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Global economic recovery is influenced by a variety of interrelated factors that contribute to revitalising economic growth and stability.Obviously, these factors vary depending on the nature of the economic downturn. Essentially they include government policies and stimulus measures, global trade and supply chains, consumer and business confidence, energy and commodity prices, resilient financial systems and labour market recovery among others.International trade has displayed extraordinary volatility in recent years, according to the region’s top bank Qatar’s QNB. After the sharp collapse in trade volumes in 2020 resulting from the Covid-pandemic, a strong rebound took place in 2021 as the pandemic gradually receded and the global economy began to progressively reopen.Afterwards, a challenging environment emerged amid rising interest rates, high inflation, and geopolitical instability, QNB noted recently.These negative conditions resulted in a sharp deceleration of trade activity in 2022, which was even more disappointing in 2023, displaying a highly unusual contraction.During the last 40 years, a contraction in real trade volumes had only been recorded in 2009 as an aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), and in 2020 with the dramatic disruptions caused by the Covid-pandemic.While some of the headwinds remain relevant today, including a challenging geopolitical environment fraught with protectionism and logistical disruptions, a moderate recovery began to take place this year.In QNB’s view, although global trade growth will remain below the long-term pre-Covid pandemic average, the recovery is set to continue in 2025.According to analysts, government spending on infrastructure, healthcare, or direct financial aid to businesses and individuals helps stimulate demand across the globe.In order to increase liquidity and encourage borrowing and investment, central banks around the world need to reduce interest rates or implement quantitative easing.Economic recovery often hinges on renewed confidence among consumers and businesses. Higher confidence leads to increased spending and investment.Restoring and strengthening global trade relationships is critical, especially if supply chains were disrupted during the downturn.Trade agreements and reduced tariffs facilitate smoother international commerce, analysts say.Another major contributing factor to global economic recovery is a resilient financial system. A well-functioning banking sector ensures that credit flows to businesses and consumers.Regulatory measures to stabilise financial markets prevent economic shocks from worsening.Equally important is technological innovation that drives productivity and opens up new industries, creating jobs and economic opportunities.Digital transformation obviously helps businesses adapt more quickly to new market realities.In a recent economic report, QNB noted that if there is no major escalation in protectionism and geopolitical disruptions, it expects growth in volumes of trade to continue to recover, increasing to 3.2% in 2025, from an expected 2.8% this year, amid positive leading trade indicators, aggressive economic stimulus measures in China, and the policy interest rate cutting cycles in advanced economies.Global economic recovery is usually a combination of these factors working in tandem, and their effectiveness depends on the underlying causes of the downturn, such as financial crises, pandemics, or geopolitical conflicts. Each recovery is unique, shaped by the specific circumstances and challenges faced by economies.

The Gulf Association of Family Medicine (GAFM) held a meeting in Doha for the heads and members of its committees, on the sidelines of the first conference on family and community medicine.The meeting, which was opened by President of the Qatar Association for Family and Community Medicine, Dr. Samia Al-Abdullah, discussed the activities of GAFM during the past period, including E-seminars, lectures, and workshops. It also discussed mechanisms for improving internal communication between the member association in the GCC countries in light of the multiplicity of events and activities.President of the GAFM, Dr. Mohammed Al-Azmi noted the importance of unifying the media identity of GAFM in cooperation with the member associations in accordance with the laws of each country, in order to enhance the positive visual impact on the scientific, societal, and marketing presence of the Association.For her part, Vice-President of the Qatari Association for Family and Community Medicine, Dr. Mona Taher stressed the importance of scientific and community efforts to ensure continued communication with the medical community and Gulf communities, which often endure the same health problems.The meeting agreed to invite distinguished and influential family physicians in the Gulf countries to participate in the events, and to expand the scope of participation to include resident family doctors and even patients.GAFM also discussed several proposals and recommendations aimed at raising the level of scientific and professional competence of family physicians in the Gulf countries, thus enhancing the role of the Gulf Association in supporting this vital field. (QNA)

Alaraby TV Network has won the Audience Honour Award at the 9th annual Shorty Impact Awards for its pioneering programme Fi Al Hadara (About Civilisation).The award specifically recognised the episode titled Illusions of Happiness, which addresses the dangers of addiction.The episode’s script was written by Kareem Mansi, with dramatic adaptation and comic sketch written by Abdelrahman Jawish, and directed by Waleed El-Geneidy.Illusions of Happiness highlights the hidden and destructive effects of addiction, taking viewers on an exploratory journey that blends painful realism with satirical presentation.This unique balance has contributed to About Civilisation's notable success since its launch, helping it build a loyal and wide-ranging audience.This success has enabled the programme to boldly tackle sensitive issues and foster societal discussions that inspire positive change and enhance public awareness.Regarding this achievement, Amira Hamza, the head of Digital at Alaraby TV Network, said:"Alaraby Tube team is delighted with this accomplishment, especially since the nominated episode addresses an important issue affecting both Arab and global communities.”“This audience recognition reflects the popularity of Fi Al Hadara and reaffirms our commitment to delivering meaningful cultural and social content that raises awareness and positively impacts society,” he said.Alaraby Tube is a digital platform affiliated with Alaraby TV Network.It specialises in producing innovative digital content that presents social and cultural issues in a modern and engaging manner.The platform aims to empower and inspire Arab audiences through programmes that resonate with their interests and aspirations.

