Qatar

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of its top students at the prestigious Annual Academic Awards Ceremony.This year, the awards recognized a total of 54 outstanding undergraduates and graduates across various academic disciplines. Students were honored in eight categories: Academic Excellence Award, Academic Merit Award, Academic Distinction Award, Foundation Program Award, Industrial Trades Dean Award, Achievement Award, Applied Research Award, and Innovation Award. The University proudly presented the Academic Excellence Awards to students with the highest weighted averages in their respective programs.Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Salem Al Naemi, President of UDST, said: "Today, we celebrate the journey of success our outstanding students have embarked upon and the values the embody, such as perseverance and dedication. Each award represents a commitment to excellence that goes beyond academic boundaries and reflects UDSTs role in preparing leaders who will make a positive impact on our society. This ceremony is not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a reminder of our collective pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development."All recipients of the Academic Excellence and Academic Merit Awards received monetary awards, as well as University certificates, with distinctions noted on their official transcripts. UDSTs Annual Awards Ceremony reinforces the Universitys dedication to cultivating an environment of academic excellence and innovation, making it a key annual event that inspires and honors exceptional contributions to society

Qatar has been elected as member of drafting committee for diplomatic conference to adopt a design law treaty (DLT) of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).This election was approved by the diplomatic conference, which will conclude on November 22, reflects Qatar’s prominent international stature.Qatar was represented by Ahmed Essa al-Sulaiti, Director of the Office of Qatar to the World Trade Organisation and other economic organisations in Geneva.The DLT aims to harmonise and simplify global industrial design registration procedures, encourage digital applications and reduce costs.This election is part of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to enhance its active role in drafting international agreements and participate in developing the international legal framework in economic and trade fields.It highlights Qatar’s commitment to fostering international cooperation on various economic issues and consolidates its presence on the global stage.The drafting committee consists of 17 elected members and two ex officio members, elected by the conference from among the member delegations.The drafting committee is tasked with preparing drafts and advising on their formulation. It reviews and coordinates the drafting of all texts prior to presenting them to the relevant main committees for final approval.

The ‘His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award’ reflects Qatar’s ambitious vision to create a world free of corruption and enhance international efforts to combat this fraudulent conduct at the global level.Since its first approval in 2016, the award has become an international platform aimed at honouring organisations, institutions and individuals who have made a distinguished contribution to combating corruption and promoting transparency and good governance around the world.The 8th edition of the award will be held today in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where the award is distributed in co-ordination with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The award includes five categories: Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Achievement in Combating Corruption, Academic Research and Educational Materials for Combating Corruption, Youth Creativity and Engagement for Combating Corruption, Innovation or Investigative Journalism for Combating Corruption, in addition to Protecting Sports from Corruption.The HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is of great importance worldwide, as it represents strong support for international efforts to combat corruption and reduce its negative impact, and highlights the importance of enhancing co-operation between governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations to develop effective strategies aimed at reducing this phenomenon.The award also emphasises the importance of the human right to combat corruption, and the right to live in a world free of corruption in all areas, whether political, economic, social, cultural, health or other sectors. In this context, HE Dr Mohammed bin Saif al-Kuwari, Vice-Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the award is of great importance internationally, and reflects the extent of keenness to enhance international co-operation in this field, especially since all countries have laws and legislation to combat corruption, which has very significant damage to the political and economic situation, social affairs, education, health and others.He considered the award an important platform through which to highlight these achievements, whether from institutions or individuals, in combating corruption.

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Tuesday will be misty to foggy at places at first, and relatively hot daytime, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of expected poor visibility at places at first.Offshore, the weather will see some clouds at times, the report added.Wind inshore will be southeasterly to southwesterly at a speed of 03 - 13 KT.Offshore, it will be southeasterly at a speed of 03 - 13 KT.Sea state inshore will be 1 - 2 ft; while offshore will be 1 - 3 ft.Visibility inshore will bee 4 - 8 / 2 km or less at places at first, while offshore will be 5 - 10 km.

