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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.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, has commemorated the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the day was celebrated with a series of activities with HE the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, in attendance. The events in Doha underscore the nation's enduring commitment to protecting its intangible heritage and drew a record turnout from enthusiasts, researchers, academics, and students. HE AlKhater inaugurated the heritage photo exhibition, capturing with depth and aesthetic beauty the elements of intangible cultural heritage in Qatar through a curated selection of photographs documenting traditional crafts, performing arts, and social occasions. An artistic exhibition exclusively devoted to school students was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, showcasing artworks inspired by Qatari intangible heritage, demonstrating the new generation's awareness of their heritage and innovation in expressing it in contemporary methods. The exhibition included the participation of Qatar Leadership Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation, and several schools, including Qatar Primary School for Girls, Qatar Secondary School, Umm Hani Primary School for Girls, which contributed with the segment "Girl of Qatar," and Voltaire Qatari-French School. HE Director of Heritage and Identity at the Ministry of Culture, Sheikha Najla Faisal al-Thani, highlighted the profound importance of intangible cultural heritage as the vibrant identity of nations and the memory of generations. This year's celebration represents an opportunity to renew national and global obligations to safeguard this invaluable legacy and ensure its transmission to future generations, as intangible heritage is a fundamental factor in promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding, she noted. HE Sheikha Najla further indicated that Qatar gives foremost priority to protecting its intangible cultural heritage as a core pillar of national identity and the mirror of Qatari society's spirit. She noted that the ministry executed several projects to inventory and document the components of Qatari heritage in collaboration with national institutions and the local community, including folk arts, traditional crafts, and literature. The ministry also affirmed its commitment to supporting artisans and folk artists through festivals and training workshops that contribute to imparting skills across generations and advancing them in ways that serve the national cultural economy. On the global stage, HE Sheikha Najla highlighted that Qatar actively engaged in Unesco initiatives and registered several of its heritage elements, including falconry, majlis gatherings, Arabic coffee, the palm tree, and henna, in partnership with Gulf and Arab nations, emphasising the unity of heritage and the interwoven roots of culture in the region. She stressed that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is a shared responsibility that contributes to fostering national identity and the nation's standing on the global cultural stage. HE Sheikha Najla further affirmed Qatar's enduring commitment to protecting Qatari heritage in all its components and transmitting it to future generations in a renewed manner that keeps pace with the times while preserving authenticity. Senior cultural expert at the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, Dr Khalid Rashid al-Balushi, told Qatar News Agency that the committee serves as the key link between global, regional, and national entities, particularly in the cultural domain, unifying national efforts. He highlighted the close partnership with the Ministry of Culture in registering several intangible cultural heritage elements with Unesco, notably falconry, Arabic coffee, and henna. Qatar currently leads important Arab heritage files, such as the bisht and sambuq (traditional sailing boats), while continuing efforts to prepare additional files for registration, he noted. For his part, Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Doha for the Gulf States and Yemen, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled, said this celebration honours the living traditions, expressions, and practices that define the region's societal identity and connect generations. He noted that these cultural elements face increasing challenges today due to rapid urban expansion and weak intergenerational transmission. Qatar actively participates in this celebration, represented by the Ministry of Culture and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, through a series of events at the UN House in Doha, in collaboration with key partners such as the Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Group and the College of Education at Qatar University, Khaled noted. Khaled further added that the UN House hosts, until Octo 23, the fourth Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition, featuring 22 participants showcasing over 120 artworks, along with selected pieces from the Ministry of Culture and a dedicated corner for creative products by students of QU's Fine Arts Education Department, reinterpreting Qatari heritage in contemporary forms.

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.

