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The documentary film Laheeb Althalajat (Arabic for Flames of the Morgues) sheds light on a largely overlooked aspect of the sorrow endured by the families of Palestinian martyrs due to the Israeli occupation's retention of their loved ones' bodies. The documentary tells moving stories of families who have been waiting for many years to recover the remains of their children and how this tragic waiting period affects their daily lives.A special screening of the documentary film Laheeb Althalajat (Flames of the Morgues) recently awarded the Silver Prize at the Arab Radio and Television Festival in its recent edition in Tunisia, took place Tuesday at the headquarters of Alaraby Television. The event was attended by a gathering of journalists and filmmakers.The film producer, Khaled Doum, emphasized that "the production of this documentary aligns with Alaraby TV's commitment to delivering works of high humanitarian values that contribute to raising awareness of urgent human rights issues. It is an open invitation to the public to understand the reality of the sorrow of the Palestinian people under the occupation, which violates all international covenants."Director Kamal al-Azraq highlighted that "the timing of the documentary film's release coincides with the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, reminding us of the importance of documenting the systematic crimes committed by the occupation forces. Film-making is one of the tools of resistance, given its ability to rally solidarity and necessary support for the Palestinian cause."Following the screening, a discussion was held with the film producer, Khaled Doum, and Dina Demerdash, Head of Documentaries at Alaraby TV. They discussed the circumstances of the film's production and the importance of focusing on similar topics. Dina Demerdash noted that "the documentary exposes the various forms of targeting the Palestinian people and the oppressive practices used by the Israeli occupation to break their resolve. The retention of bodies is not just a tool for collective punishment, but also a bargaining chip used by the occupation when needed."According to those who did research for the documentary, before October 7, the number of bodies held by the occupation was estimated at 500 bodies, and during the raging violence for the tenth month now, this figures is likely to have doubled.The film is due to be broadcast soon, with an initial screening on Alaraby TV, and on its digital platforms, while the Head of Documentaries, during the debate, welcomed the idea of dubbing the documentary in English for a wider audience.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) has launched a new training course, “Media Project Management”, as part of the co-operation with the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC)’s Media Development Department.The four-day course, presented by Dr Jassim al-Jazza, focuses on developing the media skills of young cadres at the QMC, providing them with the necessary expertise to learn about the types of media projects, their paths, and the pillars of their success, and introducing them to the techniques and tools that enable them to plan for this type of project.“Co-operation between the Development Department at the QMC and the QPC continues in organising advanced training courses that include the largest number of employees of the corporation, especially young cadres,” said QMC Development Department director HE Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. “(The courses) cover various areas of media work.”“We aim to support young cadres working in the media field, attract them and encourage them to innovate, manage and sustain emerging media projects,” he said. “This course motivates them to develop media project plans on an ongoing and sustainable basis, and to identify the problems that they may face while managing this type of project.”Dr al-Jazza stressed that the most important objectives of this course are to provide trainees with project management skills and determine their paths.The trainees will learn how to develop strategic plans, vision and mission, and how to formulate the values of their success components, in addition to being able to manage work teams within media projects, classify departments, as well as calculate project budgets, spending schedules, total expenses and possible returns.They will improve their negotiation and communication skills, and ensure the validity of procedures so that the project steps are carried out correctly.“We are pleased at the QPC to organise this training course, through which we seek to provide media workers with the knowledge tools and administrative keys that enable them to perform their work and develop it to the fullest extent,” said QPC director-general Sadiq Mohamad al-Amari. “The centre works to contribute to the development of journalistic and media work at various levels and in all areas of media work, most notably managing media projects currently existing in media and press institutions.”

