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The holy month of Ramadan is now in its final 10 days and this is the time when people gather in large numbers at mosques for the Qiyam-ul-layl (night prayer).“It’s beautiful to see the mosques remain lit up with believers inside them praying and reciting the Qur’an. It’s time to utilise the holy month for all, especially for all those who couldn’t properly worship during the first and second parts of Ramadan,” said Mohamed Shameer, who attended the Qiyam-ul-layl prayer at a mosque in Al Wakra."Performing the Qiyam-ul-layl prayer among such a big gathering of the faithful is a wonderful experience. We have been keen to perform the Qiyam-ul-layl prayer this year and are glad that we have been able to do so," said Ahmed, who had come with some of his friends.Meanwhile, many believers are performing I’tikaf (staying in mosque) on the last 10 days of Ramadan, spending the night praying and reciting the Holy Qura’n.I'tikaf is an Islamic practice about secluding oneself in a mosque during the last 10 days of the holy month, devoting oneself to the worship of Allah and staying away from worldly affairs.The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs recently allocated 111 mosques in various regions across Qatar for I’tikaf.Awqaf had urged those wishing to perform I'tikaf to learn the jurisprudence of I'tikaf, and to perform it in the specified mosques.According to the Awqaf's directives, the person in retreat should not be less than 18 years. A guardian should accompany if the age of the person doing I’tikaf is less than 18.On odd-numbered nights, mosques record an increase in the flow of worshippers since Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is expected on these nights. It is most likely to be on the night of the 27th (Ramadan), and a huge number of believers are expected to throng the mosques on Monday night. “We feel spiritually elevated while we stand in front of God seeking forgiveness and rejoice in praying with the prominent imams who recite the Holy Qur’an amazingly,” said a worshipper.

The recycling initiatives of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) are witnessing steady growth and having a significant impact in terms of sustainable practices in Qatar's construction sector.According to figures released by Ashghal, the Quality & Safety Department (QSD) has achieved an accomplishment rate of 50% with regard to the use of recycled materials in its road construction projects. This exceeds the earlier target of 20%.Stating this in a tweet Sunday, Ashghal said the recycled materials used in its projects included 10mn tonnes in road projects and 720,000 tonnes in expressway projects.“Ashghal prioritises sustainability and recycling efforts as a main objective of its corporate strategy for 2018-2023, along with the efforts of various entities in Qatar to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030 sustainability objectives in order to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation,” the authority stressed.Dr Ali al-Marri, QSD manager, said major Ashghal initiatives to achieve sustainability include construction material recycling, using reclaimed asphalt as well as excavation & demolition waste, and using recycled alternative materials such as wadi aggregate and ground tyre rubber in projects.Ashghal had earlier implemented a Recycling and Sustainability Key Performance Indicator (KPI) across all its projects, mandating that completed construction works must include at least 20% recycled materials. The figure achieved so far is 50%, as revealed by Ashghal on social media Sunday.The authority has also established strategically located construction material recycling yards to optimise resource efficiency. This has allowed the processing and recycling of construction waste materials such as excavation materials, demolition and concrete waste, and reclaimed asphalt from road upgrades, etc.

As Qatar gears up to celebrate Garangao, souqs have witnessed hectic activity as people turn up in large numbers to buy goodies and other items for the occasion.Souq Waqif has been among the places where shops are doing brisk business selling various kinds of products for Garangao, a traditional celebration that coincides with the 14th night of Ramadan.Garangao is considered one of the most important Ramadan occasions in Qatar, when children knock on doors and collect nuts and sweets around their neighbourhood. Various public and private entities also organise big Garangao celebrations.The idea is to reward children for their efforts while fasting during the first half of Ramadan and encourage them to continue with the same spirit in the second half. Wearing traditional clothes, children go around in their neighbourhood with decorated gift bags while singing special songs.A visit to Souq Waqif showed that sweets, nuts, chocolates, gifts, clothes and toys were selling in big quantities, with shops remaining busy from the evening.“Garangao brings us a fortune every year and we stay active selling everything that is needed to meet the requirements of the Garangao celebrations,” said Khaleel Hashim, one of the merchants at Souq Waqif. His shop sells toffies, Garangao special sweets and nuts."This occasion brings joy not only to children but also to shops like ours. And people like coming to the Souq because they get a variety of products at good rates, all under one roof," said another shopkeeper.Garangao kits are available for various prices at Souq Waqif and many families opt to buy these for their children. For instance, the price for a 5kg kit is QR65 while a 10kg kit is sold for QR130. With some additional sweets and toys, the price of special Garangao kits go up QR600. These kits have toys that play special Garangao songs and are carried by children as they go around in their neighbourhood.Some Qataris, according to shop owners, place preorders for clothes for their children ahead of Ramadan.

