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Gulf airports are reinforcing resilience frameworks under the guidance of Airports Council International (ACI), which is co-ordinating closely with operators to safeguard passenger welfare and operational continuity during the US-Israel-Iran conflict. “ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, as a voice of airports, always works very closely with all members, and when disruption reaches this scale, we work very closely with members to extend all possible support. “We consolidate impact assessments so that we can recommend specific, practical measures to governments and industry stakeholders. We reinforce the principle that airports are like any other civilian infrastructure and must be protected under all circumstances,” Stefano Baronci, director general, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview. Baronci explained that in the immediate term, the aviation industry’s priority is the preservation of operational continuity and passenger welfare, with safety as the overriding principle.He emphasised that the sector has developed extensive crisis-management frameworks through decades of experience with geopolitical disruptions and other systemic shocks. “While such events inevitably cause operational disturbances, structured response mechanisms help contain instability, support stranded passengers, and prepare the system for a gradual and orderly return to normal traffic flows once conditions allow,” Baronci pointed out. In this context, Baronci noted that the ACI can play an important role by reinforcing best practices and encouraging Gulf airports to apply established resilience frameworks. This includes strengthening emergency preparedness, ensuring the availability of passenger assistance services during prolonged disruptions, and maintaining clear operational protocols that allow airports to manage irregular operations safely and efficiently, he said. Baronci underscored that continuous communication with passengers and transparent coordination with airlines are also essential components of maintaining confidence during periods of uncertainty. “Equally critical is the close collaboration among all actors in the aviation ecosystem. Effective crisis management depends on coordinated action between airports, airlines, civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers, and national governments. “By facilitating dialogue and the exchange of operational insights among its members, ACI can help ensure that practical measures adopted across the region remain aligned, enabling airports to respond cohesively to disruptions while safeguarding passenger welfare and operational stability,” he stressed. When airspace closures are beyond their control, Baronci explained that airports must balance operational continuity with passenger safety, especially when disruptions like airspace closures occur beyond their control. “International standards guide this process. The International Civil Aviation Organisation requires airports to maintain an Airport Emergency Plan under ICAO Annex 14, supported by guidance in ICAO Doc 9137 Airport Services Manual Part 8. “When disruptions occur, airports often activate an Emergency Operations Centre where airlines, air navigation service providers, ground handlers, and security authorities coordinate decisions in real time to manage resources, passenger flows, and safety,” Baronci explained. He said operational continuity is further supported by structured business continuity planning. Guidance developed by Airports Council International, including the Airport Business Continuity Management Handbook, encourages airports to maintain clear contingency plans that enable essential functions to continue during major disruptions, he noted. “By integrating emergency planning, stakeholder coordination, and business continuity frameworks, airports are better positioned to protect passengers while gradually restoring operations as conditions allow,” Baronci added. 

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari took part today in a panel discussion titled "Regional Challenges and the Role of Qatari Mediation in ." The session was organized by the Arab Cultural House "The Diwan" on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.In his remarks, Dr. Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar continues to play an active role in international mediation, stemming from its commitment to promoting international peace and security. He noted that mediation has become an integral part of Qatar's foreign policy identity, highlighting the country's efforts in a number of regional and international conflict files, carried out in cooperation with regional and international partners.The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed Qatar's rejection of military escalation in the region and its call to prioritize political solutions. He underscored that dialogue remains the only viable path to ending conflicts, despite the pressures and challenges that often accompany mediation efforts.He added that growing global political polarization and the decline of a culture of dialogue pose significant challenges to peace efforts, emphasizing that maintaining open channels of communication among all parties, including non-state actors, remains a key element in any successful negotiation process.Dr. Al Ansari concluded by noting that the region is passing through a critical phase and that the collective choice facing its countries today is to favor peace over escalation. He called on the international community to safeguard mediation tracks rather than undermine them. 

The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber has approved its updated conciliation rules, which will take effect Sunday (February 1).This step is part of QICCA’s ongoing extensive efforts to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms and improve the services it provides to the business community, both locally and internationally.Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali al-Thani, QICCA vice-chairman, affirmed that the updated rules represent a significant step in enhancing the conciliation process, noting that they reflect the centre’s commitment to developing its dispute resolution mechanisms in line with international best practices.He emphasised that the new rules have been designed to provide a more flexible, efficient, and transparent framework that serves the interests of all parties involved in commercial disputes.Ibrahim Mohamed Shahbek, secretary-general of QICCA, lauded the updated rules, describing them as an important advancement that strengthens the centre’s conciliation system. He noted that the amendments will contribute to improving service quality, accelerating dispute resolution, and supporting the business sector by offering effective alternative methods to litigation.QICCA reaffirmed its continued efforts to enhance its services and provide modern and reliable mechanisms that keep pace with developments in the business environment, ultimately contributing to fostering a more attractive investment climate in Qatar. 

