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The Ministry of Municipality (MoM)’s Agriculture Affairs Department has invited farm owners who want to supply local dates to the ministry for the 2023/2024 season to register at the ministry's website.The ministry has been supporting local farmers, in particular dates farms, in various ways to help them improve their production and increase their income, to further expand and enhance their business, and to increase the participation of local farm and agriculture production for the country's food security.The ultimate aim is to reach as much as possible of self-sufficiency through local supply and reduce dependency on imported food products.The ministry organised the 9th Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif from July 23 to August 3 with the participation of more than 100 local farms.The festival, held regularly, helps farm owners display and sell their products direct to customers.The dates bought by the ministry through such initiatives are marketed locally in part and donated to the various local charities for distribution to the needy.Earlier, the ministry’s Agriculture Research Department offered for sale Tissue Culture Date Palm Seedling for both Qatari individuals and farms at QR85 a seedling.Under this initiative, more than 10,000 seedlings of three types of dates were sold within five months.Any Qatari adult could buy up to 10 of these seedlings at one time while registered farm owners can buy up to 150 seedlings within one year.These seedlings are known to be resistant to diseases and bugs, bear fruit earlier than other varieties, and enjoy high quality and abundant production of dates.It is estimate that there are currently around 916 palm tree farms in the country, with more than 675,670 palm trees producing different types and varieties of dates.The country has almost hit self-sufficiency dates production, with the largest amount of local needs of dates covered through the local production.However, imports of different types of dates will continue to be imported due to different customer preferences.

The Construction Division of the Department of Engineering Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has completed the construction works of Masjid Qoba at Al Hilal.According to a report by the local Arabic daily *Arrayah, the department has started the final finishing works of the mosque.The mosque, number M 703, is being rebuilt while retaining its old designs and features.This is part of the efforts of the Mosques Department to preserve the heritage value and the unique interior and exterior architectural character of the mosque.The construction work included the building of a floor with a basement to accommodate worshippers, a house for the imam and another for the muezzin.The mosque has an advanced air conditioning network and a fire-fighting system, which comply with the requirements set by the authorities concerned.The best and highest quality building materials were used for the construction.The Department of Engineering Affairs is concerned with fulfilling the needs of the regions in the country for mosques and prayer grounds while providing temporary mosques and supervising their preservation as well as preparing the annual plan for the maintenance of mosques and imams’ residences.These are in co-ordination with the competent authorities.For mosque designs, the department takes into account the requirements of different areas along with the guidelines for green and sustainable buildings.The department also focuses on the conditions for sustainability in the use of electricity and water, and preserving the aesthetics of heritage in designs that reflect the authenticity of Qatari and Islamic heritage.The ministry's plans to build mosques also take into account the population density map along with engineering and architectural specifications.

Katara Cultural Village announced the launch of the “Katara Book Fair” in its second edition on the sidelines of the “Novel Week” activities, which will be held from October 13 to 20. With the participation of various publishing houses and a large number of major local libraries, in order to facilitate readers’ access to Qatari publishing houses, and to keep up with their latest releases in one place. To contribute to spreading the culture of reading among the public, and support local publishing houses. The anticipated exhibition focuses on Arabic literature books in all its forms, poetry, novels and criticism, to keep pace with the Arab Novel Week, and books from various disciplines. The opening of the Katara Festival for the Arab Novel is expected to take place on October 13, and the ceremony also includes the opening of the second Katara Book Fair. This year, the Katara Festival for Arabic Novel celebrates the 10th anniversary of the launch of the award, which has become, within a decade, a pioneer in Arab awards, not only in terms of financial value, but also in the comprehensiveness of its outputs.The winners from the shortlist (the list of 9), which was recently announced, will be announced finally during the events that will be held from October 13 to 20.Katara celebrated the first launch of the Novel Week at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the French capital, Paris, in October 2022, and from there the winning works of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel in its eighth session 2022 were announced. The total value of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel in its various branches is approximately 375 thousand US dollars, of which 90 thousand dollars are for the category of published novels, where the three winners receive a cash prize of 30 thousand dollars each, and the category of unpublished novels awards 3 prizes totaling 90 thousand, at 30 thousand dollars for each winner, and as for the category of studies in criticism of the unpublished novel, 3 prizes are presented, each worth 30 thousand US dollars, while the total prizes for the category of unpublished novels for young writers are 45 thousand US dollars, and are awarded to three winners, at 15 thousand dollars for each winner. The winner in the category of published Qatari novels receives a prize of 30 thousand US dollars, awarded to one winner. The winner of the unpublished historical novel category will receive a prize of $30,000, awarded to one winner.