Within the framework of Huawei’s collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies (MoDT) and the regional finals of Huawei’s Seeds for the Future (SFTF) programme for university students from the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA), held in Teshkent from August 11-17, Ummatoy Yuldasheva (pictured), an Uzbek startup entrepreneur and former participant in the Huawei SFTF programme, gave an exclusive interview to *Gulf Times.“I am managing different social IT startup projects,” she said. “I own my own IT company, and recently I have opened a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering women and youth in Uzbekistan.”“My startup project began in 2020, when I was a product manager with a local company,” Ummatoy recounted. “I launched a startup project cuisine to empower unemployed women, who would cook at home and sell the home-made food with the help of our platform.”“They would upload the photos of the food on our platform,” she continued. “Their prices are cheaper in comparison to that of restaurants.”“(We only charge them) 5% (to use our platform), and they can make at least $300 per month, which is huge by Uzbek standards for a housewife,” Ummatoy said.On her other startup projects, she said: “I moved to an education startup project to help students find jobs and launch their own startup projects, helping them with consultations.”“I have also created a mobile application dedicated to sex education for young females,” Ummatoy added. “This is not usual in Uzbekistan and for central Asian people ... it is not part of our tradition.”“We believe that young girls need to learn about this topic, because there is a lot of harassment, and because they do not know much about sex education,” she explained. “Hence, we launched this app.”“We also developed a social startup project for workers to send complaints anonymously about companies if they are subjected to harassment, or if they encounter any pay or salary injustice,” she said.Concerning her ongoing projects, Ummatoyy said: “I am working on startup projects for Australia, Germany, while (at the same time) being an assistant professor at the Uzbekistan’s Central Asian University and looking after my young family.”“I also work with the UN Development Programme (UNDP),” she added. “I am involved in projects with the AIESEC team, which in its turn works with the UNDP.”“I am a mentor with the UNDP, and they invite me and pay me each time they hold an event,” Ummatoy said.She said that she is dedicated to empowering women so that “they can earn a living even if they are housewives, and that everything is achievable for women and girls, and there should not be any limit to what they can do”.“They need to work hard, and I am here to help them achieve their goals,” Ummatoy added.

On the sideline of the ICT Leaders’ Panel Discussion about the Future of Tech Talent and Digital Transformation in ME&CA, during the Huawei Seeds for the Future (SFTF) 2024 Regional Final, held at the Ministry of Digital Technologies (MoDT) of Uzbekistan, Rustam Karimjonov, Deputy Minister, gave Gulf Times an exclusive interview.Karimjonov said: “We are so much honoured to host this event in Uzbekistan which brings together the 14 countries of the ME&CA. Over 200 students are attending the event, exchanging ideas, innovations, and startups. Uzbekistan has good relations with Huawei in terms of not only developing the infrastructure, but also investing in talent and supporting the youth worldwide. Through their CSR programmes around the world, they support the youth and invest in the talent of the future. They started this programme several years ago and it continues in different countries, now it is happening in Uzbekistan.”Karimjonov commented on the digitalisation in Uzbekistan: “Huawei’s support is important for our country because our economy is growing, and digitisation is a priority. We have ambitious goals; we want to achieve $5bn OIT service revenue before 2030 and want to nurture 300,000 highly qualified IT specialists. The government is doing everything to support the youth because we are one of the youngest nations in the world. So, we are trying to support and invest in IT education, and we are glad that companies like Huawei are supporting this initiative.”Regarding the holding of Huawei’s SFTF 2024 Regional Final, Karimjonov said: “The benefits of SFTF events are that they bring the brightest young minds from around the ME&CA to this unique experience to exchange knowledge, experiences, and good ideas from different countries. In the Middle East they are developing the ICT sector and the same is happening in Central Asian countries, so it is important for them to exchange ideas and vision in this regard. Such events are a good platform and ecosystem to accept and support the youth ideas. I talked to many students from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and other countries and they told me that they never thought there is such a level of development in IT and ICT in Uzbekistan.”In relation to the bilateral relations with Qatar on digital technologies, Karimjonov said: “We have a very proactive co-operation with Qatar, and we realised a very good progress for the last couple of years. The leaders of Qatar and Uzbekistan exchanged several high-level state visits. This is very beneficial for officials and facilitates co-operation between them to develop new projects. One of the practical examples is the MoDT’s visit to the Web Summit, one of the biggest global events. Also attending the last edition of CIT For The Future event in Qatar allowed us to learn a lot. At the Web Summit we met many representatives from international organisations, and officials from Qatar, and the ICT sector and we have a very close relationship now. Next September, we are hosting a global ICT event titled ICT week 2024, and Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Development Authority, and other big stakeholders in Qatar are attending. This is a historical visit; it is the first time that Qatar is participating in this huge event in Uzbekistan as a partner country.“Our major assets in bilateral relations with the Qatari government or other governments are talent, and a young population where the average age is 28 years. The Middle East countries have good experience, a lot of financial means and experience in the ICT field. We can provide talent in exchange for the Middle East assets, hence it will be beneficial for both sides. The more we generate talented people the better for both countries.“Culture and oral understanding are very important. The whole world knows the origins of Islamic contribution to knowledge and that it came from Uzbek Hadith scholar al-Bukhari, and polymath and founder of algebra al-Khwarizmi, and their role in the renaissance era in the world. The latter is the father of algorithm, and all the algorithm of AI and data science nowadays came from the Islamic world. In Uzbekistan we want to engineer a new renaissance, and that is why we are investing a lot in our youth to have new al-Bukharis and al-Khwarizmis who will contribute to the world economy and civilisation along the digital silk road,” Karimjonov concluded.

