Qatar

A Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft arrived Thursday at Rafic Hariri International Airport, carrying relief aid and shelter supplies, within the framework of the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as part of the air bridge operated by the State of Qatar to support the brotherly Lebanese people as a result of the humanitarian crisis they are currently experiencing.The aid was received by the diplomatic staff of Qatar's Embassy and UNHCR representatives.

The activities of the second edition of the international forum "Youth at Hostel", organized by Qatar Youth Hostels under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), concluded today.A group of young people from different countries of the world participated in the international forum "Youth at Hostel", including Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Italy, Sudan, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt and Palestine.In this context, Head of Public Relations and Communications at Qatar Youth Hostels, Abdullah Saeed said: During the forum, the participating youth were distributed among four committees; "The Committee of International Organizations, the Committee of Governmental Institutions, the Committee of Youth-Centered Civil Societies, and the Private Sector Committee", and work continued on them throughout the days of the forum.On the final day, the committees came out with 6 recommendations on addressing the phenomenon of climate change and its effects on the world, and they will be submitted to UNICEF for work on them.He added that at the conclusion of the second edition of the International Forum /Youth at Hostel/, participants were given the opportunity to vote on the goal of the third edition of the upcoming forum, which will be announced next year.The second edition of the International Forum /Youth at Hostel/ was held in the Lusail Multipurpose Hall with the participation of 22 young men and women.

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met on Thursday with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Okano Masataka.During the meeting, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them as well as a number of topics of common interest.The meeting was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri and the accompanying delegation.

The State of Qatar affirmed that the Israeli occupation's disregard for international laws, agreements, and resolutions, its failure to respect the activities and objectives of international organizations, and its persistence in committing crimes of murder and forced displacement against the Palestinian population in Gaza, especially children, women and the elderly, require international solidarity to immediately end the war on the Strip, and to exert all efforts to compel the Israel to comply with the efforts to achieve just and sustainable peace in the region.This came in the statement of the State of Qatar delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the crisis facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in light of the two requests submitted by the Arab Group and the core group of the "Shared Commitments" supporting UNRWA, to the UNGA President to hold an informal general session on this matter, at the UN Headquarters in New York.HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations explained that the two Israeli legislations targeting UNRWA contradict General Assembly Resolution 302 issued in 1949, which represents the basis of UNRWA's mandate, undermine the purposes of the Charter, explaining in this context that the State of Qatar calls on the UNGA to assume its responsibility under its resolution establishing UNRWA.Her Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar is proud to be the first Arab country to have ever signed a multi-year agreement with UNRWA to support its core resources, in addition to being one of the largest supporting countries to UNRWA, as its financial contribution amounted to more than $49 million during 2024, explaining that it will continue its political, diplomatic and financial support for the agency.Her Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's firm and historic position in support of the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and their just cause in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and within the framework of the Arab Peace Initiative, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and to the members of his team who are carrying out their humanitarian mission and working to implement UNRWA's mandate in extremely difficult circumstances.HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN conveyed the State of Qatar's condolences for the victims of the agency's employees, pointing out that at least 237 have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli aggression.She noted that the number of Palestinian victims in Gaza exceeded 43,000, adding that this aggression systematically targeted relief workers, killing 322 of them. She also mentioned that at least 137 journalists have been killed since the beginning of the aggression, according to statistics from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar's condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli Knesset's approval of two laws that ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, considering this a dangerous precedent towards the UN and multilateral action and systematic targeting of the UN agency and its vital humanitarian activities.She underlined that the State of Qatar stresses that the Palestinian people besieged inside the Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic humanitarian conditions due to the ongoing Israeli aggression for more than a year, the obstruction of the delivery of necessary aid to the residents of the Strip, and the use of food and medicine as weapons against them.Her Excellency warned that banning UNRWA activities would lead to severe humanitarian and political consequences by depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank of essential UNRWA services, in addition to its repercussions on the issue of Palestinian refugees and their right to return to their areas and homes, a right guaranteed by international law and relevant UN resolutions, specifically UN General Assembly Resolution 194 and Security Council resolution 237.

