Qatar

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued on Thursday Amiri Decision No. (77) of 2024, appointing HE Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Mannai as Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces.The Decision is effective as of the date of issue and is to be published in the official gazette.

QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sulfur supply agreement with OCP Nutricrops, a subsidiary of OCP Group – a world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers.Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, QatarEnergy will supply up to 7.5mn tons of sulfur to OCP Nutricrops beginning in the third quarter of 2024.OCP Nutricrops is a Morocco-based company responsible for developing soil nutrition solutions to address global challenges in food production and sustainability.Commenting on this occasion, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement, solidifying our business relationship both with OCP Nutricrops and the Kingdom of Morocco. This agreement marks a significant step in advancing cooperation between our two companies and fostering mutual growth and value for both sides.”This agreement highlights QatarEnergy’s strategy in establishing enduring relationships with reliable leaders in the fertilizers industry, as well as QatarEnergy’s commitment to support the global agricultural sector and greater food security.Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of sulfur, with a total annual production capacity of around 3.4mn tons, which will further increase with the commissioning of new gas production projects in the coming years.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change launched today the updated version of the Air Quality Platform on its official website.The new version offers enhanced data accuracy and a diverse range of information about air quality across all regions of the country. This update includes modifications that enable the display of all data according to the latest global standards, marking an important step toward establishing a national air quality monitoring network.HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud highlighted in a statement that the focus on air quality aligns with the state's vision of protecting and preserving the local environment and its impact on public health, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a healthy and prosperous society capable of managing the countrys comprehensive development.He noted that the updated Air Quality Platform is part of the Ministry's efforts toward achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, protecting and preserving all elements of the local environment as a national heritage to be safeguarded for future generations, thereby ensuring the sustainability of national resources.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the Ministry Abdulhadi Nasser Al Marri said that the launch of the platform's new version reflects national efforts to build a comprehensive air quality network. He added that, through this network, citizens can access air quality information across the country via a display screen available on the Ministrys website. He noted that the platform presents monitoring results through color-coded indicators, making it easier for the public to understand air quality levels in different areas.In this regard, Director of the Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department Eng. Hassan Al Qasmi emphasized the Ministrys commitment to developing the Air Quality Platform to keep pace with the latest global technologies, enhancing its accuracy in accordance with international standards. The electronic system of the platform has been updated, incorporating technologies that offer a variety of information and services and allow public interaction.Assistant Director of the Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department Abdullah Al Khulaifi noted that the Ministry has introduced technologies that improve the speed and accuracy of data transfer from the 44 air quality monitoring stations across the country to the monitoring and data analysis unit within the Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department. He noted that this information is then displayed on the platform, enabling Ministry specialists to plan effectively and take necessary actions to maintain air quality throughout the country. (

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be misty to foggy at southern areas at first, becomes mild to relatively hot daytime with some clouds, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of poor visibility at southern areas at first.Offshore, the weather will be fine, the report added, warning of strong wind and high sea.Wind inshore will be northwesterly at a speed of 06 - 16 KT, gusting to 23 KT at times.Offshore, it will be northwesterly at a speed of 18 - 25 KT, gusting to 32 KT at times.Sea state inshore will be 2 - 4 ft, rising to 5 ft at times; while offshore will be 5 - 8 ft, rising to 10 ft at times.Visibility inshore will bee 4 - 7 km/ 2 km or less at southern areas at first, while offshore will be 5 - 10.