The Lusail Boulevard has added some heritage themes to its Ramadan outlook while adding colours to the festive evening atmosphere. The traditional tents alongside the grand Al Sa’ad Plaza are adding charms to the streets while featuring Qatar’s expansive fondness towards tradition and heritage.The tents lend the visitors opportunity to taste traditional Qatari beverages, coffee and Karak tea while some are allocated for traditional clothes. Yet, some tents have handcrafts that feature Qatari artists. These are all set up at Lusail Boulevard to promote Qatari entrepreneurs and artists while giving them spaces in the prime tourist spot in Doha.“Lusail Boulevard is an ideal place to showcase our products while reaching out to the locals and foreigners alike. People come and visit our tents and buy our products,” one of the sellers told Gulf Times.Waleed al-Mannai, a Qatari artist, displays and sells his brand wooden handicraft products at one of the tents here. His tent offers wooden products made of olive, litchi and almond trees and bamboo. The Lihan brand has products which range from vessels to beautifully handmade tables. “The Ramadan nights here are also an opportunity for artists to showcase their products. Many come here and see our products while praising them,” al-Mannai said.

Lusail Boulevard has emerged as one of the key destinations during Ramadan this year, as celebrations marking the holy month are being hosted there for the first time.From car parades to firing of Iftar cannons and elegant decorations and illumination, Lusail Boulevard is providing residents and visitors with evenings to remember this Ramadan.Having gained huge popularity during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Boulevard has been hosting special events at frequent intervals - such as a motorsports extravaganza, the Darb Lusail Parade and the recently held Qatar International Food Festival - this year. Now, it has become a favoured destination for people during the holy month.The place is attracting big crowds in the evenings as people turn up there to spend some quality time with friends and family, all while appreciating the decor and lighting, and the ambiance in general.The festive illumination across the grand Al Sa’ad Plaza, along with light music wafting through the air, uplift the mood of visitors. The entire area and the buildings, shops and eateries are adorned with special decorations highlighting various Ramadan themes. The stunning illumination adds to the appeal, providing amazing photo opportunities. Also on offer are traditional activities and Ramadan tents.“The place and its ambiance are highly welcoming and we love to come here. There is celebration, life and positivity. And it is also a good place to bring our children during the evening, giving them some amazing moments to cherish,” a Doha resident told Gulf Times.Lusail Boulevard has been made pedestrian-only from the Maghrib prayer until the dawn prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, a move that has been welcomed by visitors.“We thank the authorities for making the Boulevard a pedestrian-only during the evenings in the month of Ramadan,” the resident added."It is anyway a beautiful place. The serene atmosphere and special Ramadan decor have made it even better," said another visitor.Various culinary offerings are available at the eateries and cafeterias that dot the Boulevard.The spectacular car parade is one of the attractions this holy month at the Lusail Boulevard, taking between 4pm and 5.30pm. Enthusiasts get together and drive down the Boulevard, highlighting Qatar’s rich decades-long association with classic cars.

Yemen’s Minister of Education Tariq al-Akbari has hailed Qatar for promoting global educational initiatives, describing the State as a country of charity.He made the observation while addressing a celebratory Iftar organised at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) by Education Above All Foundation (EAA) and the General Directorate of Endowments (Awqaf) yesterday.The ceremony was held for beneficiaries of the Qatar Scholarship programme. It welcomed 39 new scholarship recipients, congratulated 18 graduates and celebrated 25 students for their excellence in terms of academic performance for the 2022-2023 academic year.The minister thanked Qatar for enrolling Yemeni students in the Qatar Scholarship Programme. “No doubt that education is the basic focus when it comes to forming communities and shaping future generations. Investment in the human element is the best investment and investment in individuals is investing in the future,” he said, wishing the graduates and students success.Education Above All welcomed a number of dignitaries, including representatives from partner organisations, universities and embassies. They included al-Akbari; Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed al-Thani, director-general of the General Directorate of Endowments; Fahad al-Sulaiti, EAA’s CEO; and Dr Salem bin Nasser Al- Naemi, president of the University of Doha for Science and Technology.The ceremony was attended by Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed al-Thani, the Director-General of the General Directorate of Endowments, Fahad al-Sulaiti, EAA’s CEO, and Dr. Salem bin Nasser al-Naemi, President of the University of Doha for Science and Technology.The event drew more than 200 attendees, including students and their families, faculty of local universities such as Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Oryx Universal College in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, Lusail University, and the Global Studies Institute, as well as representatives from the embassies of Yemen, Palestine, Sudan and Jordan.The Qatar Scholarship Programme in Qatar (QSQ) aims to provide youth aged 17-25 years, who have spent most of their formative years in Qatar, with access to higher education. The QSQ is a needs-based scholarship offered by EAA, through its Al Fakhoora programme, to deserving expatriate youth in Qatar.Recipients are supported to attend distinguished universities in the country, which include existing partnerships with Qatar University, Al Rayyan International University College, University of Doha for Science and Technology and University of Calgary in Qatar. Also, new partnerships have been announced with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Oryx Universal College in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, Lusail University and Global Studies Institute, and partner universities of Qatar Foundation (QF).EAA also partners with Silatech to link graduates to employment. The programme is implemented by EAA and made possible with the support of the Endowment Account for Scientific and Cultural Development in the General Department of Endowments - Awqaf.Dr Sheikh Khalid explained in his speech the religious and historical role of the endowment in attracting and supporting scholars, as well as providing educational opportunities for students. The Endowment Bank for Scientific and Cultural Development, in co-operation with EAA Foundation and partner universities, congratulates the Qatar Scholarship beneficiaries. May God grant success to the graduates in their future careers, and bring success to the new enrollees."Talal al-Hothal, director of the programme, said: "EAA supports millions of children and young people worldwide to ensure they have access to safe, quality education. Today’s ceremony underlines this commitment and solidifies the promise our Qatar Scholarship Programme makes to the next generation of leaders and changemakers in Qatar. We thank Awqaf for their support in making this possible, and providing life-changing opportunities to deserving youth to pursue successful and rewarding careers, supporting and strengthening their communities."Since its inception in 2018, the Qatar Scholarship Programme in Qatar has provided more than 160 scholarships for youth in Qatar, and aims to provide a total of 500 scholarships by the 2025-2026 academic year.

