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Doha Falcons claimed the runners-up place in the Global Champions League (GCL) of Rome as the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames delivered the only four flawless rounds to claim victory and draw level on points with championship leaders Valkenswaard United.With just two stages left in the 2025 season, both Cannes Stars and Valkenswaard on 277 points, but the latter retain lead given their more number of wins this year.At the Circus Maximus arena, it was the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames duo of Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella and Katrin Eckermann aboard Chao Lee & Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS who were simply untouchable across both rounds. The pair produced immaculate clear rounds, combining precision and power to secure a commanding win on 0 faults and an overall time of 151.17 seconds.Eckermann praised the team’s cohesion: “It’s always special to win with this team - we trust each other completely, and the horses were in fantastic form today. Rome is one of the most beautiful shows on the circuit, and this win means everything for our championship fight.”It was a high-intensity showdown from start to finish. Doha Falcons played a great strategy not making a horse or rider change between rounds and impressed with consistency from Sheikh Ali Al Khalid al-Thani and Com’on Stanley alongside Bassem Mohammed with Rocket Man, securing second place on a total of 4 faults after two gritty rounds.Sheikh Ali said, “I am really happy with my team and my horse who jumped amazing today. This results is really amazing and to help the team rise a bit in the rankings so we are so happy.”Teammate Bassem explained: “We always try to stick to our plan and jump clear rounds in these team competitions. I am really happy to have my old team member back in the game and I couldn’t be more happy to have this result today standing beside him.”The Paris Panthers completed the podium with a combined total of 6 faults, led by Guido Grimaldi aboard Gentleman and Clara Pezzoli with Fantasia de Beaufour & Hadewyn van't Ravennest to secure their first-ever podium of the season.

The first edition of the Arab Moot Court for Human Rights competition kicked off Tuesday at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI). The event is organised by the United Nations Center for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the DI. Students from various Arab universities are participating in this competition, which is the first of its kind in the region, and aims to enhance awareness of human rights issues and develop pleading and moot court skills.The opening session, attended by distinguished academic and human rights figures, was opened by Dr. Amal Ghazal, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, welcoming the participants and stressing that this competition reflects the School’s deep interest in promoting the principles and culture of human rights, not only as an academic subject, but also as an ethical and professional commitment. Dr. Ghazal pointed out that the event aligns with the school’s mission to strengthen students' practical abilities in legal analysis, formulating arguments, advocacy, and applying critical thinking towards issues of justice and equality, locally and globally.Dr. Abdelwahab El-Afendi, President of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, highlighted in his speech the importance of experimental legal education in preparing a generation of Arab youth capable of defending human rights at the national, regional and international levels.In her speech, Dr. Abeer Al-Kheraisha, Director of the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre, explained that this competition is a leading interactive educational platform, designed to enable students to gain integrated practical experience in the field of international human rights law. It provides them with a unique opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life cases that mimic contemporary legal and humanitarian challenges, by engaging in in-depth legal research and analysis, formulating legal arguments and pleadings, working in a team spirit, and enhancing communication and defense skills.Al-kheraisha pointed out that the competition contributes to consolidating awareness of the principlesDr. Moataz El-Fujairy, Head of the Human Rights Program at DI and Moderator of the opening session, emphasised that the competition represents a practical step in linking academic knowledge with professional practice. He explained that organising moot court competitions in the field of Human Rights is a well-established tradition in European Universities, and it strengthens students’ capabilities in comparative law, advocacy, and strategic litigation. Dr. El-Fujairy also said that there is an urgent need to institutionalise this tradition in the Arab region to help establish a regional human rights protection system that safeguards individuals’ rights and is based on independent judicial mechanisms. Dr. Ahmed Khalifa, Academic Advisor of the competition, explained that the idea of the moot court was conceived to enhance students’ research and legal analysis skills, and to provide them with hands-on experience in advocacy. He added that this competition is unique as it offers a realistic and interactive learning environment