Aspire Zone Foundation has completed its final preparations for the launch of the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament "Sky Grace 2024," organized in collaboration with the Sky Grace Academy.The event will take place from Nov. 20-22, at the Aspire Dome indoor track, setting a landmark in the sporting events calendar in the State of Qatar.In a statement on Monday, the foundation said that work teams have added the finishing touches to the venue, which will host the opening ceremony and the five main performances, including hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, and rope. These spectacular displays will showcase the competitors' skills, managed by a dedicated team of experts in sports and entertainment event management from the foundation.The team works around the clock following world-class standards to ensure the best audience experience.The Tournament is a unique sporting event held for the first time in the region, where the audience will witness exceptional performances that combine the technical and aesthetic skills of rhythmic gymnastics. The opening ceremony will include a promotional show by the Sky Grace Academy designed to showcase the details of the Tournament and highlight its key moments, in addition to a unique artistic show that expresses the essence of sports competition.The Sky Grace Tournament is dedicated to women only, where players will present wonderful rhythmic performances that combine artistic beauty and physical agility to the tunes of music, using rhythmic gymnastics tools. Each artistic movement takes between 60 and 90 seconds, moments in which players display the highest levels of flexibility, strength, and balance.25 countries are participating in the second edition of the International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament, making this event an ideal opportunity to meet and compete with the best talents in rhythmic gymnastics.

The Ministry of Labour, through its Department of Qualifying Skills and Development, successfully organised a specialised training course in collaboration with the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants.The course was conducted on Nov 14-18, 2024, with the aim of empowering jobseekers in the private sector, specifically targeting Qatari graduates and children of Qatari women with an interest in accounting.Titled “Internal Audit Standards,” the course was designed to enhance participants’ technical skills in accounting and internal auditing, equipping them with the professional qualifications necessary to enter the competitive private sector workforce. This initiative is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capabilities of Qatar’s national workforce and ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the labour market.The training course is a key component of the ministry’s broader strategy to develop a highly effective and productive workforce, ready to address the challenges of the future. It contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of Qatari citizens and children of Qatari women in the labour market, increasing their representation in the private sector, and improving overall workforce efficiency and productivity.Throughout the course, experts and specialists from the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants delivered comprehensive sessions on the core principles of internal audit standards and the stages of institutional financial accounting. The training adhered to the latest international accounting practices and ethical standards, incorporating cutting-edge technological tools commonly used in the profession.In addition to strengthening technical accounting skills, the course provided participants with valuable insights into governance, risk management, and the oversight of financial performance.The National Strategy for an Effective and Highly Productive Workforce (2024-2030), a central pillar of the ministry’s ambitious workforce development objectives, aims to increase the participation of Qataris in the workforce from 54% to 58%, and raise the proportion of Qataris employed in the private and mixed sectors from 17% to 20%. This strategy is aligned with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has unveiled an exciting array of educational activities to mark the World Children’s Day, due to take place tomorrow. The events include the participation in a collaborative artwork to build a miniature version of the museum, as well as storytelling sessions of The Most Beautiful Day of My Life: Discover the beauty of Qatari traditions, values and the joy of giving.Additionally, the events include Interactive games through which children learn about parents’ rights along with key information about Qatar in this fun and educational game, in addition to reading adventures (in Arabic) which offers children the inspiration to explore different reading materials, from books to newspapers, while having fun. Families will join an interactive adventure through the museum galleries and family exhibits. while children will actively enhance their knowledge of Qatar’s environment, heritage, and culture.HE the Director of NMoQ Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad al-Thani said that at NMoQ he recognises the potential of children, the architects of future, and believes that through equipping them with the right tools and providing them with the support, they are greatly empowered to shape a world built on empathy, knowledge, and innovation.He added that the World Children’s Day demonstrates the commitment to investing in their potential and celebrating their creativity to become leaders towards a brighter future. He invited families across Qatar to join this unique celebration. The event is open to all, and children of all ages are invited to join the celebration with their families.Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on Nov 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.

