Qatar

Qatar University (QU) has concluded a first Health Tech Hackathon 2024, held under the theme "Innovating Health, Empowering Tomorrow." The event, which ran over three days at the Itqan Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center under Hamad Medical Corp (HMC), brought together innovators, students, and professionals from diverse fields including healthcare, engineering, and business to develop creative solutions for pressing healthcare challenges in the State of Qatar.The Hackathon highlighted four major themes in telemedicine and remote monitoring, genomics and precision medicine, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and public health, mental wellness and featured firsthand training sessions, workshops, and discussion panels, providing participants with an ideal environment to exchange ideas and develop projects that address Qatars urgent healthcare needs.The closing ceremony culminated with the awarding of prizes to the winning teams and recognition of exceptional projects that contribute to the advancement of healthcare through innovation.Addressing the closing ceremony, Vice President for Health and Medical Sciences and Director of Biomedical Research Center at QU, Prof. Asma Al-Thani said the first Health Tech Hackathon 2024, gathered young talent and expertise to come together and create innovative solutions for healthcare.She added that the event was more than just a competition, as it was a platform for collaboration, intellectual exchange, and bridging science, creativity, and application, affirming that everyone here was a winner, as each idea and step taken contributes to a brighter future for healthcare in Qatar.Associate Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies at QU, Prof. Feras Qasem Alali, said the QU Health Sectors first Health Tech Hackathon represents a groundbreaking opportunity for students, healthcare professionals, and innovators to collaborate on transformative solutions for pressing healthcare issues., adding that the event embodies QU Healths dedication to fostering innovation and driving meaningful change in healthcare for Qatar and beyond.For her part, chairperson of this Hackathon, Dr. Kholoud Abdulla, said the The QU Health Tech Hackathon 2024 goes beyond tackling healthcare challenges. Its about equipping the next generation of innovators to shape the future of healthcare, emphasizing that by bringing together diverse talents, transformative ideas are fostered to enhance patient outcomes, advance healthcare technology, and elevate healthcare quality overall.Chair of the QU Health Innovation Committee, Dr. Faleh Tamimi, stated that building a knowledge-based economy in Qatar relies on developing technology-driven ideas. This is why events like this are essential, He added, pointing out that the most successful technological advancements in healthcare come from interdisciplinary teams that combine deep clinical insight with the technical skills necessary to address these challenges. He underlined that the hackathon aims to foster such successful health tech innovation in Qatar.

Nearly 15,000 Qatar residents came together Friday to raise awareness about diabetes during the 18th annual walkathon organised by Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) at Aspire Park.The event marked World Diabetes Day, under this year's slogan 'Diabetes and Well-being'. The aim was to spread awareness about diabetes and recognise people living with diabetes in Qatar.QDA executive director Dr Abdulla al-Hamaq said that in November, people worldwide participate in walkathons to mark World Diabetes Day. "Through the walkathon and other events during the day, we took important steps towards developing a wider understanding of diabetes.”The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that by 2021, about 10.5% of the adult population or 537mn people aged 20-79, live with diabetes, and nearly half of them are unaware of their condition. By 2045, the IDF predicts that one in eight adults or nearly 783mn people, will be living with diabetes, an increase of 46%."Therefore, our goal is to educate people and send the message that understanding diabetes is the first step toward managing and preventing it. Knowing the risks of developing diabetes or its complications, and what needs to be done, is essential for supporting prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment," Dr al-Hamaq added.The events started at 2.30pm, and the walkathon began at 4pm, with a large turnout of the public wearing blue t-shirts. Families, large groups of school students, and participants representing various organisations gathered to support the walk and take part in the health awareness activities.The event offered platforms for health education on diabetes prevention, along with free blood glucose level screenings. Both children and adults enjoyed various sports activities, visited education tents, received diabetes screenings, and took part in the "Are You at Risk for Diabetes?" test, along with many other recreational activities.In addition to setting up its own booths, QDA partnered with major health institutions in the country, including Ministry of Public Health - Diabetes Section and Health Promotion, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar Cancer Society, Sidra Medicine, Heart Hospital, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Tobacco Control center -HMC, Qatar Family and Community Medicine Society, Qatar Nursing Association, a number of private medical centers and many others.Sports partners also participated in the walk, with the Qatar Sports for All Federation offering a variety of activities, including stretching exercises, archery, self-defence, and many other fun sports. The Qatar Women's Sports Committee entertained the audience with basketball and other sports, while the Qatar Chess Federation set up a large chessboard. Paris Saint-Germain Academy Qatar joined the event. Al-Rami Club offered a fun activity for attendees through a moving shooting field.Before the walk, Dr al-Hamaq gave a speech, followed by the Qatar National Anthem and a performance by the Qatar Armed Forces Band. In his closing remarks, Dr al-Hamaq thanked all the partners and participants for their attendance and support, which played a significant role in the success of the walk. He urged everyone to prioritise the quality of life for people living with diabetes.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev bilateral relations, ways to enhance and develop them, and the most prominent regional and international developments.The Amir also discussed, in a phone call he made FRiday with President Aliyev, the participation of Qatar in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29), currently being held in Baku.

