Author

Mobility will be one of the key topics of Milipol Qatar 2024 where the importance of embracing new technologies in the sector will be discussed. According to the Milipol 2024 website, the global event will cover light vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorbikes, quad bikes, aeroplanes and helicopters and the means of sea and river travel. This is while showcasing the trends and innovations in the mobility sector.Also, transport security, port and airport security, border control and road safety are on the list. “Milipol Qatar 2024 features in a single location all the know-how and technologies in the field of global security to better reflect the current trends of the security and safety industry,” the website says.The global event will discuss challenges and trends in the safety and security sectors. Also, security convergence, integrating physical and cyber security in the protection of critical infrastructures while shedding light on integrated technologies for smart and safe cities and forensics science for investigation.The 15th edition of Milipol Qatar 2024 will be held from October 29-31 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Themed “the technology in the service of security”, the latest edition promises to be a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, policymakers and experts from around the globe.Organised by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with Comexposium Security, representing the GIE Milipol under Civipol, the co-operation implementer of the French Ministry of the Interior and Overseas, the event plays a crucial role in addressing Qatar’s growing security needs and supports the security goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.This year’s event will feature exhibitors from across the world showcasing cutting-edge innovations in security, safety, detection and prevention equipment and systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of products and services designed to address contemporary security challenges. From advanced surveillance systems to state-of-the-art detection technologies, the show will present the latest solutions to ensure public safety and protect critical infrastructure.

Despite repeated warning and advice, some e-bike users flout safety norms posing serious safety risks and inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists. While e-scooters and e-bikes have become popular in and around Doha and most of the users ride safely, the errant few are causing concern.The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued a set of rules and regulations for e-scooter riders, urging to abide by them to avert accidents. “Use a dedicated cycle path. Always ride on the right side of the road. Wear a helmet and reflective cloth. Use fixed front and rear lights,” a MoI advisory says while adding that following traffic rules while riding bicycles helps prevent traffic accidents and contributes to achieving safety and security standards.“Apart from the directions from the authorities, many groups are actively involved in raising awareness. Unfortunately, these are ignored by some riders. They use mobile phones while riding and don’t wear proper helmets. Also, heavy objects are carried on the scooters in violation of the rules,” a Doha resident told Gulf Times.“Many tend to ride on the wrong path and direction without lights or reflective clothes. The case is worst on the inner roads where the speedy riders cause difficulties. The grim scenario leaves vehicle drivers panicking sometimes and causes inconveniences for pedestrians,” he added.Earlier, First Lt Hamad Salem al-Nahab, Awareness Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, urged riders not to carry other people or heavy objects that may cause an imbalance in the electric scooter. “Don’t ride in groups or close distances between other scooters. This is to avoid accidents,” the MoI official said while talking to Al Rayyan TV. He also called for adhering to the guidelines and urged not to use the pedestrian paths in public places. “Ensure the safety and readiness of the scooter, in terms of tires, chassis, brakes, and lighting in the front and back,” he said.As per the rules, if an e-scooter rider causes an accident, the rider is responsible for the damages to the second party. Hamad Medical Corporation has also found a number of accidents involving e-scooters and advised the public to ride in a safe manner.

QNB Group will be the official bank of ConteQ Expo24 and Aguas de Valencia and Traffic Tech (Gulf) the silver sponsors, it was announced Monday at a signing in ceremony at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) headquarters.ConteQ Expo will be held from September 16-18 at Qatar National Convention Centre under the patronage of the HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.At the signing ceremony, engineer Salem al-Shawi, chairman of ConteQ Expo24 organising committee and Technical Office manager at the Ashghal, welcomed QNB Group, Aguas De Valencia and TrafficTech as the partners and sponsors.“The partnership reflects the contributions of companies in the construction sector by providing innovative financing solutions for projects and showcasing experiences in various areas of technology and latest practices in enhancing productivity, reducing costs and unskilled labour,” he said.Heba Ali al-Tamimi, senior executive vice president, QNB Group Communication, said in a statement that QNB is pleased to be the official bank of ConteQ Expo 2024 noting that the event brings together industry leaders, professionals and innovators to discuss sustainable construction best practices."This participation will provide the bank with the opportunity to showcase innovative financing solutions for projects, supporting the exhibition's objectives of technological transformation and building sustainability in the construction and service sectors.“QNB, the largest financial institution in Mena, is among the first financial institutions to support the Qatari economy, especially in the field of financing major projects and supporting economic development, as part of Qatar National Vision 2030."Enrique Fernandez Martos, Middle East director from Aguas de Valencia, said: "The sponsorship aligns with our commitment to pioneering innovations and technologies in water cycle management.” Aguas de Valencia is the leading Spanish utilities company that expanded its operations to Qatar focusing on water management and infrastructure development.Abdel Al Rahman al-Khatib, CEO of Traffic Tech (Gulf), said: “This event is a testament to our shared commitment to delivering tangible value to the community.”ConteQ Expo is hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ashghal. The event is organised by NeXTfairs for conferences & Exhibitions.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reminded the public to avail the grace period announced by the General Directorate of Traffic to pay fines.“Qatari citizens, residents, visitors and citizens of Gulf Co-operation Council countries are eligible for a 50% discount on traffic violation fines,” MoI said in a X post yesterday.The grace period that started on June 1, 2024, will expire on August 31, 2024. The discount applies to violations recorded within a period not exceeding three years.In June, MoI announced that traffic law violators can’t leave Qatar through any borders from September 1 without paying fines and dues. The vehicles with pending fines and dues will not be allowed to cross land, air and sea borders. The fines and dues can be paid through the Metrash2 app, MoI website, traffic offices or unified service centres. These were announced as part of a set of new traffic rules and procedures by the General Director of Traffic.According to 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.

Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) Qatar is set to raise QR1mn to support the treatment of Indian baby Malkha Rouhi, under the aegis of Qatar Charity (QC), through multiple drives.“Our efforts are triumphing and the fund is about to reach QR800,000,” KMCC state secretary Mohamed Sadik told Gulf Times, exuding confidence in achieving the goal soon.Malkha has been diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder 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.KMCC’s two phased Biriyani Challenge initiative reached around 14,000 benefactors across Qatar while amassing around QR170,000. Many benefactors also contributed money to QC upon the request made by the organisation."The Biriyani Challenge evoked a good response with thousands of kindhearted persons making orders. Everything panned out as planned with enthusiastic volunteers tirelessly working to help the ailing girl,” Sadik said.Around 400 volunteers, comprising professionals, businessmen and drivers, worked for the successful implementation of the drive, distributing biriyani orders across the country.Sadik said the collected money is being handed over to QC under the supervision of a dedicated KMCC team.The fundraising for Malkha is ongoing with organisations, individuals and institutions extending a helping hand. On its website, the QC has set a goal of QR11,654,028.75 with case number 206863 under licence: LC2023QTCH07-000032.According to the latest figures on its website, QC has received a contribution of QR6,752,666.78 while reaching 58% of the total amount from 12,707 donors. Contributions can be made through the official website www.qch.qa/Malkha.

Mowasalat (Karwa) has opened its new permanent kiosk at Doha Festival City, offering a seamless experience of multiple services. The second such kiosk by Karwa provides guidance for Karwa Public Transport, Karwa Taxi, Doha Limousine, and Karwa Academy services.On the sidelines of the opening on Thursday, Karwa Academy director Faisal al-Nuaimi told Gulf Times that the new kiosk reflects Karwa’s commitment to reaching out to the public while providing hassle-free services.“This is part of Karwa’s endeavours and strategic approach to connect with the public directly and engage with them more effectively. We are trying to increase the accessibility to Karwa services. People can come and get to know about our services directly instead of checking our website and going to our institutions,” al-Nuaimi said.At the kiosk, the services of Karwa’s public transportation and taxi services can be booked whereas the learners can book their slots to join the Karwa Academy for training. “They need no more to go to our academy or offices to avail or query about our services,” al-Nuaimi said.In 2023, Karwa launched its first kiosk at Villaggio Mall. Al-Nuaimi explained that the new kiosk is based on the good response the company is receiving from its first kiosk. Al-Nuaimi said two more kiosks will soon open at LuLu Hypermarket D Ring Road Branch and City Center Doha.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is implementing 33 projects to serve 30,000 plots of citizens’ subdivisions through its Local Areas Infrastructure Programme across Qatar. Eng. Mohammed Al-Yafei, project engineer in the Southern Areas Section in Ashghal’s Roads Projects Department, told Qatar TV that several projects are being implemented in South along with West Semaisma, West Umm Salal, South Umm Al Amad and Umm Ubairiya Village. “The projects at North and East Al Kheesa, Al Ebb, Al Obeib, Umm Salal Mohammed and West Al Rakiya are witnessing progress,” he said adding that several packages of road projects have been completed in various areas of the country to serve 5,150 residential plots for citizens. These include the Roads and Infrastructure Development projects at East Al Wajba project (package 1), West Semaisma project (package 1), Al Ebb and Leabaib (package 1 and package 5) and West Muaither project (package 2). The projects, according to al-Yafie, led to development in these areas.Ashghal’s Local Areas Infrastructure Programme is a nationwide programme that aims to develop the roads, drainage networks and overall infrastructure in all areas of Qatar to raise the standard of living for all citizens and residents. The programme provides a comprehensive infrastructure for new areas that lack infrastructure facilities, in addition to developing and enhancing the existing infrastructure in central and suburban areas. It also aims to increase the capacity of roads and utility services to meet the requirements of continuous urban development. This is in addition to the construction of link roads that connect villages and towns across the country.The Local Areas Infrastructure Programme is dynamic as projects are added, expanded or merged to meet the requirements of the planning entities and the continuous development across the country.In May, Ashghal announced that it completed infrastructure services for 7,833 plots of citizens’ subdivisions in various areas in the North, West and South of Qatar. An advanced road network and integrated infrastructure were provided for these subdivisions through several projects to serve the needs of residents and contribute to improving the quality of life, health and environmental conditions in various areas of the country, in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

