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The documentary film “Gaza: The Sound of Life and Death” from the original production of the Al Jazeera 360 platform won the Anhar Award at Karama (Arabic for dignity) Human Rights Film Festival held in the Jordanian capital, Amman.The film “Gaza: The Sound of Life and Death” highlights the idea of sound as a documentary work by shedding light on the daily life of audio technician Mohammed Yaghi during the ongoing war of extermination since October 7, 2023. Yaghi records all sounds in the Gaza Strip and documents the crimes committed by the occupation there.The film gains its strength from the fact that it was produced during the war, and its editing was done from inside a tent in one of the refugee camps, where the director, photographer and sound technician are. The sound technician is the character of the film through which he transmits sounds that cannot be heard from Gaza due to the massacres that the occupation is constantly committing.The head of the original production department at Al Jazeera 360, Awad Jumaa, confirms that the idea for the film came during the filming of an episode of the program "Diary of a Fighter" in Gaza before the war. While dealing with the sound engineer, he was inspired to document the life story of the sound engineer, who confirmed that he recorded all the sounds in Gaza, from the cry of a newborn to the death throes.In turn, the film's producer, Shada Salhab, confirmed that the film is a cinematic icon that was able to transform sound into a witness to a tragedy and a human holocaust that has been ongoing for more than 14 months. She added that cinema is an act of resistance, and that the film is part of the Palestinian narrative that has changed in each era to suit the nature of the stage.The festival witnessed several screenings of original productions on the platform, such as an episode of the program "Victims and Heroes", the film "Eyes of Gaza", in addition to the documentary film "Al-Shifa Hospital", and the award-winning film "Rivers of Gaza" "The Voice of Life and Death".The Karama Festival is the first international human rights film festival to be established in Jordan. Since its first edition in 2010, Karama Human Rights Film Festival is a 9-day international film festival held in Amman, Jordan. With a global partnership that aims to promote dialogue, engage in debate, build capacity and launch high-impact programs to address pressing human rights issues in the Middle East and North Africa region. Over the past 11 years of Karama, the festival has screened over 600 films from 66 countries. The films ranged from documentaries, feature films, short films and animation. animation.

The Spanish Human Rights Association, in its 42nd edition, awarded the 2024 Honorary Human Rights Prize to Palestinian journalists, victims of the genocide in the Gaza Strip. The award was received on behalf of the Palestinian journalists by Alaraby TV correspondent in Madrid, Muath Hamed, who appeared visibly moved during the ceremony.He stated: "There are no words that can describe the suffering of my fellow journalists in the face of death, nor words that can capture their determination to bring the truth to the world. These are the true heroes who face death at every moment."Hamed used the opportunity to present detailed statistics on the number of journalists who have been martyred, imprisoned, and injured in the Gaza Strip, along with documentation of media institutions destroyed during the genocide. He also conveyed a special message from journalists working in Gaza to the conference attendees, stating: "Our mission continues to carry the voice of Gaza to the world."The Association for Human Rights in Spain (APDH-E) has held its 42nd Human Rights Awards ceremony for 2024, which was attended by societal and political figures, including members of parliament and ministers from the Spanish government. The event featured praise for the commitment and contributions of prominent individuals and institutions in defending human rights.It is worth noting that the Association for Human Rights in Spain (APDH-E) is one of the oldest human rights organizations in Europe. Founded in 1948, it has been committed since its inception to defending human rights in general and supporting journalists in particular, recognizing them as the frontline in exposing violations.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) has condemned in the strongest terms the killing of journalist Iman al-Shanti and her family on Wednesday, in the Israeli occupation's bombing of her apartment in a building in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, northwest of Gaza City.The centre renewed its call on the international community, UN, human rights and media organisations to condemn the targeting of journalists and their families in Gaza with killing, arrest and intimidation. The QPC also called for the prosecution of the Israeli occupation and holding it accountable for war crimes against journalists and media professionals, and to pressure it to stop the crimes of genocide and stop the assassination of Palestinian journalists.The centre called on the international community to pressure Israel to release journalists detained in Israeli prisons, who are suffering from dire conditions that deprive them of the most basic rights of prisoners stipulated in international laws and conventions.The centre expresses its surprise at the continued international silence of the United Nations, human rights and media institutions regarding the deliberate and systematic targeting of journalists and media professionals in Gaza, bringing the number of martyrs to 193 journalists since the beginning of the brutal aggression on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.The number of Palestinian journalist martyrs who died as a result of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 193, after the announcement Wednesday of the martyrdom of journalist Iman.Local sources said that Iman, who worked as a broadcaster on the local Al-Aqsa Voice Radio, was martyred along with her husband and three children, while a number of the injured were transferred to hospital. The last words the martyr wrote three hours before her death on her official account on the “X” platform were: “Is it possible that we are still alive? May God have mercy on the martyrs.”The occupation forces deliberately target journalists and media institutions. During the aggression, about 400 journalists were injured and 40 others were arrested. The occupation forces also destroyed most of the headquarters of local and international news institutions operating in the Gaza Strip and forced all local radio stations to close due to displacement and the lack of the elements of journalistic work, especially electricity and the Internet.