A research report by the World Innovation Summit for Innovation (WISH), the global health initiative of Qatar Foundation provides a comprehensive plan to contain obesity in children in Qatar through a multisectoral approach.Titled ‘Childhood Obesity in Qatar National policy proposal through multisectoral approaches,’ the report prepared by a team of leading officials and researchers in Qatar, highlights the challenges in containing childhood obesity and the need for joint efforts to counter it.The report assumes more significance as the county recently launched an action plan to tackle obesity, diabetes and modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases at WISH 2024, which concluded in Doha Thursday.The policy report covers the mechanisms within the wider context of a recommended bespoke multisectoral model to address childhood obesity in Qatar. The report also makes policy recommendations to guide the development of effective interventions that promote healthy behaviours and lifestylesThe recommendations point to policy framework in areas such as: Food and nutrition; Health sector practices; Built environment; School settings; Family and community; and First 1,000 days of an infant.Typically, prevention and promotion policies in the health sector cover four main mechanisms: Fiscal measures such as taxes and subsidies; Laws and regulations as well as community engagement and informative education campaigns.Among the recommendations in Food and nutrition sector is the development of a framework for front-of-package labelling for Qatar that adopts a nutrient-specific warning system, and mandate its application. It also suggests to set guidelines to control and limit advertising of unhealthy food and beverages across all platforms targeting young children and adolescents.The report recommends developing guidelines for food product placement in physical outlets and digital platforms, giving prominence to healthy options and limiting unhealthy food within children’s reach.Other recommendations are to continue communicating the updated Qatar National Dietary Guidelines and develop advocacy programmes; evaluate impact of existing excise tax policy in Qatar and explore its expansion based on recommendations from Ministry of Public Health and explore mechanisms to make healthy food more affordable, including fruits and vegetables.Among the health sector practices the report looks at building on existing multistakeholder task forces and working groups to support with evidence-based guideline development and ‘good practice’ obesity prevention, screening, and treatment. It also points to expanding obesity treatment services and enhance integration with primary health service providers among others.Other major recommendations are to adopt and implement the Open Space Recreation and Sports Facilities Development Guidelines that encourage physical activity for everyone, irrespective of gender or ability; improve School Canteen Guidelines and promote their adoption by all schools and enhance screening for maternal obesity to identify women, and at-risk neonates, for education and close monitoring.