The fifth round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and Japan was held in Tokyo on Thursday.The Qatari side was headed by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while the Japanese side was headed by HE Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Toshihide Ando.The consultations discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and enhance them.The round was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri and the accompanying delegation.

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be hazy at places at first, becoming moderate in temperature to relatively hot daytime and mild by night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, the weather will fine, the report added, warning of expected strong wind and high sea to the north by noon.Wind inshore will be northwesterly at a speed of 06 - 16 KT, gusting to 23 KT daytime.Offshore, it will be northwesterly at a speed of 06 - 16 KT, reaching to 23 KT to the north by noon.Sea state inshore will be 2 - 3 ft, rising to 4 ft at times; while offshore will be 3 - 3 ft, rising to 7 ft to the north by noon.Visibility inshore will bee 4 - 8 km, while offshore will be 5 - 10 km.

Qatar Tourism (QT) has announced the signing of 3 cooperation agreements to expand its international partnerships and enhance Qatar's position as a global tourism destination, on the sidelines of its participation in the World Travel Market 2024 exhibition currently being held in the London.Qatar Tourism (QT) said in a statement Wednesday that it had signed a cooperation agreement with the Celestyal Cruises, which was signed on behalf of Qatar Tourism (QT) by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, while Lee Haslett, Chief Operating Officer, signed on behalf of the Celestyal Cruises' management.Qatar Tourism concluded a cooperation agreement with the Kazunion Rustar tourism company, which was signed on behalf of Qatar Tourism by Omar Abdulrahman Al-Jaber, Head of Tourism Development Sector, and on behalf of the company by its CEO.In a related context, Qatar Tourism signed a cooperation agreement with Expedia, signed on behalf of Qatar Tourism by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, and on behalf of the agency by Rob Torres, Senior Vice President.The State of Qatar, represented by Qatar Tourism (QT), is participating in the exhibition, which kicked off last Tuesday and will continue until Thursday, with wide international participation.During its participation in the exhibition, Qatar Tourism viewed the latest developments in the tourism sector in the State of Qatar, as it leads a delegation of 33 partners from the tourism sector and four partner institutions.The Visit Qatar pavilion, the marketing and promotional arm of Qatar Tourism, extends over two floors, and hosts a group of the finest hotels, in addition to a number of tourism destination management companies and leading institutions in the hospitality sector.Qatar Airways, Discover Qatar, Katara Hospitality, and Qatar Calendar are also participating in supporting the pavilion and enhancing the State of Qatar's presence in this prominent global event. (

Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) has launched the Rawabet conference series for facilitating discussions on significant issues impacting the region and forging connections between timeless issues and timely topics.Rawabet, meaning “nexus,” reflects the series’ goal: to serve as an international platform allowing varying perspectives to intellectualise both enduring issues and emerging challenges.Each conference or workshop will focus on specific themes, with emphasis on underrepresented perspectives from the Global South at international debates.“Rawabet is an opportunity for us to bring together diverse voices, reflecting our commitment to connecting local realities with global conversations,” said, Marwan M Kraidy, dean and CEO, NU-Q.“As an institution with deep ties to the region, we believe it is crucial to create spaces where regional experiences can inform global discussions, offering insights that are both timely and relevant.”The series aligns with the school’s mission to advance academic excellence, collaboration and intercultural understanding among the diverse communities, with a particular focus on the Global South’s social, cultural, and political dynamics. Through Rawabet, the university aims to explore how regional challenges relate to global trends, encouraging collaboration among academics, students, and professionals.Kraidy emphasised that the series focuses on facilitating meaningful exchanges rather than presenting ready-made solutions. “The conversations we hope to foster are not just about finding resolutions, but understanding the complexities of the challenges we face and how they resonate both here in Qatar and across the Global South.”Rawabet series will bring together leading scholars, media practitioners, and artists in a two-day event conference exploring the roots of anti-Blackness, the impact of colonial legacies, and the dynamics of racial privilege across the Global South on November 11-12. In spring 2025, NU-QU-Q will organise a conference examining the evolution of Qatar’s media industry and its role in regional and international contexts.