During the Huawei Seeds for the Future (SFTF) 2024 Regional Final, ICT leaders from government, private sector, and media representatives came together for an insightful panel discussion on the future of ICT talent and the pivotal role it will play in shaping the future digital economies.The event at the IT Park in the building of the Ministry of Digital Technologies (MoDT) of Uzbekistan, brought together high-ranking officials from the Ministry, UNDP, University of Dubai, Research Institute of Environment and Nature Conservation Technologies, and Huawei.Under the theme of "ICT Talent & Youth Power Driving Digital Innovation & Shaping the Sustainable Future of the ME&CA Region: Public-Private Partnership & Open Collaboration for Shared Success," the panel set the stage for a dialogue on the future of education and digital transformation.The discussion centred on the vital role of open collaboration in nurturing local ICT talent, driving technological innovation, and building sustainable, knowledge-based digital economies in the region.The panel featured prominent figures from various sectors, including Karimjonov Rustam, Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan; Prof Wathiq Mansoor, dean of the University of Dubai; Nuriddin Samatov, research assistant at the Research Institute of Environment and Nature Conservation Technologies; Bunyod Avliyokulov, programme analyst on effective governance, UNDP Uzbekistan; and Duke Zhang, vice president of public affairs, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia.Dr Mohamed Madkour, Huawei ME&CA ICT Strategy, delivered the opening remarks, moderated the panel, and facilitated the discussions. He emphasised that ICT is no longer a siloed industry but a foundational platform for our lives. He explained that ICT empowers the learning process, enables any organization to be more innovative and productive, and enriches regional economies to be more prosperous. He highlighted the crucial role that talent plays in driving digital transformation across the Middle East and Central Asia.Deputy Minister Rustam, stated: “We are committed to integrating advanced technology into our educational frameworks through strong public-private partnerships. By nurturing local ICT talent, we are not only preparing our youth for future challenges but also fostering an environment of innovation and growth in the digital economy.”Prof Mansoor, said: “Public-private partnerships are essential in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Initiatives like Huawei’s SFTF and the implementation of smart education solutions play a crucial role in equipping our students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”Samatov, remarked: “As a former SFTF participant, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of such programmes in shaping the future of ICT professionals. Continuing to support these initiatives ensures we maintain a steady pipeline of skilled talent capable of driving digital transformation.”Avliyokulov, said: “As we continue to push forward with digital transformation, it is imperative that we ensure no one is left behind. Remote education offers a powerful tool to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education is limited. Collaborative efforts, like those we discussed during the panel, are crucial in ensuring that all students, regardless of their location, could learn and thrive in a connected world.”The panellists also highlighted how intelligent and digital transformation begins with education. The conversation underscored Huawei's belief that smart education can build a robust ecosystem, cultivating innovation-oriented talents for an intelligent future.Through the implementation of smart campuses, smart classrooms, and advanced technologies like IoT, big data, AI, and cloud computing, Huawei is enabling education systems worldwide to evolve. The "Five Ones" smart education solution, comprising one screen, one network, one platform, one cloud, and one app, was showcased as a transformative approach to improving the quality and efficiency of teaching, research, and management.The introduction of Wi-Fi 7 at the University of Dubai was highlighted as a significant step in enhancing network speed and quality on campus. The importance of remote education in bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, was also emphasised, with Huawei’s solutions offering a pathway to inclusive and accessible learning.Zhang, said: “At Huawei, we believe that education is the cornerstone of future innovation. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into educational systems, we are not only enhancing the learning experience but also preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators. Our commitment to smart education and digital inclusion is reflected in the transformative solutions we bring to institutions across the ME&CA region, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed.”The panel discussion facilitated engagement between media representatives and students from the ME&CA region, who convened in Tashkent for a series of activities and training workshops as part of the 2024 edition of Huawei's global initiative, Launched in 2008, SFTF has positively impacted over 18,000 students from 141 countries, endorsed by more than 360 senior officials and heads of state, and has facilitated collaboration with over 500 universities and colleges.