Qatar National Archives is participating with a distinguished pavilion in Darb Al Saai as part of the agency's commitment to enhancing community awareness of the importance of national archives and their role in documenting the country's history and connecting new generations with its national heritage.The agency opened its pavilion Wednesday in the presence of HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, HE Ghanem bin Shaheen al Ghanem, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, former Speaker of the Shura Council, HE Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Qatar National Archives, HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, President of the Civil Service Bureau and Government Development, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, HE Dr Hassan al-Derham, former president of Qatar University, and a number of Their Excellencies the ambassadors accredited to Qatar.The Qatar National Archives presented a comprehensive vision of the importance of documents in preserving the national identity. The pavilion offers a unique experience for visitors, through a virtual journey that takes them between prominent stages in Qatar's history using the latest digital technologies.Activities in the pavilion include a mural that highlights statistics on the urban and population renaissance in Qatar, in addition to a collection of rare documents that shed light on the stages of the country’s development throughout the ages. The pavilion also offers educational and interactive programmes for children, such as the “Play and Learn with Dar” competition, which combines entertainment and education, and the “Bishtakhta Dar” competition (Bishtakhta is an old term of non-Arabic origin, means gramaphone) which encourages children to explore documents in an innovative and fun way.One of the most prominent activities of the National Archives at Darb Al Saai is the co-operation with the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan), with the attendance of prominent figures as guests of honour at the National Archives’ pavilion, due to the importance of their distinguished role, and as one of the most important pillars of society on which the national identity is built.In this regard, Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the Qatar National Archives, stated: “Our first participation in Darb Al Saai reflects the commitment of the Qatar National Archives to protect the documentary heritage of Qatar as a fundamental pillar of the national identity. Through this initiative, we seek to build sustainable awareness of the importance of documents as a strategic tool for understanding our present and documenting our past which supports the national development process and enhances our vision to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This participation is not just a celebration of the National Day, but rather a step towards enhancing the role of documents in preserving the nation’s memory and building a sustainable future.”The activities of the Qatar National Archives also include presenting a working paper titled “Qatar Statistics in the Ottoman Archives,” which sheds light on rare historical sources that provide accurate data about Qatar during the early stages of its history.

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar, represented by the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the GCC Declaration of Human Rights, in the presence of HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad and GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi.The celebration was held Tuesday in Doha, and coincided with the International Human Rights Day, which is marked on December 10 of each year. It was attended by a number of Their Excellencies ministers, officials and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar.On the sidelines of the celebration, Albudaiwi launched a report on the efforts of the GCC countries in supporting and protecting the family entity from a human rights perspective, in a move that reflects the interest of the GCC countries in the family as the basic nucleus of societies.In her opening speech, HE al-Misnad, considered the GCC Human Rights Declaration, which was adopted during the 35th Gulf Summit in Doha in 2014, a qualitative leap at the level of the GCC countries. Noting that this declaration strengthens the commitment of the GCC countries to human rights as a fundamental pillar for building a bright future. HE al-Misnad highlighted that the declaration represents one of the fundamental pillars for consolidating the values of justice and human dignity, and affirms the unity of destiny and shared responsibility towards preserving human rights. She noted Qatari efforts in establishing institutions concerned with promoting human rights, such as the National Human Rights Committee, which works to spread the culture of human rights and to strengthen regional and international partnerships.HE al-Misnad referred to what His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani emphasised in his speech before the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2024, when he said, "Qatar will spare no effort in working with its international partners and the United Nations to consolidate the pillars of peace, security, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law at all levels."The GCC Secretary-General expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for hosting this celebration in Qatar. Praising the Qatari leadership's interest in human rights issues and providing the elements of a decent life for the people of the GCC countries. Albudaiwi stressed that the declaration reflects the extent of the GCC countries' commitment to human rights values, which are an integral part of the religious, cultural and social identity of the GCC countries. It was also pointed out about what the Islamic law includes for all the basic elements of human rights and the elements of a decent life.He said that the GCC Human Rights Declaration is a celebration of authentic Gulf values and reflects the commitment of the GCC countries to promote these values at all national, regional and international levels, stressing that this anniversary is an opportunity to renew the pledge and enhance GCC co-operation in the field of human rights.The GCC Secretary-General also stressed the tangible achievements made by the GCC countries in promoting and protecting human rights. Including supporting women, children's rights, people with disabilities, and combating human trafficking. He stressed that strengthening these efforts requires continued joint work to achieve further progress and prosperity for the people of the GCC countries.Dr Reem bint Ali Ibrahim al-Derham, acting director of the Human Rights Department, affirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting and promoting human rights inspired by the country's constitution, noting that Qatar's achievements in the field of human rights include multiple areas, such as education, health and infrastructure, in addition to its humanitarian efforts in supporting refugees and those affected by armed conflicts.Al-Derham stressed that promoting and protecting human rights represents a strategic choice for Qatar and a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive reform policy pursued by the State, affirming that hosting the 17th meeting of heads of government agencies concerned with human rights in the GCC countries reflects Qatar's keenness to enhance Gulf co-operation in this field.