Visit Qatar, the main marketing and promotional arm of Qatar Tourism, has announced a new organisational structure that aligns with the National Development Strategy 2024-2030 and Tourism Strategy 2030.This realignment is designed to strengthen Visit Qatar’s mission of increasing international visitor demand by cultivating Qatar’s diverse touristic offering.The new organisational structure introduces key roles aimed at bolstering Visit Qatar’s capacity to develop new thrilling attractions and diversify the country’s events calendar.Among the new appointments are specialists in digital products, festivals and events, financial management, and strategic project planning.“As we continue to attract outstanding talent in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2030, Visit Qatar is pleased to unveil a new organisational structure that will empower us to further our mission of showcasing Qatar’s rich tourism offering and enhancing our global presence,” said Visit Qatar chief executive Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi. “With our new team members on board, we are well-positioned to drive innovation, manage large-scale events, and deliver exceptional experiences that will attract visitors from around the world.”Through its extensive network of international offices, digital platforms and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is significantly broadening the country’s global reach.As part of its strategic vision, Visit Qatar is dedicated to diversifying the nation’s offerings by organising a wide array of unique experiences, festivals, and events designed to captivate and attract visitors from around the world, while ensuring an exceptional and memorable experience for all in Qatar.

Nissan is gearing up to the world debut of the all-new Nissan Patrol, taking centre stage at an exclusive global event in Abu Dhabi on September 3 from 8.30pm (GMT+4) onwards.This reveal promises to captivate car enthusiasts and fans worldwide, showcasing the legacy and innovations of the seventh-generation Patrol.Nissan invites audiences from around the world to discover the next chapter of the Patrol’s legacy, with the World Premiere being streamed live across the following channels:Worldwide Livestream: Nissan Middle East YouTube ChannelLive broadcast in selected regions: MBC Action TVLive streaming in selected regions: MBC's Shahid App"The all-new Nissan Patrol is about to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts and fans around the world as the stunning seventh-generation Patrol – a legendary icon reimagined – takes centre stage,” said Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co general manager (Automotive Group) Nassim Mourani. “This monumental launch is destined to make a powerful impact on the Qatari market, offering an unmatched combination of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge innovation that will redefine the driving experience.”Those eager to get a glimpse of the all-new Nissan Patrol can tune in to the *Feel Patrol series on the Nissan Middle East YouTube page.

The Department of Geriatrics and Long-Term Care at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), a WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia, is organising various activities throughout September-World Alzheimer’s Month-to raise awareness about dementia.This year’s theme, "Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s," emphasises the need to change attitudes towards dementia and to address the stigma surrounding the condition.Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Dementia, has announced a series of events across Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Health Care Corporation. She highlighted Qatar’s ongoing commitment to improving dementia care, noting the significant progress made since she established the first Geriatric Memory Clinic at Rumailah Hospital in 2012. Over the past 12 years, this service has expanded to multiple facilities across the country.The specialised Geriatric Memory Team at Rumailah Hospital, consisting of geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, occupational therapists, dementia care coordinators, and specialised memory nurses, conducts clinics in other HMC facilities like Al Khor Hospital and in collaboration with PHCC at various locations including Al Sadd, Al Wajbah, Rawdat Al Khail, Lebaib. These clinics provide person-centred care and evidence-based treatment options, with comprehensive evaluations using the latest biomarkers for accurate diagnosis.For complex cases, a multidisciplinary team involving the Neurosciences Department—including neuroradiologists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, psychologists and dementia care coordinators, ensure a holistic approach to patient care. For those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, evidence-based treatments and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy are offered. These models of dementia care are unique to Qatar and represent the latest advancements of their kind.Dr al-Hamad discussed the latest services established focusing on dementia prevention. For individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, the Geriatric Wellness Clinic offers cutting-edge services aimed at addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce the progression of the condition. This clinic comprises of a multidisciplinary team of Geriatricians, Dietitians, Physiotherapists, and Occupational therapists offering tailored treatment programs following a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments which includes, dietary supplements, targeted strength training exercises and cognitive rehabilitation therapy.In addition, the Department launched RAHA, the National Alzheimer’s and Memory Services Helpline in 2020, providing direct and easy access designed to alleviate stress and ensure that support is readily available for people living with Dementia and caregivers. It stands out as the only helpline offering a unique service of direct access to a specialised multidisciplinary team comprising of a Geriatrician, Geriatric psychiatrist, memory nurse, psychologist, and dementia care coordinators through a direct number 40262222.Dr al-Hamad added; “Through these initiatives, Qatar continues to lead the way in dementia care and remains committed to providing dementia friendly communities to support and empower people living with dementia and their caregivers.”