A total of 150 students, 14 teachers and academic representatives from 14 countries of the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA) are set to take part in this year’s regional edition of Huawei’s global CSR programme, “Seeds for the Future (SFTF)”, in Uzbekistan.Under the umbrella of the SFTF programme, Huawei is hosting the Tech4Good regional competition in Tashkent, targeting youth with ideas that can address social issues by leveraging the latest ICT (information and communications technology) technologies.Huawei, in collaboration with the Uzbekistan ministry of digital technologies (MoDT), the IT Education Association, and telecommunications, regulatory, labour authorities and vocational training bodies, launched Monday the regional finals of the SFTF programme.The week-long event brings together university students across the Middle East and Central Asia, to enhance knowledge, foster collaboration, drive global digital inclusion, and develop ICT talent.This year’s edition of the competition will see the participation of the students from leading universities representing 14 countries – Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Uzbekistan.Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov delivered the opening address, saying: “The launch of the ‘Seeds for the Future’ today is one of the greatest steps towards the expansion of global collaboration in ICT field.”“We are glad to have a partner like Huawei that understands the need of nurturing digital talents and creating an advanced platform for building a digital and green world,” he said.Shunli Wang, vice-president of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, said: “We are thrilled to host the 2024 regional ‘Seeds for the Future’ initiative and look forward to seeing regional ICT talents in action.”“Public-private collaboration is crucial for building the ICT ecosystem and nurturing ICT talent,” he continued. “We hold a shared responsibility to empower upcoming ICT talents and contribute to the development of the regions we operate in.”“Young talents from across the region represent the future of our industry,” Wang said. “Embrace this opportunity, challenge yourselves, and let your creativity shine. May this programme inspire groundbreaking ideas and lasting friendships.”The SFTF programme is Huawei’s flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to develop ICT talents globally.Since its launch in 2008, more than 18,000 students have participated from 141 countries.With endorsements from more than 360 senior officials and heads of state, the programme has collaborated with over 500 universities and colleges to cultivate a new generation of ICT leaders and innovators.Besides the in-depth learning of ICT innovations and interaction with sector experts, participants are involved with series of activities and sightseeing tours in Uzbekistan to strengthen the collaboration between countries and cultures.As part of the opening ceremony, a “Global Village” cultural event was held in Tashkent’s Amity University, where each participating team presented their countries’ cultural heritage, traditions, national clothes, and cuisineShermatov took part in the activity and visited the booths of each country.This year, the SFTF programme will host intensive training sessions and workshops, including cutting-edge ICT technologies, scientific and technological leadership, discussions on global topics and Tech4Good group projects.Through learning and mutual exchange, participants will gain a better understanding of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies, build more strengths for future growth, and improve their competitiveness in the job market.Held in conjunction with the SFTF programme, the regional semifinal of the fourth annual Tech4Good competition will empower youth to drive positive change within their communities.This platform aims to cultivate innovative ideas that effectively tackle pressing social issues by harnessing the immense potential of the latest ICT technologies.By encouraging young minds to leverage technological advancements, this initiative strives to foster a generation of solution-oriented individuals who can create a lasting impact and shape a better future for all. Participating students will present their Tech4Good projects to the judges, and two outstanding teams will be chosen to take part in Global Finals next year in China.

The Qatari team participated Sunday in an intercultural exchange event between students from 14 countries within Huawei’s Seeds for the Future (SFTF) 2024 regional finals in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This year’s edition, running until August 17, has brought together 157 students from 14 countries across the Middle East and Central Asia. Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, visited the stands organised by the students introducing their own culture, traditional dress, food, sweets, coffee, tea. A traditional Kazakh tent was erected in the hall, and students were enthusiastic about introducing their own customs and traditions, like photos of wedding dresses, Bisht, different types of head gear, Ghotra, and exchanging all these gifts amongst themselves and offering them to visitors of the intercultural fair. The Uzbekistani host organised a lunch gala with traditional music and dance, topped up with typical local food at Amity University in the centre of Tashkent. This event got the students to know each other and created a bonding between the teams prior to their entering the competition which opening ceremony is going to be held Monday at the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan. The Qatari team is composed of 14 male and female students who describe their participation in the Huawei SFTF 2024 as a unique experience in global citizenship, digital innovation, an open-minded approach to building bridges for research, digital partnerships, start-ups. They also share with their fellow students from the other participating countries the commitment to apply their ICT talent to make the world a better place, to help with sustainability and come with solutions and applications which would benefit humanity. Abdulaziz al-Shahwani told Gulf Times: “We are from the Community College of Qatar and sponsored by the CRA. Our experience so far has been very good, we have been collaborating with members of other teams from other countries. The experience is amazing we met the Minister of Digital Technologies who welcomed us and briefed us about the programme. We are here for the SFTF, but we are also for the Tech for Good which consists of building an idea that will help with sustainability. I think this is going to be a great learning opportunity for all of us. We are grateful for the CRA and Huawei for allowing us to go through this experience.”