A Qatar Amiri Air Force aircraft arrived Monday at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, carrying relief aid and shelter supplies, within the framework of the co-operation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as part of the air bridge operated by Qatar to support the brotherly Lebanese people with the humanitarian crisis they are currently experiencing. The aid was received by the diplomatic staff of Qatar’s embassy and UNHCR representatives.

The representation office of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in Yemen is implementing a Refugee Health Care Support project at two health centres in Amanat Al-Asimah, with the patients requiring critical or specialist medical care referred to government hospitals and specialised medical facilities.With an annual budget of QR5,049,403, the project is co-funded by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and QRCS, a statement said Monday.So far, a total of 41,098 refugees and 26,465 local patients visited the two medical facilities and received free primary healthcare services. Further, 2,259 refugees were referred to advanced medical services, such as CT and surgeries, at many hospitals, labs, radiology centres, and private medical clinics.Under the project, 242 operations were performed, including open heart surgery, diagnostic/therapeutic cardiac catheterisation, cardiothoracic surgery, and orthopaedic surgery.QRCS is regularly providing medications, solutions, operational expenses, stationery, fuel, water supply, and maintenance for the two medical complexes hosting the project.In co-ordination with UNHCR, medical equipment and supplies are also provided for the government medical facilities serving refugees, which helps support the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Primary Health Care Corporation ( PHCC) has highlighted the importance of flu vaccine and has recommended it for children aged six months and older.PHCC noted that flu vaccine helps keep kids from getting sick. Flu can make a person sick for a week or more, a statement said. Children younger than five years of age, especially those younger than two years old are at a higher risk of developing serious complications due to flu.PHCC said complications from flu among children in this age group can include: pneumonia; dehydration; worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma; brain dysfunction such as encephalopathy; sinus problems and ear infections and in rare cases, flu complications can lead to death.Flu vaccine not only protects the children against flu and its potentially serious consequences, but also helps reduce the spread of flu to other vulnerable people such as the elderly and people with health conditions such as asthma.Babies younger than six months can’t get the vaccine. But if their parents, other caregivers, and older kids in the household get it, it will help protect the baby. This is important because infants are more at risk for serious problems from the flu.Children six months to eight years old need two doses of flu vaccine this season, if they have never received flu vaccine before, the statement added.

Fire Station: Artist in Residence in collaboration with Best Buddies, unveiled ‘Friends & More’, an inspiring exhibition displaying a range of artworks created by individuals with disabilities.Featuring themes of friendship and the iconic landmarks of Qatar, the exhibition highlights the immense creative talent of the local community. The second edition runs until December 21.‘Friends & More’ is a part of the Best Buddies Qatar Initiative, which aims to empower individuals and give them a platform for artistic expression.Participants in the Best Buddies Qatar initiative showcase a vibrant and diverse collection of artworks using a variety of techniques like the paper clay technique combining paper with clay to make unique artworks.Different methods from embroidery to luminism are employed, and materials ranging from wood and jewellery to photographs and ceramics are used.Through a series of collaborative art workshops, held in partnership with specialised art centres and organisations across Qatar, participants of all ages have had the opportunity to develop their artistic skills, while fostering friendship and creativity.Khalifa al-Obaidly, director of Fire Station, reaffirmed the importance of this project saying: “At Fire Station, we are dedicated to promoting creative innovation and uplifting voices in the artistic community. We are honoured to partner with Best Buddies, a powerful initiative that highlights the creativity and potential of individuals with disabilities. This ‘Friends & More’ exhibition marks an important step towards greater inclusivity and celebrating the diverse stories within our community. We invite everyone to discover and be inspired by the unique talents of our friends in Best Buddies.”The Best Buddies Qatar initiative is dedicated to promoting social inclusion for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of programmes, activities, and events. Aligned with Fire Station’s mission to nurture local talent, the second edition of the ‘Friends & More’ art exhibition raises awareness about the incredible creativity of people with disabilities in our community.Saida al-Khulaifi, Head of Programmes in Fire Station and Curator for the exhibition, said: “Fire Station and Best Buddies Qatar have a shared vision to amplify the voices of local talent and empower communities to tell their stories. The power of friendship, national pride, and unique artistic execution are all presented in this exhibition.”The exhibition is open to the public at the Fire Station, Gallery 4, from Saturday-Thursday from 9:00am-7:00pm, and on Friday from 1:30pm-7:00pm.