The Education City Arabic Lecture Series hosted Dr Hassan Ali al-Nimah, writer and poet, in a panel discussion held by Qatar Foundation titled “How does cultural heritage contribute to building advanced societies?”This session highlighted cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of social progress, and the importance of empowering young people to preserve this heritage in order to build a promising future.Dr Hassan Ali al-Nimah stressed that: “There is no alternative for this generation to reading, and there is no way to acquire knowledge and science except through exerting effort.”The effort and hardship suffered by previous generations is nothing compared to the opportunities available to the current generation, which must seize them to acquire knowledge and science in order to build a brighter future for themselves, he said.Addressing the youth, Dr Hassan Ali al-Nimah said, “Today, you have good opportunities that are different from those that were available in our past,” adding, “It is important that these opportunities be a starting point for the youth to build from, and to draw from what they like of the heritage of Arab, cultural, Islamic and human thought as well. Our Arab nation has contributed greatly to the world heritage. These days are giving us opportunities to learn about the heritage of humanity. It is more appropriate and worthy to draw from these tributaries and add to them.” He continued, “These are our traces that guide us, so look after us.”He explained the importance of the young generation being eager for knowledge, saying, “The new generation is to be blamed, and it is their duty to draw from knowledge.”Commenting on the impact of digital and technological development on the acquisition of knowledge among young people, Dr Hassan Ali al-Nimah said: “It is true that technological developments have occurred rapidly, but we must subject this technological development to the benefit of science and culture. This development should not be a distraction, but rather a reason for acquiring science and culture.”He pointed out that “there is no excuse for the new generations to acquire and benefit from knowledge,” stressing that “the new generation is to blame, and it is their duty to read, then read, and read, in order to acquire and establish thoughts.”During this session, which was moderated by Mohammed al-Janahi, Director of the Primary Stage at Al Awsaj Academy, affiliated with Pre-University Education, Dr Hassan Ali al-Nimah addressed the impact of economic development on social progress, the importance of preserving cultural heritage over the years, and the necessity of adhering to this heritage, saying: “There have been very significant changes in the process of social development in Qatar. Naturally, like what happened in other Gulf countries, these changes represented a shift in the ways of life since the pearl extraction stage, then the drought and material hardship that the region witnessed, up to the stage of oil extraction, and with it the economic recovery that brought rapid changes in people’s lives.“These changes have brought about a major social shift in people’s lives in terms of ideas, emotions and lifestyles, which are different from what they were in the past. However, adherence to the best values is still present, visible and commendable,” he added, stressing that “material development is merciless towards any other values, because values change in societies in conjunction with material developments,” stressing the importance of adhering to constants at every stage of social progress in the future.Regarding the role of youth in building their future from constants amidst the changes sweeping the region, Dr Hassan Ali al-Nimah concluded: “I am one of those who believe, and we all do, in the fact that we are part of the Arab Islamic nation, and that what pleases it pleases us, and what harms it harms us. No matter how volatile the whims may be, the fate we will meet will be the same no matter how different the paths are.”He added: “This is a fact. We have no room to be exploited, neglected, or believe that we are immune from the fate of our nation. The nation must realise that the grudges that occur among its members are the work of those who expect us to fail and disappoint along the way. Therefore, the youth must adhere to our Arab and Islamic constants.”