that uses competition to motivate learning through inquiring, analysing, developing an opinion and clearly expressing it orally as well as in writing. Dr. Khalifa clarified that the ultimate objective is to help create a new generation of lawyers capable of defending human rights through a conscious understanding of the protected interests and by applying coherent reasoning based on critical thinking that enables them to analyse legal issues and view them from multiple perspectives. Following the opening session, a panel discussion titled "The Future of the Human Rights System and Regional Guarantees in the Arab World" was held, with the participation of Mr. Sultan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Commission in Qatar, and Hindam Rajoub, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Training and Documentation Centre. The session was moderated by Bushra Elias, Coordinator of the Education and Awareness Unit at the Centre.This was followed by a second session on "The Future of the Human Rights System and the Changing Reality of International Politics", in which Fadl Abdel Ghani, President of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, participated alongside Dr. Moataz Al-Fujairi, and was moderated by Dr. Abdul Karim Amankai, Professor of Comparative Politics at the DI.After the sessions, the oral competition began with a special session that included an explanation of the rules and evaluation mechanisms, as well as distribution of the participating teams into advocacy rounds. The competition continued for two days, with the first and second rounds being held on Wednesday, followed by the announcement of the teams qualifying for the semi-finals. The final round and the closing ceremony will be held on Thursday, in which the winning team will be announced and certificates of participation will be distributed. The Doha Institute's hosting of this event reflects its academic efforts to consolidate a culture of human rights and promote human rights dialogue in the Arab region, as part of the activities of the master’s program in Human Rights. This initiative supports the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the field of education, through a realistic simulation of international and regional court procedures, offering students a unique practical experience that builds their confidence and ability to defend rights and freedoms.The organisers described the competition as a significant addition to academic and human rights activities in the region, and a clear message about the importance of investing in university youth as opinion leaders and agents of change in their communities.

The 8th annual Doha Women Forum (DWF) concluded Saturday, September 27th, at the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel and Villas, drawing a record crowd of hundreds of attendees and over 35 thought-leaders for a day of transformative dialogue on leadership, gender equality, and collective action.The forum, themed “Voices of Change: Redefining Tomorrow Through Collective Action and Shared Values,” delivered on its promise to inspire and mobilize. It was powered by Strategic Partner Snoonu, a leading Qatari tech company that exemplifies its commitment to inclusion: over 50% of its workforce is comprised of women, a powerful testament to female leadership and digital sector inclusion.Emotional Highlights and Strategic VisionSessions spanning corporate leadership, digital transformation, personal wellness, and global mobility delivered an electric mix of emotional personal stories and bold strategic conversations, leaving participants energized to translate inspiration into impactful, women-led change.DWF Founder, Conchita Ponce, opened the day with a heartfelt call for unity, purpose, and shared values, underscoring the forum's role as a catalyst for meaningful, sustained change in the region. Hamad Al Hajri, Founder of Snoonu, then spoke on the critical role of women in shaping Qatar’s digital and entrepreneurial future, reaffirming his company’s commitment to innovation and inclusion.Their remarks were followed by an electrifying keynote from renowned broadcaster Folly Bah Thibault, which set an immediate tone of powerful storytelling and collective vision.The forum’s true emotional peak was the powerful address by Dr. Esraa El Bably, a UN spokesperson and deaf dentist. Her moving story of resilience, breaking barriers, and empowerment earned a spontaneous, standing ovation, providing a living example of the “Voices of Change” theme in action.Collaboration and Future ImpactBeyond the main stage, attendees engaged in purposeful networking, interactive activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions. A vibrant marketplace featured exhibits by dozens of women-led initiatives and local lifestyle brands, showcasing the breadth of female entrepreneurship in Qatar.The 8th edition successfully reaffirmed the DWF's position as a premier, influential platform for women’s empowerment in the region. The event also received crucial support from Aamal Holding and Spirit Events as Gold Partners, whose contributions helped strengthen the Forum’s impact and reach.The momentum will continue with the planning of the 9th edition, promising an even greater focus on translating dialogue into measurable leadership and lasting, tangible impact.For more updates, visit dohawomenforum.com or follow @dohawomenforum on Instagram.