Qatar National Library (QNL) has launched its 2024 September Membership Campaign and is offering new subscribers the chance to enter a prize draw.Themed "QNL4ALL", the annual initiative reflects QNL’s commitment to serving the community by offering free access to knowledge and resources and showcasing its continuous efforts to meet the diverse needs of existing and new members.To encourage new members to join the QNL community, QNL has organised a prize draw with two lucky winners to be chosen at random. To be in with a chance of being selected, residents who sign up to become a member of the Library during September will need to download the QNL mobile app and borrow at least five books, either physical or digital, to enter. Winners will be announced on November, 17. Becoming a member is free of charge and grants access to QNL’s collections and services.In addition, to celebrate avid book readers, QNL will reward its top 15 book borrowers of the 2023-2024 year with special library gifts, split evenly among children, young adults, and adults."QNL4ALL isn't just a slogan — it's a promise," said Fatma al-Sahli, access officer, QNL. "It embodies our commitment to breaking down barriers to knowledge, learning and culture, ensuring that our diverse range of resources and services reaches every member of the community."We continue to implement advanced technology to enhance our members' experience, offering unparalleled digital access that connects our community with a global repository of knowledge."Joining QNL provides more than just access to an expansive collection of more than a million physical books in 16 languages — it provides a gateway to a world of resources and services including exclusive digital archives, Innovation Stations like music studios and green rooms, and dedicated study and media rooms in addition to a rich children's library with interactive learning activities.QNL also has a welcoming space for both adults and children with special needs with an Assistive Technology Centre specifically designed for people with disabilities, and a sensory room combining a range of stimuli to develop sensory skills and perception in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.Membership also includes expert guidance for academic and professional pursuits, as well as institutional memberships for workplaces – all at no cost.

Doha Film Institute (DFI) in partnership with Media City Qatar recently hosted the “Geekdom Game Development Workshop”, a key initiative to foster creative development among Qatar's youth. This collaboration between the two national organisations seeks to strengthen the foundation of a thriving creative industry and a robust media scene, aligning with the country’s vision for innovation and technological advancement.The immersive game development workshop, in partnership with COREGAME and powered by Media City Qatar, was aimed at participants aged 13 to 17, and took place from August 12 to August 29 at DFI’s headquarters. Conducted over 12 immersive sessions, the workshop fused theory with practice and covered essential topics including Introduction to Game Development, Understanding Game Design, Creating Game Elements, Basic Movement, Enhancing Gameplay, Animation and Interactivity, Collectibles and Scores, and Level Design and Testing.The workshop’s modules were delivered by leading industry experts from Geekdom and COREGAME Technology Solutions. Instructors included Fadi Soufi and Dave Andrew who delivered intensive and varied sessions to aspiring creative participants. Instructors provided practical lessons to support participants with becoming more familiar with industry-standard software like Unity, Visual Studio Code and Aseprite. Throughout the workshop, each participant demonstrated their passion for game development and their eagerness to bring their ideas to life.Thair Khaled al-Anani, director of Business Development, from Media City Qatar commented, “We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative talent. The ‘Geekdom Game Development Workshop’ is a perfect example of our commitment to providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. We are thrilled to see the passion and creativity these young participants brought to the table, and we look forward to supporting more initiatives like this in the future.”Abdulla al-Mosallam, founder of Geekdom and chief administrative officer of DFI stated: “Qatar’s creative industries have experienced significant growth over the years, driven by local talent that continues to lead the way in inventiveness and ingenuity. Geek culture has become a dynamic and integral part of our creative community, providing a space where imagination thrives and new ideas are embraced.”

