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The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) announced that the National Campaign to Combat the Invasive Myna Bird in the Qatari environment has been successful with the capturing of 18,000 birds since its launch. A total of 6,000 myna birds were captured from 21 locations during May to October this year. The ongoing campaign is meant to protect the local ecosystem from the negative effects of the myna bird.

The legal system in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is all set to see drastic positive changes over the next decade in view of the increasing use and innovation of AI (artificial intelligence), according to a senior official of the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC)."Over the next five to ten years, I expect there will be significant and positive changes in the legal sector in the GCC as a result of greater use and innovation using Al," Umar Azmeh, Registrar of QICDRC, said in an article in Lexis Middle East Law Alert, which was distributed at the Digital Ecosystem conference, organised by Ooredoo Group.Within the courts, the main opportunities, according to him, will come from the significant savings in time and resources, which will be important as generally courts are public bodies with finite resources."In addition, the Al innovations we are already starting to see will make case management processes easier and more efficient - resulting in greater access to justices," he said.There is also the potential for a greater use of Al decision making tools by lawyers at the pre-litigation stage but also potentially in the future by judges, he said.Expecting Al tools to be used as decision making aids by judges, rather than a means of making automatic final decisions in cases; Azmeh said Al has the potential to become a very valuable tool for judges in the courts, as it could sift through large volumes of material to spot patterns judges could then interpret, improving the consistency of case decisions.Finding that with the public release of scaled large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, industries and sectors of all types across the world have been looking at ways in which they can harness and benefit from AI, he said: "In this respect, Middle East Courts, including the QICDRC in Qatar are no different."Within a court system, an Al system can either be internal facing or external facing, he said, adding internal Al systems can assist the court, court staff and judges with case progression and decision-making.In this regard, he said, Al can be used to scan and review case papers which are often long, made up of huge numbers of documents and can include complex data, in order, to provide summaries of complex financial data which identifies patterns, or they can be used to automate procedural tasks such as the acceptance and service of a case on behalf of a claimant, which helps make judicial procedures faster and cheaper, improving access to justice.The external facing Al in a court context is technology which assists court users, he said.It may be possible to put programmes in place that review the paperwork which has to be provided to the court to ensure the parties have fulfilled all the mandatory requirements when they file their case and reduce the risk of cases being rejected because of purely procedural mistakes, according to him."Since our first case in 2009, the QICDRC Courts have prided themselves with having a case management system that has a strong technological setup through which cases process and having an online hearing system which allows simultaneous translation so parties from all over the world can participate in cases being heard in our courts live on our website," Azmeh said.

Al Faisal Holding has demonstrated the pivotal role of the private sector in driving the nation’s transformation in a compelling exploration of Qatar's dynamic economic landscape.The company showcases its diverse portfolio, emphasising its significant contributions to various sectors, including hospitality, industry and real estate, while adhering to the principles of the Qatar National Vision 2030. This insightful examination is featured on Oxford Business Group's Global Platform, reflecting the organisation's commitment to promoting in-depth analysis of critical developments within emerging markets.Qatar has successfully demonstrated exemplary management across various aspects, contributing to its strong global standing and fostering relationships built on mutual respect and shared interests. This has proven attractive to investors from both Qatar and abroad, positioning the country as a future commercial centre akin to Singapore and Hong Kong.The private sector has played a significant role in Qatar's urban development, contributing 70%-80% to projects such as Al Dafna and The Pearl, while the government has focused on critical infrastructure. This collaborative approach extends to the manufacturing sector in Mesaieed Industrial City, where governmental support fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.Significant investments in infrastructure, including one of the leading global airports and a new port in Doha, enhance Qatar's accessibility and market appeal. The establishment of a free zone further supports manufacturing by providing a comprehensive one-stop shop for business needs.As part of its economic diversification strategy, Qatar is enhancing its hospitality sector to establish itself as a world-class tourist destination. Al Faisal Holding has made substantial contributions through its fully-owned