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Born to a family of diplomats, Qatar University (QU) graduate at an early age, holder of the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Gold Medal for academic achievement, Amal bint Ali al-Kuwari is a certified financial consultant, coach and trainer.Amal al-Kuwari’s goal is to help Qatari, Arab and other women achieve financial independence and wealth.She gave an exclusive interview to Gulf Times and said that: “My specialisation is quite unique in Qatar and will help in normalising talking about money (a taboo topic) in a normal manner as well as spreading financial literacy. I chose to work with women as my target audience, since the woman has a great impact in our society, she is the mother, sister, and daughter. She is the mainstay of every home.”She kicked off her professional career in January 2024, with a background in mindset development and wealth creation and has already a wide variety of professional women clients ranging from doctors, to VIPs, HR experts and she leads by example to impact this community.Al-Kuwari said: “By helping women I aim to develop a healthy relationship with money and my clients, through my tailored workshops, training courses, and one-on-one coaching. I empower women to achieve financial independence by understanding money psychology, investment strategies, and wealth building techniques."To make it easy, I send a pre-session questionnaire to assess and discover the trainee profile and habits, then hold with her 1 to 3 or four coaching sessions, then the follow up is done by email. I also run sessions via Zoom meetings for women from the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia."I mainly help them get away from bad spending habits i.e. age groups between 25 and 56 years old, they are given an individual financial plan to follow to either make their money grow, or even those who want to retire. Then, they have to do the hard work by themselves and commit to the agreed plan under my coaching and supervision.”Al-Kuwari combines through her unique approach, practical financial strategies with a deep understanding of mindset and behaviour change. She added: “By offering holistic guidance to women who want to take control of their financial futures. My approach is personalised, culturally relevant, and designed to inspire lasting transformation.”She concluded by saying: “I also offer practical tools for saving, investing, and growing income. My coaching and training courses are either in Arabic or English, they are designed to be accessible, easy to understand, and culturally relevant for Qatari, Arab and other women.”

The Freej Art and Design Festival continued its activities for the sixth consecutive day in its first edition, which is organised by the Ministry of Culture at the permanent headquarters of Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal, as part of the cultural season activities celebrating the artistic scene in Qatar.The day’s events witnessed a large public turnout, as Qatari and resident families flocked to enjoy the various cultural, artistic events and workshops offered by the festival for different ages. The events aim to enhance the spirit of creativity, expression among the younger generation, and to celebrate the achievements of Qatari artists and their contribution to developing the Qatari cultural scene.The sixth day of the festival also witnessed a cultural seminar titled ‘Art between Listening and Creativity,’ presented by the Syrian visual artist Ismail al-Rifai. It revolved around the concept of listening and creativity within the framework of the nature of art as a reflection of the artist’s inner experience and an expression of his aesthetic aspirations in its relationship with the outside world.Al-Rifai said that art is a universal language that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, and carries deep and complex messages. He pointed out that art is an interactive process between listening and creativity, where the artist listens to his inner world, then reformulates it in his own way, to present us with a unique work of art.He explained that the artist begins an internal exploratory journey into the depths of the self, listening to his voice, thoughts and feelings, to extract from them the materials with which he will build his artwork. He indicated that listening is not just hearing internal voices, but rather a deep dive into the subconscious, memories and dreams, which contribute to shaping his artistic vision and enriching his imagination.Ismail al-Rifai talked about his book ‘Milestones,’ which reflects his feelings, emotions and everything he experienced in his life, quoting one of the texts in the book: “All that is there is that I surrendered myself to myself, that I let the spirit do what it wants and closed my heart to its transparent light.”The Iraqi plastic artist Sabah al-Arbili said Arabic calligraphy is an authentic art that is distinguished by its beauty and diversity and is considered an ancient heritage and a symbol of the Arab identity. He also pointed out the importance of presenting it to the public in a distinctive way as it is an integral part of the Arab cultural heritage.He added that he uses Arabic letters several times in his artworks through sculptures and legible paintings known as classical arts, and illegible ones, which is called contemporary art of Arabic calligraphy, and explained that the art of calligraphy is inspired by a text that is expressed in an attractive way.The Freej Art and Design Festival includes a pavilion that displays the ‘Arabic Calligraphy’ with a section for a group of Qatari calligraphers to highlight the beauty of Arabic calligraphy through works, engravings and paintings.In turn, British artist Richard Walker expressed his happiness to participate in the activities of the Art and Design Festival to teach festival-goers the art of gilding, saying: “It is an honour for me to come to Qatar, the home of science and art, and to participate with many different cultures and exchange ideas on a wonderful journey of exploration.”Walker explained that the art of gilding has been around for 4,000 years, noting that the gilding workshop contains important knowledge as it explains all types and forms of gilding and the method of shaping it according to the use of each region and country, which also enhances the skills and knowledge of the workshop’s visitors about the art of gilding.The Freej Art and Design Festival, represents a platform that celebrates art and creativity, with the participation of 19 different entities, bringing together more than 100 local, international artists and designers, with a great diversity in their artistic orientations, and which enriches the artistic and cultural scene in Qatar.