The Gulf-Qatari Classic Car Association has announced the launch of the Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2024, under the patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, from November 27-December 2 at Medina Centrale - The Pearl Island. At a press conference Monday, the association leaders announced its strategic partnership with the United Development Company (UDC), the main developer of The Pearl and Giwan Islands, and under the main sponsorship of Qatar Tourism. Alfardan Classic Cars, DAAM and Katara Hospitality are among the other partners. Engineer Abdul Latif bin Ali al-Yafei, member of the Board of Directors and secretary-general of the association said the Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2024 is held under the supervision of the International Federation of Classic Cars (FIVA). “For the first time, monetary prizes will be awarded to the winners in all categories of the competition this year,” he said. Abdullah bin Ali al-Khater, head of Partnerships and Sponsorship Affairs at QM, described the contest as a prominent annual event that attracts all car enthusiasts. “We thank the Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association, represented by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, and Omar Alfardan, and the United Development Company and all partners for their continuous support.” “The participation of Qatar Museums confirms our interest in the merger of cars, art and design, and we look forward to continuous co-operation with you in developing the Qatar Automotive Museum to be a hub that celebrates cars and supports innovation, design, sustainability and traffic safety.” Abdulhadi al-Marri, senior director of Partnerships at Qatar Tourism, said the event is in line with the vision of attracting more visitors to Qatar. Hassan bin Youssef al-Obaidli, director of programmes at DAAM, stated: “By supporting this event, DAAM aims to support the current owners of classic cars and encourage them, in addition to raising awareness among the new generation about the value of these cars which are considered artistic and engineering masterpieces and about the importance of preserving this heritage, which attracts enthusiasts from all around the globe who are eager to learn about their history. “ Dr Maan al-Hamwi, CEO of Alfardan Automotive, said: “We believe in the importance of this sponsorship and its role in elevating this event, and we will continuously work to support it in the future to achieve further development and excellence.” Sheikh Abdulrahman al-Thani, senior marketing and communications director in Katara Hospitality, stated: “We will be displaying two classic cars from the association at the Raffles and Fairmont hotels.” The Classic Car Contest on the sidelines of the exhibition, includes five categories, which will see three winners each. Category 1: 1947 and before; Category 2: 1948-1958; Category 3: 1959-1969; Category 4: 1970-1980; Category 5: 1981-1994. The prizes include: The Best exceptional luxury car award; The most represented car award; The most authentically preserved car award; The most local heritage preserved award; The best car at the exhibition award.

HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed al-Mannai met with the visiting Commander of the US Central Command Michael Kurilla. Discussions during the meeting dealt with a number of topics of common interest in addition to co-operation relations between the two sides, and means to enhance and develop them. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials and officers from both sides.

The Parliamentary Friendship Group between Qatar and the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Shura Council met via videoconference with its Kazakh counterpart. The member of the Shura Council and Chairman of the Qatari-Kazakh Friendship Group engineer Ahmed bin Hitmi al-Hitmi chaired the Qatari side during the meeting, and the member of the Kazakh Parliament Erlan Barlybaev headed the Kazakh side.The meeting discussed the existing parliamentary relations between Qatar and Kazakhstan, and ways to enhance and develop them to serve the interests of the two friendly countries and peoples.

Qatar participated in the opening of the 'Knowledge Summit 2024' organised by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, under the slogan 'Future Skills and Artificial Intelligence Economy'. HE the Minister of Labour, Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri represented Qatar at the opening of the summit Monday.The two-day event covers key topics such as the role of human intelligence in advancing technology, the transformative effects of artificial intelligence, and the evolving nature of future skills. Discussions will also explore policies driving innovation, strategies for economic growth and social change, environmental innovations promoting sustainability, enhancing cybersecurity, and the role of artificial intelligence in space exploration, among other critical areas.