subsidiary, ARTIC, which boasts a portfolio of 35 hotels, including 12 in Qatar and others across the Mena region, Europe, and the US.With a diverse investment strategy, Al Faisal Holding leverages insights across various sectors to identify emerging opportunities in new sectors. This includes a focus on health, IT, and food security, alongside ongoing commitments to real estate, trading, services, and construction.The Qatar National Vision 2030 serves as a roadmap for investors, highlighting the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in decision-making. As a cultural hub showcasing local and global heritage, Qatar is home to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, which houses over 17,000 artefacts and underscores the commitment to preserving heritage for future generations.Al Faisal Holding's contributions extend beyond business, supporting culture, education, and sports through initiatives such as the Sheikh Faisal Sports Academy and the Al Samriya Riding School. This multifaceted approach reflects a dedication to the community and the promotion of well-rounded development.Operating within a dynamic environment, Al Faisal Holding's diversified operations enable it to mitigate risks and adapt to economic fluctuations. With a legacy of over 60 years, the company prioritises strong corporate governance to support family succession and business needs in an evolving landscape.The listing of Aamal on the Qatar Stock Exchange in 2007 set a precedent for other companies, showcasing the potential of family-owned businesses in capital markets. This strategic move has encouraged broader participation in the stock exchange, further enhancing the financial landscape in Qatar.HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of Al Faisal Holding, was the main interviewee, alongside key members of his management team and board members. “Qatar will one day become one of the most important commercial centres in the world, just like Singapore and Hong Kong,” he said, highlighting the country's potential to rival these major trade hubs.Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, vice-chairman of Al Faisal Holding and another key interviewee to the video, added: “Qatar has transformed into a more sustainable economy, less reliant on the hydrocarbons sector. This transformation has been driven by a clear vision and a private sector committed to supporting it.”Tarek el-Sayed, managing director and CEO of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), highlighted ARTIC's role as the international investment arm of Al Faisal Holding. He emphasised ARTIC as the bridge for regional and international expansion making Al Faisal Holding one of the first private Qatari companies to expand its operations internationally, with a growing footprint across Mena, Europe, and the US.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined hands with the Ooredoo Group to announce a joint initiative to establish a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate digital transformation across the Arab region.The initiative - which also engages the industry leader, Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM Association) as a technical partner - was launched at Ooredoo’s inaugural Digital Ecosystem conference.The initiative adopts a multi-phased approach, beginning with an evaluation of existing digital regulatory frameworks and adapting them to meet the distinct needs of the Arab region.The Phase 1 will identify global best practices and develop assessment criteria to benchmark each country’s digital policy context. The framework will initially be piloted in a selected country, setting a model for regional adoption.The UNDP’s regional bureau for Arab states and the Ooredoo Group will further explore developing additional collaborative regional projects under this initiative.This initiative not only responds to the urgent need for cohesive digital regulations and policies that support sustainable economic growth but also propose a policy and regulatory framework that fosters investment, reduce transactional friction, and support cross-border innovation; thus enhancing digital readiness in Arab countries and helping them seize opportunities within a rapidly expanding digital economy.“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cohesive policies are essential for fostering inclusive economic growth and resilience,” said Sussanne Dam Hanse, deputy director, Amman Regional Hub, UNDP.The partnership marks an important contribution to unlocking the vast potential of the digital economy across the region, she said, adding by creating a unified digital policy framework, the initiative is fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, the digital divides bridged, and sustainable development is within reach for all.The framework will be developed with the expertise of leading organizations and will serve as a guide for policymakers to create regulatory contexts conducive of private sector investments and sustainable digital growth.Without supportive, harmonised policies, the full potential of digital economies remains untapped,” Hilal Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Chief Legal Regulatory and Corporate Governance Officer, Ooredoo, said.Highlighting that the initiative is a decisive step toward creating a unified digital policy framework tailored to the region’s unique landscape; he said: "Our collaboration with UNDP and GSMA brings together unparalleled expertise, marking a landmark step toward creating a digital ecosystem that fosters sustainable progress across Middle East and North Africa region.”