Dreama Center, in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), has launched a series of online seminars that aim to enrich the intellectual and cognitive knowledge of social workers, and develop their capabilities through the exchange of knowledge and experiences between specialists, which contributes to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. These seminars aim to improve the quality of social services, stimulate innovation and scientific thinking, and apply the best practical and scientific practices in social care, which enhances the care provided to children and communities at the national and international levels.This partnership between Dreama Center and Unicef targets social workers worldwide, including Qatari and international institutions, in addition to researchers and academics interested in developing the social care sector, families providing care, and the relevant social work authorities.The seminars cover essential topics including enhancing alternative family care arrangements, child protection, and supporting the workforce in the field of social care. They also aim to stimulate scientific research and enhance creativity and critical thinking among participants. These seminars will be held throughout the year as part of joint efforts to develop capacities and exchange expertise among specialists in the field.Sheikha Najla bint Ahmed al-Thani, Executive Director of Dreama Center, said: “In this exceptional cooperation, we announce a new and distinctive partnership between Dreama Orphan Care Center and the Unicef. This partnership represents an important starting point for future initiatives aimed at raising awareness and building the capacities of social workers, which will benefit society as a whole, especially children and families. I also emphasise that this partnership is not just a limited cooperation, but rather the beginning of a long path of joint work. In this context, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Unicef for their cooperation and support for us in this initiative. We look forward to the continuation of this effective partnership that aims to achieve positive and sustainable change.” Anthony MacDonald, Director of the Unicef Office in Doha, said: “I would like to thank Dreama Center and the Executive Director for this strategic and important initiative, as well as for giving me the opportunity to speak at this important launch on a topic of great importance today."It has never been more important than now to advocate for and protect children’s rights. In Qatar, as in any country in the world, ensuring the safety, well-being, and protection of children is of utmost importance. Especially for the most vulnerable children, including children without parental care, victims of violence, neglect, and abuse. As well as the inclusion of children with disabilities, refugee and migrant children, and other vulnerable groups. Dreama works to provide safety, protection, and well-being for these children, in accordance with international standards and practices. We are proud of our partnership with Qatar and our partners such as Dreama and Qatar Social Work, who place the care and well-being of children at the heart of their work and mission. Dreama Center has worked hard and dedicatedly over the years to support children, and we look forward to strengthening our cooperation and partnership with Dreama.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) hosted the signing ceremony of the book "The Sufferings of Gaza... Very Short Stories" by writer and media figure Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik. The ceremony is the first of the activities and programmes of the Cultural Press Committee headed by Mohammed Salaan al-Marri.The book includes 60 selected stories about major issues that the residents of the Gaza Strip have been experiencing for more than a year, but they were presented in a few words that are very similar to Japanese haiku poetry. They were presented in 128 pages, summarizing the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip and the betrayal of the world that claims to be free, while it witnesses the crimes of the occupying entity without moving a finger.The signing ceremony was attended by HE Khaled al-Obaidan, member of the Shura Council, HE Ali Bakhtiari, Cultural Counselor at the Iran embassy in Qatar, and a number of writers, intellectuals, the public and interested parties.Sadiq Mohammed al-Amari, Director General of the Center, stressed that the launch of the book "The Sufferings of Gaza... Very Short Stories" comes amidst the escalating events in the Gaza Strip, and the crimes that the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples are being subjected to as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression against the two peoples, without anyone knowing where the hand of aggression will extend. Noting that the event is the first of the programmes and activities of the Cultural Press Committee, he looked forward to the committee continuing its programmes with the same strength of presentation, and discussing issues that have an impact on local affairs. He stressed that the door of the Qatar Press Center is open to creators, and it will always stand by inspiring initiatives that add to the center and the Qatari community.Mohammed Salaan al Marri appreciated the efforts of the QPC in shedding light on cultural affairs and embracing activities and programmes that would enrich culture and intellectuals, so that Qatar would be a beacon for the cultural movement not only at the local level but also regionally and globally. He announced the availability of the book “The Sufferings of Gaza... Very Short Stories” electronically. To encourage the new generation to read, for a symbolic price of 5 Riyals and its equivalent in other currencies, readers will be able to read the book for a week. This initiative aims to encourage reading and convey the voice of Gaza to the world through this book.Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik expressed his gratitude to QPC for its efforts in supporting various literary arts, and for giving him the opportunity to host the signing ceremony of his 50th book, which reflects the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially during the bloody war and the genocidal war committed by the occupying enemy for more than a year.Abdulmalik said he sought to complete this work in conjunction with the first anniversary of the war witnessed by the Gaza Strip in light of the Security Council’s slumber, and the great powers that claim to be biased towards human rights while they are witnessing the massacres committed against the residents of the Gaza Strip, leaving more than 43,000 martyrs and wounded, more than 10 thousand missing, and 1.9mn displaced; that is, nearly 85% of the residents of the Strip have become displaced according to UNRWA, and many are suffering from malnutrition and famine that has killed dozens of children and the elderly.He said: “Taking the step of abbreviating the tragic stories witnessed by Gaza and its people was a cry from a free Arab citizen amidst a lot of political hypocrisy, so I had to leave my mark and record this historical era with my pen for the generations that will come after us. So I chose to write in the style of Japanese haiku poetry, which summarizes a big issue in a few words in a rich creative style, not famous in the Arab and Gulf region, and I found this method more appropriate in light of the digital age that has become superior to other styles of writing in many cases.”Abdelmalik indicated in his presentation that he began writing these texts by abbreviating dozens of scenes, then he began writing until 120 stories were formed. From these he selected 60 stories, and each story was accompanied by an image drawn by AI to emphasise the importance of technology and the necessity of using it in these situations. To facilitate and accelerate the printing and publishing procedures, thanking in this context Dar Nebras and the team in charge of it that facilitated many tasks and technical details for him. Before the signing ceremony, there were a number of interventions from the audience.