Prof Nouf al-Thani, a Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) postdoctoral fellow is shaping how a new generation of students sees the world and their place in it through a discussion on Qatar’s cultural diplomacy.“I’ve taught four courses at GU-Q,” Prof Nouf said, naming them in chronological order: Cultural Practices and Sustainable Development in Qatar, Qatar's Soft Power, and the ongoing Global Tapestry: Understanding the World through Collections.“Each course reflects my passion for exploring the role of culture, diplomacy, and identity, both globally and within Qatar.”Qatari perspectives are deeply integrated into all of her courses. Her goal is to prepare the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and cultural ambassadors who will carry Qatar’s voice forward. “As a Qatari faculty member, I see my role as a bridge between local experiences and global academic discourse,” she says. “My background and experience allow me to offer a unique perspective on Qatar’s evolving role in the world.”Prof Nouf received her JD from Hamad Bin Khalifa University and holds an MA in Museum and Gallery Practice from University College London in Qatar. With a decade of experience in the cultural sector, she now serves as deputy director of learning and outreach at Lusail Museum while also teaching at GU-Q. In both roles, she bridges academic theory with real-world initiatives, offering a unique window into how Qatar is positioning itself on the global stage — whether through international art exhibitions or major sporting events.She recalls moments when her students, some of whom are international, experience an “aha” moment, realising the power a nation’s cultural heritage holds. Through her courses, they come to appreciate how Qatar, though small, represents something much larger on the global stage — a vision that inspires other nations.Teaching at GU-Q has been deeply fulfilling for Prof al-Thani, who finds the intellectual and personal growth of her students the most rewarding part of her work. She credits colleagues like Prof Karine Walther and dean, Safwan Masri for supporting her teaching journey and providing opportunities for local representation at the university.

Qatar University (QU)'s College of Engineering will organise the Fourth World Congress on Engineering and Technology from Dec. 25, 2024.This congress will encompass the 25th International Conference on Web Information Systems Engineering, the 6th International Gas Conference, the 4th World Energy Storage Conference, and the National Cybersecurity Competition.Dean of the College of Engineering Prof. Khaled Kamal Naji highlighted that the congress will bring together a diverse range of sessions, keynote lectures, and panel discussions, focusing on advancing knowledge in areas such as web information systems, gas technology, and energy storage.These sessions are designed to foster the exchange of technical expertise among international experts, scholars, and industry leaders, promoting a collaborative environment for addressing critical challenges in each field.The congress aims to showcase high-quality research that reflects the latest advancements, provides practical solutions for the industry, and introduces innovative policies that align with global trends in sustainable energy and digital transformation. Through this event, participants will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, discuss pressing scientific issues, and explore how policy developments can support progress in these vital areas of engineering.Prof. Naji added, "The number of scientific papers submitted to the congress has exceeded 800, and they will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The congress will also feature participation from industry experts, researchers, and decision-makers."It includes a series of panel discussions that will provide valuable opportunities to present the latest studies, real-world examples, and successful applications. Additionally, it will contribute to fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas in the fields of research and industry, and advancing the transition towards a more sustainable future."College of Engineering extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors for their invaluable support. Their commitment underscores the vital role of fostering innovation and collaboration within the engineering and technology sectors".Director of the Gas Processing Center, College of Engineering, Dr. Mohammed Ali Salah announced the hosting of the 6th International Gas Conference in Doha, highlighting the event's commitment to addressing key challenges in the oil and gas industry and supporting the shift toward sustainable energy. Sponsored by major oil and gas companies in Qatar, the conference will bring together international experts from academia and industry to exchange knowledge and the latest innovations. The program will feature keynote speakers, research presentations, poster sessions, and an exhibition, as well as technical workshops that support practical learning and skills development in oil and gas.Research Professor at the Gas Processing Center, the College of Engineering, Prof. Ibnelwaleed Hussein said, "The conference, focused on the theme Energy Transition and Sustainability,' invites researchers to submit abstracts on diverse topics, including energy transition, hydrogen and decarbonization, digital transformation and AI in oil and gas, process modeling and optimization, industrial water management, gas-to-product and oil-to-chemical transformations, gas economics and policies, process safety, sustainable chemical processes, and industrial case studies." Prof. Fares Al Momani from the Department of Chemical Engineering welcomed attendees and shared the departments readiness for hosting the 4th version of the World Energy Storage Conference (WESC-2024). He emphasized the importance of this event as a platform for bringing together leading scientists, researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry experts to address the critical advancements and challenges within the evolving field of energy storage.Prof. Al Momani expressed confidence that this diverse program will not only showcase cutting-edge research but also foster meaningful discussions and connections, accelerating the transition to sustainable and efficient energy systems. The participants of the WESC-2024 represent a diverse array of countries, including, in addition to Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, as well as the USA, Canada, Algeria, Pakistan, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, China, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye.Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and general chair of the 25th International Conference on Web Information Systems Engineering WISE2024, Dr. Mahmoud Barhamgi highlighted the significance of the conference as a leading forum for web research.He said, "The edition WISE2024 of the conference is a special one, as it offers a rich scientific program featuring special tracks on important and trendy research topics, a PhD symposium for the junior scholars, demo sessions, panels, workshops, as well as thought-provoking keynotes by groundbreaking speakers from academia and the industry (including speakers from Google, Microsoft, and Facebook)." "Researchers from over 50 countries will gather in WISE24 to present and discuss how their research in important areas such as AI and cybersecurity is advancing the world and improving the lives of people." He added.QatarEnergy LNG, the National Cyber Security Agency, Qatar Tourism, and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council sponsor the congress under the platinum category. It also includes gold sponsorships from Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) and QNB, alongside silver sponsorship by Dolphin Energy. The event, organized in collaboration with international organizations, government institutions, and industrial and private sectors to host local and global experts in these fields, will bring together local and international experts from academia, industry, and governmental sectors to share insights and advancements.