Qatar University (QU), hosted a three-day ‘Discover Your University’ event which brought together various services and university resources to provide essential support for first-year students and newly enrolled students.The event featured participation from a number of QU departments, including academic support services such as Student Learning Support Centre, Academic Advising Centre, and the Library, in addition to various professional, psychological, and social support centres.Dr Mohammad Diab, vice-president of Student Affairs at QU stated: “This event is an exceptional opportunity for students to explore academic support resources, along with extracurricular programmes and activities that contribute to developing their skills and personal abilities.“The event aims to improve the university experience by introducing students to the various services provided by the university, which support both their academic and personal journeys.”

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hosted the 3rd HMC Precision Medicine Conference with the theme, ‘Shaping the Future Through Integration: Exploring the Latest Technologies and AI Applications.’The event, which emphasised the critical role of collaboration, AI technologies, and innovation in precision medicine, attracted more than 900 healthcare professionals and researchers over two days.Participants discussed recent advancements in personalised healthcare, emphasising integrating genomics and artificial intelligence into clinical practice. The integration of AI in precision medicine is a paradigm shift in how emerging technologies shape personalised treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.Dr Abdulla al-Ansari, chief medical officer at HMC and chair of the HMC Precision Medicine Committee, said: “This conference represented a great step forward in our mission to integrate advanced technologies and artificial intelligence into clinical practice.”Dr Salha Bujassoum al-Bader, director of the Centre for Clinical Precision Medicine and Genomics, said: “We can share knowledge and best practices that will ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes in Qatar and beyond. Incorporating the latest technologies and artificial intelligence into our practices is essential to providing personalised care that meets the unique needs of our patients.”“This event not only encouraged knowledge sharing but also highlighted the challenges we face in implementing and integrating precision medicine into everyday practice,” Dr al-Ansari noted. “By working closely with our national and international partners, we aim to optimise personalised patient care.”

Deepening the debate about the ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare will be one of the areas of focus at the seventh edition of the biennial global gathering of healthcare experts hosted by World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH 2024), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, taking place on November 13-14.AI, according to Dr Mohammed Ghaly, professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics at the Research Centre for Islamic Legislation and Ethics at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, is one of the most important stages in the progress of today’s civilisation.“Given the diversity of its applications that have revolutionised the world of technology, AI is as important as the discovery of books, printing, digitisation, or even the Internet,” he said. “It is a historical aspect of technological progress that will forever characterise our current era.”One of the reports being released at the summit is titled ‘AI and Healthcare Ethics: Islamic Perspectives on Medical Accountability’. It examines how AI technologies can enhance diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient care, as well as exploring the ethical challenges presented by AI – especially in the context of medical accountability, as discussed in Western bioethical literature.Maha El Akoum, acting director, Research and Policy at WISH – who, along with Dr Ghaly is one of the main authors of the WISH report – said: “As AI technologies become integral to diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, we must ensure that these innovations uphold ethical standards that protect patient dignity and rights.“Islamic bioethics provides a valuable framework for examining the moral responsibilities of healthcare providers, developers, and institutions. By engaging with these ethical principles, we can foster a deeper understanding of how to implement AI in ways that are responsible and equitable.”El Akoum says WISH recognises that, as AI continues to reshape healthcare, it is crucial to address the ethical implications that accompany this transformation. According to her, this focus on Islamic ethics and accountability is not only timely, but essential for promoting trust in healthcare systems, particularly in regions where cultural values play a significant role in health decision-making.Dr Ghaly is clear that the role of AI in health, for all its potential benefits, also creates concerns – particularly relating to responsible use.“Many AI models in healthcare provide highly accurate and reliable outcomes, such as assisting in diagnosis and analysing medical images, robotic-assisted surgery, and providing medical analysis results,” he said. “However, the complex disagreement lies in the difficulty of understanding or explaining the internal steps which lead AI to produce these results.”In the context of Islam and Shariah science, Dr Ghaly said: “The basic principle is that it is forbidden to attack the body because it is the creation of God; and, accordingly, it is not permissible to interfere with the body except for an acceptable Shariah reason based on medical knowledge.”He explained that medical responsibility in Islam is based on three elements. God, as the body’s creator; the patient, who is entrusted with authority over their body; and the doctor, who intervenes in the body based on the approval of God and the patient.The challenge regarding AI in healthcare, Dr Ghaly emphasised, is its reliance on available data and the extent of its reliability, diversity, and comprehensiveness. “The most important development AI has brought about in healthcare,” he added, “is that medical responsibility has shifted from being an individual responsibility, mostly borne by the physician, to a joint responsibility involving parties who previously had no role in medical decisions – data scientists, programmers.”

