jinsu Aju felicitated him.Principal Joshy Abraham congratulated the presenters and thanked the organising team which had vice principal Radhakrishnan as chief co-ordinator.

The Cleaning and Beaches Section of Al Daayen Municipality's Services Affairs Department carried out 67 field campaigns during August to combat rodents, mosquitoes, and other flying insects, in addition to treating stagnant water accumulations in certain areas, as part of the plans to enhance public cleanliness and maintain a healthy environment.

Driven by the public sector, loans disbursed by the local banks in Qatar increased by 1.1% MoM to QR1,406.9bn in July, according to QNB Financial Services (QNBFS).Total public sector loans expanded by 4.5% MoM (+9.5% on FY2024) in July.The government segment (represents 35% of public sector loans) was the main driver for the public sector gains with an expansion of 7.2% MoM (+32.7% on FY2024), while the government institutions segment (represents 61% of total public sector loans) increased by 3.3% MoM (+0.4% on FY2024).Further, the semi-government institutions segment contributed immaterially, moving up by 1.1% MoM (-0.9% compared to FY2024) during July.Total private sector loans were flat MoM (+2.6% vs. FY2024) during July with negligible contribution across all segments.Outside Qatar loans were flat MoM (and compared to year-end 2024) in July, QNBFS said in its ‘Qatar Monthly Key Banking Indicators’.Loan provisions to gross loans moved up to 4.2% MoM in July, compared to 3.9% (as of year-end 2024).Loan provisions have increased 11.8% compared to year-end 2024 as banks have been provisioning for Stage 2 and Stage 3 loans mainly emanating from contracting and real estate sectors.On a positive note, Stage 3 loans have remained stable.Loans grew by an average 5.4% over the past five years (2020-2024), QNBFS noted.Banking sector total assets remained flat MoM (+3.4% vs. year-end 2024) in July 2025 at QR2.117tn.With loans growth outpacing deposits during July 2025, the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) came in at 134% compared to 132% in June.Public sector deposits climbed up by 0.6% MoM (+3.4% compared to FY2024) in July.Looking at segment details, the government segment (represents 34% of public sector deposits) moved up by 1.6% MoM (+4% compared to FY2024).On the other hand, the government institutions’ (represents 54% of public sector deposits) was flat MoM (+4.1% vs. FY2024), while the semi-government institutions’ segment (represents 12% of public sector deposits) increased by 1.9% MoM (-1.6% vs. FY2024) during July 2025.Non-resident deposits contracted by 3.2% MoM (-2.2% vs. FY2024) during July 2025. Non-resident deposits as a percentage of declined from 19.2% in June 2025 to 18.7% in July 2025 (FY2025: 19.5%).Private sector deposits remained flat MoM (+2.9% compared to FY2024) in July.On the private sector front, companies and institutions was flat MoM (Flat compared to FY2024). Moreover, the consumer segment also remained flat MoM (+5.2% compared to FY2024).The overall loan book increased by 1.1% MoM in July 2025, aided by public sector loans.Qatar banking sector liquid assets to total assets stood at 31% in July compared to 32% in June, which remains in a strong position, QNBFS said.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary road closure of two lanes on Salwa Road near Jabur Bin Ahmed Intersection for traffic heading towards Wadi Mushaireb Intersection from 2am on August 29 until 10am on August 30.The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffic is to complete road maintenance work.Ashghal has urged road users to adhere to the speed limit and use the available lanes or reroute to nearby streets to reach their destinations.Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and has requested all to abide by the speed limit to ensure safety.