Qatar has always maintained its solid support of the Palestinian Cause and the Qatari leadership and government exerts great efforts to offer all the necessary and possible help to the Palestinian people, stressed Dr Mustafa al-Barghouthi, a Palestinian physician, activist, and politician who serves as general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI).He was addressing a seminar on 'The Challenges of the Palestinian Cause in Trump Era,' hosted Monday by Qatar Press Center (QPC) and moderated by Qatari media person Mohamed al-Ansari.Dr al-Barghouthi expressed his deep appreciation for the great efforts exerted by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to reach a just settlement for the ongoing conflict and the Palestinian cause in general.He said that Qatar has always been a second home for him and its support is for sure genuine and enduring to uphold the interests of the Palestinian people.Dr al-Barghouthi expressed his complete understanding of the recent announcement by Qatar that Gaza mediation efforts are currently stalled, "as Qatar has been politically exploited for such active role and the Palestinian leadership and people appreciate that Qatar has always been with them and never abandoned their cause."Dr al-Barghouthi noted there are challenges for Palestinian cause before and after Trump reelection, as the current Israeli leadership is more inclined towards fascism, which he compared to the time when Hitler ruled Germany."The prevailing trend is to wipe out the case and the two states solution rather than just hostilities against the Palestinian people. The Israeli society is even more inclined to such fascism and they are practicing genocide against the Palestinians. "There are 160,000 martyrs in Gaza, which account for around 7% of the of the whole population of the Gaza Strip. This is a massive number of victims compared to the numbers killed in the major world wars."Besides, Israel has used more than 186,000 tonnes of explosives in this war, more than the nuclear power used in World War II. In addition, 4,100 children lost some of their limbs, and respiratory, dermal and other infections have spread among all the inhabitants of Gaza due to the lack of proper sanitary facilities and health services, coupled with the ongoing famine."Despite all such atrocities, some of the new selections and nominations for the upcoming Trump administration are more Zionists than the Zionists themselves. They aim to annex the West Bank to the Israeli settlements and expand the powers and borders of Israel with no mention of the two state solution or the Palestinian State."This ongoing war is more serious than all the previous wars including 1948 war. But, the Palestinian people are persistent and will never abandon their rights and land whatever the challenges might be."This war has made the cause reemerge globally and flared the national enthusiasm among Palestinians inside and outside Palestine. The Palestinians have to stick to their lands and resist any attempts to relocate them outside it, and all the Palestinian factions and members of the leadership have to overcome their differences and disputes and unite to maintain a popular uprising."Dr al-Barghouthi asked for more united Arab efforts on the official side to break the inhuman siege imposed on Gaza through international works with Israeli attacks on free media to silence them. He reiterated the right of the Palestinian people to resist according to the international law and use the necessary tools for this such as popular resistance, boycotting, and other means.

