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The Statistical and Data Training Centre at the National Planning Council (NPC), in co-operation with Qatar Foundation (QF), has concluded a specialised training programme entitled ‘Economic Statistics for Managers: From Data to Decisions’.The initiative, held at QF headquarters, was part of national efforts to enhance government efficiency and advance knowledge-based sustainable development, a statement said.The aim is to qualify government leaders in economic fields, empowering them to effectively utilise data and statistics to impact public policies.The programme focused on developing skills for using data efficiently as a fundamental element in improving institutional performance and enhancing decision-making effectiveness.It is also a significant step towards qualifying national cadres and developing their capabilities in statistical leadership, as well as building integrated, collaborative systems for data exchange among various entities. The programme emphasised the importance of building trust in government data as a cornerstone for ensuring effective governance.It highlighted the pivotal role of integration and data exchange between institutions, and encouraged the adoption of modern tools and techniques in future planning.This reinforces the concept of leadership empowerment in the field of data, which enables leaders to support national decisions with accurate and reliable information. The intensive six-day programme covered several key themes, including: fundamentals of data and statistics, national statistical system, statistical literacy for executive leaders, data integration and ethics, statistical data management, strategic leadership, and roadmap design.Hessa Ali al-Malki, director of the Statistical and Data Training Centre at NPC, said: “Organising the programme with Qatar Foundation strengthens our partnerships with the country’s leading academic institutions.”QF’s talent management director Sheikha Ghalia al-Thani, said: “This initiative is part of our strategic co-operation with national institutions, reflecting QF’s steadfast commitment to enhancing national capabilities through knowledge exchange and leadership development across various sectors.”

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has spotted an environmental violation involving the entry of three marine vessels into the fishing harbour of Bu Zuluf, located west of Al-Ruwais Port, where they collided with the coral reefs.A field inspection team from the ministry’s Marine Protection Department examined the site and found topographical changes to the seabed caused by the direct contact of the vessels with the coral reefs. This resulted in the destruction of coral structures, a reduction in the percentage of live coral cover, and erosion and sedimentation in parts of the reef area due to the collision.The ministry explained that these damages negatively affected the rich biodiversity of the area, home to many fish, invertebrates, and marine organisms associated with the coral reef ecosystem.The ministry stressed that it has taken the necessary legal measures against the violators, while confirming its continued efforts to intensify the protection of natural resources and monitor and detect any environmental violations against the country’s marine ecosystems.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to Governor-General of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Marcella Althea Liburd on the occasion of her country's Independence Day.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani also sent a similar cable to Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Michael Drew on the occasion.

