Doha, Qatar – November 2024 The Qatar Digital Library (QDL)  has been awarded the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) Award  for the Best Arab Initiative , recognizing its pivotal role in preserving the documentary heritage of the Gulf region and the Arab world. The award was presented during the 35th AFLI Conference  held in Muscat, Oman , from November 12 to 14, 2024 , under the theme “Libraries and Arab Archive Institutions and Their Role in Enhancing Identity and Digital Citizenship.” His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari , Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL) , received the award from His Highness Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said , President of Sultan Qaboos University, at an event attended by leading academics and library experts across the Arab world. A Decade of Achievement Launched in October 2014 , the Qatar Digital Library was created through a partnership between Qatar National Library , Qatar Foundation , and the British Library . It is the world’s largest digital repository dedicated to heritage documents, manuscripts, and scientific discoveries in Arab and Islamic civilization, with a focus on the Gulf region and the Arab world. Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Al Kawari remarked: “This achievement underscores Qatar National Library’s dedication to its mission as a premier knowledge hub. Over the past decade, QDL has become the foremost reference on the history of the Gulf, the Arab world, and the broader Middle East, preserving invaluable cultural heritage and making it accessible to researchers worldwide.” Celebrating QDL’s Legacy Earlier this year, on September 30 , Qatar National Library marked the 10th anniversary of QDL  with a conference titled “Unlocking Histories: 10 Years of Qatar Digital Library.”  The event brought together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the rich resources available on the platform and its role in facilitating historical research. With nearly 2.5 million digitized pages , QDL houses historical materials on topics such as trade, World Wars, the petroleum industry, treaties, marine navigation, Arab nationalism, and rare Arabic manuscripts covering fields like medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. The platform attracts an average of 200,000 users  and over 2 million page views annually , solidifying its status as a critical resource for researchers. Recognizing Excellence Dr. Al Kawari added: “This award celebrates the dedication of our team in safeguarding cultural heritage and reinforces QNL’s position as a bastion of knowledge. We remain committed to supporting researchers and academics across the region through innovative platforms like QDL.” For more information, visit www.qdl.qa .

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 20, 2024 The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation , the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (netFWD) , and Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Division for the Development of Public Management and Educational Policies (FGV DGPE)  co-hosted a high-level event titled “Catalyzing Change: Education’s Role in Building a Just and Sustainable Future”  during the G20 Leaders’ Summit  in Rio de Janeiro. This event emphasized the critical role of education in addressing climate change, promoting equity, and fostering resilience, aligning with Brazil’s G20 Presidency theme: “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” Event Highlights The two-part event consisted of: • High-Level Breakfast : Global leaders delivered opening remarks, exploring the intersections of education, climate, and health. A round-table discussion followed, focusing on integrating education into climate and health policies to tackle global challenges. • Technical Session : Panel discussions and workshops addressed innovative financing for education, climate-resilient learning, foundations’ roles in sustainable development, and youth-led advocacy. Key Insights and Statements Mohamed Al Kubaisi , Acting CEO of EAA Foundation, highlighted: “To achieve sustainable development goals and ensure equitable access to quality education, we must prioritise innovative financing solutions and collaborative approaches. EAA has provided educational opportunities to over 19 million out-of-school children across 60 countries, leveraging nearly USD 3 billion in co-funding through strategic partnerships.” Henrique Paim , Director of FGV DGPE, stated: “Education is a cornerstone in addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. Forward-looking pedagogical practices must prioritise quality teaching, meaningful learning outcomes, and the essential rights to inclusion and social equity.” Federico Bonaglia , Deputy Director of the OECD Development Centre, underscored: “Philanthropy has a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, contributing USD 42 billion to development from 2016 to 2019, with most resources directed to education. This event reinforces philanthropy’s importance in multilateral discussions and its integration into global development priorities.” A Global Call to Action With Brazil’s G20 Presidency emphasizing social inclusion , sustainable energy transitions , and global governance reform , the event sought to galvanize global commitments to: • Expanding educational access for marginalized communities. • Strengthening climate resilience through education. • Advancing equitable development through innovative financing and cross-sector collaboration. As the dialogue continues, this initiative sets the stage for future collaborations, including engaging with South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 , to amplify the role of education in driving systemic reform and resilience worldwide. For more information, visit www.educationaboveall.org .