Dr Ghiyath Nakshbendi is an experienced sovereign wealth funds professional. Also, a proponent of alternative (Islamic) finance education in the US, he serves as a special representative for foreign investors seeking a cost-effective and discreet means of managing corporate and personal business activities in the US.He has solid experience in the Gulf Co-operation Countries (GCC) in this field. He is a senior professorial lecturer of finance at Kogod School of Business, American University, Washington, DC.On the occasion of his participation in the Doha Forum 2024, Dr Ghiyath in an exclusive interview to Gulf Times said: “I have been privileged to come to Doha on so many occasions, including the honour to be invited to Doha Forum.“It is a very important for me to attend and hear what is happening in the world from experts and VIPs. The forum is always up to date and I enjoyed the discussed topics during the last two days. It touched on various topics, including diplomacy, diversity, and sustainability, etc. It is a very rewarding experience to hear about the latest news on start-ups.”On the prominent role of Qatari soft diplomacy Dr Ghiyath said: ”I usually follow up the news dealing with Qatar on a weekly basis, so I am very much aware of what is going on. In Washington we definitely listen to the contributions of Qatar, dealing with so many issues, including finance, diplomacy, being mediator of world conflicts which is a very admirable role that Qatar has been playing for years in that arena.”On striking the right balance between economic development and sustainability in Qatar, Dr Ghiyath said: “I would like to commend the activities and the straight forward plans and their execution by Qatar Investment Authority which is one of the largest 15 sovereign wealth fund in the world. I follow that very carefully because it falls in my area of expertise.”On his sovereign fund involvement Dr Ghiyath said: “I decided to offer a conference at the American University dealing with sovereign wealth fund, last October (2024). It was the 11th conference on this particular subject. I would like to point out that the Qatar’s embassy in Washington has been the major co-sponsor of this conference for the last 11 years.”In the context of sustainability and the Qatari advancement on environment and climate change issues Dr Ghiyath said: “Investment in green economies has been a buzz word all over the world, but I think that Qatar is doing a wonderful job in that arena. Consequently, Qatar is a major advocate for sustainability, they are definitely working very hard to diversify their economy and investing in world market. In addition to a distinguished focus on development inside Qatar. To boost the economic growth, in addition to creating employment opportunities. I must add that in the last couple of years, they have been working very hard in terms of providing the necessary funding to encourage entrepreneurship. By definition it is going to help young Qataris to start their own businesses and provide them with the necessary resources to be successful in their mission.”In relation to the Qatari government’s focus on the younger generation Dr Ghiyath said: “It is one of the early initiatives, to the best of my knowledge, in the GCC, paying attention to this very important sector and this very important economic resources to provide the young Qataris with the available opportunities to participate in building and advancing the Qatari economy, and they are doing a wonderful job in that arena.”He added that: “The focus on education in Qatar is extremely important, let’s not forget that Qatar was the first GCC country that started to invite well known universities, in different specialties, to establish branches for these institutions here in Qatar, like Texas University, and George Town University for instance... I had the privilege of having Qatari students for the last 15 years to study at the American University, including the Kogod School of Business...”On the importance of entrepreneurship and the Qatari younger generation Dr Ghiyath said: “It is part of my advice to young scholars including students from Qatar, it is fine to work as an employee, but it will be much better, after getting some experience by working for another company, is to start thinking very carefully about the possibilities of starting your own business. There are some majors by which you can start your own activity, like computer science, or business, or finance, or engineering. It is always preferable for young graduates to think seriously about having their own businesses, but not necessarily after leaving college. They should work somewhere and learn from their mistakes, before they will be in charge of their own destiny by having their own businesses.”Dr Ghiyath added: “I would like to introduce you to a programme that I have presented at Kogod School of Business in 2014 as my first Islamic Finance course, then in 2017. I introduced and created the first Graduate Islamic Finance Certificate in the US. When I meet my friends from Qatar Islamic Bank which has been established since the 1970’s I try to encourage them to have at least a window in Washington DC to advance and to introduce Islamic finance. I hope your listeners/readers will support me to advance Islamic finance, which is less risky than conventional finance,” Dr Ghiyath concluded.

Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding has organised an event titled (A Decade of Achievement) in cooperation with the Qatar Press Center (QPC). HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al Kuwari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, gave a speech titled “Ten Years of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding. Translation is the Compass of Civilizational Appeal.” The event was attended by Saad bin Mohammed al Rumaihi, Chairman of the QPC, and a number of academics and media professionals. It was moderated by Dr Hanan al Fayadh, the award’s media advisor. HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al Kuwari said: What we are experiencing today, ten years after the establishment of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation, is a renewed event for the activity of Arab thought as it interacts with the human balance of knowledge through translation.He pointed out that the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding is a victory for the Arab personality, which has not despaired of dialogue with other cultures and has not been stingy in building bridges of communication.Al Kuwari stressed that continuing this great project is one of the most prominent manifestations of the dynamism of the contemporary Arab personality, and one of the factors of its renewal, especially since it makes the Arabic language a language of dialogue with the languages of the world.He added: This award comes at the forefront of the Arab cultural project, far from the state of crisis experienced by a part of the Arab cultural elite. He said: The award has expanded the circle of languages from and to which it is translated, as new languages are added in each session to the list of languages approved for translation until the award covered 37 languages around the world within ten years, which expands the scope of cultural interaction. Pointing out that one of the advantages of translation is saving human culture from loss, fading, burning, destruction, marginalization and exclusion, as it is a continuous preservation, rather like a memory that stands firm in the face of time and advocates of intellectual isolation. Translation has preserved the creativity that peoples have contributed to in thought, art and science.His Excellency praised the efforts of translators, so the award seeks to honour them and appreciate their role in acquaintance between peoples, transferring knowledge between civilizations, and extending channels of communication between nations. Stressing that the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding has restored the translator's honourable status and provided him with a creative environment that motivates him to contribute to this civilizational project.His Excellency pointed out the award's interaction with the Cultural Years Initiative and soft diplomacy in general in order to enhance cultural understanding and rapprochement between peoples. This interaction confirms the award's ability to be a soft power for Qatar, saying: "I am very happy and I dream, like other Arab intellectuals, of restoring the glory of our civilization. We stand optimistic about the fruits of the translation award, confident in its civilizational role." Dr Al Kuwari concluded his speech by emphasizing the cultural status that Doha has now reached to be a capital of culture in every sense of the word. As Doha, with its institutions, cultural monuments and soft diplomacy, has become a radiant culture and art and plays a distinctive role in the Arab world and everywhere under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.During his speech, Dr Al Kuwari expressed his thanks to the award officials who succeeded in achieving major accomplishments that enhance communication between cultures, peoples and countries, and give us hope for civilizational resumption. His Excellency also praised the prominent cultural and media role played by the QPC.Dr Hanan al Fayadh, gave a presentation in which she reviewed the definition, vision and objectives of the award, which was launched in 2015, as well as the most important results achieved by the award over the past ten years, showing with statistics the distribution of participants in the award in its various categories, and the percentage of countries with the highest participation, as 214 winners representing 48 countries have won the award since its launch, and the award has covered 37 languages around the world over the course of ten years.

Qatari young man and activist Ghanem al-Muftah was selected on the famous Forbes magazine's list in the field of diversity and inclusion, for the under 30 category for the year 2024. The number of followers of the young Qatari man on Instagram reaches 7.3mn, and Forbes confirmed that Ghanem al-Muftah is an example of motivation as he participates in sports such as diving, skiing and rock climbing. He appeared alongside Morgan Freeman during the opening ceremony of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and became a FIFA ambassador in January 2024. In September 2024, he gave a speech at the Future Summit 2024 in New York.Al-Muftah graduated with honours in political science in July 2024. He is also committed to humanitarian and community activities, and devotes a great deal of time and effort to advocating for inclusion. Supporting disadvantaged communities, and raising awareness about the importance of compassion and social responsibility.Commenting on his selection, Ghanem al-Muftah (22 ) said: “This honour is very important to me, as it reflects my commitment to promoting inclusivity, empowering youth, and inspiring others to embrace the values of compassion and social responsibility. My journey has been shaped by the support and love of my family, friends, and community, and I share this achievement with you all.”He concluded by saying: “Thank you, Forbes, for celebrating young change makers and amplifying our voices. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to continue this journey to make a positive impact.”

