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The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) implemented the 'Eid Joy' initiative coinciding with Eid al-Adha. The Directorate distributed 4,000 gifts to children in 19 mosques across the country during Eid prayers, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the social impact of endowments and revive the spirit of joy during this occasion.The initiative was met with widespread participation from families and children, putting a smile on their faces and contributing to a festive atmosphere after the Eid prayers. This reflects the humanitarian and social values ​​that endowments instil in society.The initiative is part of a series of community programs implemented by the General Directorate of Endowments, which aim to maximise the impact of endowments and strengthen their role in serving various segments of society, particularly during religious occasions that hold profound spiritual and social dimensions.Director-General of the General Directorate of Endowments Engineer Hassan Abdullah al-Marzouqi stated that the 'Eid Joy' initiative is an extension of the Directorate's community role in promoting the culture of endowments and reinforcing the societal values ​​associated with Eid al-Adha, highlighting their keenness to share the joy of religious occasions with children.The initiative, he said, reflects the Directorate's commitment to maximising the societal impact of endowments and activating their role in contributing to various humanitarian aspects. It strengthens community cohesion and embodies the image of endowments as a sustainable development tool that serves humanity on various occasions.While affirming the General Directorate of Endowments' continued commitment to launching impactful initiatives that respond to community needs and contribute to spreading positive values, stemming from its mission to utilise endowments to serve humanity, he expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the generous donors, especially those who donated to the Masraf Waqfi for Family and Childhood, for their significant contribution to the success of these initiatives and the achievement of their objectives. 

Vodafone Qatar hosted a blood donation drive as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Msheireb Properties. The donation drive was open to Vodafone Qatar employees, partners, and the wider public, reflecting the company’s belief that meaningful community impact extends beyond its own workforce. HMC’s medical team was present throughout to screen donors and oversee the donation process, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for all participants. There is a continuous and critical need for blood donations. Donated blood supports patients undergoing surgery, those receiving treatment for conditions such as anaemia and leukaemia, and individuals recovering from accidents or medical emergencies, making each donation potentially life-saving. Abdulhadi al-Sahli, head of Media Relations and CSR at Vodafone Qatar, said: “At Vodafone Qatar, we are committed to supporting initiatives that bring people together to benefit the wider community. This blood donation drive has brought our employees and partners together to contribute to a cause that supports patients across Qatar, and we are pleased to partner with HMC and Msheireb Properties on this initiative.”

As part of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS)’s Ramadan Campaign 1447 AH, themed “Keep Your Balance of Good Deeds Alive”, the daily On-the-Go Ramadan Iftar initiative at Katara Cultural Village has been warmly received by visitors. Now in its third consecutive year and sponsored by LuLu Hypermarket, the initiative is carried out by QRCS volunteers who distribute Iftar meals at the Ramadan Cannon area and to motorists at sunset. A total of 350 meals are distributed daily, totalling 10,150 throughout the campaign. Visitors have praised the initiative for reinforcing the spiritual values of Ramadan, particularly among children and youth. Beyond Qatar, QRCS continues to extend support to vulnerable communities worldwide through Ramadan food assistance projects. In Gaza, 17,833 food parcels are being distributed to displaced families at a total cost of $1.85mn, helping strengthen their resilience and enabling them to observe the holy month with dignity. In Afghanistan, QRCS has launched Ramadan food distributions for vulnerable families in the remote and mountainous provinces of Paktika and Zabul, in partnership with the Afghan Red Crescent Society and in coordination with local authorities and community leaders. Each parcel contains 94kg of essential food items, including flour, rice, sugar, beans, vegetable oil, dates, salt, and green tea. So far, 400 parcels have been distributed in Nematabad District (Paktika) and 364 in Mezana District (Zabul). Distributions will continue in Chahar Baran and Gomal districts, with 200 parcels allocated to each, bringing the total to 1,164 parcels at a cost of QR700,000. Two QRCS teams conducted field assessments in advance to identify priority needs. In Tanzania, QRCS concluded its Ramadan Iftar project in cooperation with the Tanzania Red Cross Society, distributing food parcels to 168 families—benefiting 1,176 individuals—across five districts in the Dar es Salaam region: Ilala, Kinondoni, Temeke, Ubungo, and Kigamboni. In Chad, QRCS partnered with Organisation Médicale Tchadienne and the Red Cross of Chad to distribute Ramadan parcels containing 45kg of rice, flour, sugar, and vegetable oil to 160 families, supporting 1,280 people. Preparations are also under way in Albania, where 500 Ramadan food parcels will be distributed by the Albanian Red Cross to 2,000 vulnerable individuals across several counties. In Somalia’s Northeast State, and in the presence of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, 1,951 one-month food parcels were distributed in Laascaanood, benefiting 10,806 people. Each parcel contained 66.5kg of essential items, including flour, rice, sugar, vegetable oil, infant formula, and dates. The assistance, valued at $184,931, also supported 210 patients with respiratory diseases and 690 persons with disabilities. QRCS has invited donors to contribute to its Ramadan campaign through its website, mobile app, donor service hotline, home collection service, or via bank transfer to designated accounts. 