The first edition of the Leadership Innovation Forum kicked off Wednesday under the title 'Leadership Innovation in the Digital Age', in the presence of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Leadership Center (QLC).The forum included several dialogue sessions, most notably a roundtable titled 'Leadership Development in the Digital Age' and 'Leadership in Crises: Strategies Inspired by the Qatari Experience', in which a group of prominent Qatari figures participated, and reviewed their experiences and strategies in facing challenges. In addition 'Strategic Foresight to Enhance Leadership Innovation in Governance and Business', brought together a group of experts and specialists to discuss innovative strategies aimed at enhancing innovation in leadership and enhancing its role in achieving sustainable development.In his opening speech, Abdulla Mohammed al-Binali, general manager, Qatar Leadership Center, stressed that the forum coincides with the center’s celebration of its 15th anniversary. He explained that the forum is an effective platform that contributes to shaping the future of leadership in Qatar and promoting a culture of continuous learning, providing valuable opportunities to build strategic relationships that contribute to advancing development and administrative excellence in the public and private sectors. He reviewed the achievements of Qatar Leadership Center since its establishment, and its success in developing an elite group of leaders, and enhancing their presence and influence in national institutions through innovative training programmes and international partnerships, to keep pace with the requirements of leadership in Qatar and the rapid changes in the local and international work environment. The contribution of the center was also stressed, which includes more than a thousand graduates, in developing policies and managing major projects in various sectors in the country. He considered that gathering specialists and graduates on one platform would enhance their capabilities in anticipating the future and building a sustainable future in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.Saleh al-Khulaifi, chairman of the Qatar Leadership Center Alumni Association, highlighted that the forum goes beyond being an event to become an embodiment of the values that the center has instilled in its graduates. These include resilience and continuous learning, noting that they have organised more than nine events in the past six months, including 'Meet the Leader' sessions, community visits, and sports events, which proves that education does not end with graduation.He also stressed the importance of resilience in the face of the challenges facing graduates, indicating that transforming challenges into opportunities for growth is the essence of what graduates have learned from the center, as resilience has become a key factor in achieving innovation and growth.The forum witnessed the participation of speakers and experts from around the world, to represent a leading platform for leadership development in Qatar. The forum has the attendance of 17 local and international speakers from Qatar, the Middle East, South Korea, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, in addition to a number of academics and experts specialised in various fields, to discuss the topic of leadership innovation, and to present innovative visions and strategies for leadership in the digital age.

Dr Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), expressed his regret that the situation in Gaza has reached a stage where Israeli massacres on a daily basis have outnumbered condemnations, noting that the international community should be ashamed of itself in light of the continuation of the horrific war which has been going on for more than a year.Dr al-Ansari reiterated, in a media briefing yesterday, Qatar's clear position on the ongoing crimes of the occupation, whether targeting civilian objects, hospitals, and schools, or targeting the displaced, or starvation and siege imposed on northern Gaza, and at the same time targeting brotherly Lebanon, where more than 2,700 people have so far been martyred, and which is suffering systematic destruction of villages and towns.He stressed that this is a clear indication of the lack of respect for international human rights law.He said that Qatar will not fail to play its role in ending this crisis by keeping its mediation and communication channels open, and supporting all regional and international efforts aimed at ending this crisis and stopping the bloodshed despite all the challenges and the ground reality that casts its dark shadows on negotiations.Regarding the extent of the impact of the assassinations carried out by the Israeli entity and its targeting of UN offices on the efforts of the negotiation process, Dr al-Ansari stressed that every escalation on the ground is accompanied by "complicating" the success of the mediation. "It is not possible to negotiate successfully with a party, while the other party is targeted and assassinated at every opportunity."He praised the important role played by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in helping millions not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.Dr al-Ansari warned that stopping support for UNRWA would have disastrous consequences, as well as preventing it from operating in the Palestinian territories, in light of the presence of more than 6mn Palestinians who benefit from the relief services of this agency.Qatar has pledged $100mn to provide humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the need for the international community to act and not remain silent in the face of this disregard for its international institutions and the attack on UN personnel.Regarding the reports accusing Qatar of mediating the war on Gaza, the MoFA official spokesman explained that these reports have not stopped since the first day. "We in Qatar have thick skin in dealing with such baseless accusations, and the negative treatment of the important role played by the state within the framework of mediation. We are not concerned with any reports that contradict reality and do not communicate directly with the mediators, whether in Qatar or Egypt and the United States."Stressing that "the Qatari role has been ongoing since the first day, and the mediator's role in the end is to bring the viewpoints of the parties to the conflict closer together, he pointed out that Qatari diplomacy works along parallel lines with regard to reducing the escalation in Lebanon and ending the war in the Gaza Strip.Qatar will spare no effort to reach a permanent solution to this issue, which is a permanent ceasefire and justice for the Palestinian brothers, by bringing the viewpoints closer together and reaching a common language between the negotiators, he added.

Qatar National Archives participated with a high-level delegation in the international conference of the “Memory of the World” program organised by UNESCO in Paris on October 28 and 29, 2024. Where it reviewed the pivotal role of documentary heritage in enhancing international understanding and cooperation. This presence comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts of the National Archives to support and protect historical archives that record important stages of Qatar’s history and contribute to documenting national and cultural identity on a global level. This comes within the framework of the Memory of the World project that was approved by the Council of Ministers on May 15, 2024.The delegation of the Qatar National Archives was headed by Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, who stressed the importance of international cooperation in exchanging expertise to protect documentary heritage and raise awareness of the importance of preserving it from risks. Especially in light of the increasing technical challenges in the field of digital preservation. Al-Buainain appraised the ongoing Qatari efforts to protect documentary archives, including audio and visual documents, which contributes to highlighting the Qatari identity and consolidating its position within the global human heritage system.The participation of the Qatari delegation focused on searching for the experiences of pioneering countries in preserving historical documents, while highlighting the best practices of digital archiving used in countries around the world. During the conference, the Qatar National Archives presented its plans to protect audio and visual heritage, which include developing digital projects aimed at facilitating access to archives and protecting them from deterioration. Representatives of the National Archives also participated in discussion sessions that addressed the importance of archives as educational and cognitive tools, as they contribute to spreading awareness of the value of documentary heritage and enhancing understanding between cultures, stressing the role of the archives in preserving Qatari history and promoting it on the global stage.The Qatari participation coincided with the Fourth World Forum on Documentary Heritage Policies, which represents a dialogue platform for researching policies supporting the protection of global archives. As well as discussing ways to use these documents as educational resources and tools for understanding between cultures. The conference was an opportunity to highlight the global challenges facing documentary archives, from the difficulties of digital preservation to involving new generations in the preservation process. The Qatar National Archives continues its efforts to enhance Qatar’s international standing through its participation in global events concerned with preserving documentary heritage, affirming its commitment to protecting historical archives that reflect Qatari identity. Believing in the importance of documenting national memory, the National Archives seeks to exchange expertise with specialized international institutions, which contributes to enhancing the efficiency of digital preservation and enhances communities’ awareness of the importance of preserving documentary heritage as part of the shared human memory.

