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President and CEO of Es'hailSat, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, affirmed that satellites achieve interoperability with mobile networks, fifth-generation (5G) technology and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), enabling the delivery of reliable and secure solutions to users.Al-Kuwari was speaking during a panel discussion held as part of the Satellite and Non-Terrestrial Networks Summit, on the margins of the second MWC26 Doha.It is quite important to note that satellites shouldn't be approached as an alternative solution or backup to be resorted to should there be any potential malfunction, but must be part and parcel of the network from the outset, al-Kuwari underlined.Regarding the differences between geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, non-geostationary (Non-GEO) satellites and terrestrial networks, al-Kuwari said there's no technology that can outperform the other by far across the board, but each has its own distinct strengths. He highlighted that terrestrial networks offer high-capacity connectivity in densely populated areas, while GEO satellites provide extensive and secure coverage across vast geographical areas.Non-GEO satellites, meanwhile, are set apart by their lower latency and greater flexibility, he noted.Al-Kuwari recalled that the company intends to offer combined and thoroughgoing solutions that layer all these kinds of technology, emphasising the importance of capitalising on international partnerships while simultaneously safeguarding national sovereignty.The official pointed out that what matters most is ensuring the operation of critical infrastructure even in times of crises or turmoil, adding that Es'hailSat contributes to achieving that objective through its national assets in the form of satellites, alongside operating a Tier IV-certified ground station in Al Ghuwayriyah, northwest Qatar.Through this station, he highlighted, Es'hailSat controls satellites and provides managed services, offering comprehensive solutions to ensure business continuity and disaster recovery for its clients, including broadcasters and other entities.The CEO of Es'hailSat emphasised the importance of combining satellite technology, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and non-terrestrial 5G networks to deliver a highly reliable solution for disaster and crisis recovery. He stressed the need for advance coordination between mobile network operators and government entities to ensure that crisis-management operations are carried out in a timely and highly efficient manner.Al-Kuwari suggested that relying solely on satellites as a backup solution isn't the optimal approach; rather, they should be integrated with mobile networks and non-terrestrial networks from the outset.Es'hailSat is seeking to transition from being solely a satellite capacity provider to becoming a fully integrated solutions provider, Al-Kuwari said, pointing out that this will require the company to substantially strengthen its assets and ground infrastructure and explore opportunities across multiple satellite orbits.The objective, he remarked, is to deliver secure, reliable and flexible solutions that meet customers' needs while providing the State of Qatar with comprehensive, ready-to-deploy solutions. He highlighted that Es'hailSat plans to launch its Suhail 3 satellite within the next five years. The satellite is expected to provide additional capacity, enabling the company to substantially expand the scope of its services to include mobile network operators and the enterprise sector.The Satellite and Non-Terrestrial Networks Summit featured several sessions involving experts from various global communications technology companies, who discussed the foremost strategic priorities and promising potential of satellite networks to significantly transform global connectivity by integrating them with mobile networks.They also explored revenue-generation strategies across the individual consumer segment, the business-to-business (B2B) sector and the Internet of Things (IoT), in addition to the impact of satellite technologies on data sovereignty requirements, various mergers and acquisitions among telecommunications firms, anticipated transformations in the structure of the global telecommunications market, and the need to strike a balance between different spectrum options and a combination of regulatory frameworks.Head of Research and Consulting at GSMA Intelligence, Tim Hatt, outlined the findings of a GSMA study against the backdrop of the global satellite communications landscape. 

Ooredoo Qatar has announced the launch of Qatar's first 5G+ mobile network. This latest evolution of its connectivity infrastructure lays the foundation for enhanced digital experiences for consumers and smarter, more responsive operations for businesses.The 5G+ network builds on the capabilities of 5G standalone, the network Ooredoo Qatar was the first to deploy, and 5G Advanced to support increasingly demanding digital applications, with faster speeds, greater network capacity, and lower latency.These improvements enable more devices to connect and exchange information efficiently, while shorter response times support applications such as real-time equipment monitoring and automated processes.HE Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad Al-Thani said,  "The launch of the 5G+ network reflects Ooredoo Qatar's continued investment in Qatar's digital future, which depends on infrastructure that is ready for what comes next. With the 5G+ network, we are enhancing everyday digital experiences for our consumers, enabling innovation, and strengthening the competitiveness of businesses across the country. From launching the world's first 5G network in 2018 to deploying Qatar's first 5G Standalone core network, we have consistently advanced connectivity. This launch marks the next step in that journey, supporting the next generation of digital services across Qatar."The launch reinforces Ooredoo Qatar's commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030, supporting the country's digital transformation and strengthening its position as a leading regional digital hub. 