HSBC's top economists gathered in Doha to present their outlook for Qatar's economy at the bank's annual 'Economic Roadshow' event.The successful engagement brought together key clients and stakeholders for a series of global, regional and local economic updates.The economists highlighted Qatar's position as one of the few economies globally still growing above trend. The country's ongoing investments and economic diversification efforts were cited as key drivers of this strong performance.HSBC Qatar Chief Executive Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi commented: "The insights shared by our economists underscore Qatar's economic resilience and growth potential. As Qatar continues to diversify and invest in key sectors, we see significant opportunities for global investors to be part of Qatar’s long-term growth."HSBC’s Chief Economist for CEEMEA Simon Williams added: "Qatar's economic fundamentals remain strong, supported by prudent fiscal management and strategic investments. While global headwinds persist, Qatar is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and continue its growth trajectory."More than 150 clients and business leaders in Doha attended the presentations which were made by the HSBC Global Research economics team which, in addition to Simon Williams, included Senior Economic Adviser, Stephen King and Global Economist, James Pomeroy.

Oxford Business Group (OBG) and Qatar Chamber have formalised their ongoing collaboration through a new memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed at Qatar Chamber’s headquarters, marking a key step in the production of The Report: Qatar 2025, an in-depth publication on Qatar’s economic landscape.Under the terms of the MoU, the two entities will jointly support research and analysis across critical areas of the Qatari economy, including economic diversification, the expansion of gas production, improvements in the business environment, and advancements in technology and infrastructure. The partnership will also enable Qatar Chamber’s members to access OBG’s online resources, covering economic insights from over 35 countries.Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, acting general manager of Qatar Chamber, highlighted the chamber’s support for the collaboration with OBG, underscoring the importance of sharing insights that can contribute to the national economic agenda.“The Report: Qatar 2025 will serve as a resource for the private sector, examining key areas such as public-private partnerships, sustainable economic diversification, and the application of technology to advance Qatar’s economic goals,” he said.Fernanda Braz, OBG country director for Qatar, noted the strategic value of working with Qatar Chamber to deliver a comprehensive analysis of Qatar’s evolving economic landscape.“Our collaboration with Qatar Chamber enables us to provide focused insights into sectors integral to Qatar’s long-term economic vision, with an emphasis on areas such as infrastructure development, foreign investment, and digital transformation,” she said.Set to cover both established and emerging sectors, The Report: Qatar 2025 will offer an analysis of the current economic landscape and the opportunities it presents. The publication will draw on extensive research conducted by OBG’s team, including interviews with key stakeholders from Qatar’s public and private sectors.

Qatar Chamber recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce to promote and develop economic co-operation and trade exchanges.The MoU was signed by Qatar Chamber second vice-chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba and Kosovo Chamber of Commerce president Lulzim Rafuna at the chamber's Doha headquarters.The agreement also aims to exchange economic information, co-operate in the field of exhibitions, facilitate exchange visits and organise joint meetings for businessmen to promote co-operation in trade.During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance co-operation between them to reflect on the trade and economic relations between the two friendly countries, and the role that the private sector can perform to enhance these relations.Speaking at the meeting, al-Athba lauded the relations between Qatar and Kosovo, especially in the commercial and economic fields, pointing out that the agreement aims to enhance trade co-operation relations between the two parties, facilitate co-operation among businessmen from both countries.Rafuna said the MoU will play a key role in strengthening relations between businessmen and investors from both countries. He emphasised that his country is open to foreign investment in various economic sectors and seeks to attract Qatari investments.

Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari recently met with Shamsuddin Ahmed, the president of the Federation of Comoros Chambers of Commerce to discuss bilateral co-operation and the investment climate in both countries.The meeting explored available investment opportunities and the potential to enhance mutual investments, along with promoting bilateral trade, as well as the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between the business sectors in both countries.Both officials also discussed the organisation of mutual visits for trade delegations to explore investment and trade opportunities, further enhancing co-operation between the two business communities.Al-Kuwari emphasised the interest of Qatari businessmen in exploring investment opportunities in the Comoros, including the country’s investment legislation and benefits. He pointed out that Qatar Chamber supports the development of business relations between the two nations.Ahmed said his country is eager to attract Qatari investments, noting that the main objective of his visit to Doha is to discuss ways to expand Qatari investment in the Comoros. He also highlighted numerous opportunities in sectors, such as banking, Islamic banking, agriculture, and food production.