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, as part of the efforts to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions and the healthcare sector in Qatar. The agreement aims to establish a strategic framework for collaboration in scientific research, training, capacity building, and support for continuing education programs, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy 2024-2030. In a statement, DI said the MoU seeks to explore opportunities for cooperation between the two parties through specialized training courses, hosting DI students in practical training programs within PHCC, and developing joint research projects that contribute to producing impactful scientific publications addressing healthcare issues at the national and regional levels. It also provides for the possibility of recruiting outstanding DI graduates to work at PHCC and outlines plans for joint participation in relevant national and international conferences and forums, DI added. The MoU was signed by Executive Director of the PHCC's Workforce Training and Development, Laila Al Jasmi, and Dean of the School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy at DI, Dr. Ayhab Saad, in the presence of representatives from both institutions. Commenting on the signing, Dr. Ayhab Saad said: "The signing of this memorandum represents a strategic step towards building strong bridges of collaboration between higher education and the healthcare sector in Qatar. At the DI, we believe that investment in scientific research is an investment in the health and well-being of society. This partnership reflects our commitment to graduating cadres capable of making a real impact and enhancing the quality of healthcare and education in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 For her part, Al Jasmi emphasized that the agreement reflects PHCC's commitment to strengthening the capabilities of its medical and administrative staff through the latest training methods. This, she noted, will help reduce medical errors, improve patient experiences, and accelerate the delivery of services. She added that the five-year renewable MoU is built on five main pillars of cooperation, the first of which is professional training and development. This includes short- and long-term training programs in areas such as strategic leadership, performance indicators, human capital management, and specialized consultancy, Al Jasmi added. She indicated that the agreement also provides PHCC employees with the opportunity to enroll in postgraduate programs (master's and PhD) offered by the DI, thereby contributing to the raising of the level of academic qualifications of its workforce.

Doha Forum, Qatar's flagship platform promoting diplomacy, dialogue, and diversity, co-hosted a high-level panel discussion titled "Peace and Development: A Shared Path to Stability" at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations (UN) in New York Saturday, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. The event addressed the persistence of conflicts and wars around the world that continue to devastate communities, displace millions, and erode the foundations of development. They also discussed how fragile or uneven development often fuels instability and prolongs cycles of conflict. The message is clear: there is no peace without development, and no development without peace. The event convened global leaders and practitioners to explore the deep interdependence between peace, humanitarian response, and sustainable development. Discussions highlighted how mediation efforts, humanitarian interventions, and long-term investments in education, health, infrastructure, and climate resilience must work hand-in-hand to secure stability. Speakers examined how humanitarian action can be better linked to development planning in fragile states, the role of regional organizations in bridging peace and development, how mediation outcomes can translate into tangible improvements in people's lives, and how investments in education, healthcare, and climate resilience can reduce the risk of conflict. For her part, Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad emphasized Qatar's long-standing commitment to mediation, humanitarian response, and international development assistance worldwide. During the opening remarks, Her Excellency said, "There can be no sustainable development without peace, and no lasting peace without development. By linking humanitarian action with long-term development, we can prevent conflict and build lasting stability." For her part, General Manager of Doha Forum, Maha Al Kuwari said, "Doha Forum is proud to co-host this timely discussion during UNGA High-Level Week. Our strength lies in convening diverse voices to advance diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation. Recent events in our region highlight the urgent need to protect civilians and uphold sovereignty, while investing in a more stable and inclusive future. These conversations will continue at Doha Forum 2025, where we remain committed to fostering collective action on the world's most pressing challenges." By convening diverse international and regional voices, the event reinforced Qatar's role as a convener of dialogue and practical solutions for global crises. The outcomes will also inform the conversations at Doha Forum 2025, taking place on 6–7 December in Doha under the theme "Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress." Doha Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, business executives, civil society representatives, and thought leaders to exchange ideas and drive solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. Guided by the values of integrity, inclusivity, and innovation, Doha Forum promotes open dialogue and diverse perspectives to foster mutual understanding and collective progress. The most recent edition of Doha Forum, held in December 2024 under the theme "The Innovation Imperative," welcomed over 5,000 participants from 162 countries, including more than 350 speakers across two days.