Doha, Qatar – November 2024 The Ministry of Transport (MoT)  has announced the completion of the first phase of the Water Taxi project , a milestone unveiled during the Qatar Boat Show at Old Doha Port. The initial phase includes the completion of the Lusail Ferry Terminal  and two ferry stops at Pearl Ferry Stop  and Corniche Ferry Stop . This ambitious project aims to provide a modern, eco-friendly waterborne public transportation system, enhancing connectivity across Qatar and supporting Qatar Tourism’s plans  to promote domestic travel. The Water Taxi project is aligned with the National Tourism Strategy 2030 , focusing on sustainability, economic diversification, and advanced technology integration. Lusail Ferry Terminal and Ferry Stops The Lusail Ferry Terminal  spans an area of over 2,200 sqm  and features a pontoon equipped with electric chargers  capable of accommodating four 24-meter-long ferries. The terminal includes a waiting area , ticketing facility , and various service facilities such as retail outlets and offices. The Pearl Ferry Stop  and Corniche Ferry Stop  are similarly equipped with pontoons, ticketing offices, and customer service facilities. Future Phases of the Water Taxi Project The MoT revealed plans for future expansion: • Phase Two : Covering key locations such as Katara , Old Doha Port , Hamad International Airport , and Al Wakra . • Phase Three : Extending connections from Old Doha Port  to Al Khour  in northern Qatar, passing through Lusail City  and Simaisma , with further studies planned. Promoting Qatar’s Tourism and Community Engagement The Water Taxi project contributes to elevating Qatar’s tourism profile by promoting ferry-based domestic travel. In addition, the MoT booth at the Qatar Boat Show highlights: • Digital services for vessels  available on the MoT website. • The Automatic Identification System (AIS)  for improved ship safety and tracking during inspections. • The Skipper Plus moisture meter , designed to ensure the structural integrity of wooden and fiberglass boats, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Panel Discussions and Industry Insights On the sidelines of the Qatar Boat Show, the MoT is hosting two panel discussions in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) : 1. Safe Navigation : Raising awareness about boat types and safe navigation practices. 2. Unmanned Ships : Exploring the reliability and benefits of unmanned ships and technological advancements for smaller and leisure boats. Statements from Key Stakeholders His Excellency Capt. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji , CEO of Mwani Qatar, said: “The Water Taxi project supports Qatar’s goal of achieving sustainable and advanced transportation systems, benefiting both residents and visitors.” Salem Al Marri , Public Relations and Communications Director at Katara, commented: “The project enhances Qatar’s marine tourism landscape and aligns with our mission to support cultural diversity and community engagement.” The MoT continues to work on selecting the project operator and the types of ferries to be used, aiming to deliver seamless integration with the Sila public transit system . For more information, visit www.mot.gov.qa .