The courts in Qatar achieved a notable judicial milestone in 2025, recording a case resolution rate of 98%, according to data issued by the Supreme Judicial Council.The Council explained that the total number of cases registered during the year reached 207,485, the vast majority of which were adjudicated, indicating the efficiency of the judicial system and the speed of case resolution.The Criminal Court recorded the highest resolution rate at 99%, having handled 171,213 cases, followed by the Court of Cassation 7,058 cases with a rate of 97%. The Investment and Commercial Court had 13,356 cases, and the Family Courts had 6,773, with each achieving a resolution rate of 95%. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal, which saw 3,746 cases, recorded a resolution rate of 93%, and the Civil Court, which handled 5,339 cases, recorded a 92% resolution rate. 

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Saturday marked in Baghdad the end of the United Nations' political mission in Iraq, which supported the country's transition following the US-led invasion.At Baghdad's request, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will shut down its operations after 22 years of assisting the country in its transition following the 2003 invasion and occupation that toppled longtime ruler Saddam Hussein."UNAMI was honoured and humbled to walk side-by-side with the Iraqi people," Guterres said at the mission's closing ceremony.But "while a mission may conclude, the United Nations will always walk alongside the people of Iraq on the path towards peace, sustainable development and human rights," he added.UN agencies and programmes will continue to operate in Iraq.During a press conference earlier with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed S al-Sudani, Guterres said "there is one thing the world must understand, Iraq is now a normal country."Relations between the UN and Iraq will become normal relations with the end of UNAMI."Sudani meanwhile said that the end of the UNAMI mandate "marks the beginning of a new chapter of co-operation"."Our relationship with the United Nations through UNAMI was pivotal and effective in meeting Iraq's needs and supporting it until it reached the stage of full self-reliance," he added.UNAMI was established by a UN Security Council resolution at the request of the Iraqi government before being expanded four years later.Shortly after it was formed, a truck bomb struck the UN headquarters in Baghdad on August 19, 2003, killing the UN's first special representative in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, along with 21 others.UNAMI's tasks included advising the government on political dialogue and reconciliation, as well as helping with elections and security sector reform.But with Iraq regaining a sense of normalcy in recent years, authorities say there are no longer grounds for a UN political mission. 

The UN Security Council will vote Monday on a resolution endorsing US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, diplomats said. Last week the Americans officially launched negotiations within the 15-member Security Council on a text that would follow up on a ceasefire in the two-year war between Israel and Hamas and endorse Trump's plan. **media[382089]** A draft of the resolution "welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace," a transitional governing body for Gaza -- that Trump would theoretically chair -- with a mandate running until the end of 2027. **media[382087]** It would authorise member states to form a "temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF)" that would work with Israel and Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police to help secure border areas and demilitarise the Gaza Strip. **media[382088]** Unlike previous drafts, the latest mentions a possible future Palestinian state.