Old Doha Port has successfully concluded a milestone participation at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025, achieving its goal of strengthening Qatar’s presence at global exhibitions, fostering dialogue with international maritime industry experts, and promoting both the Qatar Boat Show 2025 and Old Doha Port as a premier maritime destination in the region. Held from 24–27 September at Port Hercule, it sponsored the prestigious Upper Deck Lounge for the first time and joined global leaders at the Summit program in the closing panel on creating sustainable superyacht destinations. Old Doha Port’s sponsorship of the Upper Deck Lounge placed its brand at the heart of the Monaco Yacht Show’s most exclusive setting. Old Doha Port’s pavilion attracted significant attention with its strategic location in the Upper Deck Lounge and welcomed His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco during his tour of the exhibition. He was received by Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port, who presented a brief overview of the port’s developmental stages and the objectives of its participation in the Monaco Yacht Show. Recognized as a meeting point for yacht owners, VIPs, and premium lifestyle brands, the lounge offered the Port an opportunity to connect with influential audiences and showcase Qatar’s role in the luxury maritime space. Alongside its sponsorship, Old Doha Port joined the Monaco Yacht Show Summit program in the closing panel on sustainable superyachting. The discussion gathered senior representatives from leading destinations to exchange ideas on how the industry can grow while protecting marine ecosystems, where Old Doha Port shared its approach of combining eco-conscious infrastructure with community-driven initiatives. “Our participation in Monaco reflects Qatar’s vision for a sustainable and diversified future,” said Engineer Mohammed Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port. “We are demonstrating how world-class facilities, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility can come together to create lasting value for the global yachting industry.” With this year’s successful presence in Monaco, Old Doha Port continues to elevate Qatar’s profile on the international maritime calendar and reaffirm its commitment to building a destination defined by both sustainability and global connectivity. Old Doha Port - Anchored in Tradition, Sailing into the Future  Once a historic commercial harbor, Old Doha Port is a bustling lifestyle destination that blends Doha’s rich seafaring legacy with innovative marine services, sustainable practices, and cultural depth. Serving as the world’s maritime gateway to Qatar, the centrally located port features a world-class 450-berth marina, a 24/7 operating cruise terminal, the nation’s largest slipway, over 250,000 square meters of greenery, and vibrant cultural spaces like the Mina District and Containers Yard.  With offerings ranging from watersports and cultural experiences to art installations and major events like the annual Qatar Boat Show and fishing competitions, Old Doha Port celebrates Qatar’s legacy while pioneering its maritime future and enhancing its global tourism profile.

The Doha Design District (DDD) has successfully hosted a three-day Hoshino trunk show with Master Hoshino himself presenting his brand and offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience traditional Japanese shoemaking.Hoshino, a Japanese luxury house celebrated for its personalised artistry, creates each pair of shoes meticulously from sophisticated materials, tailored to the unique shape of every foot, blending precision, artistry, and timeless elegance. The event, according to an official statement from DDD, was held from September 24–26. It welcomed guests for private consultations at Msheireb Downtown Doha.Director Dana Kazic said DDD is proud to welcome visionary talents like Master Hoshino, whose skill and work bridge tradition and innovation, aligning perfectly with its mission.“This collaboration not only brought the artistry of Japanese shoemaking to Doha but also reflects our commitment to bringing international brands and artists to the district. By connecting cultures and crafts, we continue to reinforce DDD’s role as a dynamic hub for innovation, creativity, and global dialogue,” Dana said.Over the course of three days, guests experienced exclusive, one-hour consultations with Master Hoshino, where every detail of bespoke footwear was thoughtfully explored and designed to reflect each individual’s style and vision. Each session showcased his signature commitment to precision, artistry, and timeless elegance offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness the shoemaking expertise and creativity behind every pair of Hoshino shoes.The event reinforced DDD’s strategic vision as a premier destination for design, innovation, and cultural exchange. By hosting one of Japan’s most celebrated shoemakers, DDD continues to connect international talent with the local creative community, encouraging collaboration, inspiration, and cross-cultural dialogue. This milestone highlights DDD’s ongoing commitment to curating world-class artistic experiences, solidifying its role as a dynamic hub for creativity, design excellence, and the global design ecosystem in the region.