In the wake of the fire outbreak at Al Abraj Area in West Bay, the Civil Defence authorities have urged owners of high-rise buildings, towers and residences to ensure the safety equipment is properly functioning.“To avoid similar fire incidents in the future, owners should ensure the functionality of alarm and firefighting systems, security and safety systems throughout the building. Their validity should be tested on an ongoing basis,” director of Operations at the General Directorate of Civil Defence Lt. Col. Abdullah Mohamed al-Hail told Qatar TV in a telephonic interview on Sunday.He said that rescue operations were successfully carried out to contain the fire without any casualties with coordination from various entities.“The emergency services at the National Command Center received a report of a fire at 3:22 pm and the fire force moved to deal with the fire that extended from the building’s exterior facade and reached its roof. Work was done to evacuate the building of its residents, as the teams present were divided into three teams for evacuation, rescue and firefighting, and the fire was controlled in a short time without any injuries. The means and mechanisms were used to control the fire. The Civil Defense team arrived with the participation of the security departments, including the departments of Al Fazaa, Traffic, Criminal Investigation and Ambulance along with other concerned departments in addition to the Search and Rescue team from the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the Ministry of Municipality,” al-Hail explained.A fire erupted at Umm Bab Tower in West Bay on Sunday afternoon.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has said Uber, Karwa Technologies, Drive, badrgo, Aber and Zoom Ride are the electronic applications that are licensed and permitted in Qatar to do the business of passenger transportation. MoT, in a post on its official X account, said legal action will be taken against violating companies.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has launched new services at its Qatar Visa Centres (QVC), currently operational in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines and Sri Lanka."Medical services for temporary work visas, medical test services for multiple entry work visit visas and vision test services for driving license applicants are available now," Major Nasser Ali al-Khalaf, director of the Visa Support Services (VSS) Department, said.He was addressing on Wednesday an introductory seminar on new QVC services at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Passports at Wadi Al Banat."The procedures at QVC enable job seekers to complete the most important part of the visa process while they are in their country. These are in addition to reducing effort and time for them and facilitating the issuance of residency upon their entry into the country.At QVC, people wishing to work in Qatar must register their biometric data, sign employment contracts and undergo medical examinations,” al-Khalaf said.Under the temporary work visa, the applicant is given a single entry and can stay up to 12 months based on the duration of the contract. The multiple entry work visit visas provide multiple entries with a stay period of up to 12 months based on the duration of the contract.“In the context of QVCs’ operation, coordination has been established with relevant authorities (General Directorate of Traffic, Information Systems Department, and service providers) to electronically link external vision testing centres with the General Directorate of Traffic and driving schools and institutes."This facilitates the transmission of vision test data conducted for license applicants at QVCs to the systems of the General Directorate of Traffic, driving schools, and institutes. So, applicants (for the post of drivers) do not need to undergo vision tests again in Qatar,” the MoI official explained.New QVCs in three countries plannedEfforts are underway to establish new Qatar Visa Centres (QVCs) in Kenya, Indonesia and Tunisia in coordination with the authorities concerned, Maj Nasser Ali al-Khalaf, director of the Visa Support Services (VSS) Department, said.QVCs are currently operational in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi); Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi); Bangladesh (Dhaka, Sylhet); Nepal (Kathmandu); Philippines (Manila); and Sri Lanka (Colombo).Currently, applicants are able to avail of services such as attestation, contract signing, biometric enrollment and medical checkup at QVCs. Apart from English and Arabic, QVCs provide applicants with services in local languages.

“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.