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has been named "Worldwide Operator of the Year” at the Global Light Rail Awards 2026. The award recognises the company’s resilience and operational efficiency, world-class safety and service performance, outstanding customer experience, and commitment to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement across the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks.CEO of Qatar Rail, Jassim Mohammed al-Ansari, accepted the award alongside members of the company’s senior management team at a ceremony in London.**media[503153]**Commenting on the award, al-Ansari said, "This achievement further strengthens Qatar Rail’s standing among the world’s leading rail operators and is a testament to the efforts of our teams and partners. It also reaffirms our commitment to operational excellence, safety and service quality. The results delivered across the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks reflect the progress and efficiency of Qatar’s rail network.”He added, "This global recognition also brings a responsibility to keep innovating, enhance our customers’ journeys, invest in national talent and strengthen our partnerships. These priorities will support the continued development of Qatar’s rail network and contribute to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”For his part, Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, Engineer Ahmad Mohammed al-Saleh, said, "The award reflects our focus on operational safety, readiness and customer service, supported by smart technologies and modern approaches to asset and operations management. Under different operational conditions we kept Metro and Tram services running without interruption while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. This demonstrates our ability to deliver safe, reliable and world-class transport services, both day to day and during major events that attract large passenger volumes across our networks, such as the FIFA Arab Cup 2025.”**media[503154]**Qatar Rail maintained an average daily ridership of 200,000 passengers in 2026, while continuing to deliver safe, reliable, and seamless services.The win builds on Qatar Rail’s "Highly Commended” recognition in the same category in 2024 and 2025. Securing the top award in 2026 marks a significant step forward and reflects the sustained improvement in its operational performance.The annual Global Light Rail Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice across the light rail and public transport sector. The 2026 awards featured 17 categories, including "Worldwide Operator of the Year”, won by Qatar Rail.

OFN, Ooredoo Group's international connectivity arm, and iQ Networks, a leading Iraqi fibre-optic infrastructure provider, have signed an agreement to purchase multiple dark fibre pairs for transit connectivity across Iraq.Together with OFN's separate FIG landing arrangement with the Iraqi Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC), the agreement supports the development of an integrated subsea and terrestrial connectivity corridor through Iraq towards Turkiye and Europe.The agreement will support the terrestrial component of a planned integrated connectivity route linking Asia, the Gulf, Iraq and Europe. The Fibre in Gulf (FIG) subsea cable system will bring high-capacity connectivity into Iraq, while the OFN-iQ Networks agreement will enable the route to extend overland across the country towards Turkiye and Europe.The combined infrastructure is intended to provide an additional geographical route for international data traffic, strengthen route diversity and enable customers to scale their transmission capacity according to their requirements. It will serve the growing international connectivity needs of AI providers, hyperscalers, cloud providers, content companies, data centres and telecom operators.Khalid Hassan Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of OFN, said: "This agreement marks the next phase of a disciplined, multi-stage infrastructure programme and further strengthens OFN's international connectivity portfolio. By bringing together FIG's subsea capacity and iQ Networks' terrestrial infrastructure, we are advancing a more integrated and resilient connectivity proposition for international customers."Leveraging Iraq's geographical position and terrestrial fibre infrastructure, the initiative will also support the country's ambition to become a strategic regional hub for international data transit and capture greater value from the traffic crossing its territory.FIG is being developed as the largest subsea cable system ever built in the GCC. With up to 720 Tbps of capacity across 24 fibre pairs, it will connect Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq through a single high-capacity Gulf loop.The FIG landing arrangement signed with the Iraqi Telecommunications and Post Company (ITPC) supports the planned landing of the subsea system in Iraq. This arrangement is separate from, but complementary to, the OFN-iQ Networks agreement announced today.Together, the two arrangements will connect FIG's subsea infrastructure with dark fibre transit across Iraq, supporting an integrated international connectivity route towards Turkiye and Europe.  

Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted a panel discussion examining the role of early maritime trade networks in shaping British diplomacy in the region.Titled "Diplomacy and Influence: A Reading of the British Presence in the Gulf", the dynamic session gathered academics, students, and researchers for an in-depth exploration of the historical footprint of the East India Company.The discussion illustrated how the Company's trade routes across the Arabian Gulf and its close links with British-Indian trade networks laid the foundation for broader regional engagement.The panel examined how the conclusion of maritime treaties and commercial activities generated essential geopolitical knowledge, ultimately expanding British influence far beyond direct trade, particularly amid competition with other regional powers.Assistant Dean for Social Sciences and Humanities at Qatar University's College of Arts and Sciences, Dr Aisha Hadi al-Rashdi offered expert insights into the diplomatic tools that strengthened British-Gulf relations through soft power.Commenting on the panel and the relevance of its theme, Dr Aisha Hadi al-Rashdi, Assistant Dean for Social Sciences and Humanities at Qatar University, said: "This panel creates an important space for dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on the history of British-Gulf relations, while examining the diplomatic and cultural forces that shaped their development over time."She added: "Conversations of this kind also allow us to revisit history from different angles and enrich our understanding by bringing a wider range of experiences and perspectives into the discussion, including those from the Gulf. They also help connect historical sources and events with questions that remain relevant today, while encouraging thoughtful research, responsible dialogue and greater awareness of the region's history and international relations among the public, researchers and younger generations."Moderated by Community Engagement Specialist at the Heritage Library, Ikhlas Ahmed, the engaging panel connected these historical insights with the Library's extensive archival resources.The session highlighted the Heritage Library's collections, providing attendees with a tangible link to the rich history of Qatari-British relations and regional diplomacy. 