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to examine the grave implications of the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.The session discussed the serious humanitarian and human rights consequences of the unlawful Israeli attack on Qatar on September 9, describing it as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and international humanitarian law, and a threat to regional peace, safety, and stability.In a statement delivered on behalf of the Secretary-General of the OIC Hissein Brahim Taha, by Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab, Assistant Secretary-General for Palestine and Al Quds Affairs, the organisation strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against Qatar, calling it a flagrant breach of international law, including the UN Charter and the fundamental principles governing peaceful relations between states.**media[361808]**He added that targeting a member state of the OIC that actively contributes to mediation and peace efforts sets a dangerous precedent and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Israel bears full responsibility for this unlawful and unjustified attack and must be held accountable.The OIC also denounced ongoing Israeli violations and crimes in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, including collective punishment, starvation, forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure.The aggression against Qatar, he noted, marks a dangerous escalation in the regional context, not only an assault on Qatar's sovereignty but also on the collective international efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages and detainees.**media[361810]**He expressed the OIC's deep solidarity with Qatar and pledged unwavering support for any measures the country may take to safeguard its security, sovereignty, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents.HE the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and member of the IPHRC Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stated that the Israeli aggression against Qatar has left deep wounds and humanitarian tragedies, most notably the martyrdom of six individuals, numerous injuries, and the terrorising of civilians.As a member of the IPHRC, HE Al Attiyah strongly condemned this attack, which targeted a civilian area and posed a serious threat to residents and diplomatic missions, adding that it resulted in severe violations, including worsening health conditions for people with chronic illnesses and the temporary deprivation of education for at least 1,000 students due to damage to schools and kindergartens, in addition to acute psychological trauma suffered by children and their families.HE Al Attiyah emphasised that the meeting represents a vital step toward justice for victims and their families, and toward bringing perpetrators of the most serious violations to international accountability.She stressed that the recurrence and expansion of grave violations reflect a deeply troubled international landscape, driven by complicity with aggressors and the failure of protection mechanisms to fulfill their roles. This, she said, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the global system to fulfill the objectives of the UN Charter, translate justice and equality into lived realities, end impunity, and restore hope to millions yearning for a world governed by the values of truth, justice, and peace.She reaffirmed the Commission's role in confronting the grave violations committed by Israeli occupation authorities and expressed confidence that the emergency session would yield conclusions and recommendations capable of shaping a unified and unequivocal international stance against the crimes of aggression, condemning all resulting violations, and ensuring accountability and non-repetition.HE Al Attiyah also highlighted the importance of supporting national human rights institutions and civil society organisations in documenting violations and encouraging their coordination and participation in all actions undertaken by the Commission.For his part, the Chairperson of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Haci Ali Acikgul condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar, saying it is an unjustified and illegitimate aggression against a sovereign state, and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the fundamental principles of international law, and international humanitarian law.He emphasised that the attack on the State of Qatar was not an isolated incident but rather part of a systematic pattern pursued by the Israeli occupation to target civilians, especially women and children in the Gaza Strip, through a policy of collective punishment, forced displacement, the use of starvation as a weapon, and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure.He added that the Committee reaffirms its full solidarity with the State of Qatar, both government and people, adding that the attack on a state that acts as a mediator to end the conflict is, in essence, an attack on the principle of negotiation itself. The Committee also supports the unanimous condemnation issued by the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Doha on September 15, and supports the roadmap laid out by the Summit for coordinated diplomatic, political, and legal action, he said.He pointed to the importance of demanding that the United Nations Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and other relevant bodies take urgent and decisive action to condemn the Israeli aggression, prevent any future violations, and enforce binding obligations under international law. He called for the opening of independent and impartial investigations into the attack, holding Israel accountable at