Qatar Insurance Group has again demonstrated its commitment to community service and public health by organising the seventh annual blood donation drive at QIC’s headquarters in West Bay, Doha, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Blood Donation Centre.Qatar Insurance Group employees participated, reinforcing the group’s dedication to fostering a culture of philanthropy and social responsibility.Rashid al-Buainain, Group chief administrative officer, said: “As the leading Qatari insurance company, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being responsible members of our society.“We actively promote a corporate culture that encourages our staff to engage in meaningful philanthropic activities, resulting in tangible social impact. Blood donation is a simple yet profoundly significant way we can support one another. The consistent remarkable turnout and continued success of these drives underscores QIC's role in supporting public health initiatives and enhancing community well-being.”

Qatar seeks to strengthen its relations and expand its strategic partnerships with Latin American countries in various fields to serve common interests, goals, and ambitions as well as to open new markets and horizons for the Qatari economy and investments.The Latin American countries represent an important consumer market, with a population exceeding 650mn, the fourth largest economy in the world, and includes a group of the key emerging powers.The trade volume between Qatar and Latin American countries in 2023 reached around QR 3.6bn.In light of the wise policy of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his interest in expanding Qatar's economic and political relations and strategic partnerships with various fraternal and friendly countries of the world, the Amir's official visit to the friendly Republic of Costa Rica comes within the framework of his interest in expanding Qatar's economic and political relations and strategic partnerships with various fraternal and friendly countries of the world.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet with President of the Republic of Costa Rica Rodrigo Chaves Robles and senior officials in the Costa Rican government to discuss ways to enhance co-operation between the two sides in various fields, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest.His Highness the Amir's visit to Costa Rica will inaugurate a new and important phase in the course of relations between the two countries, and open new horizons for partnership in the economic and investment sectors and other areas that serve the interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples.Qatar and Costa Rica are working to explore areas of development and advance them towards new horizons in various political, economic, commercial, investment, and other sectors.The relations between the two countries officially began in 2010, when His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani visited Costa Rica, during which he met with the former President Oscar Arias, and senior officials, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, in addition to signing a number of agreements.After that, Costa Rica opened an embassy in Doha, followed by Qatar, which opened an embassy in San Jose in 2011, thus becoming the first Arab, Gulf, and Islamic country to establish relations with Costa Rica. Since the beginning of relations between the two countries, several agreements have been signed in many areas of common interest, such as facilitating investments and co-operation in the political, economic, technical, scientific, tourism, cultural and academic fields, civil aviation and air transport, in addition to the visa waiver between the two countries.To strengthen relations between the two countries, Vice President of Costa Rica Marvin Rodriguez Cordero visited Qatar in October 2021. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with the Vice President Cordero and the accompanying delegation at his office in the Amiri Diwan.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will attend the 8th edition of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award ceremony, which will be held this year in San Jose.The "HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award" reflects the ambitious vision of Qatar to create a world free of corruption and enhance international efforts to combat corruption at the global level. Since its first approval in 2016, the award has become an international platform aimed at honouring organisations, institutions and individuals who have made a distinguished contribution to combating corruption and promoting transparency and good governance around the world.The 8th edition of the award will be held Tuesday in San Jose, the capital of the Republic of Costa Rica, where the ceremony will be held in coordination with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.The Award includes five categories: Lifetime Achievement or Outstanding Achievement in Combating Corruption, Academic Research and Educational Materials for Combating Corruption, Youth Creativity and Engagement for Combating Corruption, Innovation or Investigative Journalism for Combating Corruption, in addition to Protecting Sports from Corruption.