LuLu Hypermarket, a leading name in retail known for its exciting promotions and rewarding customer experiences, recently hosted a grand prize distribution ceremony at its regional office on D-Ring Road, Doha.The event celebrated the winners of the highly anticipated mega e-raffle draw for the ‘Win 1mn Riyals Cash/Gift Vouchers + 1mn Loyalty Points’ promotion. The ceremony was a momentous occasion, where the grand prize winners were honoured for their participation and loyalty.Among the lucky winners were Fayis Njarakattil Mohamed Asharaf, who won the first prize of QR100,000 (Coupon No 105338907), and Raymond Cyril Miranda (Coupon No 99380715) and Rekha Kumari (Coupon No 102749726), who each won the second prize of QR50,000.The winners of loyalty points included Kamalam Krishnakumar, who secured 100,000 loyalty points (Coupon No 96657177), and Mohamed Elias (Coupon No 96148916) and Snibin Baby (Coupon No. 102543883), who each received 50,000 loyalty points.Shaijan M O, the regional director of LuLu Hypermarket Qatar, and Shanavas P M, the Regional Manager, personally presented these impressive prizes to the delighted winners.The event was graced by esteemed LuLu officials and dedicated staff members, who joined in celebrating the winners’ remarkable achievements. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the winners eagerly awaited their moment to receive their prizes.In addition to the grand prizes, a total of 288 winners were selected during the promotion, including recipients of cash, gift vouchers, and loyalty points. LuLu Hypermarket Group also rewarded QR25,000 worth of LuLu vouchers to four winners, QR10,000 in LuLu vouchers to 30 winners, QR5,000 in LuLu vouchers to 50 winners, and QR 2,500 in LuLu vouchers to 60 winners.Additionally, four winners received 25,000 loyalty points, 30 winners received 10,000 loyalty points, 50 winners received 5,000 loyalty points, and 60 winners received 2,500 loyalty points.This resulted in a total giveaway of QR1mn in cash, gift vouchers, and 1mn loyalty points, further amplifying the excitement and appreciation among the shoppers who participated in the ‘Shop to Win’ campaign.LuLu Hypermarket recognises and deeply appreciates the unwavering support of its customers, continually striving to reward their loyalty through such exceptional promotions. The overwhelming response to the LuLu ‘Shop to Win’ e-raffle promotion is a testament to the strong bond between LuLu and its valued customers.LuLu Hypermarket extends its warmest congratulations to the winners and expresses heartfelt gratitude to all participants who contributed to making the promotion a resounding success. The group remains steadfast in its commitment to providing unparalleled shopping experiences and exciting opportunities for its valued customers.Ends

QNB concluded its Sustainability Arts Summer Camp 2024, in partnership with KidZania Doha, the leading kids entertainment destination, which took place from June 26 to August 30.This partnership aimed at raising awareness about key environmental and financial issues, encouraging eco-friendly behavior, fostering sustainability awareness and financial literacy among kids.During the programme, kids participated in several interactive activities like creating ATM machines models and fashionable costumes out of recycled materials, all of which aimed at raising awareness and emphasizing the culture of sustainability and protecting the environment to promote prosperity and a better future for all.The participating kids also attended money awareness workshops held by QNB employees, in which they learnt about the importance of money, financial governance, and saving money through adopting daily practices that promote financial wellbeing.Commenting on the conclusion of this programme, Heba Ali al-Tamimi, QNB senior executive vice president (Group Communication) said, “We are happy to have sponsored this special program, which supports our efforts in raising awareness about sustainability, being an essential pillar of our ESG strategy.“We strongly believe that today’s children are tomorrow’s future, and we hope that this program provided the best guidance for our change makers for a better future and a sustainable world.”

Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) has concluded its annual summer internship programme with an award ceremony on August 29. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge students from different schools and academic institutions who took part of this year’s programme. This year, QIC’s Summer Internship Programme, which ran from June to August was “meticulously designed” to help interns discover which direction they would like to take their careers in the future. The paid internship offers qualified high school students a meaningful, career-oriented experience with world-class mentors who help guide them through their projects and will continue to support them even after the internship is finished. This year, the interns were exposed to different aspects of the insurance business, such as underwriting, claims, risk management and customer service, and trained with departments such as human resources, information technology and legal. They also participated in various workshops where they learned from the experts and gained practical real world business experience. The programme aimed to inspire the students to pursue a career in the insurance industry and to develop their skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. QIC Group chief administrative officer Rashid al-Buainain praised the interns for their enthusiasm and dedication, he said, "We are very proud of our summer internship program, a yearly initiative that is part of our corporate social responsibility and our commitment to supporting the education and development of the youth in Qatar. “We believe that the programme offers a valuable opportunity for the students to discover the insurance industry and to enhance their skills and knowledge. We hope that the program will inspire them to join us in the future and to contribute to the growth and success of QIC and the country." Salem Ahmad al-Mansoori, an intern who participated in the programme this year, noted, “It was a challenging and rewarding experience that helped me develop my skills and knowledge in the insurance sector. I had the opportunity to assist with some projects within different teams. The best part of the internship was the mentorship and guidance I received from my managers.” Another intern, Khalid Ahmed al-Sayed said, “My internship at Qatar Insurance Company gave me a great insight into the insurance industry and the corporate world. As an intern, I learned about the business and the skills needed to succeed in it. “I also learned how corporate social responsibility matters for addressing social challenges in areas such as education, environmental sustainability, and health. I am excited to apply what I learned to my future studies and career.”

Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least 48 people in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian health authorities said, as clashes took place in central and southern areas of the enclave ahead of the planned start of a polio vaccination campaign.The United Nations is due to start vaccinating some 640,000 children in the territory against polio, relying on daily eight-hour pauses in fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas in specific areas of the besieged enclave.Yousef Abu Al-Reesh, Gaza's deputy minister of health, said vaccination teams would try to get to as many areas as possible to ensure wide coverage but he said only a comprehensive ceasefire could guarantee enough children are reached."If the international community truly wants this campaign to succeed, it should call for a ceasefire, knowing that this virus does not stop, and can reach anywhere," he told reporters at Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis.On Saturday, medics administered vaccines on some of the children at Nasser Hospital wards in a symbolic move before the official campaign begins.The campaign follows confirmation last week that a baby was partially paralysed by the type 2 polio virus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.WHO officials say at least 90% of the children need to be vaccinated twice with four weeks between doses for the campaign to succeed, but it faces huge challenges in Gaza, which has been largely destroyed by nearly 11 months of war.On Saturday, as more than 2,000 medical and community workers prepared for the start of the campaign, medics in Nuseirat, one of the Gaza Strip's eight historic refugee camps, medics said separate Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including nine members of the same family.More than 30 other people were killed in a series of strikes in other areas of Gaza, medics said.At least 40,691 Palestinians have been killed and 94,060 injured in Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the enclave's health ministry said in a statement on Saturday.Sources said fighters from Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and other groups fought against Israeli forces in the northern Gaza Zeitoun neighborhood, where tanks have been operating for days, and in Rafah, near the border with Egypt.In Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, families returned to their areas after the army ended a 22-day offensive it said was aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping. Footage showed large areas were flattened, and buildings and infrastructure were destroyed.Medics said they recovered at least nine bodies from the area where the army operated.Israel's assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has since killed more than 40,600 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry. Nearly the entire Gaza population of 2.3 million has been displaced and the enclave has a hunger crisis. Israel faces genocide allegations at the World Court that it denies.In the occupied West Bank, Israel forces pushed on with a military operation in the city of Jenin. Drones and helicopters circled overhead while the sound of sporadic firing could be heard in the city.