The 12th Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute(DFI), concluded Saturday with the winners of the Ajyal Jury Competition honoured at a special ceremony held in Katara – the Cultural Village.The Ajyal Jury Competition winners were selected by more than 400 young jurors, aged 8-25, who watched 66 films from 42 countries in three categories: Mohaq (8-12 years), Hilal (13-17 years) and Bader (18-25).The award ceremony was attended by jurors, their parents, filmmakers and several distinguished guests.One of the special moments at the festival this year was the Ajyal in Gaza programme that screened films from Qatar for 90 young jurors in Gaza, who awarded the top honour to *Above the Tamarind Tree (Qatar) by Buthyna al-Mohammadi.The “Made in Qatar Awards”, which honour the works of Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers, were evaluated by a three-member jury comprising acclaimed Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri, Kenyan filmmaker Debra Aroko, and Qatari filmmaker Amal al-Muftah.The winners are:Abdulaziz Jassim Award for Best Performance: Qatari filmmaker Ali al-Hajri for I Lay For You To Sleep.Best Director Award: Paul Abraham and Abdulla al-Hor for AlkalineBest Film Award: I Lay For You To Sleep (Ali al Hajri)The winners of the 2024 Ajyal Jury Competition are:Mohaq:Best Short Film Award: Bottles (Morocco) – Yassine ElIdrissiBest Feature Film Award: Block 5 (Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Serbia) – Klemen DvornikHilal:Best Short Film Award: Canary in a Coal Mine (Lebanon) – Dwan KaoukjiBest Feature Film Award: Searching for Amani (Kenya, USA) – Debra Aroko and Nicole GormleyBader:Best Short Film Award: Apoleon (Egypt, France) – Amir YoussefBest Feature Film Award: Thank You for Banking with Us (Palestine, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt) - Laila AbbasAudience Award: Sudan, Remember Us (France, Tunisia, Qatar) – Hind Meddeb.Addressing the audience, DFI chief executive and Ajyal festival director Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: "While we hosted our screenings here, our hearts were with our neighbours who are undergoing great challenges.”“When 90 young jurors in Gaza found a way to participate in Ajyal despite everything happening around them, it showed me the true power of what we do,” she continued. “Their courage and determination to engage with cinema even in the darkest hours, reminds us of our purpose. It tells us why we can never stop telling stories of the wronged and the neglected.”"We have been inspired by how filmmakers respond to the changes around them,” Alremaihi said. “Through our support to young, emerging and independent voices, we have underlined the power of film to break barriers and form positive bonds through cultural exchange and understanding."With the DFI approaching its 15th year in 2025, the official said: "As we look ahead to a new chapter with the Doha Film Festival, the Ajyal spirit remains.”“Our young jurors have always been the driving force behind the festival, and they will to be central to next year’s exciting new chapter in film and storytelling,” Alremaihi said. “Ajyal means generations, and what we have built together is a legacy for future generations.”“We told a magnificent story and we are about to tell another filled with hope and excitement, and will continue to champion the voices of underrepresented communities," she concluded.

Kuwait's 47th International Book Fair has devoted a seminar on the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding (SHATIU) as one of the foremost awards supporting cultural dialogue and knowledge-sharing among peoples.The seminar was held at the fair's cultural pavilion to shine a spotlight on the SHATIU, which was established by Qatar.The event featured interviews with past winners, along with snapshots and video clips showcasing the milestones of the SHATIU's curators who traversed the world.Moderated by Nasser al-Haybah, SHATIU spokesperson Dr Hanan al-Fayyad and SHATIU media team member Dr Imtinan al-Samadi, addressed the event, with Dr al-Fayyad underscoring that translation has been the broadest means of dispelling ignorance about the nature of “the other”, exploring human essence, and investing in culture, thought, and awareness to serve the humanity.She highlighted that translation has the potential to be a path to untangle the conflicts of this world, replace violence with peace, and establish balanced openness in place of isolation and racism.Dr al-Fayyad added that the SHATIU was established in 2015 to promote rapprochement among humans in light of conflicts that have been engulfing the world, and stems from Qatar's deep awareness of the pivotal role of translation in advancing Arab nations throughout history.The Qatar initiative primarily aims to honoru translators, back efforts that forge cultural and civilisational understanding among nations, encourage translation to and from Arab languages, and highlight the significance of translation in the humanitarian space.Dr al-Fayyad said that the award underpins three criteria: transparency, quality and diversity.She stressed the importance of linguistic diversity, which is highlighted each season, and emphasised that the professionalism and transparency of the SHATIU committee have given the award significant credibility in global cultural circles.

