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“Qatar is home to state-of-the-art Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) facilities and venues,” HE the Qatar Tourism (QT) chairman Saad bin Ali al-Kharji has said. While delivering the remarks during the Global Exhibitions Day (GED) by QT, al-Kharji noted that Qatar has a tremendous number of 128 venues offering a combined exhibition capacity of 70,000.The maiden GED celebration in the Middle East was in partnership with UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.The event was attended by the chairman of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences (AUIEC) Sheikh Jabor bin Yousef bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani and UFI regional director Naji El Haddad.Al-Kharji said that MICE is a priority pillar driving growth in Qatar’s tourism sector. GED serves as a platform for networking and fruitful exchanges between industry leaders, stakeholders and potential clients, making it an important event in the exhibitions sector for Qatar. “We aim to increase the number of exhibitions in the country to further contribute to Qatar’s success as a leading regional hub of the MICE industry. Supported by well-advanced infrastructure, a business-friendly ecosystem, and state-of-the-art venues, Qatar has solidified its position as a favourable MICE destination for its capability for hosting mega events. Qatar has built a strong track record of successfully hosting major events and conferences, attracting over 100,000 visitors. These include the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) 2023, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) and Web Summit 2024,” the QT chairman noted.The GED 2024 celebration hosted key stakeholders from the exhibitions industry, both locally, and from the wider region. QT has been a Diamond Sponsor of UFI since 2018, the highest tier of partnership for UFI. Qatar Tourism and UFI share a long-standing history as strategic partners in developing MICE industry in the country. In addition, the sponsorship also promotes Qatar to UFI’s global network of members and strategic key markets. Qatar hosted the UFI MEA Conference last year, which further augmented Qatar’s exhibition sector by positioning Qatar firmly in the exhibitions market.The GED event included discussions on topics ‘Unlocking Opportunities: Qatar’s Business Events Industry Outlook and Potential’ and ‘Challenges and Solutions for Venues of the Future’. Running under the theme ‘Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures’, the GED is focusing on four key pillars; exhibitions drive progress, exhibitions facilitate economic growth, exhibitions are sustainable and exhibitions connect people.

The Ministry of Transport has launched a new package of digital services related to maritime transportation. The new digital services cover small craft transactions.This comes in the context of MOT’s digital transformation and service automation plans that aim for performance excellence, faster transactions, and simpler procedures.The new services, which will be available for the public on a test run at MOT’s official website, will allow beneficiaries to register a small craft, renew craft registration, modify craft specifications, issue replacements, delete small crafts, and issue craft owners sequence certificates, in addition to the mortgage, release of mortgage, and ownership modification services.Beneficiaries can receive the services they applied for at their preferred delivery location via Qatar Post. The new digital services enable the public to apply for the services they need anytime, anyplace, thereby saving their time and effort.The new package of eservices shows that MOT keeps modernizing a transportation sector that is supportive of the technological advancements by making a qualitative shift in digitizing the sector’s services by introducing smart solutions to the public and deploying modern technologies to provide better services. Additionally, the Ministry, by so doing, is implementing its plans that aim at improving the services and making them easier, simpler, available, and accessible anytime, anyplace, triggering higher public satisfaction.