In line with the anniversary of the ongoing war, Alaraby TV has launched a new programme titled Fi Zamn Alharb – Taqdeer Mawqif (In Times of War – Situation Assessment), which covers the developments in Gaza and Lebanon. Hosted by Khaled al-Gharabli and Wael al-Tamimi, the programme aims to provide Arab viewers with an in-depth analysis of the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The programme brings together a range of politicians, academics and experts from various fields to offer insight into the political, economic, and military dynamics shaping the region, with the aim of informing viewers of the realities behind the headlines and to raise pressing questions about the Middle East’s future amidst renewed geopolitical tensions. In the first episodes, the programme hosted former Jordanian foreign minister Marwan Muasher, who discussed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vision for a “New Middle East”, emphasising the absence of a strong Arab project to counter these initiatives. Military affairs expert Dr Omar Ashour provided an analysis of the military realities in Gaza and Lebanon and the obstacles facing Netanyahu’s plans. The programme also welcomed former Lebanese minister Dr Tarek Mitri, who shared his perspective on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as a solution to halt the current Israeli aggression on Lebanon. In a special episode, the programme hosted former UK Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to discuss Western protests against Israeli violations in Gaza and Lebanon and the reasons why these protests have not developed into an influential movement. The programme’s creators also announced an exclusive interview with Hamas leader Osama Hamdan to discuss the future of the movement following the death of its political bureau chief Yahya Sinwar. In Times of War – Situation Assessment airs Sunday to Wednesday at 10pm Doha time, in addition to being available on Alaraby TV’s platforms. Alongside its analytical content, the programme enhances the information presented with the 3D graphics technology to place viewers at the heart of events.