Qatar resident Gayathri Karunakar Menon has been nominated for the 2025 Grammy Awards as song writer/composer for her collaborative works in ‘Telos’, a 2024 album by Zedd (Anton Zaslavski).Telos is one amongst the five contesting works for the ‘Album of the Year’ at the 67th Grammy Awards which will take place live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.The songs co-written by the Indian national, ‘Out of time’ and ‘Tangerine rays’ are available on streaming platforms Spotify and Apple Music. The nominations are in ‘dance/electronic music’ category.Gayathri wrote Out of Time with Zedd, Ava Brignol and Bea Miller, and Tangerine Rays with Zedd, Bea Miller, Ellis Robert McKay Lawrie, and George Ku.Zedd, a German music producer and DJ, gained fame with his 2012 single ‘Clarity,’ featuring Foxes. The song became a massive hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. He continued to release successful singles and albums.Before the awards, final round voting will take place from December 12-January 3, 2025. The Recording Academy’s voting members, composed of music creators, including artists, producers, songwriters, and engineers determine the Grammy winners across all categories revealed on Grammy night.Brooklyn-based Gayathri had a Grammy nomination last year too, as a vocal collaborator in ‘Shuruaat’ album of Berklee Indian Ensemble in the global music album category.Gayathri was the the first student to be registered at Birla Public School, Doha, from where she completed Grade X in 2015-2016, before moving on to Peepal Grove School in Andhra Pradesh, India.She did her honours with Berklee College of Music, Boston. In 2020, Gayathri won the ‘Songs for Social Change’ contest conducted by Berklee, featuring 120 international music students."In 2022, Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, composer, and rapper Rodney Jerkins had signed Gayathri to an exclusive co-publishing deal as a song writer alongside universal music publishing group", her father and long-time Doha resident Karunakar Menon, a business manager, singer, and sports analyst, told Gulf Times.Rodney Jerkins, AKA "Darkchild" is the producer of legendary singers like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.Gayathri’s mother Bindu Karunakar is an entrepreneur, drama artist, and cultural activist and sister Gauri Karunakar Menon is a Grade IX student at Peepal Grove School.

HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi inaugurated the new premises of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.The inauguration ceremony was attended by Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad Alamin, as the guest of honor representing the Malaysian government. Other attendees included the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohamad Sabu, the Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Minister of State for Religious Affairs Muhammad Naeem bin Mukhtar,the President of the Senate Awang Bemee Basah, senior officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several Arab and foreign ambassadors, business leaders, and media representatives.In his speech, HE Al Hammadi praised the strong bilateral relations between Qatar and Malaysia in various fields, noting that the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.HE Al Hammadi said that the State of Qatar looks forward to elevating bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive partnership to achieve mutual interests.For his part, the Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister congratulated Qatar on the opening of the new embassy premises. He expressed hope that the embassy would serve as a center for fruitful cooperation, a symbol of ongoing partnership, and a testament to the strong ties between the two countries.

The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), emphasising its commitment to international obligations, multilateral efforts, and its unwavering stance in supporting the Palestinian people. Qatar also stressed that it would continue its political, diplomatic, and financial support for the agency, which is essential for addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.This came in Qatar's statement delivered by Second Secretary at Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, during the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly's discussion on Agenda Item 49 regarding UNRWA, held at the UN headquarters in New York.He noted that UNRWA has, since its establishment, been providing essential services and critical needs to over 5 million Palestinian refugees across the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It serves as the backbone of humanitarian aid in Gaza. He emphasized that its existence and continued operations are intrinsically tied to ending the occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination.He also highlighted the State of Qatar's role as the first Arab country to sign a multi-year agreement with UNRWA in 2018 and one of its largest supporters, with the countrys financial contributions to the agency amounted to over $49 million in 2024.He said that the besieged Palestinian people in Gaza continue to face catastrophic humanitarian conditions, with access to essential aid being obstructed, and food and medicine weaponized against them. He added that the prohibition of UNRWA's activities will result in severe humanitarian and political consequences, particularly depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank of essential services, undermining the legal status of the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their homes and lands, as guaranteed by international law and relevant UN resolutions, notably General Assembly Resolution 194 and Security Council Resolution 237.Qatar called on the General Assembly, as the body that mandated UNRWA, to fulfill its responsibility to prevent the agencys collapse. It also urged UN member states and the international community to act against the enforcement of legislation targeting UNRWA, emphasizing that saving the agency equates to saving humanity, the purposes of the UN Charter, and multilateral efforts.Qatar expressed its gratitude to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and his team for their efforts in carrying out the agencys mandate under unprecedentedly challenging conditions. Qatar also conveyed its condolences for the loss of UNRWA staff, noting that at least 237 UNRWA employees have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli aggression, as part of a systematic targeting of aid workers, which has claimed the lives of 322 humanitarian workers to date.The State of Qatar reiterated its condemnation of the Israeli Knesset's enactment of laws banning UNRWA activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing it as a dangerous precedent against the UN and multilateral efforts, and a systematic attack on the vital humanitarian activities of the agency. Qatar stressed the importance of supporting and renewing UNRWA's mandate in accordance with its founding resolution, General Assembly Resolution 302 of 1949.In conclusion, He said that the State of Qatar reaffirmed that the only viable resolution to this conflict lies in a comprehensive and just political solution to the Palestinian issue. It reiterated its unwavering stance on the justice of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people based on international law, including their right to self-determination, the right of return, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Friday will be moderate with some clouds at times, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, the weather will see some clouds at times, the report added, warning of strong wind and high sea.Wind inshore will be northwesterly at a speed of 05 - 15 KT, gusting to 22 KT at times.Offshore, it will be northwesterly at a speed of 10 - 28 KT, gusting to 24 KT at times.Sea state inshore will be 2 - 4 ft; while offshore will be 4 - 6 ft, rising to 8 ft at times.Visibility inshore and offshore will bee 5 - 10 km.

Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, a member of the Qatar Chamber Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, confirmed that the Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit successfully fostered connections and contributed to establishing business and investment partnerships between investors in Arab and African countries.In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Ahmadani said that the summit, held in the Egyptian cities of Cairo and Aswan, included joint meetings between delegations and representatives from numerous Arab and African countries. During these meetings, ideas were exchanged and critical topics were discussed to enhance investment cooperation between the two sides. She expressed her hope that similar meetings will continue and that the summit's recommendations and outcomes will be followed up to increase investment cooperation and open new markets.She commended the role of the Arab Women Investors Union in promoting an Arab investment culture and mentioned that on the sidelines of the summit, meetings were held with several Egyptian officials and representatives of the private sector to explore opportunities for cooperation and joint investment.Regarding economic relations between Qatar and Egypt, the Qatar Chamber Board member and Chairwoman of the Qatari Businesswomens Forum noted that the relationship between the two countries is strong and historic, with investments continuously increasing. Both countries have numerous investment projects and infrastructure that create an attractive and encouraging environment for investment, with government support aimed at attracting Arab, regional, and international investments.The Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit, organized by the Arab Women Investors Union, will conclude tomorrow (Friday). The summit brought together delegations and representatives from 35 Arab and African countries, along with civil society organizations, specialized Arab unions, and business councils, to exchange ideas among business owners and investors and discuss shared aspirations toward sustainable development and productive cooperation between the two sides.

A Qatari aircraft carrying medical aid and four ambulances, provided by the Qatar Fund for Development, touched down on Thursday at Kabul Airport, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.The aid was received by HE Deputy Minister of Public Health in the Afghan Caretaker Government Mawlawi Bakht-ur-Rahman Sharafat and Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Afghanistan Dr. Mirdef bin Ali Al Qashouti.This aid comes within the framework of the State of Qatar's efforts and its firm commitment to providing support and standing by the brotherly Afghan people, and providing them with their urgent and necessary needs.

HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah met Thursday with HE Minister of Municipalities and Housing of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Majid bin Abdullah Al Hoqail, on the sidelines of his participation in the Cityscape Riyadh international conference and exhibition.Discussions during the meeting dealt with aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries, and means to enhance them in various fields, especially in the field of municipalities, urban planning and smart cities.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued an official statement addressing recent discussions about the exclusive use of the national card, Himyan, for payments at government agencies.QCB clarified that this payment method is part of a phased digital transformation initiative set to commence in February 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the security of government transactions and lower costs associated with payment processing. QCB emphasized that the quality of services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors in Qatar will remain unaffected throughout this transition.Furthermore, QCB said it is closely monitoring the deployment of financial products and digital transformation initiatives in Qatar. The Central bank said that it will provide the public with the detailed information about the transition, ensuring easy access to government services.