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) held a celebration marking the World Children's Day Wednesday, through holding an exhibition of the most salient works of students, showcasing their innovations on this occasion.The celebration was intended to enhance a secure and enduring atmosphere where child rights are respected and their aspirations are achieved, in addition to fostering social responsibility through elevating the awareness of initiatives that squarely support their welfare and protection.HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater attended the event and was briefed, in detail, on student activities and school participations by a group of participating children.The event was organised by MoEHE's School and Student Affairs Department in collaboration with Aman Center and National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), alongside primary schools for girls, where NCSA distributed cultural brochures to student parents working at MoEHE, along with models of cybersecurity educational curricula, interactive toys, and awareness-raising stories that targeted all school classes, with Aman Center participating with cultural brochures.The participating schools had great contributions to the event, as they showcased exhibits of artistic sculptures depicting children's rights, awareness-raising paintings, video clips and interactive toys with the participation of student parents. The event intended to shine spotlight on the rights of the Palestinian children through expressive paintings, in addition to demonstrating Qatar's milestones in protecting child rights.The World Children's Day is annually observed with the aim of enhancing international cohesion and awareness among children of the world of their rights and improving their welfare.

The EU Youth Short Film Festival: 'Frames, Reframed,' taking place on November 24-25 at the Doha Beach Club, will bring together emerging filmmakers from the European Union Member States and Qatar.The event offers a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange, statement from the Delegation of the European Union to Qatar said yesterday.On day one, ten films will be showcased. 'Index' by Greek filmmaker Nicolas Kolovos explores the emotional toll of illegal immigration on families, while Qatari filmmaker Khalifa al-Marri presents 'Olayan,' a story about the pressure placed on a child to conform to manhood in a Bedouin environment.Bulgarian filmmaker Mariya Averina’s 'Six Minutes of Happiness' takes viewers into the childhood memories of renowned writer Georgi Gospodinov, offering insight into the inspirations behind his work. In 'Through Her Eyes,' Qatari filmmaker Lolwa al-Jassim explores the life of a mother raising a son with autism, while Nadia Khan, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q), presents 'The Healing,' about a 16-year-old girl coping with the loss of her sister.French filmmaker Djiby Kebe’s 'L’Avance' delves into the story of Aliou, a rising student who sells a painting of his deceased mother to a renowned art collector. 'A Mother’s Touch' by NU-Q students Timaa Kamar and Noof al-Hajri explores the enduring power of food to heal emotional wounds.Portuguese filmmaker Marco Espirito’s 'Blood Brothers' follows a night in the life of a Portuguese bullfighting squad, while Maltese filmmaker Shirley Spiteri Mintoff’s 'Alicia' offers a haunting exploration of grief and healing. Closing day one is “Memory Mosaic” by Selma Fejzullaj, a student at VCUarts Qatar, about Albania’s Muslim community during a time of religious suppression.On day two, seven films will be screened. Italian filmmaker Chiara Brambilla’s 'A Dose of Nature' tells the emotional story of an adventurer’s recovery journey through nature after a major snowboarding accident. 'Do You Remember Me?' by Qatari filmmaker Maryam al-Mohammed explores the life of Areesha, a South Asian nurse caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, while Dutch filmmaker Robert-Jonathan Koeyers’ 'It’s Nice in Here' presents a fragmented portrait of a young black girl’s memories.In 'A Simple Cut,' Qatari filmmaker Maha al-Jufairi sheds light on the societal pressures faced by a young girl during her teenage years, and 'Nashorn im Galopp' by German filmmaker Erik Schmitt captures the disconnection felt by a young man as he navigates the fast-paced life of Berlin.The final films of the day include 'Unyielding Determination' by VCUarts Qatar students Alaa Albarazy and Shahd al-Saad, which captures the essence of growth through tradition and self-awareness, and 'The Choice' by NU-Q student Yumin Cho, which sees a police officer make a critical decision as the stakes rise.Professor Rafael Antunes, associate professor in the Bachelor’s programme in Cinema, Video, and Multimedia Communication at Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, said the diverse selection of films highlight the cultural bridge being built between Europe and Qatar through these stories.The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony on November 25, where the winning films in two categories, Best Picture and Best Screenplay, will be announced. The jury, comprising Dr Angelos Lenos, Prof Pedro Canavilhas, Prof Firat Oruc, Latifa Regenbogen, and Grace Cruz, will evaluate the films and select the winners.The festival is open to the public, and registration is required to attend. Registration is through the event’s website at https://eufilmfestival.qa.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani left Wednesday the capital San Jose after an official visit to the friendly Republic of Costa Rica, heading to the Colombian capital Bogota on an official visit to the friendly Republic. His Highness was seen off at Juan Santamaria International Airport by the First Vice President of the Republic of Costa Rica Stephan Brunner Neibig, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica Arnoldo Andre Tinoco, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Costa Rica Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Dosari and members of the Qatari Embassy, and members of the Qatari Embassy. His Highness the Amir is accompanied by an official delegation.