With an elegant atmosphere and Ramadan decors, the Mina District is beckoning visitors to be part of numerous Ramadan activities. The popular landmark offers visitors traditional Arab cuisine at the cozy eateries facing the shore while being caressed by the cool breeze.The newly opened Souq el Mina embodies Qatar’s culture in every sense while imparting a great ambience and a journey of tastes in a fusion of tradition and modernity. Spread over the area and the adjacent Box Park, Mina District has 20 Ramadan activities each giving unique experience for residents and tourists alike.Ghabga, the late-night meal, is available at Mina Market where friends and family can gather. Mina Majlis is another place where the art workshops can be enjoyed while relishing the Arab architectural features of the heritage buildings.“The vibe is amazing and Mina District has turned out to be a destination for all. Our kids find Mina as the best place to spend the evening,” said one of the visitors.The Ramdan activities are held with the participation of more than 80 local commercial institutions and some well-known brands. Mina District is expected to receive more than 15,000 foreign tourists in six cruise ships during Ramadan.The Souq el Mina is selling traditional Arab clothes at fair prices. Also, the souq has outlets of international brands where visitors can buy souvenirs.During Ramdan, Mina District also provides an opportunity to practice marine activities in the evening before Iftar by providing kayaks, paddle boards and marine bikes for rent. Other marine sports are practiced at the Box Park until Iftar. The traditional dhows provide unique services including Iftar and Suhoor meals in an exceptional experience for the visitors of the port.Mina District has cannon firing to announce the Iftar time at the garden opposite the Box Park. The cannon firing is one of the oldest popular legacies that mark the holy month.The port also provides owners of yachts and marine vehicles moored outside the port by providing a temporary mooring service to enjoy Ramadan events and experience the facilities and commercial units.

The Iftar tents came alive across Qatar Thursday on the first day of Ramadan hosting thousands of faithful, after an interval of three years.During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) had suspended permits for the Iftar tents as part of the efforts to curb the disease spread.This Ramadan, the General Directorate of Endowments at Awqaf has opened ten Iftar tents across Qatar reaching out to the needy while the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Qatar Charity (QC) opened tents at several locations where meals and food kits were distributed to those fasting.“We are glad to see the tents are open after a long interval and we can find meals easily. The tents are so helpful for fasting persons as they provide good meals, which many the low income workers cannot afford,” Mohamed Shafi told Gulf Times at Al Wakra where he visited Awqaf’s Iftar tent to break the fast.Awqaf has chalked out a plan to provide Iftar meals for 10,000 fasting people daily in its various tents while distributing meals with the support of endowments and contributions from the public.“In fact, the tents are places that treat everyone with respect. They reflect the true spirit of Ramdan while extending a helping hand to the needy,” said an Al Wakra resident.QRCS is planning to reach more than 720,000 people inside and outside Qatar while distributing meals and food kits. The society will host Iftar for tens of thousands on a daily basis while targeting the labour community in various areas of Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Khor and Al Wakrah.QC has distributed vouchers to about 10,000 low-income families, widows and expatriate families and set up 40 tents for workers during the holy month. QC also gives out Iftar kits with snacks, dates and water which benefit motorists and travellers.A number of Qataris are also hosting mass Iftars at various locations in their private capacity. Many hailed the mass Iftars describing that such good initiatives reflect the Qatari society’s compassion and kindness.