the international level, and supporting the referral of violations committed by Israel against the State of Qatar and in the occupied Palestinian territories to international judicial mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.Executive Director of the OIC's IPHRC Dr. Hadi bin Ali Alyami said that this emergency session reflects their deep awareness of the gravity of the situation and their shared commitment to their responsibilities as the OIC's IPHRC, which comes in response to the serious human rights repercussions resulting from the unlawful Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar.Alyami added that this aggression was not a passing incident but rather represents a flagrant violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and a blatant breach of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which constitute the fundamental pillar of international peace and security. The world was shocked by the targeting of a country known for its active role in humanitarian and diplomatic mediation, its tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire and to facilitate the release of detainees in Gaza.He pointed out that the IPHRC took the initiative from the outset to condemn the attack on the State of Qatar, calling on everyone to raise their voices in international forums to end impunity, protect civilians, and preserve human dignity in accordance with the principles of international peace and security.For her part, the President of the Human Rights Commission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Hala bint Mazyad Al Tuwaijri said this session comes amid a grave incident, namely the attack launched by the Israeli occupation authorities against the State of Qatar, which carries serious repercussions for human rights and international humanitarian law, and poses a direct threat to regional and international peace and security.Al Tuwaijri pointed out that the attack constitutes a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international human rights law, violating the right to life and the right to security. It resulted in the killing and wounding of many people, as well as terrorising innocent civilians, especially women and children in the targeted civilian area.She added that they are fully aware that the Israeli attack on the State of Qatar at this time, while sponsoring mediation efforts to stop the war in Gaza and end the humanitarian crisis there, poses an obstacle to efforts to establish peace in the region through diplomatic means.She stressed that such actions cannot be justified under any pretext, but rather reflect a disregard for international standards and a determination to violate the rules agreed upon by the international community to protect humanity.

Building on the enduring cultural and historical connections between the Arab world and Latin America and the Caribbean, Unesco organised the “Arab Latinos! Shared Roots, Shared Horizons” event at the United Nations House in Doha.The gathering highlighted the need to foster sustainable South–South solidarity and mutual support in the face of today’s global challenges, while also showcasing how literature, archives, and cinema can advance inclusive narratives, promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute to peacebuilding.The event brought together representatives of more than 32 embassies alongside academics and cultural leaders, underscoring broad international support for the Arab Latinos! initiative and its role in strengthening cultural cooperation between regions.‘’Arab Latinos! is not only a celebration of this legacy, but also a strategic platform for South-South co-operation, echoing the spirit of the United Nations Day for South-South Co-operation,” said Salah Khaled, the Unesco representative to the Gulf States and Yemen and director of Unesco Office in Doha.“Through education, culture, the sciences, and communication, this initiative seeks to foster inclusive dialogue, collaborative knowledge production, and solidarity across regions of the South,” he said. “Through this event, we are proud to contribute to the Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture.”The first roundtable discussion on Al-Mahjar focused on the literary heritage of Arab migrants in Latin America and emphasised the importance of preserving the archives of Arab Latinos.Refqa Abu-Remaileh, associate professor in residence at Northwestern University in Qatar, and Tan Huism, executive director of the Qatar National Library, stressed that the preservation, documentation, and accessibility of these sources require the co-ordinated engagement of governments, national institutions, academia, and civil society.In a second roundtable, “Cinema as a Bridge”, experts retraced the history of the Arab Latinos cinema and its powerful medium for promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.Prof Geraldo de Campos from the Department of International Relations at the Federal University of Sergipe in Brazil and Christian Mouroux, the director of the LatinArab International Film Festival in Buenos Aires, illustrated how LatinArab co-productions create opportunities for collaborative storytelling that reflect diverse identities and self-narratives.These partnerships enrich artistic expression, transcend borders, and challenge stereotypes, thereby advancing South-South solidarity co-operation in line with Unesco’s mission of promoting international co-operation through its fields of expertise.Building on the exchanges, participants emphasised the importance of advancing the Arab Latinos! initiative through concrete follow-up actions, including expanding access to archives, fostering cultural exchanges, and reinforcing bilateral co-operation between national institutions.