The history of ancient Moroccan libraries was the focus of a study day organised by Qatar National Library (QNL) as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture (YoC) celebrations.Titled “The Ancient Libraries of Morocco: From Preserving Manuscripts to Beacons of Knowledge,” the event traced the founding and evolution of Moroccan libraries, highlighting the key role they played in facilitating knowledge exchange both locally and overseas.The study day brought together Dr Al-Khayali Abdelmajid, head of Human Resources, Finance, and Scientific Research at the Hassania Library in Rabat, along with Dr Mustafa al-Tubi, head of the Research Team on Moroccan Manuscript Heritage at Ibn Zohr University, and Abdelfattah Boukchouf, director of the Qaraouiyine Library in Fez.Participants discussed how ancient libraries facilitated the circulation of texts within intellectual circles, serving as communication bridges between the local community and scientific institutions overseas.The discussions also touched on the future role of libraries in an increasingly digital world, reflecting on the challenges and successes that Moroccan institutions have experienced throughout their history.QNL's senior archivist Dr Moez Dridi, who moderated the study day, said the event demonstrates the institution’s commitment to promoting Arab heritage and providing insights into the history of the region.The study day is the latest in a series of initiatives that celebrate the shared history, values and heritage of Qatar and Morocco. Qatar Museums’ YoC initiative is an annual cultural exchange that strengthens Qatar’s ties with nations worldwide through long-term cultural partnerships.QNL kicked off its annual YoC celebrations in September and is planning a series of events in the coming weeks, ranging from reading circles to lectures, workshops and exhibitions on the history and traditions of Morocco, a statement added.

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.”

In a poignant tribute to the resilience, resistance and hope of the Palestinian people, Doha Film Institute's (DFI) Ajyal 2024, will present the next installment of its ‘Voices from Palestine’ programme.Standing in solidarity with Palestinians, the programme is a depiction of Palestine in times of profound collective mourning and reflection.In a statement, DFI CEO and festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "These films are a call across the world for recognition, justice and empathy. We are creating a space to promote the values of empathy and compassion and believe these stories will resonate far and wide to inspire and ignite bonds of solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters”.One of the highlights of the programme is From Ground Zero (Palestine, France, Qatar, Jordan, UAE/2024), an anthology of 22 short films created by filmmakers from Gaza, curated by renowned Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi. Set against the backdrop of the 2023 attacks, each film, ranging from 3-6 minutes, offers a unique and personal lens into life in Gaza under siege.

Qatar, represented by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) and Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post), participated in the 2024 session of the Universal Postal Unions (UPU) Council of Administration (CA) in Berne, Switzerland.The Qatari delegation participated in strategic discussions and committee leadership, underscoring the State's continued influence in shaping global postal standards and practices. During the UPU session, Qatar co-chaired, with Belarus Committee 4 concerned with the Development Co-operation and Technical Assistance, reaffirming its dedication to advancing the global postal sector.This leadership role enabled Qatar to support inclusive initiatives addressing disparities in postal infrastructure across UPU member states, fostering universal access to reliable postal services. Qatar's active engagement throughout the session highlighted its commitment to sustainable, innovative, and cooperative solutions for global postal systems.The session's agenda covered critical topics, including disaster risk management, quality of service enhancements, financial inclusion initiatives, and sustainable development strategies. The discussions also addressed the Quality of Service Fund (QSF) and the Integrated Quality of Service Plan (IQP), shaping postal policies and projects that will extend into 2029.Through its participation, CRA reinforced Qatar's standing on the global stage, aligning national postal policy with international standards. This engagement ensures that Qatar remains at the forefront of regulatory, operational, and policy advancements in the postal landscape, benefiting consumers, Service Providers, and other stakeholders within Qatar.CRA's active role in this UPU session underscores Qatar's dynamic contributions to the global postal community. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024 — 2030, CRA is committed to advancing Qatar's vision for sustainable, long-term growth through international collaboration and excellence in postal governance.The Universal Postal Union, established in 1874 and headquartered in Berne, is one of the oldest international organisations and a specialised agency of the UN. With 192 member countries, the UPU sets global postal standards, coordinates development initiatives, and addresses emerging challenges within the postal sector.Since becoming a UPU member in 1969, Qatar has actively contributed to promoting robust and inclusive postal services globally. As an influential member of the Council of Administration, Qatar continues to play a pivotal role in sustaining UPU operations between Universal Postal Congress sessions, addressing essential policy, regulatory, and strategic issues to advance global postal systems.