The holy month of Ramadan will begin Thursday, it was announced on Tuesday.The Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) said March 22 is the final day of Sha'ban and that March 23 (Thursday) will be the first day of Ramadan.This came in the committee's statement after its meeting at the headquarters of the Awqaf ministry yesterday evening under the chairmanship of Sheikh Dr Thuqail al-Shammari, the official Qatar News Agency reported.The committee said the Ramadan crescent was not sighted yesterday and, as a result, announced that Thursday would be the first day of the holy month.The committee extended greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, as well as the esteemed government and people of Qatar and all Muslims, on the advent of Ramadan.Preparations have been finalised for the holy month, with the Awqaf ministry readying some 2,150 mosques across Qatar. The ministry has also made separate arrangements for women in 120 mosques. Arrangements are in place for Itikaf, the practice of secluding oneself during the final 10 days of Ramadan.Besides, the ministry has announced various Ramadan activities while Iftar meals will be distributed for fasting people and food kits will be given to the needy. Awqaf has also lined up religious lectures and cultural and educational competitions across Qatar.Speaking to Qatar TV, al-Shammari urged believers to seek repentance from God and do more good deeds and charitable acts. “It’s the season of worship and discipline,” he said.Al-Shammari advised people to take advantage of the holy month by doing good for all, reading the Holy Qur'an, doing charity and strengthening family relations.Sheikh Mohamed al-Mahmoud, a member of the Crescent Sighting Committee, noted that the believers must take advantage of the holy month as it is a "virtuous and great" occasion.Fareed al-Hindawi, preacher and imam at Awqaf, also told Qatar TV that Ramadan is the season of goodness and discipline, and urged believers to invest in goodness during the holy month.

As part of Lusail University's expansion of academic programmes at the master’s level, the university yesterday launched master programmes in International Criminal Justice and in International Affairs and Public Policy. The first is in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) while the second is in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).The Master Programme in International Criminal Justice is the culmination of a strategic partnership with UNODC aimed at enhancing crime prevention through education for sustainable, peaceful and inclusive communities. Lusail University's objectives and willingness to raise awareness on the prevention of organised crime, corruption and terrorism in accordance with existing international conventions, standards and norms have coincided with UNODC's efforts and contributions to national and international efforts to prevent and combat crime through many approaches. These include the promotion of human well-being through educational measures.While addressing a press conference at the university, Professor Nitham Hindi, President of Lusail University, said that the objectives of the International Criminal Justice Master programme is helping students develop the tools and skills in drafting plans, legislation and writing reports. The programmes will prepare students to acquire the legal skills in criminal justice, cross-border crimes and counter-terrorism initiatives in a complex international context while encouraging analytical, critical and creative thinking skills, and providing the student with an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge in the area of criminal justice and human rights. It will also increase awareness of professional ethics and social values to underline the impact of crime on international relations,” he said.The International Criminal Justice Master Programme is based on promoting community awareness of crimes as a sustainable development goal that Qatar is pursuing. The programme was also an effective response to the contents of the Doha Declaration 2015, which emphasized the importance of education as a tool for crime prevention and urged support for the rule of law. The programme also reflects the goals of the Education for Justice Initiative E4J which is supported by Qatar and seeks to transfer knowledge and achieve a deeper understanding of rule of law issues.The programme will have an English and Arabic track. It’s also benchmarked with international programmes and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime oversight. It’s a two-year programme consisting of 36 credit hours distributed over four semesters. The programme has four concentrations. These are combating money laundering and terrorism financing, anti-corruption, human trafficking and migrant smuggling and cybercrime.Prof. Nitham said that the programme learning outcomes are “to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the principles of organised and international crime, and to participate in the planning and drafting laws and legislations, to write academic research and legal reports, in addition to demonstrate knowledge of human rights, the rule of law, and the principle of justice, as well as knowledge of the court appeal processes related to international crime within national and international courts, and to determine areas of cross-border crime and its international jurisdiction.”This high-quality programme will provide an opportunity for all students with a bachelor's degree in various disciplines to study criminal justice. It is also designed in line with the laws applicable in Qatar and focuses on applied legal studies and practical and experimental programmes in order to refine the student's skills and prepare him for the labour market.The Master of Arts in International Affairs and Public Policy programme is offered by Lusail University in co-operation with its strategic partner UNITAR. This programme comes in response to the high demand in Qatar and the region for a Master of Arts in International Affairs and Public Policy. It addresses the needs of the workforce in the domestic, regional and international labour market, especially as the field of international affairs and public policy becomes increasingly important with the growth of the world and its interdependence through trade and business. It’s also an interesting topic with a heavy focus on the economy, culture, education and political science and examining its impact on society. This unique programme addresses two critical areas: international affairs with its various issues and public policy with its decisions that create the outcomes of the political system.The programme has many advantages, as faculty members serving in the programme have significant experience in teaching and international work and they are well-known and qualified. The programme will be made available with two tracks with first in Arabic and second in English. The programme aims at engaging students to work collaboratively with international experts in multidisciplinary and multicultural contexts, develop students' competence in dealing with challenges through the design public policies and their implications at global, regional and national levels, enhance students' technical, analytical and research skills to contribute to the generation of knowledge in the fields of international affairs, public policy and diplomacy, demonstrate to students the philosophies, theories and principles as well as key issues and concepts in international affairs and international relation.Prof Nitham said the master programme in International Affairs and Public Policy is the first and only programme in the Middle East in co-operation with UNITAR. "The programme will begin in August 2023 (Fall semester 2023). This comes as part of Lusail University's strategic plan. The programme is characterised by the fact that it supports the Qatar Vision 2030 while stressing the need for an educational system that rises to the level of distinguished international educational systems and provides citizens with what meets their needs and the needs of the Qatari society and includes educational curricula and training programmes that respond to the needs of the current and future labor market. It’s also based on an analysis of the needs of the local labor market and has high quality in terms of the teaching and learning process, indicators of quality assurance and international accreditation, and is taught by a specialized group of faculty members," he said.Regarding the admission criteria, Fatma al-Mesleh, Vice- President for Student Affairs, said the candidate must have a bachelor's degree from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Qatar with a GPA of at least 2.0/4.0 (C) or equivalent in case of at least three years' practical experience after and should pass the personal interview with the admissions committee.The application for the two master's programmes can be submitted online at the university's website with all personal and academic data, experience certificates and a curriculum vitae.Al-Mesleh said the applications are transferred to the Interview committee, noting that the application is open until April 27,and the interviews will be held from April 30 to May 30, while admission decisions will be announced on June 7 and studies will begin on August 20.Dr. Moulay Hicham Idrissi, Dean of the College of Law said the master's programme in criminal justice, which is the first in the region, aims to meet the need of Qatar to promote the principles of international criminal justice and the rule of law at the educational level. “As the programme is considered an actual response to the contents of the 2015 Doha Declaration, which emphasised the importance of education as a tool to prevent crime and support the rule of law,” he said noting that this programme embodies the goals of the "Education for Justice" initiative, which is supported by Qatar in an effort to impart knowledge and achieve a deeper understanding of issues related to the rule of law.Dr. Ramzi Nasser, Dean of the College of Education and Arts, said the Master of Arts programme in International Affairs and Public Policy is important because it focuses on studying the impact of economics, culture, education and political science on society. He added that the programme aims to provide students with theories, philosophies and concepts in international affairs and relations, in addition to improving their technical, analytical and research skills.Lusail University is witnessing remarkable development since it opened its doors for the first time in September 2020. In addition to being the first national private university in the State of Qatar, the university has been known for being responsive to the needs of the workforce, in addition to the success of the current high-quality academic programmes, which witnessed the enrollment of about 2,000 students full-time student since opening in fall 2020 and is known for its ability to maintain high academic standards. The university offers 15 undergraduate programmes in various academic disciplines from 4 colleges: the College of Education and Arts, the College of Law, the College of Commerce and Business and the College of Information Technology, and in three languages: Arabic, English and French.