The 'Playwriting Workshop - Idea and Script' opened at Katara Cultural Village, under the direction of Algerian writer Youcef Baaloudj. The workshop is organized by Trend Art Production and sponsored by Media City Qatar.This masterclass-style workshop features students from 10 countries, covering key aspects of playwriting, including idea development, character creation, dramatic structure, and dialogue writing. It is designed for those with a basic background in playwriting who wish to enhance their skills.The interactive sessions provide an opportunity for participants to refine their talents under the guidance of Youcef Baaloudj, an award-winning writer with 16 national and international honours. Participants will gain the necessary expertise to develop their scripts beyond the workshop.The 'Playwriting Workshop - Idea and Script' is the second workshop organised by Trend Art Production with the support of Media City Qatar.Recently, a similar screenwriting workshop, led by prominent Syrian writer Dr Mamdouh Hamadeh, concluded with 20 participants from various Arab countries. Dr Rana Hallak, Founder and Director of Trend Art Production, emphasized the importance of such workshops: "As we know, the script is the foundation of any creative work. Discovering and nurturing talent in dramatic writing through training is essential to elevate the standard of productions in the Arab world. I extend my gratitude to Media City Qatar for supporting these workshops and to Katara Cultural Village for hosting them."Thair al-Anani, Business Development Director at Media City Qatar, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting talent from across the globe.He stated: "Talent discovery and nurturing is a cornerstone of Media City Qatar's mission. This support is vital to attract productions from the Arab world, positioning Qatar as a media hub. These workshops will help writers create high-quality Arabic scripts that serve as a strong foundation for productions capable of competing regionally and globally."The workshop will continue until December 8th in Hall 18 at Katara Cultural Village, with the official closing ceremony and certificate distribution taking place on December 9th. Representatives from Media City Qatar and Katara Cultural Village will attend the closing event.

The Al Jazeera 360 platform has achieved a remarkable achievement by reaching 1mn subscribers in less than 90 days since its launch, becoming the most widely spread platform globally in a short period.Jamal Al-Din al-Shayal, the platform’s content strategy manager, expressed his pride in this success, extending his appreciation to the platform’s team that contributed to achieving this success.He stressed the continued excellence in providing quality content that meets the audience’s aspirations.The platform’s impact was not limited to the Arab audience only, but extended to include various parts of the world, as it achieved more than 100mn interactions on social media since its launch.Al Jazeera Media Network launched the Al Jazeera 360 platform in mid-September as a video-on-demand service. It includes a rich archive of the network since its establishment in 1996, in addition to various cultural, entertainment, dialogue, and religious programs, as well as documentaries and investigative reports.The platform has gained a wide fan base that continuously follows many programmes, especially weekly ones, such as 'Al-Shabaka', 'Hukm wa Hikma', 'Bab Hiwar', 'Dhahaya wa Abtal', and 'Al-Warsha', in addition to a variety of exclusive and distinctive programmes. The platform also provides programmes from the archives.With the launch of Al Jazeera 360, news programmes that were suspended since October 2023 due to continuous coverage of events in the region have returned to broadcasting exclusively on the Al Jazeera 360 platform. The platform is available on the Apple Store and Google Play, in addition to Apple TV and Google TV, with plans to soon make it available on other TV screens, with the content provided free of charge to subscribers.

Dr Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), stressed Tuesday that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III represents a pivotal moment in strengthening strategic relations between the two countries, in a scene that reflects the great importance that the two countries attach to consolidating cooperation at various levels.Dr Al Ansari said during the weekly media briefing of the MoFA that the first state visit of His Highness the Amir to the United Kingdom embodies the mutual appreciation between Doha and London and confirms the distinguished position of Qatar on the international scene in strengthening diplomatic and economic partnerships with countries such as the United Kingdom.Dr Majid Al Ansari stressed the importance of finding a comprehensive solution in Syria based on international resolutions, highlighting that Qatar's position is clear and supportive of the interests of the Syrian people and that a military solution will not lead to a sustainable solution in Syria.He said: "We always emphasise the importance of sparing civilians the consequences of the conflict and finding a comprehensive solution, and we support any initiative that ends the war."Al Ansari explained that Qatar has engaged in the political and humanitarian tracks with the Syrian people and is working with its international partners on the necessity of reaching a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and expresses their sacrifices over the past years.In response to media reports that Iran, Russia and Turkey will meet to discuss Syria during the Doha Forum within the framework of the so-called Astana track for peace in Syria, Dr Al Ansari explained that so far he has no information about a meeting being held in Qatar to discuss the crisis in Syria, stressing that Doha is always open to any efforts for peace.Regarding mediation to stop the war in Gaza, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "Qatar's position has not changed regarding suspending mediation until the parties prove their seriousness in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza and allowing the entry of humanitarian aid." Regarding Lebanon, Dr Al Ansari said that "Qatar stands clearly and explicitly with Lebanon and will always be present in any international effort for reconstruction," adding that what is required is "a consensus among the Lebanese to choose the President of the Republic." Stressing that Doha's efforts are continuing within the framework of the five-member committee that includes the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar for the benefit of Lebanon and its people.Dr Al Ansari pointed out that Qatar's efforts are continuing in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, especially regarding the return of children affected by the war. Dr Majid Al Ansari, recalled that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, may God protect him, headed the State of Qatar's delegation participating in the meetings of the forty-fifth session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, where the presidency of the Council for its upcoming session was handed over to the State of Kuwait.As there were many achievements during Qatar's presidency of the Council, most notably the launch of the regional security vision for the GCC countries in March of last year, and the first summit between the GCC and the European Union in October, in addition to a large number of bilateral meetings. Dr Al Ansari reviewed various meetings, contacts and diplomatic efforts by Foreign Ministry officials with partners in the region and beyond on various issues.

