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The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) launched a national digital platform developed to empower people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and service providers to access information and services tailored to them more reliably and clearly.The launch was attended by Her Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family (MSDF) Buthaina bint Ali al-Jaber al-Nuaimi.The launch ceremony witnessed the active participation of people with disabilities, reflecting their belief in the importance of including them in projects that address their lives and needs.The platform is one of MSDF's projects strategy, a step that reflects its commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all members of society.**media[389586]**On this occasion, HE Minister of Social Development and Family (MSDF) Buthaina bint Ali al Jaber al-Nuaimi said in her opening remarks said that the launch of the platform was in line with the law for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the State of Qatar, which affirms the right to access technology and information and to participate fully in society without obstacles.Her Excellency added that the ministry ensured that the platform embodies these principles and translates them into tangible, practical solutions that enhance the independence of individuals and enable them to exercise their rights easily and conveniently.HE the Minister added that the platform was not merely a digital project but an embodiment of a national model based on human rights, placing justice, inclusivity, and equal opportunities at the forefront of its priorities. She added that it also constitutes a fundamental pillar in supporting the implementation of the MSDF’s strategy, aiming to build a modern social services system that meets the aspirations of society.”In her address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Assistive Technology Center (Mada) Maha al-Mansouri emphasised that the platform was not merely an information portal, but a strategic step in building an inclusive digital ecosystem that reflects Qatar's efforts to promote universal accessibility and enhance independence and self-reliance.It is worth noting that the platform was developed by the Assistive Technology Center (Mada) according to the highest international digital accessibility standards, ensuring a user experience compatible with assistive technology.The platform also incorporates solutions based on assistive artificial intelligence technologies to enhance independence and improve the quality of digital services for users.**media[389587]**This project is a comprehensive digital platform that contributes to the implementation of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and reflects the Ministry of Social Development and Family's commitment to implementing its strategy aimed at empowering this segment of society and facilitating their access to various services and opportunities.The project is one of the practical tools adopted by the MSDF to remove obstacles that people with disabilities may face, by providing innovative solutions that support their full inclusion in society and enhance their independence and quality of life.This aligns with the national directions of Qatar in promoting rights, protection, and empowerment, and with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 by supporting the building of a more inclusive and sustainable society and providing a digital system that facilitates understanding and access to services for people with disabilities, enabling them to exercise their rights and to participate in all aspects of life. 

The Ministry of Municipality's Public Parks Department, in co-operation with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, launched the 11th edition of the "Farm Your Country" programme, with the participation of 47 schools at various educational levels, including one school for persons with disabilities.The programme comes within the framework of national efforts to enhance the partnership between the public and private sectors in raising agricultural awareness and instilling in students a culture of planting from an early age, thus, strengthening this trend towards a green and sustainable environment in the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Public Parks Department said that planting operations have been completed in 25 schools, adding that the coming weeks will see such operations carried out in the remaining schools, followed by checkups and plant care stages taking place until the harvest season, held under the supervision of the department's technical team.The department said that this is one of the most important community programmes that it implements in partnership with Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, with its significance stemming from its contribution to instilling in students a sense of responsibility, respect for the environment, and teamwork, in addition to encouraging home farming and enhancing food security in the country.

Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted the "Equity for All" campaign to raise awareness about inclusivity and the challenges faced by people with disabilities.The campaign emphasized the importance of building an inclusive society during a thought-provoking discussion, followed by an accessibility fair designed to engage and empower participants, encouraging them to contribute fully to society."We are proud to support this initiative, which not only sheds light on the experiences of people with disabilities but also champions the values of equity, accessibility, and inclusivity," said Information Services Librarian at Qatar National Library Hanan Zaidan‏.She added, "These principles are essential to the growth of a thriving society and align with our mission to promote lifelong learning and personal development." The event featured Ahmed Al Shahrani, a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest wheelchair crossing of Qatar.The event provided QNL with an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to creating a space where every individual, regardless of background or ability, feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to society.

The Qatar Chamber hosted the ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’, which concluded Saturday in Doha.The event featured the ‘Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities’ and the ‘Arab Exhibition for Productive Families’ held on the sidelines of the recently held ‘Second World Summit for Social Development’.The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League – Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) – Bahrain Office, and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.The event was attended by Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Dr Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Mohammed bin Saleh al-Alawi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain and chair of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Dr Khaled Hanafy, secretary general of the Union of Arab Chambers; Ambassador Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary general and head of the Office of the secretary general of the League of Arab States;Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development of Jordan; Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidli, director general of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the Gulf States; and Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek al-Nabulsi, director of the Department of Development and Social Policies at the League of Arab States.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased a variety of products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors representing Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, al-Kuwari emphasised that the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al-Kuwari also underscored Qatar Chamber’s commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the chamber’s encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.

The Qatar Chamber hosted "The high-level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation," from Nov. 6 to 8, 2025.The event featured the "Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities" and the "Arab Exhibition for Productive Families" held on the sidelines of the "Second World Summit for Social Development."The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League - Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Mohammed bin Twar Al Kuwari, stressed that the initiative represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market, and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasized that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al Kuwari also underscored the Qatar Chamber's commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the Chamber's encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased various products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors from several Arab countries.