The National Group for Agriculture and Animal Products, a subsidiary of Al Mana International Holding Group, has made a strong presence for the Mazzraty brand with a wide range of poultry, dairy and vegetable products at the ongoing 10th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) 2023 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre."Among the attractions showcased by Mazzraty is the newly introduced marinated fresh chicken, available in five flavours," Saad al-Mana, executive board member, National Group for Agriculture and Animal Products, told Gulf Times yesterday on the sidelines of the exhibition.A wide range of poultry products available at the Mazzraty pavilion at AgriteQ 2023 inludes fresh whole chicken, fresh chicken wings, necks, thighs, whole legs, tenderloin, gizzards, hearts, livers, feet, drumsticks, breast fillet, mixed parts, fresh chicken minced meat and Chicken shish tawook.Dairy products including fresh milk, flavoured milk, labneh, cheese, yogurt, instant full cream milk powder and a variety of juices are also available at Mazzraty's booth number B109 at the event concluding on Sunday.The products from Mazzraty farms meet the highest quality standards without any chemicals or antibiotics and they are processed using state-of-the-art technology.Al-Mana said Mazzraty is carrying out research and marketing analysis in order to introduce more high quality products at competitive prices.Mazzraty uses a fully environment-friendly production cycle while trying to raise environmental awareness and encourage the Qatari community to join efforts for sustainability and combating climate change.The other Mazzraty products at AgriteQ 2023 include honey, varieties of dates such as Zahidi, Malaki, Khudry, Safaawy,Sukkary, Suqa’ey, Khalas, Fard, Barny and Berhi, fresh vegetables such as parsley, aubergine, bean, cucumber, squash, tomato and okra, organic fertilisers and feeds for livestock and birds.In partnership with Kidzania, Mazzraty lends kids a first hand experience of farming and dairy production by making use of Augmented Reality, a blender bike, arts and crafts.Also, the pavilion has a live cookery show where exquisite dishes are prepared by chef Ahmed al-Zamel.Al-Mana said AgriteQ 2023 is an ideal venue for Qatari farmers and entrepreneurs to showcase and market their products and share experience while taking new lessons.