Turkish ambassador to Qatar Dr Mustafa Goksu said the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee represents the cornerstone of bilateral relations, which have reached broader horizons and are characterised by sustainable strategic depth, becoming a model of regional and international solidarity and co-operation.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador said the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee, established in 2014, provides a comprehensive institutional framework for effective and result-oriented co-operation."The committee is the highest level of co-ordination and co-operation between the two countries, with the goal of enhancing bilateral relations across various fields, including politics, economy, commerce, defense, security, education, and culture," he added.He indicated that this unique mechanism has paved the way for Turkiye and Qatar to further strengthen their fraternal bond through numerous joint initiatives, mutual support, and coordinated policies across a wide spectrum of areas.He stressed that the committee not only formalises our shared vision but also provides a direct channel for deepening the historic ties and brotherly relations that already exist between the two fraternal peoples.The ambassador highlighted that the committee has achieved important milestones over the years, 100 agreements and joint declarations signed and adopted across various sectors, including political, commercial, economic, and military domains.He emphasised that thanks to the agreements signed since the committee's inception, bilateral relations have rapidly advanced in all areas, gaining a strategic character based on mutual trust and a solid contractual foundation."We have seen substantial progress in trade and investment, with both countries emerging as key partners in each other's economic landscapes. Bilateral trade volume has significantly increased fivefold over the past ten years," he added.Dr Goksu said that there are currently over 1,000 Turkish companies operating in Qatar in various sectors, and almost 200 Qatari companies working in diverse fields in Turkiye.He also pointed out that the stock value of the Qatari direct investments in Turkiye have risen significantly, distributed across numerous sectors, including commerce, tourism, agriculture, hospitality, real estate, and food industries. On the other hand, the works undertaken by the Turkish contracting companies in Qatar to date amount to $20.16bn.The ambassador stressed that Qatari investments in Turkiye are safe, thriving, and successful, reflecting Qatari investors' trust in Turkiye and its investment climate.In the tourism and cultural field, Dr Goksu said that among the most visited tourists to Turkiye are those coming from Qatar, as their number exceeded 200,000 tourists in 2023 alone.

Qatar's ambassador to Turkiye HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Jassim al-Thani said that, over the past nine years, the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee has witnessed a strong incentive for developing bilateral relations and continuing joint strategic coordination, thanks to the great support provided by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador said that, thanks to the great support that the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee has been provided with, alongside the continued joint strategic coordination, more than 100 agreements have been signed between Qatar and Turkiye over the course of nine years.The ambassador noted that the organising of the Supreme Strategic Committee meeting runs on several levels, pointing out the coordination between the various parties and ministries concerned with the agreements and their provisions, technically and legally, and the technical and logistical arrangements for the delegations. The two countries' foreign ministries are usually responsible for co-ordinating and following up on the course of negotiations related to the agreements between the various ministries and institutions concerned on both sides, he added, indicating that the diplomatic missions of both parties are working to support and enhance these efforts, and are studying, exploring and anticipating many new aspects of co-operation, which are later crystallised to become a tangible reality.He highlighted the importance of holding the 10th meeting of the committee in Ankara, which will include a bilateral meeting between the leaderships of the two countries, followed by a meeting of the delegations of the two sides, during which the new agreements will be signed.The meeting's agenda is expected to include discussions on some topics of mutual interest and prominent regional issues, in addition to topics related to bilateral relations between the two countries, he added, pointing out that the meeting is expected to conclude with a joint statement.The ambassador highlighted the connection between holding this meeting and the great rapprochement between the two countries and the close ties that unite them, especially since Qatari-Turkish bilateral relations have always been characterised by their stability and solidity over the past years, despite the change in global dynamics and regional contexts.He added that this significant annual meeting contributes to consolidating outcomes, reviewing the signed agreements, and discussing any pending items or issues between the two parties, indicating that the agreements signed therein are considered an organisational framework that ensures the success and sustainability of cooperation in various fields.In this context, the ambassador highlighted the distinguished Qatari-Turkish bilateral relations, saying that the Qatari-Turkish relations differ from other international relations in their distinction, stability and continuity, explaining that they have branched out to include all sectors at all levels, such as strategic planning, trade, economic, cultural, educational, technological, communications and other fields.

Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Diabetes and Endocrinology Section has launched the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) structured education programme for individuals with type 1 diabetes.The programme was introduced in collaboration with the DAFNE Programme in the UK and Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, a statement said Wednesday. The initiative is led by Dr Dabia al-Mohanadi, senior consultant and head of the Diabetes and Endocrinology Section in the Department of Medicine at Hamad General Hospital and Mesaieed General Hospital.The programme aims to help patients manage type 1 diabetes effectively. The chronic condition that affects insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in minimal or no insulin production. The programme also aims at enabling adults with type 1 diabetes to lead as normal a life as possible while maintaining blood glucose levels within healthy targets to reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications.The National Diabetes Strategy (2016-2022), alongside the upcoming Action Plan on Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Diseases under the National Health Strategy (2024-2030), emphasises the importance of empowering type 1 diabetes patients through structured education programmes.Qatar has taken the initiative to translate the DAFNE curriculum into Arabic. A quality assurance team has been established and trained to collect and analyse data before, during and after the training, which is essential for programme reaccreditation.Dr al-Mohanadi, said: “As the main provider of secondary and specialised healthcare for diabetes patients in Qatar, HMC is the primary referral centre for all adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Therefore, launching the DAFNE programme under HMC’s umbrella was a priority.”Diabetes and endocrinology senior consultant Dr Khaled Ashawesh said the programme is currently operational at both Hamad General Hospital and Mesaieed General Hospital. Senior consultant Dr Khaled Baagar explained that the implementation is by multidisciplinary teams comprising physicians, health educators and dietitians.Senior consultant Dr Hamda Abdullah said 11 staff members have been trained in the DAFNE programme, including five physicians, three educators and three dietitians.” The participants attend one session per week for five weeks, covering the entire educational period, followed by an additional three-week observation period to monitor individual outcomes. Many type 1 diabetes patients have successfully completed the programme.The DAFNE programme aims to expand in 2025 to accommodate a larger number of patients through a 'Train the Trainer' programme. Plans are also underway to open a dedicated DAFNE clinic at both Hamad General Hospital and Mesaieed General Hospital to evaluate patients before and after training.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has announced the completion of the development and activation of the "Educational Institutions Licensing" platform, which is now available to provide comprehensive services to various educational entities in Qatar. This platform is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance the digital infrastructure of the private education sector and streamline administrative procedures for all relevant parties.The "Educational Institutions Licensing" platform aims to improve administrative efficiency and provide users with a smooth and secure digital experience. Educational institutions can now obtain the required licenses and follow up on procedures quickly and effectively, enhancing the quality of educational services.Omar Abdulaziz al-Naama, Assistant Undersecretary for Private Education Affairs, stated: "The launch of the Private Educational Institutions Licensing Platform is a qualitative step towards automating educational services. It reflects our commitment to the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to achieve Qatar's National Vision 2030. Through this platform, we aim to streamline procedures and enhance efficiency to support educational institutions and create an attractive environment for investment in the education sector, in line with the country's needs."Dr Mona Salem al-Fadhli, Director of the Information Systems Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, added: "The launch of the Educational Institutions Licensing Platform is a significant step in the digital transformation of the Ministry, adhering to the latest technological standards. This platform provides a unified and integrated experience for submitting electronic applications for all licensing services related to educational institutions, including nurseries, educational centers, schools, and private kindergartens. The platform facilitates the completion, management, and follow-up of investors' transactions through a single, fully automated portal, eliminating the need for them to visit the departments responsible for licensing these institutions."The platform offers a range of electronic services for investors, including managing educational centres, such as issuing educational centre licences, renewing licenses, changing the center's name, changing the centre's owner, modifying the centre's activities, changing the director, changing the centre's location, adding or removing a partner, obtaining permission to publish an advertisement or event, and canceling the centre's license by the investor. It also offers services for managing nurseries, including issuing and renewing nursery licences.Activating the 'Educational Institutions Licensing Platform' is essential in supporting Qatar's National Vision 2030. It provides a modern infrastructure to improve the quality of private education and ensure a high level of oversight of educational institutions. This enhances the quality of services the Ministry provides to investors in the private education sector.