Qatar Foundation’s (QF) BilAraby participated in panel discussions held on the sidelines of the 2nd UK Universities Arabic Debating Championship, hosted by the University of Oxford from February 7-9 organised by QatarDebate Center in collaboration with the Middle East Centre – St Antony’s College, University of Oxford. BilAraby’s participation aimed to reinforce the role of the Arabic language in discussions on knowledge production and the digital world. This engagement is part of the Initiative’s regional and international outreach, which promotes constructive dialogue, provides dynamic platforms for youth development, and fosters collaborations that inspire positive change. The opening day of the championship featured a panel discussion titled ‘The Arabic Language and Epistemic Justice in the Digital World,’ presented by Thaer Fawaz Farhat, debate specialist at QatarDebate Center. The panel included Dr Laith Alawneh, a speaker at the 2025 BilAraby Gathering, and Maya al-Jaber, a PhD researcher in psychology at the University of Oxford. The session examined the role of the Arabic language in the age of algorithms, including its representation in AI systems and whether it faces bias compared to other languages. It also addressed broader issues such as digital colonialism and the limits of epistemic justice within a landscape shaped by the interests of major corporations, while exploring what is required to build a dynamic Arabic presence that moves beyond consumption to contribute to knowledge production actively. On the second day of the championship, a roundtable was hosted to discuss the Arab world’s role in addressing shared global challenges, including migration, climate change, and food security. The session featured Dr Alawneh and al-Jaber, alongside representatives from BilAraby and QatarDebate Center, as well as several participating debaters. The roundtable further examined migration, sparking a rich discussion that framed the topic as a space where historical memory intersects with future opportunities, and explored how accumulated Arab expertise can be effectively leveraged. Participants agreed on the need to shift prevailing migration narratives that portray Arab migrants as a burden. The panel highlighted this as a significant opportunity for both Western and Arab countries alike, rather than a liability as often suggested. At the championship’s closing ceremony, BilAraby was recognised for its active role throughout the event and for its mission to elevate the Arabic language to the forefront of knowledge-based discussions on international dialogue platforms. 

Qatar Foundation's (QF) BilAraby initiative, in partnership with BLJ Worldwide, a leading strategic communications and public relations firm, secured the Gold Award for Best Use of the Arabic Language in a Media Campaign at the MEPRA Awards 2025.BilAraby’s award recognises the initiative’s successful media campaigns and strategic planning, and its impact regionally and globally, following its launch in 2024 as a platform for inspiring ideas and solutions in Arabic that reflects QF's commitment to promoting and perpetuating the language.Hisham Nourin, executive director, Strategic Initiatives and Programmes at QF, said: “This recognition highlights that focusing on contemporary Arabic content was a timely and strategic move, showing that our communities are able to engage with the modern era and partake in discussions on innovation and culture in their own language.“The award highlights how genuine Arabic storytelling can emotionally connect with both regional and global audiences, creating meaningful and impactful relationships.”BilAraby stood out as an initiative dedicated to enriching Arabic digital content and fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange across the Arab world. Its strategic media campaigns are distinguished by their creative use of Arabic and storytelling with contemporary, high-quality content. These campaigns aim to fill gaps in Arabic digital content, including bridging the gap between Arabic and other languages, while addressing key topics such as artificial intelligence, innovation, positive societal change, and the role of women in science. They offer inspiring Arabic examples that resonate with young people's aspirations. The judging panel awarded the prize based on strict criteria related to effective language use in communication, a standard that BilAraby’s campaigns exemplify through their modern content.BilAraby’s media campaigns have translated this strategic approach into exceptional real-world impact. Between January and May 2025, campaign content reached over 421.9mn people across traditional and digital channels, generating broad engagement across multiple countries. The content achieved a significant surge in digital interaction, with 13.3mn views for documentary-style content, demonstrating the strength of contemporary Arabic media. 

