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HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater met on Thursday, in Amman, with HRH Adviser to His Majesty and chairman of the board of trustees of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation Prince Rashid bin Al Hassan.During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them, in addition to the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.The meeting also dealt with obstacles to the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and stressed the importance of its adequate flow to various parts of the Strip.HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation for the role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Jordanian track.The meeting was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al-Thani. (QNA)

A new shipment of Qatari aid, including 55 tons of tents and health supplies, provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), arrived in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan by land, in preparation for its entry into the Gaza Strip in cooperation with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.The shipment was received by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater.HE the Minister of State oversaw the unloading of the shipment at the warehouses of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.The arrival of the shipment was witnessed by HE the Official Spokesman and Director of Operations and Consular Affairs at the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Sufyan Qudah, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al-Thani, and HE Secretary-General of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization Dr. Hussein Al-Shabli.HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the efforts of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization in facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.The Official Spokesman and Director of Operations and Consular Affairs at the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Secretary-General of the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization, lauded Qatar's role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the cooperation between the two countries in delivering it to those under siege in the Strip.Qatar Charity (QC) and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) have continued to provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip since last October, in cooperation with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.This aid comes within the framework of the State of Qatar's support for the brotherly Palestinian people, and its full support for them during the difficult humanitarian circumstances they are currently facing. (QNA)

The Al-Mujadilah Centre and Mosque for Women opened its doors in January this year with an ambitious vision: to be a brave and dynamic place for Muslim women to learn, connect, and engage in public debate.Now, six months later, thanks to the leadership of executive director Dr Sohaira Siddiqui, the centre is already achieving its goals.Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, the centre aims to strengthen Islamic identity among Muslim women of all ages and backgrounds and to enrich contemporary Islamic discourse.Integral to executing the project is Dr Siddiqui, an associate professor of Islamic Studies and Theology at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q).The centre honours the rich history of Muslim women as leaders and thinkers, focusing on research projects in Islamic texts, law, and ethics; Muslim women’s lives; and Muslim women’s health and well-being.“When I was first approached about Al-Mujadilah, I saw it as an exceptional opportunity to create a unique space for learning and discussion,” says Dr Siddiqui.The role allowed her to bridge her academic life and her deep understanding of the profound gap that remains in the study of Muslim women’s lives, past and present.Dr Siddiqui’s work at Al-Mujadilah is deeply connected to her academic pursuits.Dr Siddiqui has published several books on the history of Islamic law.Her forthcoming book, *Contesting Colonial Power: Refashioning Islamic Law in British India, explores how British colonial rule could not wholly erase Islamic law.Starting from 1757, the book traces how Islamic law adapted and persisted within the common-law framework when the British East India Company attempted to replace Mughal authority and reshape the legal system to suit their administrative needs.At Al-Mujadilah, Dr Siddiqui's extensive research experience shapes the centre’s initiatives.The centre’s research and programming theme for the coming year, “Muslim Women in Public Life: Possibilities and Challenges”, explores how Muslim women have engaged in and contributed to society and public life from the inception of Islam to the present day.The centre will explore the various dimensions of women’s public involvement – as scholars, economic actors, patrons, or political agents – and how this has been shaped by cultural, religious, and political factors in diverse historical and contemporary contexts.

As part of the participation of Qatari security forces in securing the Paris 2024 Olympics, a delegation headed by Brigadier General Nawaf Majid al-Ali, Commander of the Qatari security gorces, met on Wednesday with Lieutenant General Discussing joint plans to ensure effectiveness.At the conclusion of the visit, the Gendarmerie Commander in the Ile-de-France region expressed his thanks to the Qatari security forces for their field and logistical support within the framework of securing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Discover Qatar’s ‘Stopover programme’ continued to grow exponentially in 2023/24, with DQ's ambitious aim to double stopover passengers achieving growth of over 150% and room nights almost three-times higher than the previous year.“This impressive growth has, in part, been enabled by the addition of the beach-inclusive stopover package, premium hotels with beach access’, launched within the last six months to complement the existing stopover offerings,” Qatar Airways Group said in its latest annual report.Discover Qatar is Qatar Airways Group’s destination management subsidiary.In its annual report, Qatar Airways Group said that the 2023/24 fiscal year marked a “momentous” stride for Discover Qatar (DQ) in its first ‘business-as-usual’ year since 2019.“Over the past 12 months, DQ has delivered significant growth across core product streams, as well as operating a plethora of logistical arrangements and exceptional tourist experiences to international visitors through its global network of partners, tour operators and travel agents,” it said.In line with the group’s commitment to innovation and performance, the 2023/24 financial year saw the continuation of the success and growth of DQ’s Transit Tours with the 'City Tour' remaining the top seller, Qatar Airways said in its 'annual report'.Working in close collaboration with Group partner Qatar Duty Free (QDF), Transit Tours for Hamad International Airport travellers in February included a shuttle bus and tickets to visit the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024 and Qatar Total Energies Open 2024 tournaments, showcasing DQ’s ability to quickly introduce new product experiences into its product portfolio.As a result, transit tour passengers have significantly increased from 13,000 to 64,000 over the last 12 months – a rise of almost 400%.DQ has also provided support for a number of exceptional events hosted in Qatar “over the last 12 months”.For the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, DQ provided logistic services to over 6,000 football fans throughout the tournament, ensuring fans and customers alike enjoyed a seamless experience during their visit to Qatar.With Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023, DQ provided a range of services, including exclusive ticket and hotel packages to over 2,000 visitors.This success promises to replicate itself for next year, with DQ once again being the first provider in the world to offer exclusive access to tickets to its B2B partners, with forward sales for the 2024 event already approaching 50% of those delivered in 2023.DQ also facilitated and organised the World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) - Global Round, which took place in Doha, handling and accommodating 1,500 international students from over 50 countries.Ends

