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The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) unveiled Sunday the details of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work.This came during a press conference attended by a contingent of national leaders, representatives of public agencies, civil society institutions, and media professionals engaged in social affairs.The Award represents the first official national Qatari award dedicated to honouring individuals, families, institutions, and key actors who have contributed with outstanding efforts and innovative, sustainable initiatives in service of the Qatari community.The award operates within an organised MSDF-led institutional framework, embodying the values of magnanimity, social responsibility, and active citizenship that characterise the State of Qatar.The award is a national initiative that intends to build an excellence culture in social work based on recognition, encouragement, and motivation within an evaluation system and accurate judging standards that ensure transparency and credibility, said CEO of the Award Abdulaziz Ibrahim al-Ishaq.Al-Ishaq noted that Her Excellency Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al Jabr al-Nuaimi issued a ministerial decision appointing the Award's vice-chair and members of the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the provisions of Amiri Decision No. 16 of 2025, establishing the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work.He added that the decision designated Khalifa Essa al-Kubaisi as vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees, along with the appointment of representatives from relevant government entities, namely Nasser Abdulaziz al-Mugaisib, representing MSDF; Najla Faisal al-Thani, representing the Ministry of Culture; Fawaz Abdullah al-Musaifri, representing the Ministry of Sports and Youth; Maryam Abdullah al-Muhannadi, representing the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Najla Majid al-Khulaifi, representing the Council of Ministers Secretariat General; Saud Ahmed al-Buainain, representing the Government Communications Office; Rana Madi al-Hajri, representing the Audit Bureau; and Al Anoud Ali al-Thani, representing the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority.Al-Ishaq further elaborated that the decision encompassed the appointment of independent members with proven expertise and competence in the award's programmes and initiatives, namely Dr Sharifa Noaman al-Emadi, Abdulaziz Ibrahim al-Ishaq, and Fahad Mohamed al-Attiyah.This falls within the framework of enhancing the independence of strategic direction and consolidating the principles of governance, reflecting the principles of accountability, institutional integrity, and proactive leadership.This decision embodies the legal and institutional framework governing the award and reflects institutional integration among national entities, ensuring sound governance, impartial oversight, and the alignment of the Board of Trustees' work with the award's objectives and national mission, al-Ishaq underlined.Al-Ishaq explained that the award comprises five main categories: individuals, families, non-profit organisations, the private sector, and media, noting that the total annual prize pool amounts to QAR 2.7mn, granted to the initiatives demonstrating the greatest impact and sustainability in serving the community.The official outlined the nomination mechanism, clarifying that a select group of experts specialised in social work, community initiatives, corporate social responsibility, and community media will be engaged to nominate eligible individuals, families, institutions, and projects for the award.This process, he said, relies on their professional expertise and direct role in monitoring initiatives that have a national impact.Al-Ishaq added that the specialised nomination experts and relevant entities will submit to the Board of Trustees of the award the nomination lists, enclosed by explanatory reports detailing the justifications for each selection.The Board retains the right to request any supporting materials or additional documents, or to decline any nomination that does not meet the award criteria or falls outside the approved scope of authority, he highlighted.Al-Ishaq also noted that the award represents a focal point between official and community efforts, serving as a national platform to honour generosity, exchange expertise, and build partnerships across various sectors.The award's executive team will, immediately following the conclusion of the conference, engage with the specialised nomination experts and relevant entities to submit their nominations for the first cycle of 2025, he remarked.In addition, al-Ishaq affirmed that the award is not limited to symbolic recognition alone, but rather represents a national call to adopt responsible institutional practices that keep up with the nation's developmental and social transformations.He emphasised that partnerships with the private sector and media constitute a fundamental pillar in the award's success and in disseminating its messages, with MSDF playing a pivotal role in launching this Award and exercising full oversight, considering it a national initiative aligned with its mandate and role in advancing the social work ecosystem and fostering community engagement in Qatar.The overall framework of the award oversees its vision, policies, and standards, ensuring alignment with national strategies and the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of human and social development, and fostering the principle of the transition from care to empowerment.It also supervises the governance of the award and its organisational structure, through the chairmanship of the Board of Trustees, the approval of the executive team and sub-teams- scientific, selection and admission, media, administrative, and financial- as well as the monitoring of evaluation and verification mechanisms, ensuring the highest levels of transparency, integrity, and fairness in selecting the winners.The ministry's role further includes strengthening strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector, civil society institutions, and media outlets, contributing to the expansion of the award's impact, promoting a culture of excellence and social responsibility, and encouraging social initiatives with sustainable impact.The award forms part of the MSDF-led national initiatives system, affirming its commitment to supporting institutional social work, recognising humanitarian efforts, and empowering individuals and institutions to contribute effectively to community development and cohesion.The event concluded by affirming that the Award will contribute to building a national system that strengthens the culture of excellence in social work and highlights Qatar's leading role in sustainable development and enhancing social solidarity.  

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. 