From September 1, traffic law violators will not be allowed to leave Qatar through any borders (land, air, and sea) without paying the fines and dues through the (Metrash2) application, Ministry of Interior website, traffic sections, or unified service centres.Also announced Wednesday was a 50% discount on the value of traffic violations for all mechanical vehicles from June 1, 2024 until August 31, 2024. The discount includes violations recorded within up to three years.These are part of a set of new traffic rules and procedures announced by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) at a press conference. Public Relations Department director Brig Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah, General Directorate of Traffic's Licensing Department assistant director Staff Col Ali Hassan al-Kaabi, and Traffic Safety Department's assistant director Maj engineer Mohamed Misfer al-Hajri were present.As per the new rules, a permit must be obtained from the General Directorate of Traffic for mechanical vehicles to exit Qatar as per the prescribed form and the following conditions: The vehicle must not have any outstanding traffic violations. The final destination (point of arrival) for the mechanical vehicle must be specified. The applicant for the permit must be the owner of the vehicle or present proof of the owner's consent for the vehicle to exit the country.The following vehicles are exempted from the requirement for a vehicle exit permit: 1. Vehicles bound for the GCC countries (point of arrival) provided they have no traffic violations, and the driver is either the owner or has the owner's consent. 2. Goods transporting vehicles.The officials announced rules for the return of vehicles with Qatari plates which are: Considering the exception mentioned in the "First" above, owner of a vehicle outside the country must adhere to the following: 1. Return the vehicles that are outside the country before applying these rules and procedures, within (90) days from the date of this announcement, unless the owner obtains a permit from the licensing authority for the vehicle to remain abroad for a specified period or periods. 2. Return the vehicle permitted to leave the country before the permit expires, with the possibility to renew the permit for a further period or periods.In case of violating the aforementioned rules and procedures, legal actions will be taken, including the administrative impoundment of the vehicle for up to (90) days.Effective from the date of the announcement, mechanical vehicles outside the country will not be allowed to renew their registration unless the vehicle undergoes a technical inspection inside the country. If the registration is not renewed within the legal period (30 days from the expiration date), the vehicle owner must return the license plates to the General Directorate of Traffic.Failure to return the plates will result in referring the violator to the Public Prosecution for its procedures, according to Article (95) of the mentioned Traffic Law, which stipulates imprisonment for not less than one week and not more than one year, and a fine of not less than QR3,000 and not more than QR10,000 or either of these penalties.Effective from 22 May 2024, as per the provisions of the Article No. 49 of the Traffic Law, buses with more than 25 passengers, taxis, limousines and motorcycles for delivery services are prohibited from using the left lane on road networks with three or more lanes in each direction while the lane changes are allowed at least 300m before intersections.Failure to adhere to the specified lane will refer the violators to the Public Prosecution for its procedures according to Article (95) of the Traffic Law.

Multilateralism and international co-operation can catalyse effective counterterrorism activities, an expert has said at the Global Security Forum. While delivering the high-level remarks on the theme ‘Countering Terrorism in the Context of Strategic Competition’ at the Global Security Forum on Monday, Andhika Chrisnayudhanto, Deputy for International Co-operation, National Counter-Terrorism Agency of Indonesia, said that his country believes in the spirit of multilateralism and international co-operation.“Multilateralism has been advocated by the UN since the adoption of the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. It focuses on combating and preventing terrorism, assisting states and supporting the efforts to counter terrorism activities and ensure human rights implementation,” he said.“The UN 2016 Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism draws on national and international insights into violent extremism and associated programs. It intends to strengthen international co-operation and national capacities to address the threat of terrorism,” he noted, adding that states are obligated to tackle the threat of terrorism to prevent funding and garner international co-operation by sharing information.Multilateral co-operation, Chrisnayudhanto said, has yielded results in tackling international terrorism. “The influence of terrorism receded in South East Asia due to intervention and strict counter terrorism measures put in place.”He noted that the presence of ideological influence of terrorist and extremist groups in various parts of the world is worrisome while their operational and tactical influence of creating new alliances is posing a threat to global peace.“When it comes to the challenges of terrorism, we are still not out of the woods,” he said. He underlined the need to form a common agenda and find avenues for co-operation and collective action to pursue a shared interest in tackling terrorism threats.“International co-operation will be the prerequisite of peace, security, stability and prosperity,” he said.

The Gaza war has sounded the bugle for the beginning of the end of Israeli occupation and colonialism, experts at the Global Security Forum noted Monday.At a session on ‘The Implications of Gaza War and October 7th’, Rami Khouri, director of Global Engagement, American University of Beirut, said there is a global momentum visible in favour of the Palestinian cause.“Israel is losing. Most of the world is now speaking for Palestine. The move to exclude Palestinians is challenged in courts and media. Zionism is challenged and contained. The activism by Palestinians has resulted in people starting to speak for Palestine,” he said.Moderated by Mark Mazzetti, Washington Investigative Correspondent, New York Times, the session noted that media coverage of the war has also varied and social and alternative media have changed perceptions about Palestinians while presenting a true picture of genocide in Gaza.The US media drew criticism from the panellists who cited they mirror the government policy that reflects the Israel policy.“Alternative progressive media gives reality and social media gives an immediate eye on Gaza to give the real picture and savagery,” Khoury said.“Today, we can see Palestine as a place where the world is turning attention to. Protests are happening all over the world for the Palestinian cause, which is the end of 76 years of the denial of freedom. Younger generations are mobilised in US universities and there is a deep recognition that this shouldn’t continue,” said Diana Buttu, lawyer, legal analyst and former spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).Gideon Levy, columnist and member of editorial board, Haaretz, said Israel gains nothing after the mass killing noting that the war is the biggest ever stain on Israel after it was established. “It’s a war of revenge on children and innocent people. Israel has to pay a price for this war,” he said.Mariam Shahin, writer and filmmaker, noted that the new generations have woken up and understood that the old ways aren’t working. “All that happening has made people aware of the facts and the steps to be taken. There were so many social media handlers to give the world the true pictures of the genocide galvanising the whole world to witness the hardships of the genocide,” she added.