Qatar Fund for Development(QFFD) has affirmed its commitment to promoting innovation in healthcare, exchanging knowledge and best practices to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and bringing about positive change in the global healthcare sector.During its participation in the 7th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH 2024), QFFD showcased its commitment to global health at WISH with the "Healing Journey" booth. This interactive exhibit highlighted the Fund's impactful work in healthcare, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The booth served as a platform to share the Fund's vision for a healthier, more equitable future, engaging attendees through activities that underscored both humanitarian and developmental solutions to urgent health challenges.Additionally, QFFD hosted a high-level roundtable discussion entitled "Strengthening Health Systems in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings." This session convened leading healthcare and humanitarian experts to address the multifaceted challenges hindering access to essential health services in crisis-impacted regions. Through collaborative dialogue, participants explored innovative strategies to build more resilient and sustainable health systems, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the care they need, even in the most challenging environments.

HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Hessa bint Hassan Al Sulaiti affirmed the State of Qatars commitment to supporting women and enhancing their role across various developmental and societal fields. She also called for empowering women and strengthening their participation in achieving global peace.In her speech at the opening of the Third International Forum Woman of the Third Millennium, which began today in Moscow and will continue for two days, she said that under its wise leadership, the State of Qatar has set a model for empowering women, providing all means to enable Qatari women to become active partners in the national development process.She added that women in Qatar now play a pivotal role in the labor market, in addition to their role in nurturing and caring for families, making them key supporters of men and foundational to the stability and prosperity of the nation.Her Excellency emphasized the importance of this forum in fostering dialogue on womens issues and the challenges they face, especially in light of current crises in certain troubled regions. She highlighted the suffering of millions of women and girls in conflict areas, who are subjected to severe abuses beyond domestic violence, including displacement, blockade, starvation, and violence, stressing that these crimes require immediate international intervention to protect womens rights amidst wars and conflicts.She also noted the atrocities committed against women in Palestine and Lebanon due to brutal aggression and genocidal campaigns by the occupying Israeli forces that have persisted without pause for more than a year, resulting in over 43,000 deaths, most of whom were women, children, the elderly, and the sick. She called this one of the worst crimes in modern history, witnessed in silence by the international community.Addressing issues of peace and security, Al Sulaiti emphasized the need to empower women to participate effectively in peace processes and reconstruction efforts, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which acknowledges the vital role of women in peacemaking and addressing the impacts of violence. She added that excluding women from these processes undermines efforts to achieve sustainable peace.She expressed hope for more efforts in the coming phase to protect women in conflict areas and to include this as a key item in international law. She called for reform of the international system, underscoring the importance of a United Nations that can implement its resolutions and protect human rights. She stressed that the international community faces a true challenge to prove its commitment to holding violators of womens rights in conflict and war zones accountable.In a related context, the Deputy Speaker participated in a discussion session on the power of soft diplomacy as part of the forum's first day. She noted the importance of soft diplomacy as the popular dimension of diplomatic work. She pointed out that people-to-people communication has become stronger and more influential than government-to-government communication, with soft diplomacy now acting as a driver and guide for countries' foreign policies. She encouraged women to continue their efforts in education and digital technology to achieve the desired success of soft diplomacy for women in this third millennium.She emphasized that the State of Qatar places significant importance on educating women at all levels and in all specializations, alongside training and qualifying them in all professional sectors, which has enabled Qatari women to assume leadership positions in various fields and make effective contributions across a wide range of areas.In her remarks, she highlighted Qatars substantial influence in international and regional relations, attributing this to its utilization of soft diplomacy. She added that the State of Qatar has distinguished itself through positive relations with all nations, significant contributions to peace efforts, and combating terrorism, earning the worlds trust as a neutral mediator for resolving disputes in various regions as a result.The Deputy Speaker concluded by reiterating Qatars commitment to enhancing its soft diplomatic power through the embodiment of ideas, principles, and ethics, for a world that is safer, more prosperous, and just.The Woman of the Third Millennium International Forum serves as a platform for uniting female leaders to exchange experiences and learn about best practices to discuss the role of women in the modern world. The forum discusses the growing role of women and the challenges they face in various fields, with the participation of prominent figures and representatives from women's organizations in Russia and around the world.