Smart city is no longer a buzzword; it is a reality. Infrastructure alone is not enough to improve the quality of life; integration of technology is considered imminent. Gulf is leading the way. They are pioneering a new model of hyper-connected urban life. Sensors, AI-driven analytics, 5G networks, and a vast IoT ecosystem promise unprecedented efficiency, sustainability, and citizen convenience. This is all the more important given the climate challenges, rapid growth of the population, and need for post-oil economic diversification. The rise of smart steel is one of the most consequential urban experiments of all time. It holds the promise of being resilient, sustainable, livable metropolises tailored to 21st-century realities. To achieve the great benefits of smart cities, we must treat data security and privacy as a truly important core value. It is not just something akin to ticking a box or following rules. It should be the fundamental part of how these cities are built and run. Embracing the Smart City ConceptGulf leaders have embraced the Smart City concept with characteristic ambitions. A number of Gulf Cities are seriously working on this concept. Dubai long positioned itself as a global pioneer. It is one of the few cities that has integrated AI into governance, mobility, and services. Abu Dhabi consistently ranks among the world’s top performers in indices like IMD Smart City, excelling in digital services and safety. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, the flagship cognitive city, envisions a near-zero carbon, tech-native metropolis with autonomous transport, AI governance, and data-driven everything. The payoffs are tangible. Smart cities optimise energy in scorching heat and ease traffic congestion. They boost healthcare, safety, and response to sandstorms and crowds. For young, tech-savvy populations, these features enhance livability and position the Gulf as a magnet for investment and innovation. The region aims for a trillion-dollar digital economy. The smart infrastructure is central to delivering it. The Data Delegue and Its Inherent Risks Every smart feature generates data, lots of it. A continuous stream of personal and behavioural information is created by the Cameras, Environmental Sensors, Connected Vehicles, Small Grids, and Digital Identity platforms. Location tracking, consumption patterns, health metrics from wearables, and even inferred preferences from AI analytics become grist for the urban mill. There are a number of security challenges that a smart city faces. The primary challenge concerns data privacy and protection. Privacy sits at the heart of the debate. Citizens and residents rightly ask who owns their data, how long it is retained, and with whom it is shared. The question of whether consent is meaningful in an environment where opting out of basic urban services is impractical. Individuals in these environments also play a role. When accessing services over public or smart city networks, many use reliable tools like CyberGhost VPN for Windows to encrypt traffic, hide IP addresses, and add protection against interception of WiFi. This is also quite helpful when interacting with digital urban platforms. Regulatory Awakening: Evolve to Match the Pace of TechnologyThe countries that have built smart cities are not asleep at the wheel. Recognising the risks, governments have moved to establish modern data protection frameworks. Laws have been enacted and are being executed in letter and spirit to do away with the possible data breach. These laws are aimed at emphasising consent, data, minimisation, breach notification, accountability, and rights like access, correction, and deletion. Authorities are investing in cybersecurity capabilities, national CERT teams, and public-private partnerships. Initiatives such as Dubai’s AI Ethics and Principles and data sharing toolkits signal an attempt to embed governance and ethics from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. However, implementation challenges still remain there. The advent of technology brings along certain challenges. Timely redressal of these challenges is vital to do away with the damages. And the same goes for the smart cities. Rapid rollout of smart project regulatory maturity, enforcement capacity, cross-border data flow, especially with global cloud providers, and harmonisation across jurisdictions is needed, with continued attention. Sector-specific rules for critical infrastructure and smart city operators must evolve to match the pace of technology. Smart City Expo can serve as a perfect spot where experts roll their heads. Towards Responsible Innovation The new conversation around data security in smart cities should not be framed as a break on the progress, but as an accelerator of trustworthy progress. Citizens are more likely to embrace smart solutions if they trust the system protecting their data. Investors and global partners will favour a jurisdiction demonstrating robust governance. The practical steps ought to be clear: Privacy by design and security by design must be non-negotiable in procurement and architecture. Transparent data policies, independent oversight, regular audits, and investment in local cyber security talent and indigenous technology capabilities will build resilience. Ethical AI guidelines, as seen in Dubai, should guide deployment. Public engagement is crucial. It needs to be explained to them about the benefits while addressing concerns. It will force social licensing. On an individual level, combining systematic efforts with personal tools, such as reliable VPN solutions, empowers users to take ownership of their digital footprint. The international collaboration on standards can't be undermined. However, maintaining control over critical data and infrastructure will be essential. Any sovereign country should not compromise with the security and privacy of its citizens. They form the cornerstone of a welfare state.Conclusion Ultimately, the most successful smart cities will be those that are not only intelligent and efficient but also secure and humane. An individual living there must have a complete sense of security with respect to their life, liberty, and privacy. To build a trustworthy urban future, the governments are supposed to strengthen regulations, invest in secure-by-design architectures and foster local cybersecurity capabilities. However, residents can add a vital layer of personal protection by using tools like VPN to encrypt their connection and safeguard privacy. This is a tool they can rely on while navigating this increasingly digital city ecosystem.**media[469021]** 

Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said Monday its teams are working 24/7 to monitor drainage networks and ensure highways and tunnels remain free of rainwater amid the country's current weather conditions.Engineer Mohannad Hassan Haji, from the Drainage Network Operations and Maintenance Department, told reporters that rapid response teams are deployed across the country, monitoring field conditions and intervening immediately to address any rainfall-caused water pooling.Haji added that operational control measures are ongoing to ensure smooth water drainage and minimise any impact on roads and infrastructure.The authority urged the public to follow updates via its social media accounts, adhere to safety instructions, reduce driving speed, and pay attention to road signage. It also advised them to report emergencies or concerns through the authority's hotline at 188. 