Old Doha Port strengthened its international presence as chief executive Mohammed Abdulla al-Mulla joined the closing roundtable of the Monaco Yacht Show Summit 2025 on Friday.The session, titled “How to Create a Sustainable Superyacht Destination?”, convened senior figures from leading yachting hubs to explore how destinations can future-proof their appeal while safeguarding marine ecosystems.Set against the backdrop of the world’s foremost gathering for the superyachting and luxury maritime industries, this year’s summit ran alongside the Monaco Yacht Show at Port Hercule on September 24-27.The programme placed innovation, design, and sustainability at the centre, spotlighting impactful eco-responsible solutions across the sector.As part of its broader presence in the flagship maritime event, Old Doha Port also sponsored the Upper Deck Lounge for the first time, and will continue sponsoring the show for the next two years, underscoring Qatar’s growing role in shaping the future of global yachting.“Taking part in the Monaco Yacht Show Summit affirms Old Doha Port’s role among the world’s leading yachting destinations and allows us to share Qatar’s vision for sustainable growth,” said al-Mulla.“In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, we are building a luxury maritime tourism sector that blends heritage, innovation, and environmental responsibility, supports SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), maritime, and cultural industries, and ensures Qatar has a voice in global conversations shaping the future of superyachting,” he added.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Friday his country's condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Qatar on Sept 9.In his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif affirmed Pakistan's condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli violation of Qatar's sovereignty, in the attack that targeted residential buildings in Doha, and its violation of the sovereignty of other countries in the region.Separately, the Pakistani prime minister said that the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the genocide against innocent Palestinian civilians represent a stain on the global conscience and a collective moral failure, reiterating the demand to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.He also welcomed the official recognition of the State of Palestine by a number of countries, calling on other countries to do the same. He recalled Pakistan's supportive position for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.Sharif also addressed the Ukraine-Russia crisis in his speech, affirming his country's support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two countries in accordance with the UN Charter.He also spoke, in separate contexts, about climate change, world peace, and Islamophobia.

Startup Grind Doha Chapter recently hosted the ‘All Star Pitch Battle’, highlighting the strength and creativity of Qatar’s startup ecosystem, with over 150 people from the ecosystem attending the event held at Qatar Chamber’s headquarters in Lusail.The event, held in partnership with the Youth Entrepreneurship Club (YEC) and Qatar Chamber, and sponsored by Builders VC Mena, underscored Qatar’s growing position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning with the nation’s vision of cultivating a vibrant and globally competitive startup landscape.The journey began with 51 startups in Qatar applying, of which 21 were selected to pitch at the event. The pitch battle is part of a global Startup Grind programme, held across more than 150 chapters worldwide, uniting founders and innovators from diverse markets on one global stage.The following are the winners of the Doha edition: Be My Sense (first place), PitchPro.me (second place), paintit.ai (third place), and Meta Souq (Most Creative Pitch Award). Be My Sense received $1,500, a trophy, and advanced to represent Qatar in the regional semi-finals.Be My Sense stood out for its impactful solution, an AI-powered platform designed to empower the hearing-impaired community. Through real-time sign language translation, the platform breaks communication barriers in education, entertainment, and daily life, placing accessibility at the heart of digital innovation.Tarik Sultan of Builders VC Mena said: “The All Star Pitch Battle showcased the ambition and originality that’s defining Qatar’s emerging startup ecosystem. The entrepreneurs who took the stage were not simply presenting ideas; they were offering solutions with the potential to scale globally. At Builders VC Mena, we believe platforms like this are critical in giving founders the visibility, networks, and confidence to translate vision into lasting value.”YEC vice-president Abdulrahman Tariq al-Emadi said: “Our partnership with Startup Grind Doha in the All Star Pitch Battle reflects our commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs in Qatar.“By providing a platform for startups to showcase their talent, we are helping to inspire innovation, build confidence, and strengthen the foundations of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”The competition was judged by Sultan, Alina Truhina of A-typical Ventures, Hayfa al-Abdulla (Qatar Science & Technology Park), Omair Alnaimi (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology), Marcel Dridje (EBAN GCC Ambassador), Firas Sleiman (Kaic), and Majed Lababidi (Alchemist Doha).Startup Grind Doha director Indica Amarasinghe said: “The All Star Pitch Battle was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity in Qatar’s startup ecosystem. We are proud to provide a platform for these entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with global opportunities.”