Doha, Qatar – December 2024 The Qatar Balloon Festival  is set to return for its highly anticipated fifth edition , featuring over 50 hot air balloons  from 21 countries . The 10-day event will be held from December 12 to 21, 2024 , at the southern parking area of the Katara Cultural Village , promising to be the most spectacular edition yet. Organized by Safe Flight Solutions  in collaboration with Visit Qatar  and the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) , this festival is packed with exciting new attractions and family-friendly activities. Festival Highlights The 2024 Qatar Balloon Festival will showcase a diverse range of balloons, including special-shaped and traditional round balloons from countries like Brazil, France, the UK, Japan, and more. Key highlights include: • Morning Flights:  Witness breathtaking views as balloons take off at sunrise from various locations across Qatar, weather permitting. • Afternoon and Evening Activities:  Enjoy tethered balloon spectacles, nightglow events, and laser shows daily from 3 PM to 10 PM  at the festival site in Katara. • On-Site Balloon Construction:  For the first time, attendees can watch the creation of a hot air balloon, culminating in its inflation and test flight. • Family Activities:  Kite-building workshops, bouncing castles, carnival games, food kiosks, and merchandise stalls will keep visitors of all ages entertained. Community Initiatives The festival includes several community-focused initiatives: • Subsidized Balloon Flights:  1,000 tickets are available at half price ( QR499 ) through Asfary.com , bookable starting today, November 12 , until March 31, 2025 . • Blood Donation Drive:  In partnership with Aster Hospital  and Hamad Medical Corporation , a blood donation drive will be held on December 16  from 3 PM to 9 PM . Statements from Organizers Abdulrahman Al Muftah , Manager of Festivals & Events Planning at Visit Qatar, stated: “Visit Qatar is proud to continue its partnership with the Qatar Balloon Festival for its fifth edition. As a flagship event, it showcases Qatar’s unique appeal to both international visitors and the local community, aligning with our goal to position Qatar as a leading cultural destination.” Hassan Al Mousawi , CEO of Safe Flight Solutions, commented: “We are thrilled to bring together a diverse array of hot air balloons from around the world. This festival fosters community engagement and reinforces Qatar’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural and family-friendly events.” Salem Al Marri , Public Relations and Communications Director at Katara, added: “Hosting the Qatar Balloon Festival aligns with Katara’s mission to support cultural diversity and community initiatives. We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the vibrant activities and displays.” Participating countries include Algeria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. Tickets and Booking Information Tickets for the 2024 Qatar Balloon Festival  are now available on Asfary.com . Don’t miss the chance to experience Qatar’s most colorful and exciting event of the year!

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued an official statement addressing recent discussions about the exclusive use of the national card, Himyan, for payments at government agencies. QCB clarified that this payment method is part of a phased digital transformation initiative set to commence in February 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the security of government transactions and lower costs associated with payment processing.  QCB emphasized that the quality of services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors in Qatar will remain unaffected throughout this transition. Furthermore, QCB said it is closely monitoring the deployment of financial products and digital transformation initiatives in Qatar. The Central bank said that it will provide the public with the detailed information about the transition, ensuring easy access to government services.

With less than 30 days left until the launch of the first edition of the Qatar Boat Show 2024. For this edition, Old Doha Port announced that over 95% of the on-water slots are reserved thus approaching full capacity with the participation of many international and local companies and yacht manufacturers. The anticipation of the Qatar Boat Show, which is slated to be held from November 6 to 9, 2024, is high with a few weeks remaining from the promising exhibitions of superyachts and boats, thrilling ongoing water sports, and industry workshops and panels. Over 90% of the on-ground yacht displays for boats, marine equipment, and corporate spaces are reserved for the inaugural edition of the Qatar Boat Show. The Qatar Boat Show will be receiving leading companies and brands within the maritime industry. Incredible local talent will be showcasing boats and marine vessels made in Qatar, many of which will be featured for the first time in the region. Exhibitors will be able to establish valuable relationships, expand their networks, and create business opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with both local and international brands as well as discover new investment opportunities within the region. Furthermore, exhibitors will enjoy exclusive previews of more than 75 yachts and watercrafts, including groundbreaking new models and innovative designs. They will gain insights into the latest trends and developments in boat technology, design, and sustainability through insightful seminars and workshops led by industry experts. Other exhibitors include Corinthia Yacht Club, Antoine Karam, Milaha, Pacific Marine, Fendress, Captain's Club, Al Kous Marine, Aldhaen Marine, Oceanco, Feadship, The World of Yachts, and Heesen Yachts amongst many others. for more reference please do visit the official webpage of the boat show https://boatshowqatar.com/