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met on Thursday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Dr Ayman al- Safadi, who is visiting the country.During the meeting, they discussed the co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them. They also discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories and the developments of the joint mediation efforts to end the war. They emphasised the necessity of reaching an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Strip and formulating an effective international stance to stop the illegal Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which undermine the two-state solution and the chances of achieving just and comprehensive peace.The meeting also discussed the co-operation between the two countries in addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, ways to bring aid through the Jordanian route, and efforts to reduce regional escalation.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan emphasised the Qatar's and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's support for Lebanon's security and stability, stressing the need to adhere to Resolution 1701.HE Sheikh Mohamed voiced Qatar's appreciation for the role of Jordan in bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Jordanian route.For his part, the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and expatriates of Jordan reiterated his country's support for the efforts made by Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America to reach a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.He also thanked Qatar for the care it gives to Jordanians who work and reside in the country.

Global weakening of oil prices had its reflection on the Gulf bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange, which on Thursday lost more than 39 points.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.39% to 10,098.36 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,137 points.The realty, consumer goods, telecom and transport counters saw higher than average selling in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 6.76%.More than 67% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation shrank QR1.19bn or 0.2% to QR584.94bn on the back of small cap segments.The Arab and foreign retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank), valued at QR0.09mn change hands across 11 transactions.The Gulf institutions continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors and domestic funds were seen bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Total Return Index shed 0.33%, the All Islamic Index by 0.6% and the All Share Index by 0.23% in the main market.The real estate index tanked 1.54%, consumer goods and services (0.97%), telecom (0.74%), transport (0.4%) and banks and financial services (0.18%); while industrials and insurance gained 0.23% and 0.15% respectively.Major losers in the main bourse included United Development Company, Woqod, Vodafone Qatar, Doha Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar Islamic Bank, Dukhan Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices and Estithmar Holding. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Industries Qatar, QLM, Al Meera, Dlala and Qatar Oman Investment were among the movers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR23.93mn compared with net buyers of QR20.53mn on July 24.The Arab retail investors’ net buying declined significantly to QR0.32mn against QR3.17mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.09mn compared to QR0.31mn on Wednesday.However, the Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR17.2mn against net sellers of QR2.67mn on July 24.The domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.19mn compared with net sellers of QR11.52mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking weakened noticeably to QR3.9mn against QR7.65mn on Wednesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net selling decreased perceptibly to QR1mn compared to QR2.17mn on July 24.The Arab institutions continued to have no major net exposure for the ninth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market fell 13% to 100.12mn shares, while value rose less than 1% to QR300.13mn and transactions by 5% to 12,005.The venture market saw a 21% jump in trade volumes to 0.85mn equities and 30% in value to QR1.77mn but on 18% contraction in deals to 85.

The Ministry of Finance, represented by the Public Budget Department, in collaboration with Qatar University, has launched the second phase of workshop on transitioning to a programme-based budget for government and semi-government entities.The workshops that commenced on July 7 will continue for four weeks, the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.The organisation of these workshops falls within the framework of the Ministry's commitment and keenness to develop and enhance the fundamental requirements of programme-based budgeting, which aligns with Qatar's National Vision 2030.The workshops aim to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and training necessary for the transition to programme-based budgeting. They introduce the concept of programme-based budgeting as an advanced method for preparing the public budget, focusing on goal achievement by breaking down overarching objectives into sub-goals and setting performance indicators to measure progress based on efficiency and effectiveness metrics. Additionally, the workshops include training and capacity building for employees to ensure their thorough understanding of the concepts and methodologies of programme-based budgeting.The Ministry initiated the ‘Budget Transformation Workshops’ in the first phase (during 2023) involving some 11 government and semi-governmental entities.In the second phase, which is ongoing this current year, the participation has been expanded to include some 150 representatives from as many as 18 government and semi-governmental entities. The Ministry of Finance has reiterated its commitment to continuing co-ordination with various government and semi-governmental entities, facilitating communication bridges through meetings, workshops, and sessions.