While calling for international efforts to realise the ceasefire in Gaza, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani on Monday said that occupation, forced displacement and collective punishment policies have never resulted in the end of any conflict.“These have only fuelled the violence. History has proven that the cost of any occupation and its consequences are much greater than any return expected by the occupier,” HE the Prime Minister said while opening the three-day Global Security Forum.“The war in Gaza has claimed and continues to claim thousands of lives and the scale of the humanitarian tragedy there is worsening every day. Any humanitarian disaster affects global supply chains as occurred as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war,” he noted.The speech marked condolences to Iran and its people on the tragic passing of its president in a helicopter accident. Underscoring Qatar’s commitment to ensure global peace and efforts to promote global security through mediation, HE Sheikh Mohammed noted that conflicts between the major global powers pose a danger to the international regime.Under the theme ‘Strategic Competition: The Complexity of Interdependence’, the Global Security Forum’s opening day hosted several discussions and dignitaries including Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Singapore Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam.“In the last year, as we have been hearing, we have seen the outbreak of unimaginably devastating tragedies and trauma in Gaza and Sudan, and that at a time when the Ukraine war remains a raging concern,” said UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief co-ordinator Martin Griffiths.The UN humanitarian chief criticised the big powers saying the powerful countries in conflict zones are arming or otherwise supporting warring parties or protecting them from international restraint. He praised Qatar’s role in humanitarian diplomacy.HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi said Qatar's mediation expertise spans over 25 years while effectively handling complex global disputes including those involving non-normalised relations like with Israel.“Our approach incorporates multidisciplinary expertise and addresses economic, political, legal, and security aspects,” he said the country facilitates international dialogues showcasing its global commitment to peace. “Our success also relies on strong international partnerships, fostering global support and trust in our mediation processes and allowing us to secure initial consent from all parties involved,” HE al-Khulaifi said.The forum features several speakers and policymakers while addressing the global security challenges within the context of strategic competition while assessing both risks and opportunities that result from complex interdependence. The discussions focus on supply chain management, climate change as a threat multiplier, energy security and essential technologies.

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater on Sunday said Qatar had taken proactive steps to ensure rapid response to emergency situations, alleviate the suffering of those caught in crises and protect human lives.While delivering the opening speech at the first High-level Strategic Dialogue between the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Qatar, HE AlKhater said the country plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid, medical support, and assistance in shelter efforts for those affected by conflicts.Enumerating Qatar’s remarkable humanitarian interventions across the globe in recent years, she said that Qatar established an air bridge to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and Sudan. Qatar pledged to provide an initial humanitarian aid package worth $50mn with the aim of supporting Gaza.Qatar sent 114 planes and ships carrying about 5,000 tonnes of aid with an initiative to treat 1,500 wounded Gazans and sponsor 3,000 orphans. Qatar pledged to provide $25mn to support the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and this pledge comes in addition to the previous aid of $18mn,” HE AlKhater noted.The speech highlighted the multiple aid packages to Sudan and Afghanistan. Qatar pledged the latest aid of $25mn to support Sudan reaching a total package of $75mn. These are in addition to the charity aid of $11mn by Qatar Charity (QC) and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS).During the conflict, 2,000 Sudanese with Qatari residency were evacuated through the air bridge by Qatar. The post US withdrawal period in Afghanistan witnessed Qatar playing a pivotal role in supporting the Afghans. More than 130,000 Afghans were evacuated.“The humanitarian aid and development assistance by Qatar to the country continues to support education, healthcare and livelihood programmes in addition to providing medical supplies and supporting infrastructure development,” HE AlKhater explained adding that five planes carrying shelter units, food supplies, medical supplies and ambulances were sent to the flood affected Afghanistan."Qatar remains committed to bolstering co-operation with OCHA, contributing to the global response to humanitarian needs," she said.She underlined the need for more international cooperation saying the current scenario is in dire need of improvement and intervention to enhance the global humanitarian efforts.“Let’s harness our collective experience, creativity and determination to develop innovative strategies that will help us overcome existing challenges and pave the way for a more effective humanitarian response,” HE AlKhater urged.