Dubai’s financial hub is now home to family offices that control more than $1tn in assets, driven by the influx of high-net worth individuals over the past few years.“Family businesses contribute significantly to Dubai’s economy,” said Arif Amiri, the chief executive officer of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority. “The DIFC is home to over 120 families and 800 family-related structures and entities who manage more than $1.2tn in assets,” he said at the Future of Finance event in the city.The United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part, is poised to be the top destination for relocating millionaires this year, according to a report from migration advisory firm Henley & Partners.The UAE’s appeal for the ultra-wealthy and their investment companies has grown in recent years thanks to a favourable tax-regime, low crime rates and a convenient location at the juncture of multiple continents and time zones. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is among those setting up a family office in Dubai, Bloomberg News has reported.Last year, the number of registered foundations — a vehicle commonly used by wealthy families — in Dubai rose by 53%. In neighbouring Abu Dhabi, with its $1.5tn in sovereign wealth funds, the number jumped by 35%, according to wealth advisory firm M/HQ.At the same time, financial firms have also flocked to both cities, and employee numbers at DIFC surged by two-thirds since 2019 to nearly 44,000 in June. That includes some of the biggest hedge funds, from Millennium Management to Balyasny Asset Management, and the industry employs over 1,000 people in the city.The DIFC expects a record number of firms to set up this year too, and is building three new office towers to meet the anticipated demand.

In 2024, air cargo has emerged as a crucial revenue stream for airlines navigating volatile passenger demand and rising operational costs. While passenger flights often dominate headlines, it is the cargo holds beneath them—and the dedicated freighter fleets in the skies—that are quietly making billions for airlines worldwide.The importance of air cargo to airline economics is not new, but its role has been amplified post-pandemic. Airlines that traditionally focused on passenger services are now leaning heavily into cargo to diversify revenue and fortify their financial resilience. For many carriers, cargo operations represent a lifeline, particularly as global economic uncertainty tempers leisure and business travel recovery in certain regions.Air cargo is expected to generate over $150bn in revenue globally in 2024, according to IATA. This figure is bolstered by an enduring demand for the fast transportation of goods, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value goods like electronics. The rise of global supply chain complexities has further underscored the role of air freight as an indispensable pillar of international trade.Air cargo often outpaces passenger flights in profitability due to its ability to generate higher yields per available tonne-kilometre and its operational flexibility. Unlike passenger services, which depend on fluctuating travel demand and face intense competition, air cargo can adapt swiftly to global supply chain needs, commanding premium rates for transporting high-value, time-sensitive goods.Cargo operations also benefit from consistent demand across economic cycles, as businesses rely on air freight to maintain just-in-time inventory systems and meet consumer expectations for rapid delivery. Moreover, dedicated freighters and cargo belly-holds on passenger planes optimise load factors, ensuring that aircraft capacity is used efficiently. This financial resilience makes air cargo a reliable and lucrative revenue stream, often subsidising passenger services during periods of low travel demand or economic uncertainty.What sets air cargo apart is its ability