Doha, Qatar – November 2024 Qatar Tourism  has officially kicked off its 2024/2025 cruise season  with the arrival of the Resorts World One Cruise Ship . This season is set to be Qatar’s largest yet, with 95 cruise calls scheduled, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting calls, and 4 maiden calls. Running from November 2024 to April 2025 , the season is expected to welcome over 430,000 passengers , solidifying Qatar’s status as a premier cruise destination. The Resorts World One , making its first maiden call of the season, will have 23 scheduled visits, bringing approximately 72,000 visitors . Notable cruise ships such as Mein Schiff 4 , MSC Euribia , AIDAprima , Costa Smeralda , Norwegian Sky , and Celestyal Journey  will also visit, highlighting Qatar’s appeal to global cruise travelers. Following a successful 2023/2024 season, which saw 73 cruise ships and over 347,000 visitors, the new season represents a significant milestone in Qatar’s cruise industry growth. His Excellency Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji , Chairman of Qatar Tourism, emphasized the role of Qatar’s cruise sector in achieving the National Tourism Strategy 2030 : “The growth of Qatar’s cruise sector is pivotal to our National Tourism Strategy 2030. With a 30% increase in cruise calls and 24.5% more visitors expected this season, Qatar continues to position itself as a leading destination for cruise travelers worldwide.” His Excellency Capt. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji , CEO of Mwani Qatar , added: “Doha Port is fully prepared to host 95 scheduled cruises, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all guests. The remarkable increase in visitor numbers and cruise arrivals reflects Qatar’s standing as a key cruise destination in the region.” Conveniently located near key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar  and Souq Waqif , Doha Port’s cruise terminal optimizes visitor experiences by enabling cruise passengers to explore the city. Looking ahead, Qatar Tourism  aims to strengthen partnerships with international cruise lines, supporting growth in Qatar’s tourism sector and contributing to economic diversification. For more information, visit www.visitqatar.com .

GCC Celebrities Join Visit Qatar’s Campaign to Showcase Family-Friendly Attractions and Events Doha, Qatar – October 2024 Visit Qatar  has launched its new campaign titled قطر، على هواك  (“Qatar, Based on Your Heart’s Desire”) to inspire travelers from across the GCC to experience Qatar’s unique winter offerings. Building on a record-breaking tourism season, this campaign positions Qatar as a leading family-friendly winter escape, featuring a variety of must-visit attractions and events catering to all interests and ages. The campaign stars Saudi actor Yousef Al Jarrah  and Bahraini artist Ahmad Sharif , with cameo appearances by Qatari Chef Noof Al Marri  and inspirational speaker Ghanim Al Muftah . Together, they take viewers on an engaging journey showcasing Qatar’s blend of culture, entertainment, and hospitality, making it an ideal destination for couples, families, and groups of friends. Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi , CEO of Visit Qatar, commented: “Qatar’s unique winter atmosphere and diverse entertainment options make it the perfect destination for both short and long getaways. Our aim is to create unforgettable moments for everyone who visits. As winter approaches, we invite our GCC neighbors to explore Qatar and experience a memorable journey catered to their interests.” Something for Everyone Qatar’s attractions cater to diverse interests, from thrilling adventures at Quest Indoor Theme Park , home to the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, to eco-friendly luxury at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq . Cultural enthusiasts can explore the Katara Amphitheatre  with its unique blend of Greek and Islamic architecture, while shopping enthusiasts can indulge at West Walk , Galeries Lafayette Doha , and 21 High Street . For those seeking relaxation, Qatar offers a range of beaches from family-friendly Katara Beach  to the serene shores of Fuwairit  and Al Khor , known for their natural beauty and bioluminescent waters. Visa-Free Access and Easy Connectivity Qatar offers visa-free travel to visitors from 102 countries, with easy accessibility by land, air, and sea. Located just a short flight away for GCC residents, visitors can enjoy Qatar’s winter sun, luxurious resorts, and cultural experiences, all within close proximity to Doha’s city center. After welcoming a record four million visitors in 2023 , Qatar’s tourism continues to grow, with a 24% increase in visitor numbers by October 2024 compared to the same period last year. For more information on travel packages and event calendars, visit www.visitqatar.com .