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.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) Committee for the Organisation of Winter Camping Affairs has carried out extensive field inspection tours across various camping areas in the country. The tours were conducted in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality Public Cleanliness Department, and the Environmental Security Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), as part of an integrated plan aimed at ensuring site readiness and providing a safe, clean environment for all campers. During the field visits, a large number of waste containers were distributed across designated camping sites. The inspection teams also monitored compliance with approved environmental regulations and verified the availability of essential requirements to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of natural areas, aligning with the ministry’s goal of ensuring an environmentally sustainable and safe camping season. Accordingly, MoECC affirmed that these efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources, preserving the beauty of Qatar’s environment, and promoting environmental awareness within the community. It stressed that maintaining the cleanliness of camping sites is a shared responsibility that requires the co-operation of all campers and participants throughout the season. Meanwhile, the ministry urged all campers to adhere to the environmental and regulatory requirements issued by the Committee for the Organization of Winter Camping Affairs, to avoid leaving waste or causing harm to natural components. The ministry confirmed that environmental inspection teams will continue to conduct regular field visits to ensure full compliance with the established guidelines. The ministry added that the success of the camping season largely depends on community awareness and co-operation, noting that collaboration between government entities and the public forms a key foundation for achieving a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable recreational season, one that reflects Qatar’s advanced environmental and cultural values.

The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has completed an intensive training programme for senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The course, designed under the theme ‘The Role of the State of Qatar in Mediation and the Resolution of Regional Conflicts’, equips officials with advanced skills relevant to the fields of diplomacy and conflict resolution, a statement said. The three-day training, delivered by CPP Prof Dr Sultan Barakat, was attended by around 25 participants holding high-ranking positions at MoFA, Ministry of Defence, and the armed forces. Dr Abdelaziz al-Hour, director of the Diplomatic Institute, stated: “The choice of subject reflects the strategic importance Qatar places on mediation, and we were delighted to have Dr Barakat share his extensive and global experience with our colleagues.” The curriculum explored the complexities of mediation strategies and concepts, analysed real-world case studies, and discussed tools for measuring the effectiveness of mediation, highlighting the importance of regional and international co-operation in peacebuilding. Additionally, participants were informed on how Qatar’s soft power influences policymaking during times of crisis, the impact of the state’s mediation on peace processes in various regions, as well as Doha’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations while maintaining neutrality.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour (MoL), Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, met with senior officials from Sweden’s labour sector during a visit aimed at enhancing bilateral co-operation and exchanging best practices in labour affairs. The meetings included discussions with Secretary-General of the Swedish Parliament, Ingvar Mattson; members of the Parliament’s Committee on the Labour Market; Director-General of the Swedish Work Environment Authority, Lars Loow; and Director-General of the Medlingsinstitutet, Irene Wennemo. The discussions focused on existing co-operation frameworks, strategies to improve the work environment, and ways to strengthen social protection systems for workers. Both sides explored mechanisms to deepen experience-sharing between Qatar and Sweden, especially in areas such as labour dispute resolution, occupational health and safety, and capacity building and training for labour sector professionals in Qatar.

The Ministry of Public Health has launched the Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the health and quality of life of mothers and children.The guidelines aim to support the health of mothers and their children through scientifically based recommendations covering the stages before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and throughout the early years of a child's life.The guidelines were developed with the participation of a group of experts and specialists in nutrition and health.The guidelines consist of seven chapters that cover a wide range of topics, including diet, lifestyle, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and other important subjects. Each chapter is designed to empower individuals to adopt healthy habits and make informed decisions.These guidelines serve as an educational and informative tool that helps raise public health awareness across the community, thereby contributing to improving maternal and child health and ensuring healthy child development. They also act as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and a reference point for the development of future health policies and programmes.Director of the Health Promotion Department at the MoPH Dr Salah Alyafei said: "Qatar Dietary Guidelines for Mother and Child (0-5 years) play a vital role in fostering a healthy society by establishing strong health foundations for individuals from an early age."He added that the MoPH developed the guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence and internationally recommended best practices, while considering the cultural and social context of Qatari society.He noted that proper nutrition during pregnancy and throughout the first five years of a child's life is among the most important factors directly influencing a child's health. It also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases in the future and ensuring better health for both current and future generations. (QNA)