to quickly adapt to market needs. For example, during the pandemic, airlines swiftly converted passenger planes into freighters to meet the surging demand for personal protective equipment and vaccines. This agility has persisted, with airlines now deploying freighters to capitalise on lucrative routes and forming partnerships to expand their reach.Collaboration between airline cargo divisions brings significant benefits by leveraging the strengths of each partner to create a more extensive and efficient global network. By sharing resources such as fleets, strategic hubs, and logistical expertise, airlines can optimise capacity utilisation, reduce operational costs, and expand their market reach. These alliances enhance connectivity, enabling faster and more reliable transport of goods across continents while offering customers access to a broader range of destinations and services.This week, Qatar Airways Cargo announced a new strategic partnership with MASkargo, the cargo arm of Malaysia Aviation Group. The collaboration, inaugurated by Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo, Mark Drusch, and MASkargo Chief Executive Mark Jason Thomas, is a significant milestone in Qatar’s global cargo connectivity and operational efficiencyThe partnership enables Qatar Airways Cargo to operate twice-weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights between Doha and Kuala Lumpur, adding over 200 tonnes of weekly capacity. From Kuala Lumpur, MASkargo’s Airbus A330 freighters will connect to Sydney and Melbourne, contributing an additional 75 tonnes of weekly capacity to Australia. With swift connection times and state-of-the-art facilities at both Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), the partnership promises unmatched efficiency and reliability.Beyond capacity expansion, the agreement benefits both carriers by leveraging their respective network strengths. Qatar Airways Cargo gains enhanced access to markets in Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia, while MASkargo taps into Qatar Airways’ expansive network covering Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This symbiotic relationship enhances the export capabilities of Malaysian producers, enabling goods to reach a broader global audience.Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, remarked:“As the world’s leading global air cargo carrier, this partnership with MASkargo is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and tailored solutions while expanding our global network through strategic alliances. By combining our strengths, we are able to offer our customers enhanced connectivity and efficiency, ensuring their products reach global markets in optimal condition.”MASkargo CEO Mark Jason Thomas echoed this sentiment:“Today marks an exciting step forward for MASkargo as we join forces with Qatar Airways Cargo to create a truly interconnected global cargo network. This alliance strengthens our infrastructure and capacity, empowering us to support the regional economy and facilitate the movement of high-demand goods to a larger global market.”The partnership also reflects a broader strategic alignment between Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines, both of which are members of the oneworld alliance. Beyond cargo, the two airlines have cultivated a robust passenger codeshare agreement encompassing 62 destinations across Malaysia, South East Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. This comprehensive approach demonstrates how alliances can deliver value across both passenger and cargo operations.In July 2024, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration and optimize operational synergies. This agreement has laid the foundation for innovative product offerings and streamlined logistics that are already benefiting global cargo customers.The author is an aviation analyst. X handle @AlexInAir.