Seoul, South Korea – October 2023 Qatari football star Akram Afif  was celebrated as the AFC Player of the Year  at the prestigious AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023 , held at the Grand Peace Palace of Kyung Hee University. The 27-year-old forward made history, becoming the first Qatari to win the award twice, a testament to his exceptional 2023/24 season performance. Afif, who previously won the accolade in 2019, joins an elite group of players to have won the title more than once, alongside Japan’s Hidetoshi Nakata (1997, 1998) and Uzbekistan’s Server Djeparov (2008, 2011). Representing Al Sadd SC , he continues the club’s legacy with previous Qatari winners Khalfan Ibrahim  (2006) and Abdelkarim Hassan  (2018) also hailing from Al Sadd. In 2023, Afif was instrumental in helping Qatar retain the AFC Asian Cup title on home soil, scoring eight goals  and assisting three times, becoming the first player in the tournament’s history to score a hat-trick in the Final. His standout season earned him the Most Valuable Player  and Yili Top Scorer  awards, a rare double accomplishment in the same edition of the tournament. On the road to Qatar’s third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers , Afif recorded two goals and five assists, keeping the team on track for a potential second FIFA World Cup appearance. At the club level, he played a pivotal role in Al Sadd SC’s  record 17th Qatar Stars League title and won the Amir Cup , completing a memorable domestic double. Since joining Al Sadd in 2018, after stints with Belgium’s Eupen, Spain’s Villarreal, and Sporting Gijon, Afif has consistently raised the bar in Qatari football. He clinched the Qatar Stars League Best Player  award for a fourth time, leading Al Sadd with 26 goals and 11 assists  in just 22 games, underscoring his place as a top-tier talent in both Qatari and Asian football.

Doha, Qatar – October 2024 Qatar Tourism has proudly announced the winners of the Qatar Tourism Awards 2024 , a prestigious event that honours the organisations and individuals who are driving Qatar’s emergence as a global destination. The awards ceremony, held at the Raffles Doha Ballroom, brought together key industry figures and distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji , Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Ms. Natalia Bayona , Executive Director of UN Tourism, and Ms. Basma Al-Mayman , UN Tourism Regional Director, Middle East. Launched in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the Qatar Tourism Awards  celebrate businesses and individuals who exemplify service excellence, sustainability, and innovation in enhancing Qatar’s visitor experience. The 2024 edition expanded from three to seven categories, offering a comprehensive view of Qatar’s visitor experience, including Service Excellence , Gastronomic Experiences , Iconic Attractions , World-Class Events , Digital Footprint , Smart and Sustainable Tourism , and Community Leadership . In his opening remarks, His Excellency Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji highlighted the growing interest in the awards, stating: “We are gathered for the second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards to celebrate outstanding contributions in creating exceptional tourism experiences. With over 1,200 applicants, the awards reflect Qatar Tourism’s commitment to making Qatar one of the region’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.” 2024 Award Categories and Winners • Service Excellence : • Outstanding 3-Star Hotel: Premier Inn Doha Education City • Outstanding 4-Star Hotel: Embassy Suites Doha Old Town • Outstanding 5-Star Hotel: Mandarin Oriental • Exceptional Spa Experience: Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som • Exceptional Resort Experience: Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som • Exceptional Holiday Home Experience: The Cottage • Outstanding New Tourism Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay • Heart of Hospitality Award: Hala Eh Sayegh • Tour Guide of the Year: Karolanne Pacheco • Leading Destination Management Company: Q Moments • Gastronomic Experiences : • Outstanding Fine Dining Experience: Hakkasan • Exceptional Casual Dining Experience: Bayt El Talleh • Premier Quick Service Experience: Evergreen Organics • Noteworthy Cafe Experience: Qinwan Premium Dates • Outstanding Authentic Qatari Dining Experience: Belhambar • Outstanding New Restaurant: Yun • Iconic Attractions and Activities : • Outstanding Cultural Tourism Experience: Old Doha Port • Unforgettable Adventure Tourism Experience: National Cruise