President of the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities (AOPD) Dr. Nawaf Kabbara stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and joint action to support the rights of persons with disabilities. He noted that this cooperation represents a qualitative step towards achieving social justice and inclusion in Arab and international societies. In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Dr. Kabbara said such initiatives reflect the international community's commitment to working in a spirit of partnership and understanding, and emphasize the need to overcome conflicts and divisions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Kabbara noted the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Foundation for Social Work during the Summit, which will enable the implementation of joint programs to support the rights of persons with disabilities in Qatar, the Arab world, and internationally. He explained that this initiative represents a good start for everyone. He added that the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development are a qualitative response to all those who want to eliminate the other or cling only to their position, noting the importance of coexistence and cooperation among people. Regarding cooperation with the State of Qatar, he expressed the organization's pride in hosting the Fourth Global Disability Summit in Doha in 2028, which will contribute to the Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities leadership and Qatar in advancing the cause of the rights of persons with disabilities. Despite the difficult circumstances humanity is experiencing today, there is always hope, and history is dedicated to positive change, not negative change, Dr. Kabbara concluded in his remarks to QNA.

Students of HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities, representing the centre’s senior, open schooling, primary, and junior sections, recently held a special educational visit to the Indonesian embassy in Doha. Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan welcomed the students and special educators and led them on a guided tour of the embassy premises. The students were introduced to the daily operations and the key functions of various departments and learned how the embassy provides consular services, facilitates cultural and trade relations, and assists local citizens and citizens living abroad. Hassan spoke about his longstanding association with HOPE Qatar. “HOPE Qatar has made a remarkable difference not just in the lives of its students, but also in the lives of their families,” the envoy said. “The love, patience, and professionalism of the staff reflect the true spirit of inclusion.” Hassan also commended HOPE Qatar’s role in promoting empowerment and equality through education, emphasising that “every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be part of society with dignity”. “We are deeply honoured to have visited the Indonesian embassy, and even more grateful for the long and meaningful association we share with ambassador Ridwan Hassan and his family,” said HOPE Qatar founder and chief mentor Dr Rajeev Thomas. The students presented handmade souvenirs to the ambassador as a gesture of appreciation for his kindness and support. In turn, Hassan presented the students with gifts and interacted with them individually, expressing admiration for their confidence, creativity, and positivity. HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities offers quality education and holistic support to children and young adults with disabilities. The centre’s programmes are designed to nurture independence, confidence, and community participation among its learners.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Sunday issued Law No. 22 of 2025 concerning persons with disabilities.The law is effective and set to be published in the official gazette.HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, affirmed that issuance of the new Persons with Disabilities Law marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's journey to protect and promote human rights.She emphasised that the law goes beyond care provision, embedding the principles of empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, recognising them as active partners in development and future-building.The legislation reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to upholding justice and equality for all members of society, emphasising that everyone shares responsibility in shaping a better tomorrow.According to a statement from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the law emphasises protection of civil and political rights of persons with disabilities, including freedom of movement, opinion, and expression, the right to form a family, and participation in elections, associations, and institutions.The law also stipulates that a person's freedom may only be restricted within the limits required by their condition, while prohibiting all forms of violence or exploitation.It includes deterrent measures to protect these rights, prescribing penalties of up to six months' imprisonment and fines of up to QR 100,000 for violations, with fines in certain cases reaching QR 500,000, particularly in instances of neglect, exploitation, or abuse.The law also holds officials in administrative bodies accountable for any negligence or failure to implement its provisions. It requires relevant authorities to establish a unified national database for persons with disabilities and issue identification cards to facilitate access to benefits and services, which embodies Qatar's vision to promote social justice, uphold inclusion and empowerment, and ensure a dignified life for all.

The Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind (QSCCB) announced a program focused on the Holy Quran, in collaboration with the department of persons with disabilities programs at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs. QSCCB explained that the program, presented by Sheikh Amro Al Maliki, will be held weekly (every Wednesday) at the Center after Maghrib prayer. The program comes as part of the Center's efforts in instilling the love for the Holy Quran in the hearts of its members and giving them the opportunity to benefit from the gatherings as well as recitation. Chairman of the QSCCB, Faisal Al Kooheji, stated that the program was organized as part of the Center's belief in the importance of the Holy Quran in shaping young people positively. The center aims to provide a religious space that helps establish a generation deeply connected to the Holy Quran, Al Kooheji added. The QSCCB, established in 2004, is one of the centers affiliated with the Ministry of Culture that culturally serves the blind and people with low vision of both genders.

Senior and open schooling students of HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities, paid an educational visit to the embassy of India recently.The students represented the nationalities of India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.The students were given an opportunity to observe the functioning of the embassy and gain insight into how diplomatic missions operate, making it an enriching learning experience beyond the classroom.They were introduced to the consular section, its functions, and how passports are printed and issued by the mission. In an interaction with ambassador Vipul, the students posed numerous questions and received answers.The visit also featured the formal release of the first copy of ‘Ray of HOPE’ the annual newsletter of HOPE Qatar for the Academic Year 2024–2025 by the ambassador.The students presented handmade gifts to the envoy and received gifts from the embassy. Dr Rajeev Thomas, founder and chief mentor of HOPE Qatar, was present.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged the public to avoid the use of parking spaces for people with disabilities. "Occupying parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities is a traffic offence and a bad habit and violates their rights," MoI said in an X post. The ministry said adhering to designated parking spaces and avoiding the use of parking spaces for people with disabilities is a civilised behaviour that reflects compliance with traffic laws and guidelines and preserves the rights of others.