In preparation for the upcoming winter season and with the goal of providing safe and dignified shelter to the Syrian displaced families who have endured harsh conditions in tents for many years, Qatar Charity (QC), in collaboration with the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), has begun handing over homes in Al Amal City project in northern Syria’s camps.The homes are being delivered in a phased manner and the city will officially be inaugurated once the relocation process is completed. The apartments are fully furnished with furniture, electrical appliances, and household items.Karam Ali, director of QC’s office in Turkiye, expressed gratitude to the people of Qatar for their generous contributions to make the project a reality.Beneficiaries expressed their immense happiness upon receiving their new apartments in Al Amal City. Displaced woman Um Hassan said: "Today we have been blessed after ten years of patience. During those years, we faced very difficult conditions. We thank the Qatari people and Qatar Charity, who have spared no effort in supporting us."Al Amal City, located in the town of Suran in northern Aleppo countryside, consists of 1,400 residential units, educational and service facilities, such as schools for boys and girls, a kindergarten, a vocational training school, a mosque, commercial shops, and a clinic. The city is fully equipped with infrastructure, including a water and sewage network, electricity, and paved roads.

Qatar participated in the 37th session of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers, held Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Alexandria, Egypt.First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the Arab League Khaled Abdullah al-Ebrahim led Qatar's delegation at the meeting. In Qatar's speech at the meeting, al-Ebrahim said that while Qatar is pleased with the fruitful co-operation it found during its presidency of the previous session, it wishes this new session success in enhancing Arab co-operation in the fields of transportation and logistics, supporting efforts aimed at developing the transportation infrastructure in the Arab region, and enhancing economic integration among Arab member states, in a way that serves the achievement of sustainable development goals.He pointed out that the session's agenda is full of vital and modern issues that keep pace with the global boom in the fields of transportation, including the Arab mechanism, database, and artificial intelligence technology in developing the transportation sector and establishing a supply chain for green hydrogen, establishing a special Arab agency for maritime safety, in addition to establishing a regional center for managing ship traffic in the Bab Al Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, and other issues of exchanging exemptions from taxes and customs duties, which enhances cooperation in the transportation sectors among Arab countries.He pointed out that, in implementation of the previous recommendations of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers, a workshop will be held to develop an integrated supply chain for green hydrogen as a step toward achieving sustainable development and enhancing the sustainability of the transport sector in Arab countries, which will contribute to achieving optimal utilization of clean energy sources and creating a sustainable economic environment in the Arab region. He voiced Qatar's wishes for success for this session and its support for all joint work programs in the field of transport in all its sectors.At the conclusion of Qatar's speech, al-Ebrahim handed over the presidency of the session of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers from Qatar to the State of Palestine, voicing Qatar's wishes for Palestine to succeed in its responsibilities in chairing the current session.In the same context, the Arab Ministers of Transport voiced their thanks to Qatar for its efforts during its presidency of the previous session of the Council, expressing their wishes for success for the sisterly State of Palestine on the occasion of its assumption of the presidency of the current session.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector at the Arab League Ambassador Ali bin Ibrahim al-Malki praised Qatar's role during its presidency of the previous session of the council. In this regard, he noted the various efforts made by Qatar in this significant field, which contributed to the issuance of decisions that serve joint Arab action.He pointed out that Qatar is one of the advanced countries in the field of transportation and communications in general, which was greatly reflected in its presidency of the previous session of the council. He voiced his hope that the current session of the council would succeed in developing joint Arab cooperation and formulating a new vision in line with the events taking place in the Arab region.The AASTMT will host Thursday an Arab-European workshop in cooperation with the European Union and the Transport and Tourism Department of the Arab League on preparing an integrated study for the green hydrogen supply chain establishment project, during which pioneering experiences in the field of green hydrogen for the State of Qatar and a number of Arab countries will be reviewed.