The Armed Forces' education authority celebrated the graduation of the joint foundation course for officers graduating from military colleges no. (2), in the presence of HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Aqeel Al Nabit.The course lasted 20 weeks and was in both Arabic and English. It aimed to qualify the student officers to work as infantry faction leaders or their equivalent in armed forces units so that they would be able to lead, manage and train their platoons and fortify them security-wise. The English version of the course also aimed to increase the knowledge of the student officers with NATO procedures, standards and doctrine.At the conclusion of the ceremony, HE the Chief of Staff honored the first members of the session, in the presence of a number of senior officer commanders in the armed forces. (QNA)

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) organized a pivotal workshop to develop a national strategy and action plan to combat desertification in the State of Qatar. The two-day workshop, spearheaded by the Wildlife Development Department, saw active participation from various state institutions. The workshop aimed to address the national challenges of combating desertification, enhance public awareness, and foster leadership, innovation, and technical cooperation programs. Director of the Wildlife Development Department at MECC, Mohammed Al Khanji emphasized Qatar's steadfast commitment to international environmental agreements, highlighting its efforts to combat desertification and promote environmental sustainability. Qatar has been a signatory to the Convention to Combat Desertification since January 1999, a commitment to mitigate the effects of drought and desertification in affected countries. Al Khanji elaborated that the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is working on a modern national strategy to combat desertification. This strategy aims to integrate desertification combating efforts into national sustainable development plans, ensuring alignment with biodiversity strategies and sustainable development goals (SDGs). He underscored the importance of setting strategies and priorities within sustainable development policies to combat desertification, addressing its underlying causes, and focusing on economic factors contributing to this phenomenon. The state is also committed to creating a conducive environment through robust legislation and long-term policies to achieve these goals. The workshop showcased several projects and programs that have significantly contributed to combating desertification and enhancing environmental sustainability in Qatar. These include the inventory and preservation of wild plants, protection of the Ghaf tree, establishment of a field gene bank, rehabilitation of the Qatari desert, rainwater harvesting, an agricultural census, and support for farmers. Al Khanji reaffirmed MECC's dedication, in collaboration with its partners, to achieving sustainable development, preserving the environment, and bolstering national and international efforts to combat desertification. These initiatives are aimed at improving the quality of life for both current and future generations. The workshop brought together officials from the Ministries of Defense, Municipality, and Transport, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Civil Aviation Authority, the National Planning Council, Kahramaa, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Energy, and the ExxonMobil Center. Discussions centered on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the proposed national strategy and action plan to combat desertification in Qatar. The strategy's key areas and the most significant projects related to combating desertification in the country were also presented. (QNA)

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary closure of the free right turn on Islamic Museum Intersection on Corniche Street for drivers coming from the junction known as Al Meena Intersection for one week from July 27. The closure that will be implemented in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffic has been announced to enable maintenance works. Motorists can use the alternative street as shown on the map to reach their destinations. Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and has requested all to follow and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is implementing 33 projects to serve 30,000 plots of citizens’ subdivisions through its Local Areas Infrastructure Programme across Qatar. Eng. Mohammed Al-Yafei, project engineer in the Southern Areas Section in Ashghal’s Roads Projects Department, told Qatar TV that several projects are being implemented in South along with West Semaisma, West Umm Salal, South Umm Al Amad and Umm Ubairiya Village. “The projects at North and East Al Kheesa, Al Ebb, Al Obeib, Umm Salal Mohammed and West Al Rakiya are witnessing progress,” he said adding that several packages of road projects have been completed in various areas of the country to serve 5,150 residential plots for citizens. These include the Roads and Infrastructure Development projects at East Al Wajba project (package 1), West Semaisma project (package 1), Al Ebb and Leabaib (package 1 and package 5) and West Muaither project (package 2). The projects, according to al-Yafie, led to development in these areas.Ashghal’s Local Areas Infrastructure Programme is a nationwide programme that aims to develop the roads, drainage networks and overall infrastructure in all areas of Qatar to raise the standard of living for all citizens and residents. The programme provides a comprehensive infrastructure for new areas that lack infrastructure facilities, in addition to developing and enhancing the existing infrastructure in central and suburban areas. It also aims to increase the capacity of roads and utility services to meet the requirements of continuous urban development. This is in addition to the construction of link roads that connect villages and towns across the country.The Local Areas Infrastructure Programme is dynamic as projects are added, expanded or merged to meet the requirements of the planning entities and the continuous development across the country.In May, Ashghal announced that it completed infrastructure services for 7,833 plots of citizens’ subdivisions in various areas in the North, West and South of Qatar. An advanced road network and integrated infrastructure were provided for these subdivisions through several projects to serve the needs of residents and contribute to improving the quality of life, health and environmental conditions in various areas of the country, in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030.