The College of Business and Economics at Qatar University (QU), in co-operation with the Gulf Publishing and Printing Company (GPPC), on Thursday hosted a graduation project presentation by students.The session underlined the transformation of Gulf Times and its sister Arabic daily Arrayah in line with the market trends and suggested ways to expedite the growth of the two publications.Attended by GPPC's Administration Affairs, Human Resources and Public Relations manager Abdulaziz Faraj al-Ansari, human resources specialist Hazem Hassan Mansour, and administrative affairs officer Naser Ali, the session was led by Dr Dalia Farrag, Professor of Marketing and Supervisor of Student Projects at the QU College of Business and Economics.The main objective of the research was to design an impactful campaign for Gulf Times and Arrayah while helping them utilise the opportunities in the Qatari market. The session had two presentations about Gulf Times. The first was prepared by a group of students ‘Brand Builders’ that included Aljazi al-Mansoori, Bothayna al-Khater, Haya al-Mansoori, Haya Bukashisha and Noor al-Motawaa. The second group ‘Innohub’ had Alae Ahmaine, Kaouther Gastli, Shaima Sheriff and Shamma al-Kuwari.The first research presentation analysed the readership of the newspaper while looking into the reading habits and preferences through multiple research methods. Also, it had a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis that was carried out by the students to deeply look into the possibilities, readers’ engagement, challenges and further growth of Gulf Times.The second presentation shared the students’ insights about the innovative integrated marketing campaign that will result in the growth of Gulf Times’ presence in the Qatari market. The study analysed the target markets, the existing and arising opportunities and trends and the ways to utilise the opportunities. The study also suggested a campaign strategy with techniques that make Gulf Times part of Qatar’s daily lives while serving as a source of entertainment and business insights.Al-Ansari, while addressing the session, appreciated the students while exuding his confidence in the research being helpful for Gulf Times and Arrayah to put innovative strategies in place, improve the presence of the two newspapers and attract more readers while engaging them.“The research provides comprehensive explanations and these benefit both the researchers and GPPC. We pay great attention to co-operation in the future with QU College of Business and Economics to develop the performance of the newspapers in terms of their presence on digital platforms in line with the trends and market requirements,” al-Ansari said, noting that media institutions need to search for alternative sources and to devise marketing plans that rely on social media platforms.Dr Dalia expressed her gratitude for the co-operation of GPPC. She explained the experiential learning method used in the academic programme for integrated marketing communications, noting that this relies on integrating labour market experiences with the academic curriculum. She pointed out that the students conducted marketing research throughout the semester to evaluate and analyse the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities in the Qatari market.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) highlighted its Public Bus Infrastructure Programme at the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum that concluded on Wednesday. The programme assumes significance as it supports the strategy for the gradual and comprehensive electrification of public buses to reach 100% by 2030. Also, it provides an integrated, sustainable public transit network that covers all urban areas across the country and forms a coherent transportation unit that includes public buses, Doha Metro and tram networks.MoT’s pavilion displayed the key features of the programme such as improving the mobility of individuals while supporting innovation in transportation, delivering environmentally sustainable transportation networks and enhancing traffic safety.The pavilion also highlighted the key initiatives as part of the programme and the progress of the transition of public transport into a more sustainable way. The programme consists of eight bus stations in Al Sudan, Msheireb, Al Gharrafa, Lusail, Al Wakra, Education City, Industrial Area, and West Bay Central. Also, there are four bus depots in Lusail, the New Industrial Area, Al Wakra and Al Rayyan. All these facilities are supported by electric charging infrastructure. The programme also includes four Park and Ride parking locations in Al Qassar, Al Wakra, Lusail, and Education City, that can accommodate over 1,000 vehicles.Developed in an area of more than 400,000 sqm, the Lusail Bus Depot is recorded on the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest e-bus depot, with a capacity of 478 buses. It is the first in the Middle East to be relying on solar energy; as it includes some 11,000 PV solar panels generating 4-6MW of power daily to feed its buildings, in line with Qatar's National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE) and the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is planning big to ensure the standards of electric vehicles (EVs), intensifying Qatar’s race to be a major regional hub in Mena in this regard.“MoT will soon set up a centre specialised in inspecting and testing how far EV specifications conform and comply with those approved in Qatar as well as releasing their certifications,” HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Saif al-Sulaiti said on Tuesday.Opening the two-day Autonomous e-Mobility Forum at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), he pointed out that Qatar has made remarkable strides in electrifying public transportation while continuing its race to implement a zero emission transition in transportation.These are as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure sustainability and combat carbon emissions. Electrified public buses in Qatar reached 73% in the first quarter of 2024. “The plan is right on track to reach a 100% electric public bus fleet by 2030, placing Qatar among the top countries worldwide in terms of achieving zero emission transition in transportation in step with Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy,” HE the Minister noted.The inaugural ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, HE the Minister of Education Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr al-Nuaimi, HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiya, Mowasalat chairman and Public Works Authority (Ashghal) president Dr Eng Saad bin Ahmed Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) president engineer Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari and officials from transportation industry and government entities.“Under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar will continue developing coherent, sustainable, integrated and eco-friendly transportation system in a fashion that enhances the country’s leading position on the world map of green and smart transportation, in addition to sharing its expertise in the field with the rest of the world through its real-life experiences of hosting major continental and international events, where transportation is a key success factor,” HE the Minister said.This vital sector, he recalled, had successfully provided a safe and seamless mobility experience during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, where nearly 3.4mn fans were transported by buses and about 6.5mn fans used the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram. During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, around 18.2mn people were transported by the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram and over 7mn passengers by public buses.“MoT continues its efforts related to the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Strategy by facilitating autonomous vehicles’ operations, managing their fleet, and ensuring operator and vehicle safety by establishing an AV fleet operations centre and unlocking economic opportunities in the area. Making every effort to enhance the transportation system, promote investment in the field, support other industries and leave a legacy for generations to come,” the minister explained.HE al-Sulaiti inaugurated the accompanying exhibition and joined the other dignitaries onboard an autonomous e-bus, which is equipped with sensors, high-definition cameras, laser sensors and ultrasonic radar to ensure the highest safety and security.The first day of the forum witnessed several panel discussions on numerous topics such as designing smart cities, empowering the acceleration of innovation in autonomous mobility, and balancing mobility, energy, and environment, in addition to introducing the first eco-friendly trucks in Qatar.