Granada: The international conference on ‘The Andalusian Legacy and Civilisation: from its Birth to Contemporary Transformations’, started Wednesday at Euro Arab Foundation in Granada, Spain. The first day witnessed historians and academia highlighting the historical significance of Al Andalus and discussing the ways to revive it.Chaired by Dr Mohammad Iqbal Farhat, associate professor, Department of Theology and Da’wa at Qatar University (QU), the inaugural session underlined the need for efforts to promote cultural exchange and strengthen relations between the Arab-Islamic world and Spain in its positive aspect.Dr Mohammed Abu Bakr al-Muslih, assistant dean of academic affairs at QU, while delivering his opening remarks, noted that the conference is rich with cultural dialogue and studies that promote coexistence and understanding among civilisations, religions, nations and communities.He noted that cultural dialogue and coexistence can be promoted through the dissemination of awareness about other civilisations. “The Andalusian legacy left by the Islamic civilisation in Spain and the Iberian Peninsula remains a pioneer of humanity’s creativity,” he said. HE the Secretary-General of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed al-Sada said the conference is held in the light of the rapid transformations witnessed by the world at the political, economic, environmental and scientific levels, which call for remembering and benefiting from the Andalusian cultural heritage that has provided human history with the values ​​of co-operation between nations, peoples and religions in addition to providing humanity with a lot of knowledge and technologies in the face of many challenges.“This conference is in line with the general goal that the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilisations seeks to achieve in the field of civilisational diplomacy. He noted that Qatar’s strategy in achieving the alliance of civilisations emphasises strengthening the principles of dialogue among civilisations and highlighting the Islamic cultural heritage that provided humanity with a distinguished model in construction, urbanisation and scientific and cognitive progress,” he said.“We hope that this conference will come out with constructive and practical proposals and recommendations that can contribute to highlighting the bright image of the civilisational achievement that was achieved on the land of Al Andalus in fields of knowledge, arts and sciences,” he said, adding that it will strengthen and develop Arab-Spanish relations in various political, economic, commercial, cultural and scientific aspects.Dr Anar Karimov, head of the Partnership and International Cooperation Sector of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Icesco) and former minister of culture of Azerbaijan; Pro Antonio Sánchez Ortega, executive secretary of the Euro-Arab Foundation, Prof Dr Ezzeddine Mamiche, chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Conference; and Dr Raid Jamil Mohammad Okashah, academic adviser at Institute of Islamic Thought attended the inaugural session.The inaugural day hosted sessions on ‘Andalusian Legacy: The Rise, Evolution and Interaction, ‘Andalusian Legacy and its Role in Cultural Interaction’ and ‘Andalusian Jurisprudence and Legal Legacy and its Role in Interacting with Calamities’. Also, a workshop was held on ‘Methodology for Dealing with Western Thought’.The two-day conference is organised by the Icesco Chair for the Alliance of Civilisations at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at QU in co-operation with the Quality and Sustainable Development Foundation, Euro Arab Foundation for Higher Studies, Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Icesco, Journal of Sharia and Islamic Studies-Kuwait University and the International Institute of Islamic Thought, and the Institute for Philosophical Studies- Europe, Brussels.The conference features speakers from Qatar, Spain, Kuwait, Oman, the US, Canada, India, Kenya, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Iraq and Turkiye in various sessions.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) held Wednesday a workshop seeking to develop the Airport Security Department officers’ skills. Themed ‘Control and Enforcement’, the workshop was held in co-ordination between the MoI’s Legal Procedures Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Public Prosecution, and the Police Officers Institute at the Police Academy.The two-day workshop teaches a practical training curriculum developed specifically for Airport Security Department officers, which includes a legal procedures manual. In attendance were Director of Airport Security Department Staff Colonel Khamis Mohammed al-Muraikhi, Director of the Office of HE the Minister of State for Interior Affairs and Chairman of the Legal Procedures Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, Colonel Dr Abdulaziz Ahmed al-Ibrahim, and Director of the Police Officers Institute Colonel Nayef Mohammed al-Mannai. Also present were several judges and public prosecutors.Staff Colonel al-Muraikhi thanked all those who contributed to organizing the workshop and called for further co-operation to achieve the desired goals and develop performance, which reflects the MoI’s leadership and excellence in providing security services that meet ambitions and hopes according to the highest standards.Meanwhile, Colonel Dr al-Ibrahim said the event is one of a cluster of workshops to be presented over the coming months to security departments, whose work nature requires direct interaction with the public.He pointed out that the Legal Procedures Monitoring and Evaluation Committee seeks to achieve outcomes that reflect an honourable and civilized image of the MoI, through concerted efforts and co-operation with the Public Prosecution and the Supreme Judicial Council.This constructive co-operation has resulted in the preparation of distinctive and advanced scientific content due to the extensive experience of the participating parties, he added.Colonel al-Mannai hailed the importance of the deliberations during the workshop as a qualitative shift and a real addition to enhancing the Airport Security Department members’ legal competence, which is reflected in their professional level.He added that the Police Officers Institute always seeks to co-operate with various institutions in Qatar and beyond to provide the MoI officers with required knowledge and skills.The workshop was an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences, and to determine the legal foundations that support work in the field of airport security, he added.