Katara has announced the nomination of Salah Ibrahim al-Mannai to lead the 6th 'Fath Al Khair' traditional boat journey, which is scheduled to start on December 6, when it will head to its first stop in the Sultanate of Oman.Saeed al-Kuwari, head of the Marine Events Department at Katara Beach Management, said that this journey will provide an opportunity to exchange cultures and embody the Qatari maritime heritage. Fath Al Khair will pass through a number of ports, where various models of maritime events will be displayed.He explained that participating in various events at ports where it will be stopped, comes within the framework of showing the maritime heritage of Qatar and presenting it to the public in an integrated manner.Al-Mannai, the captain of the 6th 'Fath Al Khair' traditional boat journey, thanked the Beach Management for nominating him to lead the journey. He explained that the journey aims to introduce Qatari heritage. The first stop will begin in the state of Musandam in Oman where the team will participate in a maritime festival. Al-Mannai indicated that the stay in Musandam will be about five to six days, after which the team will head to the Emirate of Sharjah in Khor Fakkan, to participate in another marine festival.He confirmed the formation of a distinguished team for this trip, and spoke of his great confidence in the success of the mission. He also said that the trip is expected to last for a month and two days, depending on the wind speed and transportation conditions. He pointed out that participation in the Sharjah Festival will end on January 7.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani on Thursday announced that US and Israeli delegations will arrive in Doha in the coming days to participate in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, adding that Qatar has communicated with Hamas leaders after the killing of the Palestinian movement’s political bureau chief Yahya Sinwar.Addressing a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Doha, HE Sheikh Mohammed said the teams will discuss ways in which a breakthrough can be achieved but did not specify when these negotiations will be held or whether Hamas will participate.Blinken said that negotiators will meet “in the coming days” to discuss reaching a truce in the Gaza Strip and releasing hostages, renewing his call for Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement.Blinken told reporters after talks in Qatar, the main mediator in the negotiations, “We talked about options to take advantage of this moment and the next steps to move the process forward, and I expect our negotiators to meet in the coming days.”A senior Hamas official told AFP on Friday that the group had told Egyptian officials it was ready to stop fighting in Gaza if Israel committed to a ceasefire deal.HE the Prime Minister expressed Qatar’s condemnation of the Israeli blockade on northern Gaza, denouncing the systematic bombing of hospitals and refugee camps and the escalation of the situation to the point of “dropping explosive barrels on our brothers in Gaza”.HE Sheikh Mohammed said: “First, I would like to welcome my colleague, Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State. Of course, we meet after a year has passed since the war on the Gaza Strip and the development of this conflict reaching Lebanon and other regions in the Middle East.“The meeting was important and fruitful, as we had the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the war on Gaza and the path to reaching a solution and the ongoing joint efforts between Qatar, the United States of America, the Arab Republic of Egypt and partners in the region to reach a solution to stop the war and release the hostages and prisoners.“Unfortunately, from the beginning of this war, we have been warning against the development and expansion of the conflict to other regions in the Middle East, and we see that the war has expanded to Lebanon and other regions. Therefore, discussion on ways to stop the war on Lebanon took up a large part of our discussions in order to reach an urgent solution to stop this aggression against our brotherly Lebanon and to adhere to the Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 1701.“Unfortunately, in the past few days, we have seen an increase in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, especially in the northern region. We condemn this siege on northern Gaza and the systematic bombing of hospitals and refugee camps. We have seen the situation develop into the dropping of explosive barrels on our brothers in Gaza. We believe that this painful phase that we are going through in the region must end as soon as possible in order to protect the innocent and civilians in the region.”HE the prime minister continued: “We had the opportunity to talk about the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue and of course what is called the day after Gaza, which is the path to peace in the region in general. Our discussions on this file were constructive discussions and there were many proposals and discussions about these proposals and how we can reach a stable and sustainable situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, leading to a sustainable solution to the Palestinian issue, and of course keeping the two-state solution as the main reference for this process.“The efforts to end the war have been ongoing since October 8, first to prevent the war from breaking out, and then also to prevent the expansion of the war and contain the conflict. As I mentioned, the efforts in November resulted in the release of some prisoners and hostages and a temporary ceasefire.Unfortunately, since that time, we have been trying as much as possible to reach an agreement to end this war. Unfortunately, the negotiations went through several stages in which there were great challenges, and every time we got closer to a solution, unfortunately, there was a regression in the steps.”In response to a question about whether Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was obstructing the negotiations, he said: “Through our role as a mediator, our policies are based on not saying who constitutes an obstacle, and not favouring one party over the other. You can go back to the negotiation process and see where it stopped at each stage, and it will be clear who stopped it at each stage.”Asked whether Qatar had contacted Hamas leaders after Sinwar’s assassination, he said, “We have resumed contact with representatives of the Hamas political bureau in Doha. We have held some meetings with them in the past few days. “Regarding the accusations made by the Israeli occupation against Al Jazeera journalists, HE Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are very proud of the Al Jazeera Foundation and its coverage of wars in the world, stressing that the Al Jazeera Network works according to the highest international standards and there is no justification for targeting journalists in conflict zones and excuses for that are unacceptable.”HE the Prime Minister thanked Blinken for the visit. “ We are certain that by committing to the partnership between Qatar, the countries of the region and the United States, we can achieve peace in the region.”Blinken said: “Allow me to express our appreciation for the essential and major role played by Qatar as an important partner in its attempt to bring peace and stability to the region.“Qatar plays a major and significant role in returning the hostages to their families, ending the war, and trying to end the suffering of the people of Gaza.“I would like to personally tell HE the Prime Minister of Qatar that you personally played a major role in the efforts to return the hostages to their homes.”He added that Qatar has generously provided thousands of tonnes of aid to Gaza over the past months, noting that Qatar has provided important aid to the Lebanese army, such as salaries and fuel.Blinken said that the negotiation process is moving forward, and that a negotiation session on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas will be held within days, noting that “this is the moment to act to end the war, return the hostages to their homes and build a better future for the people of Gaza.” Blinken added that “the negotiations will be held in the coming days and we will know if Hamas is serious about them,” adding, “We reject the generals’ plan to starve and kill people. It is necessary that we have a plan that allows Israel to leave the Gaza Strip and prevents the return of Hamas.”Regarding Lebanon, Blinken said that the United States seeks to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon based on Resolution 1701 and the return of everyone to their homes on both sides.

The Qatar Leadership Center (QLC) held a press conference Wednesday to announce the centre’s readiness to launch the first edition of the Leadership Innovation Forum titled “Leadership Innovation in the Digital Age” at the St Regis Hotel, Doha on October 30.Under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of QLC, this forum will bring together speakers and experts from around the world to discuss the topic of “Leadership Innovation in the Digital Age”.Abdullah Mohammed Khalifa al-Binali, general manager of QLC, said: “As we approach the launch of the Leadership Innovation Forum titled “Leadership Innovation in the Digital Age”, we aspire to be an event that brings together specialists and experts in the field of leadership management and innovation solutions, academically and professionally, and speakers from all over the world. We are proud of QLC’s achievements over the past fifteen years. Since its establishment in 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (may God protect him and grant him peace), the centre has contributed to the development of over a thousand graduates, who represent a driving force for positive change in public and private sector institutions. This forum represents a golden opportunity to empower promising generations of leaders to benefit from the experiences of local, international experts, specialists and create valuable communication networks that enable them to build future partnerships, in order to serve the needs of their institutions in all sectors, and enable them to form a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of anticipating the future by enhancing means of innovation in creating administrative and organisational solutions that contribute to achieving the goals of these institutions that are directly in the service of the nation and the citizen.”He added: “We at QLC are committed to implementing the vision of establishing the centre and the strategy approved by the Board of Directors in developing an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and expertise. This forum comes as the center celebrates its 15th anniversary to be a new platform and an effective tool that contributes to shaping the future of leadership in Qatar and to support lifelong learning for this target group and provide opportunities to build strategic relationships that contribute to supporting development and administrative excellence at the level of leadership in the public and private sectors in the country. With the rapid changes in the world, we hope to be a tributary to presenting and displaying the Qatari experience in leadership, whether in managing institutions or organising international political, economic, cultural, sports and educational forums in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.”QLC also announced that the Media City will be the official media partner for the forum this year.Abdullah Mohammed Khalifa al-Binali, general manager of QLC, said: “We at QLC are delighted to welcome Media City as the official media partner for the inaugural edition of the Leadership Innovation Forum. Media City is working to drive innovation in the media sector and is therefore a natural partner for the Leadership Innovation Forum 2024. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”Engineer Jassim Mohammed al-Khoori, CEO of Qatar Media City, said: “As a media partner, we are proud to support this strategic initiative with QLC, which is in line with our direction and mission to promote innovation and to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Our support for developing leadership skills and empowering young talent is a fundamental pillar for the future of the creative scene in Qatar. This initiative comes to confirm our firm commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a regional centre of excellence and supporting its pioneering role in shaping the future of global media.”The forum aims to be a leading platform in Qatar for leadership development. The forum will bring together the Center’s alumni association, leadership experts, and regional, international speakers to discuss the leadership aspirations and needs of advanced societies, especially in light of the rapid growth of AI technology. The forum will feature 17 local and international speakers; from Qatar and the Middle East, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and others, academics and experts specialised in various fields. These speakers and experts will provide innovative visions and strategies forleadership in the digital age through keynote speeches and panel discussions.