The Early Childhood Center at Qatar University's (QU) College of Education hosted its annual festival to celebrate World Children's Day under the theme: "Qatar, My Home: History, Culture, and Arts."The event highlighted the importance of childhood as a cornerstone for building society and fostering cultural and social connections among children, parents, and the community.The event aimed to create an environment that enhances children's awareness of Qatar's rich history, culture, and heritage, instilling a sense of belonging and patriotism. It witnessed enthusiastic participation and meaningful engagement from various government entities as well as cultural and educational institutions. These entities contributed interactive activities that introduced children to different aspects of Qatari heritage through engaging events covering Qatar's history, natural environments, arts, crafts, traditional dances, songs, games, and cuisine, all tailored to suit the developmental stage of the young attendees.In her welcoming address, Prof. Maryam Majid al-Falasi, acting director of the Early Childhood Center at QU, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the participating and supporting entities. She emphasised the significance of community collaboration in embedding Qatar's cultural identity in children's minds.Participants and guests echoed the festival's importance, emphasising the need for concerted community efforts to support childhood development. Parents expressed their delight in involving their children in this cultural event, which offered a creative and educational glimpse into Qatar's past and present.The festival opened with a well-organised parade led by the Qatar Armed Forces Music Battalion, joined by all attendees, setting an uplifting and distinguished tone for the event. Trainer Shaeel al-Kuwari, along with children from the Center and students from Al-Noor Language School, presented a heritage-inspired operetta sponsored by Tarsheed, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp (Kahramaa). The performance celebrated Qatar's environment and strengthened children's connection to national traditions.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle East's first and largest immersive wellness destination, announced the outstanding achievements of its chefs in various categories at the Salon Culinaire Competition at Hospitality Qatar 2024.Ammar Samad, general manager of Zulal Wellness Resort, said: "We are thrilled to share the exceptional achievements of our culinary team, which secured wins eight medals in six categories. This success highlights our chefs' commitment to delivering nutritious, flavourful, and health-focused cuisine."Our chefs masterfully balance taste and presentation with health and wellbeing, ensuring every dish delights the palate while nourishing the body.”Chef Dhristi bagged a gold medal in the Signature Healthy Dish category, with Chef Chinnawat earning a silver medal. This marks the second consecutive year Zulal Wellness Resort team has won medals in this category.Chef Abdull won a gold medal in the Talented Signature Dish - Live Demonstration category. Chef Kavindu received a silver medal in Gastronomical Qatari Dish - Live Demonstration.Chef Sutasinee won a silver medal in the Four Plates of Dessert category. Chef Jindarat won a silver medal in the Global Ethnic Flavours Challenge category. Chef Ritesh secured a bronze medal in A Tiny Treats Cake category.Additionally, Chef Ekasit (Eaky) and Chef Kanokwan (Gina) showcased their expertise in Thai cuisine during a masterclass cooking demonstration, alongside Chef Hassan, who presented French and Mediterranean cuisine.Executive wellness chef, Mayssam Abdulkhalek, said: "We thank Qatar Hospitality for providing us with this remarkable opportunity. Special appreciation goes to our dedicated chefs for their passionate commitment to crafting healthy gastronomic delights, aligning seamlessly with our resort's sustainability goals and wellness ethos”.The award winning dining outlets at Zulal Wellness Resort – Aizoon, Al Sidra, Acacia, Casuarina, and Malbu – are all unique. Their menus feature purposeful ingredients which are anti-inflammatory, high in fibre, low in fat; contain heart healthy antioxidants; promote heart health; support digestion; offer a source of high energy; and an elevated sense of satiety, a statement added.

LuLu Hypermarket, Qatar’s leading retailer, has launched its ‘Super Deals’ Promotion, offering 'incredible discounts across a wide range of categories'. "This promotion coincides with the global Black Friday shopping season, providing shoppers with unparalleled savings and an exceptional shopping experience until December 5," a statement said Wednesday. The ‘Super Deals’ Promotion features significant discounts on a variety of products, including electronics, mobile phones, wearables, beauty items, fashion, groceries, fresh food, and more, across all LuLu Hypermarket outlets in Qatar and online. “With remarkable discounts across multiple categories, we aim to make this season of savings truly special. Additionally, we’ve enhanced our e-commerce platform, introducing exclusive online deals to cater to the needs of our tech-savvy shoppers.” Adding to the excitement, the ‘LuLu on Sale’ offer, featuring 25% to 50% discounts, provides 'fantastic deals' on ready-made garments, sarees, churidars, footwear, handbags, baby accessories, and selected sunglasses. Customers can shop from a wide range of international brands across menswear, womenswear, children’s clothing, footwear, and accessories, until December 11. Happiness Loyalty Members can enjoy an extra bonus by earning 10% loyalty points on selected supermarket categories, the statement added.