Qatar Charity has begun distributing food aid to 7,669 orphans it sponsors in Sudan. The food baskets were distributed to the sponsored orphans in Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad Al-Attiyah City for Orphan Care, located in the River Nile State. The distribution event was attended by Dr Tahani Mirghani, Minister of Social Affairs, and Afaf Taj al-Sir, commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, along with other executive officials from River Nile State. They praised the continuous efforts of the benefactors from Qatar in supporting orphans and vulnerable groups throughout the various humanitarian crises Sudan has faced. Awad al-Karim Ali, the executive director of the Damir locality, where Sheikh Aisha al-Attiyah City is located, added that distributing food baskets to orphans amid Sudan’s current exceptional circumstances is a commendable and unique effort. He thanked the people of Qatar for their continuous support to Sudan, especially in these difficult times. Qatar Charity's field teams are planning to distribute food baskets to sponsored orphans in the Red Sea, River Nile, Kassala, Gedaref, and Northern States, in addition to distributing food baskets to orphans in Sheikha Aisha bint Hamad Al-Attiyah City in River Nile State. The food basket distribution brought a sense of relief and satisfaction to the orphans’ families, as the baskets contained essential food items. This initiative has been warmly welcomed by the sponsored orphans and their families. Mona al-Jaili, one of the sponsored orphans said that the food basket arrived at a particularly challenging time.

Qatar participated in the Diplomatic Conference held in Riyadh, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), aimed at concluding and adopting the Design Law Treaty.The Qatari delegation at the conference was headed by HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to UN Office and Other International Organisations in Geneva, Dr. Hind bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah.During the conference, Qatar's representative, Director of Qatar's Office at the World Trade Organisation and other economic organisations in Geneva, Ahmed Issa Al Sulaiti, was elected to the drafting committee responsible for reviewing and adopting the Design Law Treaty.HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN and Other International Organisations in Geneva expressed her gratitude to the member states for supporting Qatar's candidacy, affirming that this reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to actively and constructively participating in the drafting of international laws and treaties that support innovation and protect the rights of creators worldwide.She explained that this achievement aligns with Qatar's broader efforts to enhance its role in advancing legal mechanisms that promote innovation and creativity, contributing to the strategic goals of transforming into a knowledge-based diversified economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.She noted that the treaty represents a significant milestone towards simplifying and unifying design registration procedures, allowing designers and innovators to obtain effective and comprehensive protection for their designs in international markets with less cost and effort, thus enhancing their ability for sustainable innovation and creativity.Her Excellency also expressed her thanks and appreciation to the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generous hospitality, warm reception, and outstanding organization of this event. She praised the efforts of President of the Diplomatic Conference, Dr Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Swailem, and Director General of WIPO, Daren Tang, for ensuring the success of the conference, along with all the member states, working groups, and experts who contributed.Her Excellency affirmed Qatar's readiness to continue working and cooperating to achieve the goals of the treaty and support efforts to promote innovation and creativity worldwide, in line with national plans to enhance innovation and develop human capabilities. (QNA)

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) hosted recently the ESMO (European Society For Medical Oncology) Advanced Course on Breast Cancer, titled *Filling the Gaps Following Progression on CDK4/6 in Hormone Receptor-Positive HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer, led by Dr Salha Bujassoum, chairperson of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care Medicine.This event, the first of its kind in Qatar, highlighted strategies for managing advanced breast cancer, particularly for patients whose condition progresses after treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.With a blend of global expertise and dynamic discussions, the course set Qatar's status as a leader in oncology education.The course attracted more than 100 leading oncologists, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the globe, all focused on addressing pressing challenges in advanced breast cancer care.Delegates from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Unites Arab Emirates, Italy, France, Austria, Kuwait, Oman, and Spain exchanged ideas and shared best practices.The event featured interactive case discussions that provided practical insights into real-world treatment challenges, expert panels highlighting the latest breakthroughs and clinical innovations, and collaborative networking opportunities, serving as a global platform for fostering partnerships in breast cancer care.Under Dr Bujassoum’s leadership, the course emphasised evidence-based approaches, personalised treatment plans, and the integration of novel therapies into clinical practice.This event bridged critical gaps in care and inspired a collective commitment to enhancing patient outcomes worldwide."This event marks a transformative step in advancing breast cancer care and is a testament to Qatar's growing prominence as a global hub for oncology education,” Dr Bujassoum said. “Our commitment to improving patient outcomes is solid and steady, and this course has equipped us with valuable insights and strategies to address the evolving needs of our patients."“The collaboration among leading experts from various countries underscores the significance of sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships,” she added. “Together, we can create innovative solutions that will enhance the quality of care for breast cancer patients locally and globally.”