Qatar is to adopt the Cardio4cities approach – a data-driven cardiovascular population health initiative – and become the regional hub for its expansion across the Middle East and North Africa, it was announced at the closing session of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2024 yesterday.Cardio4cities, created and validated by the Novartis Foundation, is proven to rapidly improve cardiovascular health in urban populations, a statement said. It leverages the power of data to help authorities make better decisions for their healthcare systems and populations, and has been validated in three cities across three continents – Sao Paulo in Brazil, Dakar in Senegal, and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.“The Novartis Foundation’s Cardio4cities initiative has shown extraordinary impact in other geographies, for example in Latin America, where significant reductions in heart attack and stroke rates were achieved,” said Dr Ann Aerts, head of the Novartis Foundation.“By launching Cardio4cities in Doha, Qatar is not only joining this movement by leveraging its excellent health and data infrastructure to replicate these successes for the benefit of its population, but also demonstrating regional leadership which will hopefully inspire more countries in the Middle East to champion precision population health.”Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s leading cause of death – taking more than 20mn lives per year, with up to 80 percent of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. Most deaths related to cardiovascular disease are preventable.Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani, director of Public Health Department, Ministry of Public Health, explained: “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Qatar. Noncommunicable diseases cost Qatar QR18.1bn annually, and CVDs account for 73% of that burden.“In many cases, CVDs are preventable, and that’s why we are committed to shifting our focus and approach to prevention, rather than only improving care – this is especially important for chronic diseases, as most drivers of these diseases can be addressed outside of the health facilities, in our daily life.“This is exactly why we are eagerly looking forward to implementing Cardio4cities in Qatar, and working together with different sectors and stakeholders to improve cardiovascular health in the country.”Speaking about the significance of Qatar joining the initiative, Dr Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation adviser to the Chairperson’s Office and executive director of Research, Development and Innovation at QF, said: “Participating in Cardio4cities offers Qatar unique opportunities to improve public health and drive innovation. Collaborating with a global network of cities allows us to share knowledge, learn from each other, and be inspired by new solutions developed in different urban settings.“This partnership will help us develop tools to capture, integrate, and analyse data, as well as scalable strategies to improve cardiovascular health at both the population and individual levels.”He added that one of the programme’s key strengths is its tailored, data-driven approach, which adapts interventions to local needs. While fostering global collaboration, Cardio4cities ensures local ownership and prioritises data privacy and security.Held under the theme ‘Humanising Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience’, the two-day WISH 2024 brought together over 3,000 delegates, including more than 200 global health leaders and expert speakers to discuss evidence-based ideas and practices in healthcare innovation to address the world’s most urgent global health challenges including the impact of conflict on healthcare, cancer, antimicrobial resistance, mental health and palliative care.

Ajyal Film Festival’s 'two-day Made in Qatar Shabab' programme aims to empower young filmmakers with practical skills, industry insights, and networking opportunities. With a focus on practical training and career development, Doha Film Institute said the programme offers masterclasses, panel discussions, and workshops.“Through specialised sessions that focus on practical skills and industry know-how, we aim to inspire and equip young talents to continue the legacy of local storytelling, ensuring their voices are heard both regionally and globally,” organisers said. The programme will start with 'I Made a Film, Now What?', masterclass on film distribution, aimed to equip participants with strategies for audience reach, including marketing, securing funding for future projects, and building industry connections—essential foundations for a sustainable filmmaking career.The panel 'From Short to Feature: A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth' explores the creative and professional transformation filmmakers undergo when transitioning from shorts to features. It examines the importance of proof-of-concept shorts, how they facilitate larger projects, and strategies for scaling creative vision and overcoming the unique challenges of feature-length storytelling.Shabab’s interactive workshop 'The Art of Film Pitching' will help participants develop the skills to pitch their film ideas persuasively. By focusing on storytelling, communication, and presentation, attendees will learn how to craft compelling pitches that attract producers, investors, and collaborators, enabling them to transform their ideas into tangible projects.In addition, the broader Made in Qatar programme will continue to celebrate the achievements of local filmmakers. This year’s lineup includes short films such as Alkaline by Paul Abraham and Abdulla al-Hor, I Lay for You to Sleep by Ali al-Hajri, and Can You See Me? by Dhoha Abdelsattar, showcasing Qatari talent to an international audience. The programme’s jury includes Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri, Kenyan filmmaker Debra Aroko, and Qatari director Amal al-Muftah. Ajyal is set to open tomorrow (November 16).