A delegation from the Qatari Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, participated in an academic symposium titled "The Reality and Challenges of the Translation Movement between Arabic and Chinese" which was held on Sept 18 at Beijing Foreign Studies University.The symposium was also attended by representatives from the Qatari embassy in China, and a group of experts and academics from several Chinese universities. Research institutions, and publishing institutions participated in the symposium, including Peking University, the University of International Business and Economics, the Beijing Language and Culture University, Guangzhou University, Ningxia University, and Beijing Foreign Studies University. The participants exchanged views and ideas on issues of cultural exchange and translation between China and the Arab world.In his opening remarks, Professor Liu Xinlu, Vice President of Beijing Foreign Studies University, noted that the university's College of Arabic Language, as the main implementing agency of the Belt and Road China-Arab Friendship Library Project launched in 2016, has completed numerous translations of classic works between Chinese and Arabic. Thus, making it an important platform for promoting cultural exchange and rapprochement between peoples. He emphasized that in light of the complexities and fluctuations of today's global situation, dialogue between civilizations has become more urgent than ever, with language as a bridge and translation as a means gaining critical importance in promoting mutual understanding between different civilizations.Abdulrahman al-Marri, representative of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, expressed his great appreciation for the importance of this symposium. He explained that the award aims to promote the values of pluralism and openness, and to support dialogue and understanding between civilizations, and has already become the most influential award in the field of translation in the Arab world.He also expressed his hope that this symposium would provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation between Chinese and Arab researchers in the fields of translation and culture, and expressed his aspiration to enhance exchange and cooperation with the Beijing Foreign Studies University.The symposium's proceedings covered two main themes: "Translation and Introduction of Chinese and Arabic Classics" and "Translation and Chinese and Arab Civilizations." The researchers discussed the history, reality, and challenges of the mutual translation of classical literary and cultural works between the two sides from various perspectives.They also addressed the role of translation in supporting educational development, intellectual convergence, and cultural progress, by discussing issues of teaching Arabic translation, Sino-Arab cultural exchange, and the role of education support funds. The symposium witnessed the participation of more than 100 Arabic language professors and students from several universities in Beijing.It is worth noting that the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding aims to consolidate the values of pluralism and openness, encourage knowledge and dialogue, promote international understanding, and advance the level of translation between Arabic and other languages. It also honours translators, cultural institutions, and publishing houses that have made outstanding contributions to promoting friendship and co-operation between the Arab peoples and the peoples of the world. Professor Xu Qingguo (Bassam) of Beijing Foreign Studies University is the first Chinese scholar to receive this award. The award committee has announced that it will again award the prize to translators working in the field of Chinese-Arabic translation in 2026.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC)continues its dedicated efforts to protect the ozone layer by adopting sustainable environmental policies, monitoring ozone-depleting substances, and promoting public awareness of this vital shield, an X post said.The ministry explained that it contributes to reducing harmful emissions and ensuring a safe environment for all, as part of its full support for international efforts aimed at preserving the ozone layer. Protecting the ozone layer is not a temporary task, but a long-term national commitment that reflects the state’s responsibility toward future generations.Accordingly, the MoECC has been organising awareness and training workshops for students, technicians and the community on related issues and topics. Besides, it has established the necessary legislation and constantly monitors the imports and exports of the materials that could potentially harm the ozone layer.The ministry supports the use of environment-friendly alternatives for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Other efforts include, organising training programmes for customs officers and border inspection personnel, conducts regular inspection of the targeted facilities, and monitor the consumption of related materials and substances in addition to submitting periodic international reports to ensure compliance."The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer falls on September 16. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention a global model for science-based environmental action," the ministry's X post added.

The Qatar Chamber held a meeting on Thursday with the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the State of Qatar Dana Goldfinca. The meeting discussed ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries, explored potential areas of cooperation between the Qatari and Latvian private sectors, and highlighted key investment opportunities for Qatari business persons in Latvia.Speaking at the meeting, QC Board Member Abdulrahman bin Abduljalil Al Abdulghani stressed that the current volume of trade between Qatar and Latvia remains very modest, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of both countries to expand trade exchange and mutual investments.For her part, Ambassador Dana Goldfinca expressed Latvia's keenness to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Qatar, pointing to promising sectors for Qatari investments such as information and communications technology, food security, tourism, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics.She further noted that Latvia offers attractive investment opportunities through its eight free zones, which provide various incentives and facilities for foreign investors. She also emphasised her country's openness to Qatari investments across all sectors.The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Qatar Chamber and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate communication and foster stronger ties between the business communities of both countries.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has organised a specialised seminar on enhancing quality management in the auditing profession.Held at the ministry's premises with the participation of registered auditors, the seminar aimed to bolster their understanding of the latest updates to quality management standards in the auditing profession and to raise awareness of the practical applications of these standards, thereby contributing to enhancing the quality of auditing work and ensuring strict compliance with professional and regulatory requirements, in accordance with best practices.This event was part of MoCI's steadfast efforts to advance this profession, as regulated by Law No 8 of 2020, through backing auditors' capabilities and enhancing their performance to ensure accurate and reliable financial reports.The seminar featured the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM 1), which aims to enhance the efficiency of audit processes and emphasises the importance of quality management within auditing and assurance firms, whether regarding financial statement audits or assurance and related services, including engagement quality reviews.In addition, the seminar emphasised that it is important for auditing firms to establish integrated quality management systems, pursue a constant optimisation approach, and implement a monitoring mechanism as a key enabler of success, through quality standards impacting the quality of audit services and their role in building client trust and enhancing firms' presence and credibility in the market.The seminar concluded with an interactive panel discussion, during which experts answered the participants' questions, reviewing methods of navigating key challenges they might encounter when applying these standards, thereby fostering the quality of auditing processes and adherence to international standards.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, praised the outcomes of the extraordinary session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council and the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, held in Doha Monday, which expressed support for the State of Qatar in confronting the Israeli aggression and reaffirmed the categorical rejection of any violation of international law and international norms. Chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting, the Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom's strongest condemnation of the attacks by the Israeli occupation authorities in the region, and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's full solidarity with Qatar and its support for all measures to safeguard its security and preserve its sovereignty.