Qatar has achieved the indicators of SDG 6 while ensuring the availability of drinking water and sanitation for all, president of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) president Eng. Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari has said. While delivering the opening speech at the 15th Gulf Water Conference on Sunday, al-Kuwari noted that this was achieved by leveraging the latest technology in water desalination plants including reverse osmosis technology. “This helps the production of approximately 30 per cent of Qatar's desalinated water while significantly improving water use efficiency,” al-Kuwari said.He said Kahramaa is implementing a slew of measures to ensure sustainability in water consumption noting that 75% of the waste water is used for irrigation, agriculture, cooling and other purposes while sticking to the efficiency standards. Through the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), al-Kuwari said, awareness about the rational use of water is raised and regulations are applied.Al-Kuwari, who noted that water scarcity poses a threat to the world, said roughly 2.5 per cent of earth's water is drinkable at a time when groundwater water, the largest freshwater source, is overused and depleted. While drawing attention towards the climate change impact al-Kuwari noted about 4 bn people across the world live in areas hit by water scarcity, with UNESCO expecting that global demand for freshwater would surpass the supply by 40 per cent by 2030. “Climate change impacts including rising sea levels, changing rainfall patterns, and intensifying water cycle, lead to floods and droughts and exacerbate the global water security. Lack of international water policies and measures to ensure water sustainability and expand water treatment projects using green technology leaves the crisis worse,” he said.Eng Abdelrahman Mohamed al-Mahmoud, chairperson of Board of Directors, Water Sciences and Technology Association (WSTA) said GCC states are pioneering in keeping up the technological advancements and utilizing the innovative technology appropriate for promoting the levels of water production in terms of water quality and rationalised consumption of water.Dr Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, president of Arab Water Council (AWC) said the conference themes will be able to discuss topics of integrated water resources management, including the expansion of the use of non-traditional water resources, developing water conservation and improving its quality.Eng Khaldon Khashman, general secretary, Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA) and Dr Hammou Laamrani from United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) also addressed the opening ceremony.The opening ceremony marked the honouring of the dignitaries.Under the theme ‘Gulf Water: Embracing Technological Progress’, the three-day conference discusses integrated water resources management, desalination sector management, surface water and groundwater management, wastewater management (treatment and reuse), domestic water management and agricultural water management. The conference features 20 speakers and several sessions.