Alaraby Television Network was awarded the Best Digital Live Streaming Service in the Arab World during an awards ceremony organised by the World Social Media Forum, held in the Jordanian capital, Amman.This recognition crowns the channel's efforts in providing outstanding digital content that meets audience needs and keeps pace with the rapid development of digital media and live broadcasting. This is achieved through the latest production and broadcasting technologies across various platforms, including social media networks and the official website.Additionally, Alaraby Television Network has been showcasing its content, which includes the news channel 'Alaraby TV', the variety channel 'Alaraby 2' and exclusive digital content 'Alaraby Tube' and 'Alaraby Podcast' through the Alaraby Plus platform which is attracting a record number of subscribers since its launch recently. The subscribers are benefiting from free on-demand access to all programmes.The grand ceremony was attended by regional and international media, with Alaraby TV's correspondent in Jordan, Laith al-Jabour, receiving the award on behalf of the network. He commented on the backstage of the event: "I am proud of this well-deserved achievement. I thank all my colleagues in the network for their continuous efforts to deliver the best."Shaker al-Masri, head of digital marketing at Alaraby Television Network, emphasised Alaraby TV's "commitment to providing multiple viewing options for its programmes to serve audiences in Arab countries and the diaspora. This considers time differences and facilitates content access, especially for Alaraby TV's special coverage, which social media algorithms might otherwise limit."Alaraby Television Network will celebrate its 10th anniversary next month, during which further development plans will be unveiled, reaffirming its commitment to excellence and innovation in delivering high-quality and professional media services.

Qatari diplomacy played a pivotal role in support of Lebanon, former Lebanese prime minister Fouad Siniora said, during the ceasefire in the aftermath of the Israeli aggression of 2006, helping with the reconstruction of areas destroyed by the Israeli military machine.Between 2006 and 2010 Qatar undertook, he continued, the reconstruction of many residential units that had been targeted by Israeli raids.Siniora expressed his hope that Qatar will continue its support after the cessation of the current Israeli aggression.Addressing a seminar organised by the Qatar Press Center (QPC) on The War on Lebanon and beyond, convened by Al Jazeera TV Channel journalist Hassan Jamoul, the former prime minister said that stopping the war on Lebanon is now in the hands of the United States after France was excluded, as Israel refused Paris’ participation in any agreement regarding Lebanon.Siniora also spoke on the Palestinian issue, welcoming the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Galant on charges of committing war crimes in Gaza.He said that this decision represents a slap in the face to Israel, and emphasised the importance of following up on the implementation of this decision in light of the pressure exerted by the US and a number of countries to try to abort it in its stages.“We must stand up to be counted,” Siniora said. “We must rise to these challenges, and be aware of the dangers facing us, not only on the level of internal issues, but also with regard to our relations with major powers such as the United States.”“We must have the ability to re-correct US policies towards our region, and work together to strengthen our Arab position in the international arena,” he added.The former prime minister said that the Arab region has witnessed major changes over the past decades, which require a serious pause in order for lessons to be learnt from past mistakes.He pointed out that the year 1979 was a significant turning point, as it witnessed, within 12 months, major events that changed the face of the region.The most prominent of these events, he said, were the Soviet war on Afghanistan and the Iranian revolution, indicating that each of these events unleashed waves of extremism whose repercussions continue to be experienced today.He cited the repercussions of the Iraq-Iran war, and the US-UK invasion of Iraq, which led to the collapse of the Iraqi state.These transformations coincided with the Arab Spring, which led to military interventions by Hezbollah in Syria, and from there to Iraq and Yemen, and the increase in violence and extremism in the region.He added that all these changes occurred while the Arab world was a spectator, rather than an active or influential actor in the events.Commenting on whether Lebanon has slipped into a proxy war between Iran and the Israeli occupation, Siniora said: “The reality has gone beyond the idea of war between Iran and Israel, to become a direct confrontation between the United States of America and Iran.”“American fleets (have been) sent to the region,” he continued, “...and the intensive naval presence in the Mediterranean confirm that Israel is (basically) a base for American interests in the Middle East.”Concepts that have recently emerged, Siniora added, such as “unity of arenas” or “axis of resistance”, which talk about an alliance that includes forces from Iraq, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas, are just buzz words that need to be translated into reality on the ground, as Iran did not help Lebanon in the ongoing war with Israel.