Alaraby TV Network has announced that its flagship program "Fi Alhadhara (about civilization)" has been nominated for the Shorty Awards. The episode "Illusions of Happiness" which tackles the dangers of addiction, has been selected to compete against international renowned media organizations in the long-form content category.The episode "Illusions of Happiness" takes viewers on a deep journey to explore the dark side of addiction and its impact on individuals and communities, using a unique visual narrative style that blends serious content with humour. This distinctive combination has helped the show to reach a wide audience since its first season, allowing it to address many sensitive topics and issues with the aim of sparking discussions that lead to positive change.Regarding this achievement, Amira Hamza, Digital content leader at Alaraby TV Network, said: "We are extremely proud of this nomination, especially since the nominated episode discusses a highly important issue in both Arab and global societies. We consider the nomination of the show a testament to our commitment to delivering impactful cultural and social content that can bring about real change in public awareness."The show's host, Mohamed Saadany, expressed his great happiness about the nomination, stating in a post on his social media pages: "I thank the team and Alaraby TV Network for their continuous encouragement and full support in addressing bold topics with complete editorial freedom. This has been a decisive factor in the nomination of the program for an episode covering such a sensitive topic as the dangers of addiction."Saadany also invited the program's followers to support the nominated episode by voting for it on the official Shorty Awards website, reaffirming the show's commitment to delivering creative content that combines both educational value and entertainment.

Rehearsals for the play 'Panda House' are upbeat by the young players in preparation for its upcoming show. The play is led by director Shail al Kuwari, with the participation of Ahmed al Khayat, Abdullah Hassan, Maryam Saeed, Sameh al Hajari, Ali Rabsha, and Salim Darwish. The play, which is based on the idea and melodies of Shail al Kuwari, is written and scripted by Taleb al Doss, composed by Shail al Kuwari and Salem al Jarrah, and the songs are by Mohammed Matar, Faisal al Adhbah, and Hussein al Bakri. Salem Al Jarrah also did the distribution and mixing, and Faisal al Dossary designed the shows, while the children of Al Noor Private School are participating in the show, under the supervision of Dalia Mohamad. The play is supervised by Faleh Fayez.The director of the play, Shail Al Kuwari, explained that "Panda House" combines fantasy and reality to teach children the values of preserving the environment and protecting rare animals, especially pandas, which China presented it to Qatar. The play tells the story of a child who enters the world of imagination into reality, and offers him advice on loving school and the importance of friendship between children at school.Al Kuwari stressed the importance of supporting the entities concerned with creativity and private companies for the play, which contributes to promoting domestic and foreign tourism by inviting children and families to visit the Panda House in Qatar. He stressed that the play, with its environmental and educational meanings, encourages raising awareness about protecting rare animals, such as pandas, which contributes to strengthening children's connection to the environment and supporting tourism efforts.He pointed out that the play addresses environmental values such as preserving palm trees and sidra trees, which are two important symbols of Qatari environmental identity.Al Kuwari confirmed that he is ready to present the play in National Day events in many places, given that it is recorded in the "playback" method, which facilitates its presentation in various events. He added that the play is scheduled to be presented in a number of countries in the region, such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, to promote tourism in Qatar.

Qatar National Library (QNL) is organising a study day as part of the activities of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture celebrations, titled “The Ancient Libraries of Morocco: From Preserving Manuscripts to Beacons of Knowledge”.The study day will provide an in-depth exploration of the historical development of ancient Moroccan libraries, tracing their founding and evolution to their current state. These libraries have experienced periods of flourishing and openness to external influences, which contributed to the development of scholars, elites, and societies. However, they have also faced challenges, crises, and disasters that led to a loss of prestige and vitality, often due to human actions.Through three presentations, participants will delve into this heritage, revisiting key historical stages and addressing important questions: How did these libraries facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the circulation of texts within intellectual circles? In what ways did they serve as bridges for communication between local society and scientific institutions abroad? What does the future hold for books and paper in an increasingly digital world, and what is the fate of libraries and their patrons?The speakers will be: Dr Abdelmajid al-Khayali: Head of Human Resources, Finance, and Scientific Research at the Hassania Library in Rabat; Dr Mustafa al-Tubi: University Professor and Head of the Research Team on Moroccan Manuscript Heritage at Ibn Zohr University, currently on a scientific mission at the Hassania Library. Abdelfattah Boukchouf: Director of the Qaraouiyine Library in Fez, Morocco, and the moderator Dr Moez Dridi, Senior Archivist at QNL.The event will be held on November 13th, 2024, from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Arabic, with simultaneous interpretation provided in English. It will be open for the public, registration is via the link: https://events.qnl.qa/attend/wkJpD