There is no justification in Judaism for the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, which ought to be returned to its rightful owners, a member of a well-known Jewish sect has said.Rabbi Yisroel Weiss, a member of Neturei Karta International (NKI) anti-Zionist movement has been in Qatar after attending the funeral of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah on August 2.Talking to Gulf Times in an exclusive interview, Rabbi Weiss said that Neturei Karta means the 'protectors of the city' and the movement emerged in the 1930s as a group of wise men, scholars and Talmud rabbis who had been vocal about their anti-Zionism stance since the 1880s.According to Rabbi Weiss, the NKI is a Jewish religious organisation committed to publicising the viewpoint of anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews worldwide, who strongly oppose the existence of the State of Israel and its actions.“The history of Judaism goes back to 3000 years and it is about the Torah's spirituality. The Torah is against Zionism, which was founded 140 years ago and is considered by NKI as void of God."The Torah forbids killing and stealing – Zionism goes contrary to all of these basic beliefs. It cannot be stated or emphasised enough, Zionism is not Judaism – it is a political movement, having nothing to do with the Jewish religion. Since its inception, Zionists have attempted to usurp Judaism to legitimise their indefensible agenda.”On the Diaspora Jews and the establishment of the State of Israel, Rabbi Weiss said: “One of the fundamental Jewish religious beliefs is that the Jews are in a divinely decreed exile. During this exile they are forbidden to create their own state. In 1947, Rabbi Dushinski was against the establishment of a state. Religious Jews worldwide condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the occupation of Palestine, and the massacres committed by the Zionists. We are humiliated, disgusted and heartbroken by these crimes, supposedly being done in our name. We say Not in Our Name! Our Jewish communities proclaim that the State of Israel does not represent World Jewry and their actions are a clear and unequivocal violation of the Jewish religion.”As a movement, Rabbi Weiss said the NKI is based in world cities --New York, London, Toronto, Montreal, Michigan-- and all over the world in massive numbers, "and our sources of funding come from people in the streets".He said: "Thanks to these donations we organise and participate in demonstrations, conferences around the world and in Jerusalem. NKI takes part in events around the world to educate on the difference between Judaism and Zionism. Our rabbis are available to attend or speak at universities, conferences, or rallies, including mass media.”Concerning Zionism, Rabbi Weiss considers it “a rebellion against God, it is a heresy, it scorns religious movements. Zionists do not believe in God, it is a blasphemy and a transgression. The existence of the State of Israel is criminal, founded and, to this very day, run by terrorists. Its ongoing occupation and savage actions go against even the most basic standards of humanity and are a colossal violation of Judaism.”Talking about the right of the Palestinian people to their land and to establish a homeland, Rabbi Weiss said: “We believe in a free Palestine, Jews and Arabs lived in peace in Palestine for centuries, as in all other Arab lands. As Jews, we are, and have been, extremely grateful for the hospitality accorded to us throughout the past. The present conflict is in no way due to differences in religions – contrary to the Zionist narrative, which seeks to drive a wedge between Jews and Arabs. This historic trust, indeed friendship, peaceful respect and coexistence has been destroyed through Zionism and the Zionist occupation of Palestine, and for decades has been the obstacle to peace.”In relation to NKI contribution so far to finding a solution to the conflict, Rabbi Weiss said: “We believe that Almighty rules the world and the rights of the Palestinian people should be restored. We plead with leaders of the world so that they should understand that the issue is not a religious conflict – which is the false narrative presented by Zionists – who are falsely using religion to justify their crimes. We are in sympathy with the Palestinian people who have been suffering for generations.”Concerning coordination between NKI and the Palestinian movements, Rabbi Weiss said: “We participate in anti-Zionist demonstrations together, in Arab and US youth conferences, we went to congress in New York together, held demonstrations together in Michigan. Our rabbis met with all the Palestinian leaders, from the late Arafat, the late Ismail Haniyeh.We met His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani as well.On a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Rabbi Weiss said: “First of all NKI condemns Zionist genocide in Gaza, Jews around the world are once again in a state of shock, horror and mourning, as the world witnesses the worst tragedy since the Nakba. We cry with the Palestinians and the greater Arab community. Second, we do not agree with the two-state solution. The one and only solution is to recognise the root cause: Zionism, and work toward a peaceful and total dismantlement of the State of Israel, to return control of the land to its indigenous inhabitants and restore all their rights. Only then can we expect a restoration to the former peace that existed prior to Zionism.”

Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH) has launched its third Tourist Guide Training Programme. It will run until September 7.Head of Public Relations and Communication at QYH Abdullah Saeid said Monday: "After the success of the first and second training versions, we have begun the Tourist Guide Training Programme in its third version which is distinguished by the presence of successful partners for the second year in a row who have helped create an exceptional version for enthusiasts and those who take tourist guiding in Qatar as a hobby."The programme is backed by Qatar Museums, represented by the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum and Qatar Tourism. It has been devised in five stages: two workshops at QYH, a seven-day course at the National Museum of Qatar, an 11-day course at the Museum of Islamic Art, a three-day course at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum and a 10-day course with Qatar Tourism."Thirteen selected participants have passed the interview stage. They are required to attend all four courses and pass the final exam to obtain a certified tour guide license from Qatar Tourism," Saeid said.He added: "In this version, we aim to increase the base of Qatari youth who master the tourist guide skills and are capable of welcoming delegations from various countries for different international events, in collaboration with various governmental and private entities in Qatar. They will organise tours for visitors, and introduce them to the culture and tourist and historical landmarks of our country, Qatar."

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced on its website that it is calling all young cinema lovers from the 8 - 25 age group to join as a juror for the Ajyal Film Festival taking place from November 16 - 23.The event features hands-on workshops, screenings, and discussions to gain invaluable insights from renowned talents. The Ajyal jurors will experience an array of short and feature-length films from around the world and vote to determine the winners of the Ajyal competition.The Ajyal Jury is split into three categories: Mohaq (New Moon): the youngest jurors, ages 8 - 12, will engage with a mix of short films and four feature films. Hilal (Crescent Moon): jurors aged 13 - 17 will experience four feature films and a selection of shorts. Bader (Full Moon): the programme for jurors aged 18 - 25 features four features and a variety of short films.More information is available from [email protected]

Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, part of Qatar Museums (QM), has announced the launch of a new summer camp.It will be held in the 7th floor conference room at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, from August 13-15, from 9am to 12 noon, for children aged 6-8.The camp will offer a creative and engaging activities designed to inspire children in the areas of health and environment, and allow them to explore the world of art, unleash their creativity, and have fun while learning valuable skills.The camp offers an experience that seamlessly blends learning and fun, and enhances children’s cultural and heritage awareness as well as allowing artistic exploration through art and crafts.Children will benefit from learning outside the classroom, in an interactive outdoor setting, as the camp offers activities and practical experiences to expand the child’s understanding of the world.As part of the QM’s ongoing efforts to continue inspiring and educating children during the summer, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will host a workshop on Learn about Muslim scholars on August 6 for those aged 11-16, from 3pm-5pm, at the MIA atrium. For details visit https://mia.org.qa/en/calendar/learn-about-muslim-scholars/The workshop will showcase the remarkable achievements of Muslim scientists.During the workshop, children will be introduced to the journey of Ibn al-Haytham and other influential Muslim scientists and their inventions that continue to influence our modern world. For more details visit https://qm.org.qa/en/calendar/dadu-camp-august-2024/

Palestinian media announced yesterday that Palestinian journalist Ismail al-Ghoul, correspondent for Al Jazeera in Gaza, was martyred when the occupation bombed a group of journalists near the house of the martyr Ismail Haniyeh in the Beach Camp, west of the Gaza Strip.It also announced the martyrdom of photojournalist Rami al-Rifi in another bombing that targeted another group of journalists on Aidiya Street, west of Gaza City. The Qatar Press Center condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation forces’ continued targeting of journalists in Gaza with killing and abuse, the latest of which is the assassination of journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and photographer Rami al-Rifi.The Center calls on the international community and international, human rights and media organizations to condemn the targeting of journalists in Gaza with murder, arrest and intimidation, and to take urgent action to hold the Israeli occupation accountable before international courts for war crimes against journalists and media professionals, and to pressure it to stop crimes of genocide and stop the assassination of Palestinian journalists.The Center calls on the international community to put pressure on Israel to release journalists detained in Israeli prisons who are suffering from compelling conditions that deprive them of the most basic prisoners’ rights stipulated in international laws and conventions.The Center notes that with the martyrdom of Al-Ghoul and Al-Rifi, the number of journalist martyrs has risen to (165 male and female journalists) since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip, on the seventh of last October.