The College of Public Policy (CPP) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), through its Hadaba initiative, recently held ‘Hadaba 25: Public Narrative & Data Storytelling’ forum at Minaretein, Education City. This year's theme was designed to advance innovation in policy design through narrative strategy and data storytelling. In doing so, it explores the intersection of data, which is transparent, accountable, and empirical, with storytelling providing the emotional resonance needed to engage people, build narratives, and communicate complex concepts. The two-day event brought together around 180 policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students to develop practical, data-driven narratives that inform public policy. It blended collaborative training sessions, masterclasses, workshops, talks and keynotes to ensure participants are equipped with skills in data visualisation, policy communication, and collaborative storytelling. As part of the event, Unicef expert Priscillia Hoveyda delivered a talk on 'Storytelling in Humanitarianism,' emphasising the importance of promoting this medium among people facing displacement and humanitarian crisis. Representatives from Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council; Harvard Kennedy School, Weill Cornell Medical College and the Leadership Hub also led sessions and masterclasses across various topics. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology led a talk session which explored Qatar's public sector in the context of narrative. Commenting on the theme of the event and its significance, Dr Logan Cochrane, acting dean, CPP, said: “Authentic stories are more memorable than raw data, and this starts by understanding exactly what a narrative is, its parts, and how to align them to inspire action and inform decision-making. We recognise that storytelling grounded in data is not only a communication skill but a strategic policy tool.”

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the UN80 Initiative, launched by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as a key effort to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent, and fair in tackling contemporary global challenges. The GCC affirmed its support for efforts to reform the UN system and better meet the expectations of member states. This announcement was made during a speech delivered by Abdallah Al Fadhli, Diplomatic Attache of the State of Kuwait, on behalf of the Gulf Group before the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, under the agenda item "Organization of Work." Al Fadhli said that any reform must be anchored in the UN's three pillars: maintaining international peace and security, advancing human rights, and achieving sustainable development. He underscored the importance of a practical and constructive approach based on transparency, inclusiveness, and meaningful participation of all member states. He stressed the Gulf Group's readiness to engage constructively with all UN delegations and to promote consensus-building in the interest of achieving global goals. He reaffirmed the Group's belief that equality and inclusiveness among member states are essential to building an international order grounded in fairness and balance. Al Fadhli highlighted that enhancing fair representation and developing mechanisms for multilingualism within UN bodies are necessary, consistent with member states' aspirations for justice and equity. He specifically emphasized the importance of consolidating Arabic's status among the UN's six official languages since 1973, as a matter of equal access for Arabic-speaking peoples. He concluded by reaffirming the Gulf Group's commitment to collective and multilateral action under the UN framework, and its support for initiatives aiming to reinforce the Organization's effectiveness, strengthen its principles, and promote a just, inclusive, and sustainable international partnership.

The fourth session of the Science Cafe series, a collaborative initiative between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine, was held at Bin Jelmood House where over 120 participants attended. Centered on the theme "Healthy Qatar: Addressing Lifestyle-Related Health Concerns," the event gathered healthcare specialists, wellness practitioners, and community members to discuss preventive care and holistic well-being. The session provided a comprehensive platform to examine how simple, everyday lifestyle changes can yield long-term benefits for individuals, families, and the Qatari society at large. Held at Bin Jelmood House — a museum dedicated to human perseverance and social development, the event continued the Science Cafe's mission of bridging scientific knowledge with public understanding. The fourth Science Cafe session structured its discussions about several critical themes in preventive healthcare: A National Snapshot of the current health trends in Qatar, The Wellness Triad of nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, and Community Voices and Support Systems that emphasised the importance of local initiatives in shaping healthier lifestyles. Additional segments focused on Empowering Families Through Education and Action and A Shared Vision for a Healthier Qatar, underscoring the collective responsibility across communities and institutions. Dr. Sahar Da'as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine and lead of the Science Cafe initiative, stressed the personal significance of the event: "As both a researcher and a mother, I recognize that sustainable health change begins not in clinics or laboratories, but in our homes and communities. Our goal in every Science Cafe session is to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights that can improve the health and wellness of every family in Qatar. This session reminds us that prevention is not only about medical advice, but also about choices made in homes, schools, and workplaces. Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, highlighted how the partnership with Sidra Medicine supports broader cultural and social goals: "These sessions encourage dialogue on topics that directly affect people's lives, and we are proud to see the community actively engaging with science in this setting. Msheireb Museums functions as a hub for cultural and educational discourse. Hosting the Science Cafe series aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire social change. The event featured contributions from invited speakers, including Dr. Shaza Elhassan, Pediatrics Consultant at Children & Young People's Services, Sidra Medicine; Dr. Aisha Al-Ahmadi, Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health and Counseling Psychology at Qatar University; Rachel Rahme, journalist, Social Media Personality, and Health and Lifestyle Influencer, ; Iman Alazwani, Founder of the 5AM Club and Research Specialist at Sidra Medicine; and Ikhlas Ahmed, Engagement Specialist at Qatar National Library. The speakers shared their expertise and practical guidance with participants, where they discussed diverse perspectives on health, wellbeing, and community engagement. Meanwhile, the session was moderated by Dr. Omar Abdelsattar, Sustainability Strategist and Programme Leader at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council. In addition to the talks, the event also featured booth exhibitors including Qatar National Library, OrangeTheory, the 5AM Club, and Zest Activewear. Launched in 2024, Science Cafe is a continuing collaboration between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine designed to encourage public engagement with scientific issues that affect society. The 2025 series spans diverse topics, from community health and comprehensive care to rare genetic conditions, with each session offering accessible discussions led by experts.