The World Bank backs language in a US-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution on Gaza that would authorise a two-year mandate for a transitional governance body.The 15-member UN Security Council began negotiations on Thursday on the text that would mandate a so-called Board of Peace transitional governance administration, giving it the authority to establish operational entities to address issues including the reconstruction of Gaza and of economic recovery programmes.The World Bank, the UN and the European Union had estimated in February it would cost more than $50bn to rebuild Gaza, and are finalising a new interim estimate of $70bn."Our engagement in Gaza will require the ability to work with international partners who enjoy the full support of the international community and full authorisation to undertake their efforts," World Bank President Ajay Banga wrote to US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz."The proposal to establish an authority, in the current draft the Board of Peace, by the UN Security Council with the authorisations set out in the resolution would provide the needed framework for engagement by the Bank," he said in the letter Sunday.Banga was responding to correspondence from Waltz, thanking him for sharing the draft UN resolution.The current text also "calls upon the World Bank and other financial institutions to facilitate and provide financial resources to support the reconstruction and development of Gaza as it would provide to its members, including through the establishment of a dedicated trust fund for this purpose and governed by donors."Banga said the bank appreciated this language, adding: "We are moving with all deliberate speed in these efforts so we will be ready on day one when asked to answer this call."Israel and Palestinian group Hamas agreed a month ago to the first phase of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, a ceasefire in their two-year war and a hostage release deal. The next phase of the plan, which the draft UN resolution would endorse, is to establish the Board of Peace and a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza.The US formally circulated the draft resolution to Security Council members late on Wednesday.The draft would authorize a two-year mandate for the ISF that could "use all necessary measures" - language for force - to carry out its mandate.The US asked countries to submit feedback on the text by last Friday, said diplomats. A council resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, France, Britain or the United States to be adopted. Washington has said it aims to put the draft to a vote within "weeks, not months.""Overall, things are looking very positive. We're making changes to respond to concerns that some have raised," a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has concluded its three-day ‘Training Programme – International Commercial Courts: Practice and Procedure’.Held at QICDRC’s headquarters in Doha, the course gathered lawyers and legal professionals whose practice involves, or aspires to involve, appearances before international commercial courts.With the participation of The Rt Hon The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, alongside QICDRC judges and senior legal representatives, the programme offered participants valuable first-hand perspectives throughout the sessions.Designed to provide participants with practical insight into international commercial litigation, the programme explored in depth the procedural framework governing commercial and regulatory proceedings, with particular reference to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Civil and Commercial Court and Regulatory Tribunal.Through a dynamic mix of lectures, group work, and interactive workshops, participants gained experience applying legal principles to real-world case scenarios and cross-border disputes.The training covered a wide range of key topics, including commencing proceedings and urgent applications; jurisdictional disputes, defences, and counterclaims; evidence, hearings, and oral advocacy; judgments, orders, costs, and enforcement; appellate procedures; and practice before the Regulatory Tribunal.Ethical considerations in advocacy before international courts were also addressed, giving participants practical experience in applying common law principles within a global context.All participants received official certificates of participation signed by The Rt Hon The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, president; and Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, CEO of QICDRC, during a special awarding ceremony. QICDRC remains committed to advancing the professional development of lawyers in Qatar and the wider region.

The State of Qatar expressed its regret over the UN Security Council's failure to adopt a draft resolution aimed at ending the catastrophic humanitarian suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, and calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire by all parties, as well as the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners. This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Her Excellency Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the UN General Assembly's plenary session on agenda item 64 concerning the "Use of the Veto," held pursuant to Resolution 76/262 following the use of the veto against the draft resolution on the situation in the Gaza Strip. Her Excellency said that the session was convened in the aftermath of the use of a veto in the Security Council on Sept. 18 against a draft resolution submitted by the elected members of the Council addressing the situation in Gaza. She added that the group of eight Arab and Islamic countries, which met with US President Donald Trump last month on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 80th session of the General Assembly, had jointly called on Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and to ensure its safe and unhindered distribution in coordination with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations. Her Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar will continue its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, preserve international peace and security, and work toward a resolution that brings an end to the war in the Gaza Strip. Her Excellency also noted that the State of Qatar takes pride in the fact that its joint mediation efforts with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America have successfully led to the release of many Palestinian detainees and prisoners, in addition to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, despite the complex obstacles and challenges. Her Excellency Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN affirmed the State of Qatar's readiness to remain actively engaged in efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip in line with President Trump's initiative. This reflects Qatar's longstanding commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means and underscores its role in promoting regional stability and security, Her Excellency added. Her Excellency also reiterated the State of Qatar's welcome for President Trump's leadership and sincere efforts to bring the war in Gaza to an end, expressing confidence in his ability to chart a path to peace, as was reaffirmed in the joint statement issued with the eight Arab and Islamic countries on Sept. 29. Her Excellency underlined that the State of Qatar underscores the importance of its partnership with the United States in promoting peace in the region, pointing out that in this context, Qatar welcomed President Trump's proposal, which includes ending the war, rebuilding Gaza, preventing the displacement of the Palestinian people, and advancing comprehensive peace. The proposal also includes a commitment to prevent the annexation of the West Bank, and that the eight Arab and Islamic nations have expressed their willingness to engage positively and constructively with the United States and other relevant parties to finalize and implement the agreement to ensure peace, security, and stability for all people in the region through a joint commitment with the US to end the war in Gaza via a comprehensive agreement. This would guarantee unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, prevent displacement of Palestinians, establish a security mechanism for all parties, secure full Israeli withdrawal, support the reconstruction of Gaza, and pave the way for a just peace based on a two-state solution — one that fully reunifies Gaza and the West Bank within an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international law, as the key to regional stability and security. She noted that the State of Qatar reiterates its welcome to the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration on implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state, which was issued at the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian question through peaceful means. HE conveyed the State of Qatar's thanks to the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic for their leadership in co-chairing the successful conference and welcomed the growing number of UN member states recognizing the State of Palestine as part of advancing a just and comprehensive resolution to the conflict.Her Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar's unwavering and historic position in support of the brotherly Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle, rooted in the right to self-determination and in line with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.