The 10th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) 2023 started at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Wednesday with the participation of more than 55 countries.HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaei opened the five-day exhibition. HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani, HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani, Qatar Airways Group CEO and Qatar Tourism chairman HE Akbar al-Baker, Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Abbas Al Haj Hassan and Georgia's Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Otar Shamugia were the other dignitaries present.“Qatar places great emphasis on the agricultural sector in its various fields and works diligently to support and assist this vital sector in order to stimulate it to enhance food security and achieve sustainable agricultural development," HE Dr al-Subaei said on the occasion.Describing the agricultural sector as one of the most strategic in the country, he said its importance has increased in light of the recent regional and international challenges and developments and highlighted the several qualitative initiatives undertaken to develop the agricultural sector.“The major initiatives included the implementation of the Agricultural Census project, tissue culture research, reducing food waste, developing laboratories and veterinary quarantines at Hamad and Ruwais ports and operating the new fish markets in the cities of Al Khor and Al Shamal, expanding the fishing ports in Al Wakra, Al Khor, Al Dhakira and Ruwais, sustain marine fishing and fish farming at the Aquatic Research Centre in Ras Matbakh, as well as developing clusters of farms and studying the impact of treated water on animal feed agriculture," he pointed out.AgriteQ 2023 has brought together industry experts, researchers, and innovators from around the world to showcase the latest technologies and products in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. The exhibition has participation of more than 675 companies, including 523 from outside Qatar from the agricultural, food and animal production sectors, spread over an area of 29,000sqm.Out of the more than 55 countries participating in the exhibition, 30 are attending through official national pavilions and the others through companies, embassies and commercial offices in Doha. More than 10 entities from the private sector and government agencies are sponsoring the exhibition.The event, which runs until March 19, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the latest trends, engage with key players in the industry, and discover new solutions to enhance their agricultural practices. With a focus on sustainable agriculture and food security, AgriteQ is an essential event for anyone involved in the agricultural sector.“This edition of AgriteQ is considered the biggest ever, with the participation of more than 100 farms, and that's the biggest number of farms to gather in Qatar in one place” said the Organising Committee chairman Mohammed Ali al-Khouri.

The Global Security Forum (GSF), which concluded yesterday, discussed the current nature of the threats and the measures taken by governments, communities, and the private sector.A session on ‘Countering Extremism, Hate and Disinformation Online’ threw light on the looming threats while analysing the ways to counter extremism and hate citing disinformation as a critical priority for states and organisations to counter effectively.Also highlighted were the mechanisms to confront malicious adversaries and to mitigate the influence of violent extremists and terrorist groups while implementing measures that range from tackling the technical aspects of disinformation to the narratives and strategies used by violent groups.Moderated by Michael Isikoff, chief investigative correspondent, Yahoo! News, the session had Amy Larsen, director of strategy and business management, Microsoft; Dina Hussein, global head of policy development and expert partnerships, Meta (Facebook) and Zach Schwitzky, co-founder, Limbik.Dina noted that Facebook is in constant contact with governments while working to fight disinformation and online hatred. “When civil society objects to some publication or wants to report something, we have channels dedicated to dealing with these matters. We have law enforcement teams that communicate with different governments around the world,” she said.Dina added that Facebook has created its own definition of terrorism after consulting with the UN and other stakeholders. “Our definition allows us to look at multiple indicators and is ideologically agnostic.”Amy Larsen noted that Microsoft’s information ecosystem pillar involves working on restoring and rebuilding journalism and protecting journalists, while also producing media literacy content and providing educational resources.“The pillar of our vital information system is based on working to rebuild the press and protect journalists, while at the same time producing media training content and providing educational resources,” she said, noting that Microsoft could see the increase in cyber activity from its headquarters in Redmond before the first shots were fired in Ukraine from Russia.“Whether or not something is actually true, if it’s believed by a segment of the population, it’s potentially consequential,” said Zach Schwitzky. He noted that even proven truths can't hold up in an info space when the audience doesn't trust the messenger adding Limbik is coming up with creative ways to mitigate disinformation before it spreads.

The cyber security landscape has changed and the countries and agencies need to focus on the looming threat of cyber attacks, experts told the Global Security Forum (GSF) on Tuesday.While attending the session on ‘Evolving Security Challenges and Threat Landscapes’, Anjana Rajan, assistant national cyber director for technology security, The White House, said the cybersecurity landscape has fundamentally changed and noted that the future conflicts may include cyber warfare.“An hour before Russian troops set foot in Ukraine, there was a state-sponsored Russian cyber attack on an American satellite company. The future of global conflict now includes outer space, and the weapon will include cyber warfare,” she stated.Moderated by Mark Mazzetti, Washington investigative correspondent, New York Times, the session discussed the significant changes over the past two decades in security challenges and threat landscapes. It was noted that concerns about the potential of terror outfits to motivate and inspire attacks remains a persistent concern.The session also discussed the increased focus on domestic violent extremism, racially and ethnically motivated actors, including with international connections, and evolving partnerships on counterterrorism.“What we are seeing are individuals picking up scattered ideas from multiple sources online and the result is a diabolical mixture of violence. And as a result, you see terrorist tactics being used by individuals who display very little cognisable ideology,” noted Rebecca Weiner, assistant commissioner of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau, New York City Police Department.Retired Col Chris Costa, executive director, International Spy Museum and former special assistant to the President and senior director for Counterterrorism, US National Security Council, said countries have to be concerned about anti-government terrorism and noted that the US Government continues to focus on counter terrorism while taking up efforts to eliminate the Jihadi threats.Gregory LoGerfo, deputy co-ordinator for Regional and Multilateral Affairs, US Department of State, said there is a looming threat of cyber terrorist attack that needs to be countered.