The Amiri Naval Forces inaugurated the International Joint Maritime Exercise (Al Salam 1) 2024, under the patronage of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah and in the presence of HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Staff Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Aqeel al-Nabit.The naval forces of the US, the UK, France and Italy are taking part in the exercise. The exercise aims to raise the level of the Amiri Naval Forces in all specialities and raise combat efficiency and readiness. The opening was attended by a number of senior commanders and officers.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has spotted a number of whales and dolphins within the Qatari territorial waters.These whales are of the Arabian humpback type, which is considered one of the most important whale species in the country.It is a peaceful marine creature that often comes to the water surface to breathe and get oxygen. There are only 100 remaining humpback whales remaining in the world including those in Qatar.All over the world, there are 100 species of dolphins and whales. Among the most important dolphin species found in Qatari waters are the long-beaked dolphin, the bottle-nose dolphin and the spinner dolphin. The ministry stressed that the efforts of conserving whales starts with protecting the marine environment, which requires greater awareness and responsible attitude of people towards the unique components of the local environment.In the meantime, the ministry marked the International Day for Combating Whale Hunting on November 5, which is considered as an opportunity to focus on the importance of protecting these creatures, which play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance in the seas and oceans. Further, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to stopping whale hunting to protect these species for the upcoming generations.

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

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah met Wednesday in Doha with Iraqi Minister of Defence Thabet Muhammad Saeed al-Abbasi, along with his accompanying delegation.The two sides discussed topics of common interest and detailed bilateral co-operation relations and ways to boost them. The meeting was attended by Head of the Training Authority Staff Major General Jassim bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, Head of Supply and Equipment Authority Brigadier-General (Pilot) Dr Youssef Ahmed al-Qayed, Head of the International Military Co-operation Authority Staff Brigadier General Abdulaziz Saleh al-Sulaiti, and a number of senior officials and officers from both sides.

King Charles III of the United Kingdom received the credentials of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud al-Thani as Qatar's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom.The ambassador conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the King of the United Kingdom, and His Highness's wishes of the best of health and happiness to the King, and the government and people of the United Kingdom continued progress and prosperity.For his part, the King of the United Kingdom entrusted the ambassador to convey his greetings to the Amir, wishing His Highness the best of health and happiness, and the State of Qatar further progress and prosperity.