A prominent diplomat has hailed Qatar for its efforts to encourage women's representation in diplomacy and international relations.“Qatar has been at the forefront of promoting women's representation at the global level,” said ambassador Androulla Kaminara, inaugural Distinguished-Diplomat-in-Residence at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q).She was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of GU-Q’s ‘Gender in Foreign Policy’ Hiwaraat conference, which discussed the role of gender-informed strategies and gender diversity within international institutions to drive better and more equitable foreign policy and outcomes.“Qatar has been the key promoter of the idea of the UN having its first woman secretary general. Qatar has been active in the initiatives to ensure the presence of more women in the UN General Assembly,” she noted adding that several such initiatives are spearheaded by Qatar at the global level. “These are very important and Qatar has a competent representative in the UN,” she explained.She called for efforts to give women the possibility to be at the table of international relations and diplomacy. “Let them express their opinions and listen to them. If that takes place, the condition will be improved. The selection should be based on excellence not based on gender,” she said.Kaminara, who noted the presence of women in UN agencies and governments is too low, said the condition is improving and better.“The scenario is getting better, but is not fast enough,” she said. Despite evidence that women's full participation makes peacebuilding much more effective, the number of women in decision-making roles is falling, she said.“At the current rate of change, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will take 170 years, including SDG 5 - gender equality, integral to all SDGs,” she said.“There are challenges. But, things are getting better. We still have to talk about the issue. Women should be given better allocation. Some countries are allocating quotas for women to make the changes fast. Whatever the means change needs to happen,” she said.

A fundraising drive for QR11.65mn, under the aegis of Qatar Charity (QC), for the treatment of four-month-old Malkha Rouhi has taken an active turn, with organisations, institutions and individuals stepping in to support.Malkha, an Indian national, has been diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), an inherited disease that affects nerves and muscles, causing muscles to become increasingly weak.Daughter of Risal Abdul Rasheed and Nihala Nizam, Malkha is undergoing treatment at Sidra Medicine.Doctors have suggested a gene replacement therapy and certain drugs which, according to Rasheed, are expensive and beyond the family’s reach.The QC has urged all to donate for the treatment of Malkha.“Our campaign has started to evoke response from benefactors. Active support from organisations and individuals can help us achieve the goal. We are calling for all to participate in the campaign to help the ailing kid,” Khalid Abdulla al-Yafie, director of the Customer Service Department at QC, told *Gulf Times, adding that joint efforts can make an impact.The QC, on its website, has set a goal of QR 11,654,028.75 with case number 206863 under licence: LC2023QTCH07-000032.Contributions can be made through the official website www.qch.qa/Malkha“Our daughter needs urgent care as doctors have suggested the treatment at the earliest,” Risal said pinning hopes on the kindhearted.Type 1 SMA is severe and causes respiratory muscle weakness and respiratory failure.Community organisations and collectives have joined hands to support the cause.Convened by Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), a recent meeting of organisations and institutions across Qatar decided to launch a slew of measures to support the QC initiative to help Malkha.“In co-operation with various organisations, we are taking up efforts to support this humanitarian initiative. Our efforts are yielding results and we see many organisations and kindhearted persons stepping in while announcing donations,” ICBF secretary Mohamed Kunhi TK said, expressing his confidence in achieving the goal soon.Qatar Malayalees, a Facebook collective of Keralites, is planning to launch a “Biriyani Challenge” campaign to support the QC drive. To be held on May 10, the aim of the campaign is to reach more than 5,000 benefactors across Qatar.The idea, according to Qatar Malayalees functionaries, is to distribute biriyani on pre-order to the benefactors who will make donations to the drive.“We plan to cook biriyanis with the help of sponsors. Volunteers are all set to help us distribute them,” said one of the functionaries of Qatar Malayalees.