“It feels as if Lebanon has been abandoned,” he stated.In the context of Hezbollah, Siniora recalled the events of 2006, when the party took the initiative to ignite the front with Israel through a military operation that crossed the Blue Line, despite the pledges of its secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah during the national dialogue sessions not to carry out such operations.Siniora stated that, as prime minister at the time, he contacted the party’s leaders and reminded them that the operation violated what had been agreed upon, which prompted the Lebanese government to take a clear position that it had not been consulted and was not aware of what had happened, and announced its disavowal of the incident, and stressing that the responsibility for confronting Israel lies with the Lebanese state.He pointed out that following the events of October 7, he stressed the importance of not dragging Lebanon into the war between Hamas and Israel, especially given that the country is suffering from a political vacuum and a stifling national crisis.Siniora said that Lebanon lacks a president and an effective government, with only a caretaker government that is not qualified to deal with the consequences of entering into regional conflicts.“Lebanon was not prepared to bear more burdens in its current situation,” he stated.The former prime minister said that under the current circumstances, the situation in Lebanon is untenable, and “we cannot continue in this situation characterised by dual power”.“Things in neighbouring countries have changed radically, and we realise that Lebanon cannot continue in this way,” he added.“We are not calling on Hezbollah to declare its surrender, but we are calling on it to return to the fold of the state, and to be part of the political system based on the constitution,” he said. “Everyone must unite under the roof of the state, so that we can build a strong and stable Lebanon, capable of facing the challenges that arise before it.”Regarding how to end the war, the former prime minister pointed out that all parties to the conflict, including Israel, are suffering from major crises related to how to get out of this war.Israel, despite committing genocide against civilians, and killing and displacing thousands, is facing major challenges related to a number of complex issues, most notably the issue of the hostages held and not yet released, in addition to the issue of the Israelis displaced from the northern border.The other parties to the conflict, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, are also facing a huge challenge, with both suffering from the repercussions of the war.Siniora called on pressure groups in the US to play an effective role in stopping the war, pointing out the importance of these groups moving at various levels to pressure the US administration to stop the aggression.He also called on the Palestinian factions to organise their internal ranks and better organise their efforts, with the aim of unifying the vision and joint action, which would enable them to devote their efforts more effectively to the Palestinian cause, and contributes to achieving their supreme goal of liberating the land from occupation.

Alaraby TV Network has won the Audience Honour Award at the 9th annual Shorty Impact Awards for its pioneering programme Fi Al Hadara (About Civilisation).The award specifically recognised the episode titled Illusions of Happiness, which addresses the dangers of addiction.The episode’s script was written by Kareem Mansi, with dramatic adaptation and comic sketch written by Abdelrahman Jawish, and directed by Waleed El-Geneidy.Illusions of Happiness highlights the hidden and destructive effects of addiction, taking viewers on an exploratory journey that blends painful realism with satirical presentation.This unique balance has contributed to About Civilisation's notable success since its launch, helping it build a loyal and wide-ranging audience.This success has enabled the programme to boldly tackle sensitive issues and foster societal discussions that inspire positive change and enhance public awareness.Regarding this achievement, Amira Hamza, the head of Digital at Alaraby TV Network, said:"Alaraby Tube team is delighted with this accomplishment, especially since the nominated episode addresses an important issue affecting both Arab and global communities.”“This audience recognition reflects the popularity of Fi Al Hadara and reaffirms our commitment to delivering meaningful cultural and social content that raises awareness and positively impacts society,” he said.Alaraby Tube is a digital platform affiliated with Alaraby TV Network.It specialises in producing innovative digital content that presents social and cultural issues in a modern and engaging manner.The platform aims to empower and inspire Arab audiences through programmes that resonate with their interests and aspirations.

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.