The Cultural Village Katara has announced the Suhail Hunting and Falconry Exhibition from September 10 to 14. It is the largest international exhibition specializing in falcons. Many events and activities will be held in it, including a falcon auction and exhibitions dedicated to falcons and hunting, in addition to many events.The exhibition also allocates a wing for handicrafts related to hunting and bird supplies, and the best supplies in the world of weapons, hunting and travel. This year, Suhail provides, for the first time, the opportunity for owners of trademarks to announce themselves at the exhibition. The new edition of Suhail includes extensive participation from many local and international companies, representing Qatar and from different countries, including many Gulf participations, which reflects the tremendous success achieved by Suhail since its launch.The exhibition increases its area every year to accommodate the increasing numbers and wide participation of the most famous companies specialized in the field of hunting, falconry and camping from Qatar, the Gulf region and the world under one roof, as these areas are distributed over several regions, where the Suhail auction will be held, which will include the rarest types of falcons, especially the Saqer, in addition to displaying hunting supplies and equipment for hunting trips and camping, along with traditional industries and handicrafts related to hunting and falconry, in addition to the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital pavilion.The exhibition also includes scientific lectures and poetry seminars. The name “Suhail” was chosen for the exhibition, from the star closely associated with hunters, which they eagerly await every season, as its appearance marks the beginning of wilderness trips, hunting and fishing. August 24 of each year is the 1st of Suhail, and from its rising, the gradual change in climate begins, and temperatures begin to drop.

The Qatari Youth Hostels (QYH), participated in the activities of the Arab Tourism Market organised by the Egyptian Youth Hostels Association in co-operation with the Arab Federation of Arab Youth Hostels Associations in Egypt from July 24-28.The opening activities were launched in the city of Ismailia in Egypt with the participation of eight Arab countries and a high-level presence from representatives of the Ministry of Youth and the Executive Authority of the Egyptian Youth Hostels Federation and the President of the Arab Federation of Associations.Fatima al-Sulaiti, a member of the Qatari delegation, expressed her happiness to participate in the activities of the Arab Youth Tourism Market. Stressing Qatar’s keenness to participate in international youth events, and the interest of its leadership in such programmes, al-Sulaiti said during her participation in the Arab Youth Tourism Market exhibition in Ismailia that the most important tourist attractions in Qatar were introduced, as well as the distinguished initiatives of Qatari youth hostels.She pointed out the most distinguished Qatari initiatives implemented, which were introduced: ‘Discover Qatar in 144 Hours’, which was implemented in three versions, and ‘Youth at Hostel’. She added that Qatari youth hostels aim to promote domestic and foreign tourism, expand its concept, and empower Qatari youth by providing opportunities to represent the country in external forums, strengthening ties between different countries of the world.In the same context, a member of the Qatari delegation, Ismail Radwani, praised the hospitality of the Egyptian youth hostels in Ismailia, and the good reception, stressing the success of the program, praising the arrangement and coordination by the organizing committee of the events.Radwani confirmed that they greatly benefited from the workshops and accompanying programmes, describing the experience of visiting Egypt as useful and inspiring to get to know the country and benefit from the exchange of experiences between the various delegations.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) has invited all journalists, media professionals in Qatar who wish to publish their works to contact the centre.This comes as part of the QPC’s vision aimed at enriching journalistic and media content, and within the framework of its efforts to support journalists and media professionals.The invitation includes journalists, article writers, researchers in the fields of journalism and media, investigative journalism, journalistic investigations, cartoonists, photojournalists and others, provided that applicants are Qataris or residents in Qatar.Sadiq Mohamed al-Amari, QPC Director General, said: “We are pleased at the QPC to encourage all journalists, media professionals and researchers from various journalistic fields in Qatar to submit their works for possible issuing and printing them in a way that contributes to spreading the centre’s message and vision and consolidating its role in the media scene.”He added: “Journalists and media professionals are often busy with covering news and events without paying attention to collecting their work, articles, or investigations for publishing them in a book. This could be due to lack of time or the absence of a party that covers printing expenses, or in view of the great influence of social media.”He said: “Here comes the role of the centre to fill this gap, in documenting journalistic and media content.”He added: “We invite all those wishing to publish their works to contact the centre, as we have allocated the e-mail [email protected] and the phone number 44994997. Indicating the formation of a committee of experts to evaluate these works, and provide advice and guidance to those wishing to publish their publications, which is part of the centre’s strategy that aims to enhance the role of journalists in diversifying journalistic and media content, indicating that the centre will begin receiving printing requests starting today until the end of August 2024.”The centre recently participated in the 33rd Doha International Book Fair, where it issued a diverse collection of books, most notably The World Cup Feather, which includes the caricatures published by Qatari newspapers on the occasion of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the book The World Cup Legacy: Pictures from the Heart of the Event, which is the first work of a group of professional photographers from Qatar, the Gulf and the world, as it included shots of decisive moments in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the book Sunday Morning - Part Three, which includes articles by the writer and media figure Mubarak bin Jaham al-Kuwari, in addition to the book On the Sword of the East by Professor Sultan al-Jassim, which is an album of rare photos of prominent sports and local events during the ‘50s and ‘60s.