By Shafeeq Alingal Staff Reporter The energy crisis caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in energy source diversification while accelerating energy transition, experts opined at the Global Security Forum (GSF) on Monday.Addressing a session on ‘Fostering Energy Security Amid Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics’, Dr Damilola Olawuyi, professor and Unesco chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, Hamad Bin Khalifa University's College of Law, noted that the Ukraine events showed diversification of energy sources with many European countries looking to Qatar and Nigeria for oil and gas.The session reflected on the global energy situation and the implications of regional dynamics and implications of the ongoing war in Ukraine for Europe, the Middle East and other actors.“The world can’t rely on one source any more.Qatar was able to step in to address the crisis.It resulted in energy transition,” he said, adding that the events underlined that without energy security there is no global security.He said there should be focus on the climate change emergency just like the energy poverty emergency, and explained that these emergencies, if not addressed, are going to worsen the threat to global security.While talking about the energy transition, Dr Olawuyi said there is a trend in the making where renewable energy superpowers are being formed.“Qatar is leading the new trend.The country is investing over $1bn in a blue ammonia project and a number of innovative projects are in the making to promote renewable energy.Countries in the region are taking the lead while concentrating efforts in energy transition,” he said.“Several institutions are engaged in research on renewable energy and energy transition, and Qatar will be a hub of research on renewable energy."Dr Carolyn Kissane, assistant dean, New York University Centre for Global Affairs, said the energy crisis is not over, noting that the crisis is ongoing in Eastern Europe and there is a real concern looming over next winter.Scott Modell, CEO of Rapidan Energy Group, said the world is witnessing protests due to oil price hikes that emerge due to wars.Frank Fannon, former US assistant secretary of state for Energy Resources, noted that political unrest creates high energy prices.He explained that the energy crisis is accelerating the energy transition, adding that there is a need for constructive and comprehensive engagement with producing countries in the Gulf.Paul Wallace, Middle East Energy and Commodities, Bloomberg, moderated the session.

The annual Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is back, this time at a new venue. Qatar Tourism (QT) Saturday celebrated the opening of the 12th edition of QIFF at the newly-minted Al Sa’ad Plaza in Lusail Boulevard, in the presence of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and with opening remarks presented by Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker.Featuring delicacies from around the world, QIFF 2023 also has an area dedicated to Indonesian cuisine, in celebration of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture. Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan was also present at the opening Saturday along with other dignitariesRunning until March 21, QIFF is Qatar’s longest-running food and beverage festival and is a headline event in the country’s annual social calendar. In partnership with Qatar Airways, more than 80 culinary vendors will attend the 11-day festival, which is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors a day, Qatar Tourism has said in a statement.QIFF 2023 will run daily from 4-11pm on weekdays, and from 4pm to 1am on weekends. Entrance is free, with pre-registration available on the Visit Qatar website (https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar/qatar-international-food-festival).Partners for this year’s edition are talabat, Ooredoo, Askar, Qatar Museums: the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, and Expo 2023 Doha Qatar.HE al-Baker said Qatar International Food Festival is a celebration of the country’s unique and diverse melting pot of cultures, and for more than a decade has shone an essential spotlight on its thriving culinary scene. "With so many recent world-class restaurant openings, Qatar’s gastronomic landscape is incredibly exciting, and we are delighted to showcase all that’s on offer to residents and visitors this March," he said.From live cooking masterclasses to Le Petit Chef, QIFF 2023 has in store plenty to eat, see and do.Phil Lawrie, general manager of IN-Q Enterprises, the commercial arm and wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Museums (QM), said: "Our decade of partnership with world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse has brought to Qatar elevated dining experiences through IDAM at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Café #999 located at Doha's artist hub - the Fire Station. Our restaurants offer a variety of menu options, from French to modern Qatari cuisine to authentic Italian, to satisfy the varied cravings and diverse culinary preferences of the local populace and visitors. We are grateful to be a part of QIFF 2023 because it is an opportunity to introduce more people to the signature flavours and pleasures, our outlets are known for.”Francisco de Sousa, managing director of talabat, said: “We are once again delighted to be participating in one of the key food festivals in Qatar, as well as in the region. With diverse culinary offerings, this festival is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting local and international cuisines and fostering cultural exchange. At talabat, we believe in the power of food to bring people together, and we are honoured to be part of this exciting event that showcases the best of Qatar's food culture.”Expo 2023 Doha, represented by its secretary-general, Mohamed Ali al-Khouri, saw a great opportunity at the festival to raise awareness about the Expo, its pillars and what it stands for especially when it comes to putting horticulture and innovation and technology at the service of sustainability. He also highlighted that sustainability extends to food waste and leftovers and that QIFF is the perfect forum to start this conversation.Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Qatar Tourism for this year’s Qatar International Food Festival. We’re committed to supporting our communities and our country, and helping showcase the many incredible events and activities on offer in Qatar, and we’re sure QIFF will - once again - be a hugely enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors.”QIFF 2023 will offer five daily live cooking theatres, which will feature some of the region’s most dynamic and respected chefs, including 29 of participating chefs.Food-loving festivalgoers can also attend ticketed interactive food masterclasses where they will have the unique opportunity to sharpen their skillset with some of the industry’s finest. Some industry favourites include Rachel Allen, chef Wan, East Levant and more.There will be a host of unusual - and delicious - dining options available for guests. Attendees can also enjoy their own high-end Harrods afternoon tea.The festival’s customary cornucopia of world cuisine food trucks will make a return for 2023. From sumptuous Mexican tacos to gorgeously flavoursome Filipino Kare Kare, guests are sure to find something mouth-watering amongst the melee of carts.In a true tribute to international cuisine, QIFF will see an area dedicated to Indonesian cuisine, in celebration of the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023. Finally, an entire section of the festival will exclusively house vegan cuisine, and healthy food options.A suite of varied and lively entertainment options for the entire family will be on offer at QIFF 2023. Throughout the festival, there will be roaming acts, a nightly fireworks show and a publicly-accessible VIP section.Guests can get their skates on with a custom-made skate ring, and an entire Kids section will be available for the little ones, with entertainment organised by Aura Entertainment.QIFF 2023 can be easily accessed by metro (Lusail QNB station) and car, with several parking options in close proximity to Lusail Boulevard. On a daily basis, all leftover food will be collected and distributed by the festival’s charity partner, Hifz Al Naema.