Snoonu, Qatar’s fastest-growing homegrown super app, is proud to announce the launch of its flagship CSR initiative “Give For Education”, in partnership with the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, as part of EAA’s nationwide Back to School 2025 campaign.The campaign, which runs from August 15 to December 15, 2025, aims to mobilise communities and provide vital support for out-of-school children, ensuring they have access to quality education and the tools they need to build a brighter future.Through this initiative, Snoonu users can make donations directly via the Education Above All section in Snoonu’s Charity Category, making it easier and faster for the community to contribute. The campaign will also feature school competitions, community events, and digital storytelling, all designed to raise awareness and encourage participation.Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu, said: “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and no child should be left behind. With Give For Education, we are not only supporting EAA’s Back to School campaign but also engaging our community in shaping a better future. As a Qatari company, we believe it is our responsibility to leverage technology for impact, ensuring every contribution helps empower the next generation.”Fatima Al-Nameh, from the Education Above All Foundation, said: “At Education Above All Foundation, we believe that every child has the right to education as a fundamental tool for human dignity and sustainable development. Our collaboration with Snoonu on the Give For Education initiative reflects our shared commitment to empowering the most marginalised children with access to inclusive and equitable learning opportunities. Through this nationwide campaign, we hope to inspire the community across Qatar to contribute to building a brighter future for generations to come, where education serves as the cornerstone of justice, stability, and prosperity.”This initiative reflects Snoonu’s ongoing commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights Snoonu’s belief that national development and global sustainability go hand in hand, while further strengthening its long-standing collaboration with EAA.

In response to the growing interest in benefiting from the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, and in line with its commitment to supporting taxpayers and enabling them to regularise their status, the General Tax Authority has announced the extension of the submission period for the initiative until December 31, 2025.The extension aims to provide the opportunity for the largest possible number of taxpayers to benefit from the available exemptions.The GTA allows taxpayers to apply for the initiative through the Dhareeba platform, while continuing to provide support and guidance services that reinforce transparency and help instill a culture of tax compliance.The initiative has achieved significant results, with more than 7,000 taxpayers exempted from financial penalties exceeding QR1.6bn, and over 56,000 tax returns submitted — including overdue returns covering tax periods from 2014 to 2024. This has greatly contributed to raising the overall tax compliance rate.The initiative also witnessed a high participation rate among companies and business owners who were able to rectify their situations and benefit from the full exemption from financial penalties. Beneficiary companies represented various vital sectors, reflecting the inclusiveness of the initiative and its broad impact in supporting different components of the national economy.The GTA has urged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative via the Dhareeba platform. The initiative is considered one of the Authority’s landmark measures, designed to enable taxpayers to settle their tax obligations through a 100% exemption from financial penalties incurred due to late registration, filing, or payment, subject to specific terms and conditions.The GTA has confirmed that the initiative has successfully enhanced voluntary compliance by offering a clear and practical opportunity to rectify tax status with ease and convenience. This contributes to the efficiency of the tax system and strengthens the relationship of trust and partnership between the Authority and taxpayers.