The Muslim World League has welcomed the outcomes of the final communique issued by the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, which was held in Doha. Secretary-General of the League, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al Issa, praised the summit and its statement for embodying values of solidarity and unity in the face of Israeli aggression against Qatar, describing it as an attack on all Arab and Islamic countries.He emphasized the firm rejection of any attempts to justify this aggression under any pretext. At the same time, Dr. Al Issa highlighted the summit's outcomes, which hold the Israeli government responsible for undermining any prospects for peace in the region through its aggressive policies, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, starvation, blockades, settlement activities, and its expansionist policies — leading up to the recent treacherous attack on Qatari territory.He noted Qatar's role as a key mediator in efforts to secure a ceasefire and end the war on Gaza, describing this as a dangerous escalation and an attack on diplomatic efforts to restore peace.Dr. Al Issa also stressed the importance of the statement's rejection of Israeli occupation rhetoric, which employs "Islamophobia" to legitimize its violations of international law and distort the image of Arab and Islamic countries.He further commended the UN General Assembly's adoption of the "New York Declaration" regarding the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, viewing it as a clear expression of international support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

United Development Company (UDC) is positioning its development philosophy as a cornerstone for engaging in critical discussions at the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah said the company’s role in the forum goes beyond showcasing its developments. “Our priority is to contribute strategic insights and proven practices that demonstrate how real estate can deliver lasting economic and social value,” al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He noted that UDC, a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s forum, will share lessons from the company’s experience in sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and integrated community living, demonstrating how these principles are being embedded into new projects that support Qatar’s growth.“Equally important, through high-level discussions and bilateral engagements, we aim to help shape the dialogue into concrete outcomes, whether that is in the form of creating tangible investment opportunities, forging innovative partnerships, or offering practical insights that can help inform future policy directions. In this way, UDC directly supports the forum’s ambition to move from vision to measurable impact,” he emphasised.Asked how does UDC’s vision align with the strategic goals of the forum’s third edition, al-Jaidah explained that the company’s vision “is to be the regional leader in real estate development and management,” which is guided by UDC’s ‘Value Promise and Strategic Choices’ of putting customers and communities first, driving cost competitiveness, pursuing operational excellence, and advancing growth through innovation.He continued: “This aligns closely with the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which is focused on reinforcing investor confidence and showcasing the strength and efficiency of Qatar’s real estate system. The forum’s emphasis on transparency, streamlined policies, and the integration of digital platforms mirrors our own commitment to operational excellence and innovation. And its role as a hub for public–private dialogue reflects our belief in trust-based partnerships that create long-term value.“Through developments like The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, we demonstrate how this vision translates into secure investments, vibrant communities, and resilient growth, outcomes that are directly in line with both the forum’s objectives and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Al-Jaidah also underscored how UDC supports the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030 and the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, saying the company’s developments “are not merely real estate projects.”“They are transformative platforms that bring Qatar National Vision 2030’s pillars to life with economic diversification, social development, environmental sustainability, and human capital advancement. Within the framework of the Third National Development Strategy, we see our role as crafting destinations that attract investment, embody innovation, and elevate quality of life,” al-Jaidah explained.He added: “At The Pearl Island, we have set a global benchmark with the Largest Pneumatic Waste Management Network, while on Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk is one of the region’s largest outdoor air-conditioned retail promenades, an innovation that enhances comfort, elevates community experiences, and adds distinctive value for investors and residents alike. These initiatives reflect our ‘Customer and Community First’ approach, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class living and investment opportunities.”

Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Doha on Monday to participate in the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled to be convened today. Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani and Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the UAE to the State of Qatar, Abdulla Al Shehhi.

King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan arrived in Doha on Monday to participate in the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled to be convened today.King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by His Excellecy Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani and Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the State of Qatar Zaid Mufleh Al Lawzi.