The Qatari Forum for Authors held a discussion at the House of Wisdom Hall in the Ministry of Culture, focusing on the novel Zahra by Iraqi writer Maysloun Fakher, coinciding with the World Youth Skills Day. The session was moderated by Mohamed al-Shabrawi and attended by writers, intellectuals, and enthusiasts.The novel addresses the challenges faced by an Arab asylum seeker in Europe, specifically Sarah, the protagonist, who grew up in Swedish society. Sarah’s tragedy begins when she is taken from her biological parents and placed with another family. This traumatic event fills her with anxiety and obsessions, rooted in the fragmented nature of her experience. Her life is marked by a mixture of secret and public suffering, leading her to confront burning questions in a world filled with chaos, numbness, and indifference.Sarah grapples with feelings of inferiority imposed by the dominant perspective of the other side. She is caught between brutal wars and the pressures of Westernisation, which aim to destroy, distort, and sever her connection to her roots. This results in a sharp decline and confusion within her displaced world, leaving her complicit in the devastation. She is haunted by a sense of shame, seen as primitive and degraded through Orientalisation, while simultaneously being pressured by the madness of Westernisation.Sarah is portrayed as intolerant and supportive of her roots, despite the challenges she faces in Stockholm. Since childhood, she has endured ostracism, abuse, and the conflict of her paths intersecting with fatalism. She suffered from coercive care procedures, including the termination of her biological parents’ rights and her placement in alternative care.

Mohamed Jasser, a journalist for the Palestine newspaper, was martyred on Saturday, as a result of the Israeli occupation targeting his house in the Gaza Strip, as part of the genocidal war waged by Israel against the Gaza Strip.A medical source at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip said: “Journalist Mohamed Jasser was martyred along with his wife and two children in an Israeli raid that targeted their house in the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.”The Palestinian Wafa Agency quoted local sources as saying that the occupation aircraft targeted the journalist’s house in Jabalia camp with heavy missiles, which led to the martyrdom of journalist Mohamed Jasser and all his family members, and their bodies were all transferred to Kamal Adwan Hospital.The Qatar Press Center (QPC) renewed its condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces targeting journalists in Gaza with killing and abuse, the latest of which was the killing of Palestinian journalist Mohamed Jasser and all members of his family.The QPC denounced the Israeli army’s targeting of journalists’ families, homes, and locations inside Gaza, which is a blatant violation of international law and a heinous crime to silence free media and obstruct its transmission of the truth to the world.The QPC called on the international community to condemn the targeting of journalists in Gaza by bombing their homes and the homes of their families, in addition to arrest and intimidation.QPC also called for putting pressure on Israel to release detained male and female journalists and media professionals, who are languishing in Israeli prisons, in compelling circumstances, depriving them of the most basic prisoners’ rights stipulated in the international laws and conventions.With the martyrdom of journalist Jasser, the number of journalist casualties since the beginning of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, on October 7, rises to 161 journalists.

Qatar National Library (QNL) will launch a photography competition from August 1-15 on the architectural design of the library, where competitors will submit artistic images that highlight the aesthetics of the library’s engineering and design.The pictures could be of the external view or the internal library courtyards, from a unique and creative perspective.Participants must be residents of Qatar with a valid Qatar ID, and must be 18 years and above. Each participant must submit up to four photographs. Photos must focus on aspects of the library’s architecture. They must be original and taken by the participant, at QNL. Photos generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are not permitted.The photographs must be of high-quality and high-resolution, so that they can be edited or colour-graded for enhancements. There are no limitations on the device used to capture the photos; they can be taken with a phone or a professional camera.The submission requirements specify that the photos must be published as a new post on Instagram. The images can be old or new but the Instagram post must be published during August 1-15. Profiles must be set to the public to view the entries. The caption of the post must include the hashtag #QNLThroughMyLens to be a valid entry.The judging will be based on the unique perspectives and creativity in composition, the quality of the photo in terms of focus, lighting, and exposure.All entries must be published on the participant’s Instagram account by Thursday, August 15. The winner will receive an iPhone 14 Pro. The winner will be announced on August 18 (World Photography Day), on QNL social media channels. The winner’s photos will be featured on QNL social media.By entering the competition, participants agree to grant QNL the right to use the submitted photos for promotional purposes, with full credit given to the photographer, QNL said on its website.