The second edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum will be held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, from October 13-15, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.During a press conference held yesterday to announce the forum, Engineer Khalid bin Ahmed al Obaidli, President of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), said that this exceptional edition, held in partnership with Cityscape under the theme "Aqarat’s Future" marks a milestone in the development of Qatar’s real estate sector. "It represents a collective ambition to promote growth, innovation, and transparency in this vital industry."Several sponsorship agreements were signed yesterday with leading companies that will support the Qatar Real Estate Forum 2024. These sponsors included Al Rayan Bank, Platinum Sponsor; Barwa Real Estate Group, Platinum Sponsor; Qatari Diar, Platinum Sponsor; GMG Holding, Gold Sponsor; United Development Company, Gold Sponsor; Al Waab City, Gold Sponsor; Msheireb Properties, Gold Sponsor; Qatar Financial Center, Academic Sponsor; Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Academic Sponsor; Ooredoo, Official Telecommunications Partner; and Qetaifan Projects, Hospitality Sponsor.Fahad bin Abdullah al-Khalifa, CEO of Al Rayan Bank, said: "Our support for this initiative stems from our deep belief in the role of the real estate sector in achieving Qatar's National Vision 2030, which aims to build a diversified and sustainable economy."Addressing the forum's importance, Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali al-Kuwari said: “This event brings together the visionaries and decision-makers who are shaping the future of Qatar's cities, much like we've done with Msheireb Downtown Doha. Our development exemplifies how we can create smart, sustainable urban spaces that honour our rich cultural heritage while embracing cutting-edge innovation. We're eager to share our insights, learn from our peers, and explore new opportunities that support Qatar's ambitious national vision.”Engineer Ali bin Mohammed al-Ali, CEO of Qatari Diar, said: "The Qatar Real Estate Forum, is an exceptional edition, we aim to reinforce strategic collaboration and support the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), while also capitalizing on the rapid developments in the infrastructure sector witnessed by the country. This will help drive growth in this vital sector, especially considering the pivotal role that Qatari Diar plays in shaping the country's real estate landscape."Engineer Ahmad Mohammed al-Tayeb, CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group, said, "Our participation reflects our commitment to supporting national real estate events that create an exceptional platform for dialogue between government entities, developers, and investors to shape the future of this vital sector."Sheikh Jabr bin Mansour bin Jabr al-Thani, Chairman of GMG Holding, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, "Our commitment aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 to build partnerships that drive growth and elevate standards of living."Sheikh Jassim bin Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani, Executive Vice President of Al Waab City, said: "We are proud to be one of the principal supporters of this significant event. Our participation reaffirms our commitment to enhancing Qatar's real estate sector and contributing to the development of an innovative and sustainable investment environment. Al Waab City, as a multi-use private real estate development project, includes retail spaces, a shopping mall, offices, commercial showrooms, as well as a variety of residential units such as villas and apartments. As we move into the next phase of the project, we look forward to announcing the opening of this important section and welcoming the public by 2025, which will further strengthen Al Waab City’s position as a leading destination for living, working, and leisure in Qatar.”Yousef Fakhro, Chief Marketing and Corporate Communications Officer at Qatar Financial Center, said: "Our sponsorship of the second edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum reflects our understanding of the critical importance of this sector in attracting investment and supporting economic growth. We have introduced new real estate ownership regulations for companies registered with us to align with Qatar's property ownership laws, creating a clear framework for real estate investments."Dr Khalifa al-Salahi al-Yafei, CEO of the Qatar Finance and Business Academy, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the country's efforts to develop and enhance the real estate sector and to encourage young national talents to engage in this vital industry. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing the competitiveness and diversification of the national economy, in line with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.” He added: “The second edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum provides an interactive platform that brings together experts and specialists in the real estate sector. In this context, we will offer a series of workshops on various specialized topics, while also shedding light on key challenges and discussing the latest trends and innovations in this essential sector."HE Engineer al-Obaidli emphasized that the real estate sector is one of the key pillars of Qatar's comprehensive economic development, actively supporting infrastructure development, offering diverse investment opportunities, and promoting sustainable economic growth. The sector plays a vital role in achieving the goals of economic diversification and reducing reliance on natural resources, in line with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 2024-2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.Al-Obaidli announced the participation of key speakers, leaders, decision-makers, and experts from around the world in the second edition of the forum. The event will feature specialised workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with influential figures in the real estate sector.

Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH) receives a youth delegation from Tunisia within the Discover Qatar in 144 Hours programme from Sept 29 to Oct 5.On this occasion Abdullah Saeed, Head of Public Relations and Communications, said: “We are pleased to receive the tenth youth delegation within the Discover Qatar in 144 Hours programme from the sisterly Tunisia. A delegation of 11 young men and women are participating. They will be staying at the Qatar Youth Hostels. Tourist tours will be organised for the delegation to all parts of Qatar from north to south and from east to west where we will introduce the most important tourist attractions and archaeological sites in Qatar, such as the city and al Zubarah Fort, the Qatar National Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art and Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum and the Olympic Sports Museum 321. They will also visit smart cities such as Msheireb Down Town City and Lusail and other attractive tourist destinations that distinguish our beloved country Qatar.”Saeed added: “Volunteers and tour guides, from Youth Hostel members, will accompany the delegation throughout their stay and tours, as part of their sense of social responsibility to convey the most beautiful image of their country through hospitality and friendship. It will be an opportunity for them to practice what they have acquired during their training program in tourist guidance. We at QYH organise this type of program to promote domestic tourism in Qatar and encourage young people to join this field and make Qatar one of the first tourist destinations to visit.”