The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), represented by the Creativity, Innovation and Scientific Research Incubator, launched Innovation Week 2024 Sunday. The ceremony was held in the presence of Kaharamaa president engineer Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari, other dignitaries and representatives from the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI) and global companies such as Microsoft and Google.Under the theme of 'Digital Creativity and Its Applications in the Fields of Electricity and Water', Innovation Week 2024 is held until April 24 to coincide with World Creativity and Innovation Day.The objective is to promote a culture of creativity and innovation among Kahramaa’s employees, encouraging them to adopt and develop innovations that enhance work efficiency and performance across all departments.In his opening address, engineer Rashid al-Rahimi, head of the Creativity, Innovation and Scientific Research Incubator, said that over four years, the incubator will explore new opportunities together, learn from past experiences and seek ways to collaborate with partners in the field of digital technologies, Microsoft Qatar and Google Qatar.“We will focus on how to apply these technologies to enhance our electricity and water services, ensuring the highest quality for our subscribers while preserving the environment and achieving sustainability,” he said. “We live in an era full of challenges and opportunities, and innovation is the key to success in facing these challenges, especially concerning business development.”The Creativity, Innovation and Scientific Research Incubator at Kahramaa aspires to play a significant role in supporting the state’s strategy in scientific research.It aims to be a supportive destination for all innovators and researchers within the corporation’s specialised fields.The four-day Innovation Week programme is diverse.Yesterday, employees had the opportunity to hear from speakers including representatives from Kahramaa, other institutions, and key partners such as the QRDI, Microsoft Qatar, and Google Qatar and supporting partners such as Siemens, Schneider, EY, Deloitte, and Elev 8.There was a presentation on Qatar’s Innovation Strategy, as well as discussions on the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of electricity and water, along with insights into modern technologies.The second and third days of the Innovation Week, dedicated to pre-selected employees, will include workshops conducted by Microsoft and Google focusing on digital innovation, specifically linking it to operational processes in Kahramaa.The fourth day features the Hackathon Competition, aimed at fostering a culture of creativity and innovation among 100 Kahramaa employees representing various departments.The participants will collaborate in teams to propose tangible ideas that can be applied across different operational processes.A panel of expert judges will select the top three ideas, and the winning teams honoured.The Creativity, Innovation, and Scientific Research Incubator, established by Kahramaa in 2017 and restructured in September 2021, now integrates both innovation and scientific research under one umbrella, previously separate entities.The accomplishments include conducting 42 scientific research projects within the corporation and collaborating with universities and various research institutes, adopting seven new creative ideas, which were transformed into impactful and distinguished projects in collaboration with the QRDI and other institutional partners, executing initiatives with different institutions across the country and organising competitions to inspire school and university students, in partnership with active business accelerators.

Prayers, fervour, festivities, social gatherings, family reunions and festive meals marked Eid al-Fitr celebrations across Qatar Wednesday.A total of 642 mosques and prayer grounds witnessed the faithful converging from early morning. Chants of Eid Takbeer, expressions of praise to God, filled the air at mosques and prayer grounds showing devotion and resonating with spiritual elevation.Eid congregational prayer started at 5.30am followed by the special sermons, in which the clerics asked the faithful to keep the spirit of Ramadan intact and celebrate the delight of Eid al-Fitr with piety and righteousness. The sermons also had special prayer for the war torn Gaza.The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Municipality, made essential arrangements to facilitate the prayer at mosques. MoI deployed traffic and security personnel to ensure smooth traffic movement for the convenience and safety of the faithful.The Grand Mosque, Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), Education City Stadium, Al Arabi Sports Club Stadium and Al-Wukair Grand Mosque along with numerous prayer grounds received thousands of worshippers.After the prayer, the faithful exchanged Eid greetings with warm hugs. “This congregation beautifully portrays the unity that transcends creed and colour. While standing in the crowd, one can feel the tranquility descending. This is the spirit and delight of Eid,” said Abdul Rasheed, after offering Eid prayer at Al-Wukair Grand Mosque.“We are blessed to have the opportunity to gather here and attend the prayer. The congregational prayer helps feel God's love and brings feelings of peace and joy,” said Mohamed Jaseem, who offered prayer with his family at the Grand Mosque. Kids were given gifts by Awqaf as part of its ‘Eid Joy’ initiative after the prayer at various prayer grounds.With exciting activities, festivities and events, the tourist places, beaches and public parks received visitors from the afternoon.

With Qatar readying to mark Eid al-Fitr, shops are offering a range of Eid gifts to help spread joy.Shops and online platforms are luring buyers with gift ideas that range from chocolates and food hampers to greeting cards.“Eid is the occasion of fervour and glee, and many express their joy by gifting,” said Tomas Avila, who runs the Royal Classic shop at Matar Al Qadeem. “Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, we have started to see more customers picking gifts for loved ones.”His shop offers different types of gifts: food hampers, gift boxes, cards, sweet treats, wooden plaques, toys, sweets, cakes, toffees, tea and coffee sets, perfumes, stickers, nuts and thermos flasks.Sporting greetings and Eid decorations, boxes and trays are available in different sizes as per the requirement and budget.Prices normally range between QR100 and QR1,000. There are boxes sold for as much as QR10,000.“We customise the gift boxes after adding the items chosen,” Avila said. “We wrap them beautifully and adorn them with greetings. They can be also bought empty and filled accordingly.”Made of wood or cardboard, these boxes contain different types of chocolate and candy along with toys, perfumes, oud and greeting cards.Some customers opt to place cash within the boxes.Qataris, according to Avila, make up the majority of the buyers, and they start to flock to the shops during the last ten days of Ramadan.Oriental sweets remain favourites, with many opting to have their boxes filled with date cake, saffron cake, baklava, goulash, Ghariba and basbousa in addition to petit four confectionery and basima.Some, according to shop owners, go for the mix of oriental sweets with Western flavours.The shops also feature collections of bouquets of fresh flowers.Displayed in glitter netting and wrapped elegantly, these bouquets are gifted along with the boxes.Online platforms are also seeing demand for gift boxes.Sharmeena Fazil says her page “Our_momentz” is receiving orders to prepare customised gift boxes.She takes orders both from Qatar and abroad.“In Qatar, there has been a trend where the residents order gifts to be sent to relatives abroad to share the joy of Eid,” Fazil said. “Personalised boxes are prepared here and shipped.”