Years of Culture is joining 'From the Homeland,' an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), to present a cross-cultural exchange celebrating family heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.As part of the upcoming Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, the initiative introduces a series of interactive experiences connecting Qatari traditions with Latin American artistry and shared community values.Taking place from November 12–15 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Hall 03, this year’s exhibition explores the power of family and community as the foundation of creativity.The Years of Culture booth highlights how Qatari craftsmanship and cultural heritage intersect with Argentinian and Chilean artistry, promoting mutual understanding and exchange.Key experiences at the exhibition include the Coffee and Mate Exchange corner. This cultural ritual blends Qatari Arabic coffee and Yerba Mate, symbolising hospitality and friendship. Hosted by Norma Rolón, the daily experience features Arabic coffee provided by MSDF alongside Yerba Mate prepared by Argentinian guests.Another highlight is the Makers Meet – Witral Weaving Exchange, led by Chilean artist Lisbeth Pino Westermayer. This experience celebrates Qatari Al Sadu and Chilean Chilean Witral weaving as parallel expressions of native creativity. Visitors can explore visual panels, maps, and materials that highlight each loom’s origin and symbolism while learning about traditional craftsmanship and its cultural significance.Visitors will also be treated to musical performances, including a special instrumental set today, November 14, at 4pm, featuring four violinists and cellists from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.The exhibition opening hours are: November 14, from 2pm to 9pm; and November 15, from 9am to 9pm.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) held the sixth edition of the Productive Families Incentive Award, and the Productive Families Exhibition — From the Homeland, where the winners of the award for the year 2025 were announced. **media[381115]** The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency the Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, His Excellency the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud, Her Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, a number of senior officials and representatives of supporting entities, in addition to productive families, media professionals and guests of the exhibition, which reflects national creativity in the field of home and craft products, and embodies the journey of empowering productive families in Qatar. **media[381116]** Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs at the MSDF Sheikha Shaikha bint Jassim al-Thani delivered a speech in which she indicated that the journey of productive families in Qatar extends for more than three decades since the launch of the first market dedicated to them in 1986, noting that the MSDF has supported more than a thousand productive families through training, empowerment and marketing, and the number of direct beneficiaries has now reached 680 families, in addition to the families that have established independent brands known today as “ministry-friendly families.” **media[381117]** Sheikha Shaikha emphasised that the incentive award represents an important milestone in the journey of supporting and empowering productive families, in line with the National Strategy for Social and Family Development 2025-2030, which is based on the slogan “From Welfare to Empowerment,” noting that the ministry is continuing to empower families and open new horizons for them to actively participate in the national economy. Dr Nadia Hamad al-Mannai, owner of the Al Mashmom Clothing Workshop project, also gave a speech on behalf of the participants, in which she expressed her gratitude to the MSDF for its continued support for productive families, noting that her passion for Qatari heritage products was the driving force behind the establishment of her project, which has developed to participate in local and international events. She emphasised that the MSDF’s support has been a fundamental pillar in empowering Qatari women and enhancing the presence of national products. The support of the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) for this award comes as an extension of its role in promoting social and economic development initiatives in the country. Daam has contributed through its support to providing award allocations for productive family projects, believing in the necessity of relying on local energies among members of society and enabling them to produce, in line with its vision of supporting people and investing in their capabilities, to be an active partner in achieving comprehensive development in Qatar. The ceremony included a video presentation introducing the winning projects, which showcased the families’ experiences and products, and concluded with the announcement of the winners in the categories of Best Productive Family and Best Product, where HE the Minister of Social Development and Family honored them amidst a festive national atmosphere. Fatima Yousef al-Sulaiti’s project won the first place in the Best Productive Family Award, receiving a prize of QR100,000. Nawal Hilal Ramadan’s project came in second with a prize of QR70,000, while Saud Mubarak’s project came in third place with a prize of QR50,000. She also crowned the winners of the Best Product Award, where the Juma Mubarak al-Kuwari’s project won first place with a prize of QR100,000. Iman Abdullah Ali al-Kuwari’s project won second place with a prize of QR70,000, while the Al-Jazi Fahd al-Hajri’s project won third place with a prize of QR50,000, in recognition of their creativity and the quality of their production, according to precise judging criteria that included quality, innovation, creativity, and professional presentation. Following the honouring ceremony, Her Excellency inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, “Productive Families Exhibition — From the Homeland,” at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, which runs until Nov 15 and includes a range of distinguished national projects.

The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, launched the "Testaahel" card to support social security beneficiaries. The move aims to alleviate living costs, enhance beneficiaries' sense of belonging and community participation, and enable them to access essential services more easily and at a lower cost. Marking the occasion, His Excellency Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai said that, based on the Ministry of Defense's commitment to supporting social security beneficiaries, the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, announces the granting of the "Testaahel" card to social security beneficiaries, with the aim of improving the quality of life and alleviating the living burdens on beneficiaries, in addition to enhancing social solidarity and achieving sustainable development for the beneficiary groups. His Excellency emphasized that the Ministry of Defense continues to support national initiatives that serve the community, particularly with regard to social and livelihood empowerment for deserving groups. For his part, Director of the Social Security Department at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Mohanna Abdullah Al Nuaimi said that the launch of the 'Testaahel' card represents a practical interpretation of the ministry's vision to empower social security beneficiaries and improve their quality of life through tangible facilities that contribute to reducing burdens and achieving societal stability. Al Nuaimi added that the card allows beneficiaries to access services and discounts from a number of government and private entities, emphasizing that the initiative represents a successful model of integration among state institutions in supporting deserving groups. He commended the Ministry of Defense's efforts and its effective cooperation in implementing the initiative, praising its role in facilitating coordination procedures and providing technical and logistical support to launch the card in record time. Al Nuaimi pointed out that the Social Security Department continues to develop its programs and initiatives, in line with the Ministry of Social Development and Family's objectives to build a cohesive society that achieves social justice and equal opportunities. The "Testaahel" card offers discounts ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent on a wide range of services and products, including healthcare, education and training, catering and food supplies, transportation and communication, and entertainment services. The card is one of the initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in society by facilitating their access to their daily needs, enhancing financial independence, and supporting the country's economic and social development efforts. The card also allows its holders to benefit from offers and discounts via a constantly updated smart electronic application.