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is launching Thursday its 2nd Annual Scientific Conference, titled 'Gastrointestinal Disorders in Primary Health Care'. The three-day event will be attended by many experts and specialists from various Qatari health institutions and companies.The conference partners includes the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). The opening ceremony will be attended by QRCS vice president engineer Ibrahim Hashim al-Sada, board member, Medical Affairs Division director general and conference chairman Dr Abdul-Salam Ali al-Qahtani, secretary general Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, and other officials.The event has a five-point agenda. The first is highlighting the National Health Strategy regarding gastrointestinal disorders and the adopted reduction, prevention, and early detection plans. The second is enhancing health care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders and defining the role of health care providers of all specialties in gastrointestinal diagnosis and management at the primary health care level.The third point is enriching knowledge about gastrointestinal-specific disorders, complying with evidence-based parameters and guidelines from clinical experiments and research, and exploring the latest diagnosis and treatment solutions/technologies. The fourth aspect is facilitating study-based learning, training, and knowledge sharing in gastroenterology; and the fifth is improving the quality and continuity of patient care and agreeing on guidelines for gastrointestinal referrals to secondary health care facilities, enabling primary health care practitioners to make timely referral decisions to the right place and person.On the sidelines of the main event, two pre-conference workshops will be held, offering participants up to 20 continuing professional development (CPD) credit hours, as approved by MoPH’s Department of Healthcare Professions Accreditation Section.

The Shura Council participated in the Arab Parliament Dialogue on protecting honourable senior citizens from violence, abuse, and neglect. The dialogue was organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) via video conference. Representing the Council in the dialogue was member of the council HE Khalid bin Abbas Kamal al-Emadi alongside participants from Arab parliaments concerned with population and social issues, including members from specialised committees in legislation, social affairs, education, health, and human rights. In his remarks during the dialogue, HE al-Emadi highlighted Qatar's respect and appreciation for senior citizens, noting that all Qatari ministries and public institutions have been directed to use the term seniors of esteem instead of elderly in all official correspondence, websites, and statements. He outlined Qatar's efforts, policies, and measures aimed at enhancing and protecting the rights of that segment of the population and prioritizing them in inclusive social policies, and providing high-quality services and care to ensure them a dignified life. He also highlighted some of the services provided for this group, such as comprehensive healthcare in hospitals and health centres, as well as home-based care services within their family residences, known as home care. He touched on the role of the Ehsan Center, a civil and social organisation dedicated to empowering this group, supporting their active participation in various fields, and raising public awareness about their rights and essential issues. The center provides integrated services for seniors across Qatar. HE al-Emadi noted that this group is held in high regard within Qatari society, where cultural values and religious teachings uphold their respect and care. He emphasised that seniors of esteem are an integral part of the family and community fabric in Qatar, with efforts made to ensure their inclusion through active participation in various family and community activities. The dialogue also dealt with recent developments in national legislative frameworks addressing violence and abuse against seniors. It discussed the challenges and gaps related to the detection, reporting, and criminalisation of abuse and violence, as well as their access to legal protection. The Arab Parliament Dialogue serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and identifying best practices to advance the issues of seniors and protect them from abuse, violence, and neglect. It provides an opportunity to discuss ESCWAs related activities concerning them for the year 2025.

beIN Media Group's (beIN) children’s channel Jeem TV has won Best Kids’ Initiative of the Year and its OTT platform, TOD, won Best OTT Production of the Year – Non-Fiction at the 14th edition of the BroadcastPro ME Awards. The annual BroadcastPro ME Awards celebrates the best operators in the media and broadcast industries, recognising organisations for their contributions to creativity and innovation, a statement said Wednesday. beIN’s awards were in recognition of Jeem TV’s inaugural broadcast of F1 Kids in Classical Arabic, which marked a significant moment for children’s programming in the region. TOD’s original documentary Ons Jabeur: This Is Me exploring the life of Arab tennis superstar Ons Jabeur and her journey to the four Grand Slams of 2023 provided a candid window into the life of one of the Arab World’s most prominent sports stars. "Jeem TV’s adaptation of F1 Kids and TOD’s original documentary Ons Jabeur: This Is Me are both a testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering premier sports content that not only entertains, but also resonates with audiences worldwide”, said Mohammad al-Subaie, CEO of beIN Mena. Jeem TV’s F1 Kids programme adaptation was designed to captivate young audiences by delivering the thrill of Formula 1 to children in the region, in their mother tongue, with a variety of engaging features such as 3D graphics and a child commentator paired with a professional. TOD’s award-winning Ons Jabeur: This Is Me is a 95-minute original sports documentary that goes behind the scenes with Jabeur, the first Arab to reach a grand slam tennis final. The Tunisian had reached the final of Wimbledon and the US Open in 2022, so the documentary follows her to the four major tournaments of 2023 as she reaches the Wimbledon Final once more.