Qatar on Wednesday chaired the 26th Meeting of the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Transport of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). The meeting was chaired by Hassan al-Hail, advisor to the Minister of Transport, and attended by the GCC undersecretaries of the ministries of transport and Assistant Secretary for Economic and Development Affairs of the Secretariat General of the GCC Khalid Ali Salim al-Sunaidi. The meeting discussed the topics related to the GCC Railways Authority and the GCC Railway Project and its latest updates, as well as the General Agreement for Connecting the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to the Railway Project. The meeting also discussed work progress on the land transportation strategy for the GCC states and the executive regulations of the GCC uniform system for universal land transportation.On maritime and harbours, the meeting discussed controls of conventional merchant vessels access to the waters and harbours of the GCC States, and the quays accommodating that type of vessels. The meeting also discussed the uniform conditions and controls for granting driving licences to the offshore units not subject to international maritime conventions. Also discussed were several other topics relating to co-operation and co-ordination in transportation among GCC countries. Recommendations have been reported to the GCC Transport Ministers Committee for endorsement during their 26th meeting tomorrow, Nov. 7.

The inaugural Qatar Boat Show opened Wednesday at Old Doha Port, bringing together marine industry leaders from around the world. The first day saw a great turnout in terms of number of visitors, including many dignitaries from different sectors. The event featured a series of high-profile signing ceremonies. The Ministry of Transportation witnessed the formalisation of key agreements, solidifying partnerships between Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and various key partners, including QTerminals and Milaha. These strategic alliances underscore Qatar's commitment to enhancing its maritime free zones, streamlining logistics, and advancing sustainable growth within the marine transportation sector, a statement said. The first day of Qatar Boat Show 2024 featured local, regional, and international brands, showcasing a diverse range of marine and luxury lifestyle products while highlighting the latest advancements in marine sports, diving, and fishing equipment from leading manufacturers. Welcoming a diverse audience of boat and yacht owners, water sports enthusiasts, captains, sailors, divers, and more, the first-ever Qatar Boat Show showcases the country's growing status as a hub for maritime lifestyle while promising an immersive experience for both visitors and exhibitors alike. The visitors were captivated by the military band symphony and a dazzling fireworks show that illuminated the night sky, marking this inaugural maritime event in a truly spectacular fashion. Mohamed Abdulla al-Mulla, chairman of the Organising Committee of the Qatar Boat Show 2024, said: “We are pleased with the great turnout we witnessed on the first day, which reflects the passion of the public and visitors about the maritime sector and marine sports. "This event embodies our commitment to strengthening the maritime industry in the country by organizing one of the key maritime events so that we aspire to be on the main yacht exhibitions calendar in the Middle East. The organisation of this event aligns with the strategy set for the port. "As we continue to move towards sustainable development, we are committed to employing all the capabilities and infrastructure available in the port to celebrate maritime heritage, promote innovation, and enhance the positioning of the port and the country on the marine tourism map.” At Qatar Boat Show 2024, there is something for everyone with a variety of areas for visitors to explore. The Shoreline Display has a magnificent lineup of on-ground boats from the latest leisure boats and sleek speedboats from over 450 marine brands, Al Dar Marine, Doha Craft Marine, and Jassim Ahmed Al Lingawi Trading. Visitors can also check out the Oceanic Display for craftsmanship and innovative yachts on the water from Aldhaen Marine, Al Fajer Marine, Gulf Craft, Princess Yachts, Sanlorenzo Yachts, Sunseeker, Cranchi and Sirena Yachts. The Qatar Boat Show also hosts prominent yachting lifestyle brands, including Benetti, Feadship, Oceanco, and Turquoise Yachts. At the Watersports Area, visitors can watch demonstrations and shows, such as stand-up paddling, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and the dragon boat show. Visitors can also watch the dancing water fountain and fireworks as well as browse through over 100 brands of watersports and fishing equipment. For a taste of the marine industry, visitors can tour the exhibitor booths to explore and learn about the latest innovative technology and equipment. There are additional festivities at the Mina District, from a series of marine competitions, live music performances, elite supercars parade, roaming horse shows, as well as a group of artists showcasing Qatari culture and local music bands playing. Qatar Boat Show 2024 will conclude Saturday. The timing Thursday is from 3pm to 8pm and on the last two days from 3pm to 9pm.