The UN officials and international leaders were all praise for Qatar while hailing the country’s hosting of Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which concluded in Doha on Thursday.While addressing the closing session, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi and current Chair of the Group of LDCs noted that Qatar is an amazing host and the efforts by the country made the conference fruitful and productive. “Qatar not only hosted the conference, but also made valuable contributions both in terms of the ideas and financial assistance,” he noted.As many as 5,000 participants attended LDC5, including 47 heads of state or government and 130 ministers and vice-ministers. They called for developed countries to urgently provide the most vulnerable countries with the assistance they need to drive socio-economic and environmental development.Corporate leaders together with civil society, youth and other partners shared plans, innovations, and recommendations in several areas: from enhancing the participation of LDCs in international trade and regional integration to addressing climate change, strengthening global partnerships, supporting graduation, and leveraging the power of science, technology and innovation.UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed and UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima also hailed Qatar for being a wonderful host. She also praised Qatar’s efforts while hoping that the adoption of Doha Political Declaration will have positive impacts on the lives of 1.2bn people who live in the LDCs.

The Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), held under the theme ‘From Potential To Prosperity’, yesterday adopted the Doha Political Declaration, reinforcing the international community’s commitment to the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). The conference, while adopting the declaration, presented a unique opportunity to translate the vision of the DPoA into tangible results with countries and stakeholders showcasing a host of commitments, ranging from improving biodiversity and tackling malnutrition to resilience building in the LDCs.A 10-year plan to put the world’s 46 most vulnerable countries back on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was adopted while bold commitments were made at the conference marking a transformative turning point for the world’s poorest countries, whose development has been hindered by crises, including Covid-19, climate change and deepening inequalities. The declaration outlines a transformative agenda to tap into the potential of the LDCs. Measures include the development of a food stockholding mechanism for LDCs with an online university focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, especially for women and girls along with an international investment support centre, a sustainable graduation support facility, comprehensive multi-hazard crisis mitigation and resilience-building measures for least developed countries.HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, who presided over the plenary session on Adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, said DPoA and the Doha Political Declaration constitute an important legacy for Qatar and the international community for co-operation in the field of development as part of the humanitarian duty towards the people of LDCs. The goals in the declaration should not remain on paper. They must be translated into actions and tangible results by taking practical measures to bring about the desired transformation in the lives of the people of LDCs,” he stressed.“Achieving the SDGs in the Least Developed Countries is a litmus test for achieving the 2030 Agenda writ large, including by ensuring that no one — and no LDC — is left behind” said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed. “That is why the DPoA must be seen as a vehicle for SDG acceleration,” she added.“We have closed LDC5 with renewed commitments towards achieving the DPoA,” said President of Malawi and current Chair of the Group of LDCs Dr Lazarus Chakwera exuding his confidence that the conference will be a changer for the backward countries across the world. “The adoption of Doha Political Declaration will result in LDCs achieving the goal of graduation and a more prosperous and sustainable future,” said the Secretary-General of the Conference and UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima.HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani noted that Qatar will provide needed assistance to follow up and monitor the implementation of the declaration by joining hands with the international community.