With Ramadan having entered the final ten days, mosques across the country are witnessing the faithful thronging to perform the Qiyam-ul-layl (voluntary night prayer).“The last ten days of Ramadan is a divine opportunity to achieve the greatest benefit from Ramadan. Also, it’s the opportunity for those who got less engaged in worship during the first two parts to benefit from the holy month.Attaching yourself to the mosque during the night lends a spiritual elevation,” said Jabir bin Abdulrahman.Mosques host special night prayers. Named Qiyam-ul-layl, the prayer is considered by the faithful as one of the best acts of worship that bring one closer to Allah. “To stand in front of the almighty with devotion and dedication and listen to the Imam sweetly reciting the Qur’an make your nights worthwhile and filled with fervour,” said Abdul Rasheed.The last ten days of Ramadan are blessed by Allah with unique virtues. Among such virtues is that Laylat Al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is among them. Many prefer to remain in the mosques to perform I’tikaaf (staying in mosque) and recite the Qur’an while expecting Laylat Al-Qadr. “I opt to stay some hours inside the mosque where I can draw myself close to Allah and gain such immense feeling about him,” Jabir said.The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has allocated 189 mosques in various regions across Qatar for I’tikaaf (staying in the mosque) during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Awqaf published the list of the names of the mosques where worshippers can practice I’tikaaf. Awqaf has published a set of guidelines and urged the worshippers to follow them while going for I’tikaaf.Meanwhile, scholars have urged the worshippers to make use of the last ten days of Ramadan and engage in good deeds.Ali Mohyi al-Din al-Qaradaghi, president of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), while talking to Qatar TV, urged the believers to increase good deeds and charity. “Islam recommends Muslims to pay Zakat al-Fitr during the last ten days of Ramadan to ensure that Zakat is paid properly,” he said.

After attracting more than 4.2mn visitors, setting new records and hosting a slew of exciting events and activities, Expo 2023 Doha concluded tonight at Al Bidda Park.The valedictory ceremony was held in the presence of HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah and other dignitaries including Expo 2023 Doha commissioner general ambassador Bader Omar al-Dafa, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) president Alain Berger, International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) president Leonardo Capitano, ambassadors of various countries and representatives of various government entities.HE the Minister of Municipality noted that Expo 2023 Doha marked a historic milestone at the international level to be the first AI-generated expo while receiving the largest number of visitors and sponsors. HE the Minister noted that the event attracted more than 4,200,000 visitors throughout 179 days with participation of countries from across the world.“Expo 2023 Doha has set a new record while surpassing the figures of such previous events. The exhibition discussed the innovations and the ways to combat desertification and the threat being posed by climate change,” HE al-Attiyah said noting that the successful organisation of the expo has underscored Qatar’s commitment to support the efforts to preserve the environment and achieve the objective of becoming a sustainable country.Berger noted that Expo 2023 Doha was successful in organising and showing the world innovations. Capitano hailed Qatar for its efforts to host a successful event. The ceremony also marked a cultural gala and fireworks.Under the theme 'Green Desert, Better Environment', Expo 2023 Doha focused on modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability. The event promoted sustainable innovations and ways to combat desertification through activities and celebrations.In addition to introducing innovative new products to global markets and sports events, the expo hosted workshops, educational activities and discussions with leading experts to concerts and theatrical performances at its International, Cultural and Family zones.The Doha Expo 2023 was not just a showcase of horticultural wonders; it was a testament to Qatar's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Expo site itself was a marvel of green design, featuring sustainable architecture, renewable energy solutions, and innovative water management systems.Visitors were not only treated to breathtaking displays of flora from every corner of the world but also educated on the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.