Bringing in more innovations in healthcare in a way that is much more embedded, is one of the top priorities for the new CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).Speaking to Gulf Times Wednesday Dr Slim Slama, said: “Our priority is also consolidation of the ideas and we have a national development vision. There is a lot of things happening in Qatar at the moment in the area of research and development and innovation."Dr Slama said that the WISH is of great focus but what comes before and after the event also matters a lot. “And for me, the vision I would have is to not only maintain the momentum of the Summit, but also to be able to mobilise it locally. We need to mobilise the academic and research institutions, and also the NGOs,” said the official.Dr Slama who was formerly working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the reports presented at WISH carry a lot impact and need to be implemented in their true spirit.As for the collaboration with WHO, he said that with an agreement signed already with WISH, there are several reports jointly organised with WHO and presented this year at the Summit.“We will seek, of course, WHO's guidance as a global health authority. But we will also have different partners to have collective actions. There will be implementation after the recommendations that will emerge from the discussions.”“I think we would like to maintain this in line with the national agenda. We will be finding a balance between supporting the domestic agenda, as Qatar has adopted the new national strategy,” he added.

The 6th Ras Laffan Falcons Championship concluded Wednesday. The championship was organised by Al Gannas Qatari Society and sponsored by Ras Laffan Community outreach Programme and the supporting companies. The concluding day witnessed the finals of Al Da'aw (falcons speeding) competitions with three top winners taking home cash prizes of QR60,000, QR50,000 and QR30,000, respectively. Encouragement prizes were given to the winners of the promising falconer category (11-14 years), and those of the young falconer category (6- 10 years). The value of these prizes ranged from QR2,000 to QR6,000.

Experts have made a call for greater investment in cancer research and treatment at World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2024 – warning that, without it, the world’s health systems face severe strain.The discussion – which focused on the societal and economic burden of breast and cervical cancers and outlined how an increasingly ageing society, coupled with poor lifestyle choices, is leading to more cancer deaths – was part of the opening day of the two-day event hosted by WISH, which concludes Thursday.In the session, titled ‘The Case for Investing in Women’s Cancer Care’, Dr Lamia Mahmoud, the World Health Organization’s regional advisor, Non-communicable Disease Prevention, highlighted the cancer situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, saying: “If you look at the mortality-to-incidence ratio, it tells us that more women are dying in our region than in other regions in the world. This means we have to invest in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.”Mahmoud explained that, according to recently published research, the economic burden of breast and cervical cancer stood at $15bn in 2020 and is expected to rise to $379bn by 2040. These figures include healthcare costs, societal costs, and the value lost to society through women’s premature deaths.HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani, founder and chairman, Qatar Cancer Society, explained there is a significant stigma surrounding these diseases, making people reluctant to discuss them.“People don’t think they might be susceptible to breast or cervical cancer,” he said. “But nobody is shielded. We have changed the way we have approached people, the way we talk to people. And while there has been tremendous progress over the last few decades, there is still much to be done.”Dr Jennifer Huang Bouey, chair of the Department of Global Health, Georgetown University, told the discussion: “People are living longer. An increasingly ageing society, the lifestyle we’re adopting everywhere – which relates to the type of diet and also lack of activity – are leading to more cancer deaths.“I cannot emphasise more the need for investment in treating cancer, because otherwise it will break all health systems globally.”Though clinical trials and new developments will increase the effectiveness of treatment, Dr Bouey pointed out that many cost-effective analyses have shown that primary prevention – targeting the healthy population to reduce the risks, like lifestyle changes and increasing cancer awareness – is the most cost effective.“And then there is secondary prevention, which involves screening and early detection, using portable technology so that women in remote areas can get early detection and early treatment.”The Summit has brought together more than 200 experts in health and around 3,000 delegates to discuss evidence-based ideas and practices in healthcare innovation with the aim of addressing the world’s most urgent global health challenges.