Dr Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), announced on Thursday that Qatar has succeeded in reuniting 10 Ukrainian and 4 Russian children with their respective families through its mediation.In his weekly media briefing, Dr Majid al-Ansari said that this mediation has been ongoing for months and has resulted in the reunification of 48 children with their families, 5 from Russia and 43 from Ukraine.He praised the cooperation between the two parties to ensure that these children reach their families and ensure that they are spared the consequences of war.Al-Ansari pointed out that this agreement came as a result of the great Qatari effort to achieve peace in general, and the great interest in this issue in particular, since the first day of this war, and the positive role that Qatar can play in achieving and making peace.Noting that as always, the children are received at the Embassy of Qatar in Moscow, and then their arrival to their final destinations and their reunification with their families is followed up, under Qatari supervision.Dr al-Ansari praised the efforts of HE Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, Minister of State for International Cooperation, in leading the negotiations and mediation processes, and the efforts of the parties concerned from both sides (the Russian Federation and Ukraine). Stressing that these efforts are ongoing and other positive steps will be announced in the coming days.He pointed out that there is a health and social care programme currently being conducted for the children in Doha, in the presence of the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Stressing that in the shadow of any conflict or war, it is necessary to work to ensure that children are spared the consequences of these conflicts, which is something that we lack greatly in the Gaza Strip, and now in Lebanon, where children have become targets due to the persistence of massacres and slaughters.The official spokesman for the MoFA confirmed that from December, Qatari citizens will be exempted from entry visas to the United States, after Qatar was included in the visa waiver programme. Explaining that the inclusion of Qatar in the American visa waiver programme reflects the level of the strategic relationship between the two countries, and is the culmination of bilateral relations in various fields. Qatar is at the forefront of the Middle East and North Africa countries in the field of security and safety, according to international indicators, in addition to its commitment to global standards in the security fields.He pointed out that this exemption from the US visa for Qatari citizens confirms the great confidence in the state of security enjoyed by Qatar, whether at the local level or in its relations with its international partners.Pointing to Japan’s announcement a few months ago that it would exempt Qatari citizens from visas, and before that the British government announced that Qatari citizens would be the first to be eligible for the new electronic travel authorization programme, which reduces burdens and procedures. Uzbekistan announced in August 2023 that it would lift the need for a visa for Qataris.Dr Majid bin Mohammed al-Ansari said that Qatar, through the MOFA, continues to do everything necessary to remove difficulties facing Qatari citizens, and to prove the strength of the Qatari passport, which is considered one of the strongest passports in the world, in terms of not needing entry visas and ease of movement between countries of the world.Regarding the current situation in Lebanon, Dr Majid al-Ansari explained that there are a number of statements issued to stop this mindless war, as Qatar and a number of Arab countries issued a joint call with the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan, and a number of European Union countries, to cease fire in Lebanon, and to emphasize that the situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8 is unbearable and represents an unacceptable risk of a large-scale regional escalation.He added that since the beginning of the war on Lebanon, contacts have been ongoing with all parties and regional partners to reduce escalation and cease fire. Stressing that this attack on Lebanon is unjustified and represents a full-fledged war, and not as is being said that it is a limited escalation, as there are more than 600 dead in two days, and this number represents 50% of the victims of the 2006 war that lasted a whole month.Dr al-Ansari pointed out that the international community is required to stop this war and push the parties to stop the fighting. Especially since there is agreement that this escalation is a slide into a cycle of violence that cannot be accepted and cannot be tolerated in light of the complete absence of peace partners and political will that leads to an agreement. Pointing out that what is happening in Lebanon is not separate from the events in Gaza, he said but there is a path working on the Lebanese file that is more urgent and another in which many parties participate with the aim of stopping the war on Gaza. There is no doubt that there is a great overlap between the two files, but the reality of the matter is that we are talking about a state whose sovereignty is being violated, and a besieged sector that is being subjected to all forms of abuse by the Israeli occupation. He said, "there is no doubt that there is an overlap between the two files, but there are paths that work in parallel."Regarding the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, the official spokesman for the MOFA confirmed that preventing its entry has become a full-fledged crime. Recently, a statement was issued by 15 relief organizations saying that the residents of Gaza are eating only one meal a day due to the delay in the entry of aid. These organizations indicated that 83% of the necessary food aid is prevented from reaching the besieged Strip due to the closure of the borders, stressing that this matter is the full responsibility of the Israeli occupation, as there is no justification for preventing the entry of aid.Dr al-Ansari considered this measure a systematic starvation and the use of medicine and food as a weapon in this war, whose only victims are civilians, women and children, and that this matter will be repeated with Lebanon and others, if there is no clear international position that places Israel before its responsibilities.At the beginning of the media briefing, Dr al- Ansari reviewed the activity of the Ministry and its officials during the past few days, which included more than twenty meetings at the ministerial level and 37 bilateral meetings held by various Qatari officials with their counterparts from different regions of the world, in which the aggression on the Gaza Strip and the war on Lebanon were at the forefront. These meetings emphasized Qatar’s firm position on the necessity of stopping the war and for the international community to push towards stopping it immediately.

The celebration of the 41st Independence and National Day of St Kitts and Nevis took place in Doha on Wednesday.The first celebration of St Kitts and Nevis' Independence and National day in Doha was organised by Al Zaeem Holding and Manora Holding chief executive Khalil Ismail, Riva Group chief executive and managing director of Al Zaeem Holding Elisabeth Marascalchi. Salah Khaled of the Unesco Doha office also attended the event.St Kitts and Nevis’ Independence Day is celebrated every year on September 19.This date marks the nation’s freedom from British colonial rule, as it gained independence in 1983.St Kitts and Nevis is a Caribbean island country made up of two islands located in the West Indies.Their combined area is 269sq km. Its capital Basseterre is located on the island of St Kitts with estimated population of 48,400 (2024).Their official language is English and their official currency is East Caribbean Dollar.St Kitts & Nevis’ has 18 miles of lush rainforests, majestic mountains, golden shores and its welcoming people.Currently St Kitts & Nevis has diplomatic ties with 122 countries in the world.