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended the opening day of Jadal -- Al-Mujadilah Centre and Mosque for Women’s annual research summit -- designed to build and extend research networks on topics related to the contemporary challenges and lived realities of Muslim women around the world.Jadal was also attended by Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family, and other distinguished guests and dignitaries. Held at Al-Mujadilah, Jadal has welcomed over 100 delegates from North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, bringing together Muslim women scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe and providing a home for international female Muslim scholarship. They will explore the summit’s 2026 strategic theme, ‘Muslim Women Navigating Theology, Ethics, and Society’.The summit will explore the role of Muslim women within the Islamic intellectual tradition and examines how they draw from this living heritage to navigate and respond to contemporary challenges. Through dialogue, research, and public engagement, Jadal continues to advance scholarship rooted in faith, lived experience, and global perspectives.The opening remarks were delivered by Dr Sohaira Siddiqui, executive director of Al-Mujadilah, who emphasised the importance of bridging scholarly knowledge and community life. She spoke on the need for research that is both rigourous and accessible, and for institutions that place Muslim women at the centre of knowledge production, ethical inquiry, and public engagement.She said, “Al-Mujadilah was founded on a simple but demanding premise: that religious knowledge is a form of stewardship. It carries responsibility to history, to ethics, and to the community it serves. It must be rigourous yet accessible, principled yet responsive, rooted in tradition while attentive to context.“Jadal was conceived not simply as a conference, but as a conversation, one that unfolds over time, across disciplines, and within our Muslim community.”During the summit, a new partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and Family and Al-Mujadilah was launched, marking a shared commitment to highlighting women’s contributions in Islam across history and in contemporary life. Rooted in awareness and renewed impact, the partnership will deliver a series of public initiatives aimed at deepening understanding of women’s roles in shaping knowledge, community, and society, grounded in faith, values, and lived experience.The collaboration was announced in the presence of HE al-Nuaimi, who shared reflections on women, community, and social development. ‘More Muslim’, a new narrative audio documentary podcast exploring the Muslim experience in all its complexity and depth, was also launched during Jadal.Blending storytelling and historical reflection, the series takes listeners on transhistorical journeys into themes that have shaped, and continue to shape, Muslim life in the modern world. This first season, produced by Al-Mujadilah, examines the lived experiences of Muslim women, sharing thoughtful, layered stories that illuminate faith, culture, and belonging beyond simplified narratives.Across the three days of Jadal 2026, panels and sessions are exploring themes including women’s agency and ethical leadership in Islamic history and civilization, as well as their normative authority and intellectual contributions from the inception of Islam to the present day. 

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) announced that the total number of passengers who used the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, from December 1 to 18, 2025 reached 4,924,919 passengers, with 4,712,758 passengers travelling by Metro and 212,161 passengers using the Tram, with a daily average of 273,606 passengers across the Metro and Tram networks.The metro and tram played a key role in facilitating the movement of fans and visitors to and from the stadiums of both tournaments, as well as various event zones and key destinations across the country. This was achieved through delivering world-class transportation services and ensuring a safe, reliable, and seamless travel experience throughout the period.The Arab Cup Qatar 2025 was hosted across six stadiums: Lusail Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, and Stadium 974. Five of these stadiums were located within a short walking distance of metro stations, while fans were able to access Al Bayt Stadium via dedicated shuttle bus services from Lusail QNB Metro Station.Meanwhile, the three final matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, the Americas Derby, the Challenge Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup Final, were all held at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, which is directly connected to Al Riffa Mall of Qatar Station, on Dec. 10, 13, and 17, respectively.In terms of operational performance, a total of 48,422 train-trips were completed across the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks during the period from 1 to 18 December, comprising 41,843 metro trips and 6,579 tram trips.During the tournament, 34% of spectators used the metro to attend matches, while metro usage increased to 50% for the 5 stadiums directly connected to metro stations.On December 18, which coincided with Qatar National Day celebrations, the Arab Cup Final and third-place playoff match, the highest daily ridership of the tournament was recorded, reaching 357,287 passengers, with 347,987 travelling by metro and 9,300 by tram.DECC, Lusail QNB and Msheireb stations were the busiest across the entire metro network. Within the Lusail Tram network, Legtaifiya Station was the busiest.Qatar Rail played a prominent role in supporting the successful hosting of the Arab Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, through the effective operation of its networks, which delivered a successful model for transporting fans and visitors throughout the tournament period. This was achieved through the dedicated efforts of its teams, advance planning, high operational readiness, as well as close coordination with all relevant stakeholders, with the aim of delivering a world-class travel experience.Throughout the Arab Cup period, Qatar Rail continued its efforts to strengthen the role and expertise of engineers and young national cadres across various sectors of the company, reinforcing their contribution to delivering a successful transport operations model through several operational locations.  

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.