Initiative Positions Qatar as Strategic Economic Hub Within China’s Belt and Road InitiativeThe Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has forged a landmark partnership agreement with Chinese investment leader Luyi Holding Group to develop a world-class industrial park in Qatar.The project aims to catalyze foreign investment, strengthen local industry, and advance Qatar's economic diversification goals in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Mr. Yin Haijie, Chairman of Luyi Holding Group on the sidelines of the prestigious China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.This collaboration represents a significant step within China's Belt and Road Initiative, designed to enhance regional cooperation and economic development.H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), emphasized the partnership's significance: "This agreement marks a crucial milestone in Qatar's strategic drive to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and strengthen the localization of key industries. The planned industrial park will introduce a broad spectrum of industries that directly support Qatar's targeted cluster development."H.E. highlighted Qatar's competitive advantages, noting that "Our advanced infrastructure, progressive business regulations, and comprehensive free zones incentives have created a compelling environment that attracts global businesses. This partnership with Luyi Holding Group reinforces Qatar's position as an internationally competitive investment destination.“The new industrial park is expected to generate substantial opportunities for local companies across logistics, construction, and technology services sectors, while creating new employment opportunities, enhancing local expertise, and facilitating knowledge transfer within Qatar's industrial landscape,” H.E. added.Yin Haijie, Chairman of Luyi Holding Group, emphasized how the park aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative's goals of strengthening trade and development ties across the Middle East and beyond."Qatar's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and favourable investment climate made it the clear choice for our Middle Eastern expansion. This project will strengthen Sino-Qatari economic relations and establish Qatar as our regional operational hub," he said.”Located in Qatar's Umm Alhoul Free Zone, Phase 1 is 282,000-square-meter industrial park and will feature state-of-the-art industrial units ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 square meters, designed for immediate manufacturing and operational use.The facility aims to attract leading international companies across multiple sectors, including plastic and metal products, performance materials and solar panels.This strategic development will strengthen Qatar's industrial foundation by localizing critical industries while serving both local and regional market demands, advancing the nation's economic diversification objectives.The Belt and Road Initiative seeks to strengthen connections across Asia, Africa, and Europe through the development of new industrial communities and cities.For Qatar, this partnership represents a strategic opportunity to forge vital economic alliances and cement its position as an influential hub in global trade.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Ankara today on a working visit to the sisterly Republic of Turkey. HH the Amir was received upon his arrival at Esenboga International Airport by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, a number of senior officials and members of the Qatari Embassy.His Highness the Amir is accompanied by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and an official delegation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani left Doha on Thursday morning, heading to Ankara for a working visit to the Republic of Turkiye, during which His Highness and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will co-chair the 10th session of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee.HH the Amir is accompanied by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and an official delegation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani performed the Istisqa (rain-seeking) prayer along with crowds of worshipers at the Lusail prayer ground on Thursday morning, reviving the Prophetic Sunnah in asking Allah the Almighty for rainfall.HH Personal Representative of HH the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al-Thani joined the Istisqa prayer.HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and a number of Their Excellencies the ministers also performed the prayer.In a sermon after the prayer, the Judge of the Court of Cassation and Member of the Supreme Judiciary Council, Sheikh Dr. Thaqeel Sayer Al Shammari, who led the prayer, urged worshipers to seek forgiveness and charity as causes for the for rainfall; noting that water is a great indispensable blessing, and the importance of supplication in the Istisqa prayer.