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The ambassador of the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar Neerav Patel described the signing of the joint statement concluding negotiations on the free trade agreement between the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom as an important milestone that has been under negotiation for years, and a significant step forward in developing relations between the two sides toward a long-term partnership with a modern commercial framework.In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said the agreement is of great strategic importance as it represents the first comprehensive free trade agreement between the GCC and a G7 country, setting a new benchmark for openness in the region.He explained that the agreement will strengthen relations between the GCC countries and the United Kingdom on one hand, and between Britain and the State of Qatar on the other, noting that the two countries already work closely across trade, investment, defense, education, health, technology, and culture.The free trade agreement, he said, will contribute to accelerating co-operation at lower cost. He highlighted the strong co-operation between the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar, particularly in the economic sector, with bilateral trade reaching around GBP 5.8bn.The new agreement, he added, is expected to provide a platform to expand this exchange into sectors that will shape the future of both countries.He noted that at a time when global trade is becoming more fragmented, the agreement sends a clear message that the United Kingdom and its Gulf partners support open markets and clear, predictable rules.It is also, he said, a message of confidence from the United Kingdom to Qatar and the region that Britain seeks to further strengthen cooperation and expand its long-term presence in the region.Speaking about the economic benefits, he said the agreement is practical and business-focused, making trade between the United Kingdom and the GCC cheaper, faster, and easier, which will directly benefit companies and individuals in Qatar.He added that the agreement reduces costs, as Qatari and GCC exports will enter the United Kingdom duty-free, while British exporters are expected to save around GBP 580 million annually in tariffs upon full implementation, with a significant portion of tariffs removed from day one.This, he stressed, will result in lower prices, stronger competition, and better margins for both sides.He further explained that the agreement will accelerate trade through simplified customs procedures and reduced paperwork, noting that goods can be cleared in less than 48 hours when requirements are met, while perishable goods can be cleared within hours.This, he explained, is practically important in reducing delays and losses and ensuring more reliable supply chains.He added that the free trade agreement will also open up the services sector, which already forms a large part of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Qatar, ensuring access to sectors such as finance, legal services, consultancy, and engineering, with clearer rules on licensing and recognition of qualifications.For Qatari projects, he continued, this means easier access to British expertise on the ground, while for British companies it provides a more stable and predictable environment for investment and expansion.He noted that the agreement will make it easier for people to move and do business across borders, as simplified visa procedures and longer business stays will allow professionals such as engineers, lawyers, and consultants to move more quickly to implement projects in both directions. It also reduces the cost of working in the digital economy and supports free data flows, which is particularly important for Qatar’s priorities in fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital services.He also pointed out that the agreement strengthens investment flows, as clearer rules and protections give investors confidence to deploy long-term capital, whether through Qatari investments in infrastructure and technology in the United Kingdom or British expansion into energy, industry, and services sectors in Qatar. It also brings tangible benefits for consumers in Qatar, as high-quality British products, from food and beverages to specialized goods, become more affordable and accessible, resulting in greater choice and better value.He stressed that the GCC-UK free trade agreement offers unlimited opportunities for the State of Qatar and strengthens the deep historical relationship between the two sides. It creates conditions for deeper partnerships in priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, professional services, and the digital economy.On trade, he said companies will benefit from simpler procedures and lower costs, making it easier for British firms to export and for Qatari companies to access the UK market. In services, clearer rules on mobility and recognition of qualifications will allow professionals to move more easily and deliver projects on the ground.In the digital field, he added, the agreement supports cross-border data flows and reduces the need for costly localisation, which is important for fintech, banking services, and broader technological cooperation. In innovation, there is real scope to combine British expertise with Qatari capital and ambition, whether in artificial intelligence, clean energy, or infrastructure, stressing that the opportunity now lies in turning the legal framework into practical deals.He said: "it goes so much wider, there is not a single sector or area of public life where we are not connected, and we are surging ahead in future-facing sectors. Trade, investment and security cooperation are the backbone but the relationship is expanding, into technology, energy transition, and long-term economic development. This breadth matters. It means we are not reliant on a single sector, we are building a genuinely diversified partnership"."This agreement strengthens that foundation and gives us the tools to take it further. The FTA reflects that shift. It gives businesses a more predictable environment to operate, which is essential in a more uncertain global economy," he added.Neerav Patel underlined that the agreement between the United Kingdom and the GCC formalises an important step in this direction, noting that there is real potential for further strategic integration and economic resilience.He said it is not only about tariffs, but about how two economies work together through investment, services, digital trade, and innovation.He added that the agreement establishes clearer rules for investors, supports cross-border services, and enables free data flows, representing the building blocks of modern economic integration. It also reflects how business is conducted today, digitally, across borders, and at scale. 

Little Kingdom of Rajagiri Public school marked Qatar National Sport Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit as the Kindergarten section celebrated its much-awaited KG Sports Day on February 9. The event was a vibrant and memorable occasion, filled with energy, colour, and excitement. The opening ceremony featured a variety of cultural and sports-themed performances that beautifully represented Qatar's spirit and heritage.**media[416193]**All kindergarten students actively participated in a range of races and fun-filled sporting events.The ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Dr Aju Abraham, who officially opened the Sports Day. The flag hoisting ceremony was conducted by the Principal, Joshy Abraham, and the Vice-Principal, Radhakrishnan, symbolising the formal commencement of the day’s events.The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Christina, the Physical Education In-charge, who expressed gratitude to the management, staff, parents, and students for their support and participation in making the event a grand success. The celebration not only promoted physical fitness but also instilled teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship among the young learners, making it a truly memorable tribute to Qatar National Sport Day. 

King Philippe of the Kingdom of Belgium received the credentials of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Qatar to Belgium Talal bin Almas al-Saleh al-Sulaiti. The ambassador conveyed to the king the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness’s wishes to the king for continued good health and happiness, and to the government and people of Belgium for ongoing progress and prosperity. For his part, the king of Belgium entrusted the ambassador with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and the State of Qatar continued advancement and prosperity. 

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Dr. Pedro Sanchez, on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met today with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Disck Schoof and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands David van Weel. The meeting dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation and the means to enhance it, discussing the latest regional developments, particularly in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to several issues of joint interest. His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed during the meeting the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to achieve regional de-escalation through dialogue and peaceful means.

The Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom Friday condemned Israel’s strikes in Doha on 9 September.In a joint statement released on Friday, the foreign ministers said the strikes violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation in the region."Furthermore, such action poses a serious risk to achieving a negotiated deal, which would secure the release of all remaining hostages and end the war in Gaza. The Ministers urge all parties to renew and redouble their efforts to agree on an immediate ceasefire," the statement continued."We express our solidarity with Qatar and fully support the vital role it continues to play in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, alongside Egypt and the United States. We call for the parties to exercise restraint and seize the opportunity for peace.We further underscore that the focus must remain on reaching a permanent ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and flooding Gaza with aid to stop the famine. We urgently call for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza City, which are causing mass civilian displacement, civilian casualties and destruction of essential infrastructure. We call for the UN and humanitarian NGOs to be able to work safely and at scale across the entire Strip, including the North," said the statement."We reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of the heinous crimes committed by Hamas, a terrorist movement that must immediately and unconditionally release the hostages it is holding, be disarmed, and be permanently excluded from governing the Gaza Strip," the Foreign Ministers concluded.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Maria Malmer Stenergard said that the Israeli strikes targeting residential premises of several Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Tuesday constitute a violation of Qatar's territorial integrity and international law.In a post on the X, she said: "Any escalation of violence in the region must now be avoided. Sweden will continue to support all efforts to ensure the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian access and a ceasefire in Gaza."