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Wildlife Protection Department in co-operation with the Environmental Security Unit of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) has carried out an extensive inspection campaign in the southern regions of the country aimed at reducing environmental violations regarding the use of bird-attracting devices.The campaign resulted in the seizure of around 474 bird-attracting devices (sound lures), and the necessary legal measures were taken in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations in this regard. The ministry stressed the importance of adhering to environmental laws and regulations and refraining from using methods that harm wildlife and biodiversity. It also noted that the campaign is ongoing as part of its efforts to protect Qatar’s environment and preserve its natural components.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has launched the quality assurance guide for education centres as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance performance and improve efficiency, ensuring comprehensive quality and institutional excellence.In a statement, the ministry said that the guide sets clear procedures, tools, and standards that enable it to accurately evaluate the performance of education centres, thus, enabling constant improvement to their outcomes and operations.It added that the quality assurance guide establishes a mechanism to evaluate and classifying centres into four categories: Excellent, Good, Acceptable, and Weak.The statement said that this classification is based on both internal and external evaluation processes that ensure accuracy and objectivity.The MoEHE indicated that the guide also helps monitor centres’ compliance with laws and licensing regulations, and assessing their performance based on five specific national standards:Leadership and managementHuman and material resourcesEducational and training environmentMonitoring and evaluationLocal and international partnershipsThese standards cover 11 areas and include 29 performance indicators.The guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Educational Services Centres, the evaluation committee of education centres, and education centres themselves, ensuring co-ordination and alignment in achieving set goals.In a related context, the ministry announced a training programme scheduled for November, targeting a number of pilot education centres involved in implementing the quality assurance guide, in preparation for its nationwide rollout.The guide was reviewed and validated by several national institutions, including the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), the Community College of Qatar (CCQ), Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE), and the National Committee for Qualifications and Academic Accreditation, in addition to the Educational Planning, Policy and Innovation Department, and the School Evaluation Department.

The Ministry of Municipality has announced that it had completed 93% of its transactions electronically, achieving a customer satisfaction rate of 84.7% in 2025.This comes as part of its efforts to enhance customer experience and improve the quality of government services.In a statement, the ministry confirmed that this year witnessed a qualitative leap in digital transformation and the development of service delivery channels.The total number of services provided to the public reached 172 services through its website, and 127 services through the “Aoun” application, contributing to facilitating access to services from anywhere, at any time.It explained that the total number of requests submitted through various channels amounted to approximately 618,990, including 156,845 via the “Aoun” app, 278,821 via the website, and 132,071 via customer service offices. Meanwhile, the number of requests scheduled electronically for certain services reached 26,651. The “Aoun” app also recorded more than 131,000 downloads on Android and iOS systems, while the number of visits to the ministry’s websiteexceeded 3.3mn during the past period. Statistics showed that the percentage of electronic transactions completed reached 93 % of the total services, while the percentage reached 97.7% for requests submitted through customer service offices.This reflects the ministry’s success in establishing the concept of smart services and achieving public satisfaction through speed and accuracy.According to the statement, the number of beneficiaries of the ministry’s services during the current year reached approximately 332,479, while the Unified Call Center (184) received about 174,989 calls, with an average transaction completion time at government service centres of no more than three and a half minutes. Customer satisfaction with the ministry’s services reached an advanced level of 84.7% during the period from January to the end of last August.The ministry noted that it continues to enhance communication with the public through its digital channels, with the total number of followers reaching more than 533,776 on the “X”, “Instagram”, and “Facebook” platforms.It said that during the same period, it received 9,557 reports, including 3,353 urgent reports and 6,204 regular reports, which were handled according to the highest standards of responsiveness and transparency.The ministry concluded it statement emphasising that these achievements reflect its commitment to providing advanced, smart services that support the country’s digital transformation journey and align with the government’s efforts to enhance institutional efficiency and achieve customer satisfaction, in line with the goals of sustainable development and Qatar National Vision 2030.