Tourism • Leading Local Retail Brand: Hiraat • Premier Shopping Mall Experience: Place Vendôme • Premier Theme Park Experience: Doha Quest • Iconic Local Attraction: Msheireb Museums • World-Class Events : • Top MICE Event of the Year: Doha Forum • Leading Event Celebrating Local Culture: Old Doha Port • Premier Sport Event of the Year: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 • Outstanding Multi-purpose MICE & Events Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center • Digital Footprint : • Outstanding Destination Campaign: Hamad International Airport • Capture Qatar: Ahmed Mohamed Hassan • Tourism Influencer of the Year: Saoud Al-Kuwari • Smart and Sustainable Tourism : • Tourism Innovation Award: Hayya • Accessibility Initiative of the Year: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 • Leading Sustainable Attraction: Msheireb Downtown • Leading Eco-Friendly Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Community Leadership : • Tourism Personality of the Year: Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, CEO of Katara Cultural Village • Emerging Leader in Tourism: Jassim Mohammed El Emadi, Vice President of Al Hazm Mall and CEO of McLaren Automotive • Lifetime Achievement in Tourism: Hussain Al-Fardan, Chairman of Al Fardan Group This year’s ceremony introduced the Tourism Influencer Award  category to recognise content creators who promote Qatar’s rich culture and vibrant experiences to the world. Qatar Tourism Awards is set to become an annual benchmark of excellence, motivating all industry professionals to strive for the highest standards in customer service, sustainability, and innovation.

Entities or individuals found violating the law on localising the private sector jobs may face a punishment of a sentence not exceeding three years in prison and a fine not exceeding QR1,000,000. This is according to the Qatari Law No. (12) of 2024 which was published in the Official Gazette of the State of Qatar on October 17, in its issue No. (14) issued by the Ministry of Justice after the approval of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Article (11) in the law states that in the event of a violation, and after notifying the violator to correct the violation within a period specified by it to his national address or by any means indicating knowledge of the measures, the administration may: issue a written warning, suspend the transactions of the violating entity with the Ministry for a period not exceeding 3 months, and impose a financial penalty with the obligation to remove the causes of the violation. Article (12) also stipulates that, without prejudice to any more severe penalty stipulated by another law, anyone who uses fraudulent methods or provides incorrect data or information that falsely indicates his commitment to the provisions of the law or with the intent to obtain, without right, the facilities, privileges, incentives or benefits stipulated shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 3 years and a fine not exceeding QR1,000,000, or by one of these two penalties. According to the financial penalties schedule, the violation of allocating a job from the jobs in the localization plan to non-categories, not informing the administration of the available jobs, not providing the administration with data on those who have been appointed, and not providing the administration every 6 months with all data on Qataris and non-Qataris working for the violator, can result in a financial penalty amounting to QR10,000 when the violation occurs for the first time, QR 20,000 when it happens the second time, and QR30,000 for the violation more than twice. In the event of a violation of not adhering to the rehabilitation and training plan, the penalty for the first time is QR50,000, in the event of a second violation then it is QR75,000, and for the third time, it will be QR100,000. Article (17) of the law stipulates that all competent authorities, each in its own capacity, shall implement this law. It shall come into effect six months after the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. The law seeks to significantly increase the effective participation of the national workforce in private sector institutions and companies, opening up new employment and career opportunities for Qataris and the children of Qatari women, thereby maximising the utilisation of qualified national competencies.This legislation aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly within the pillar of human development, by facilitating strategic investments and creating opportunities for employment and training for Qatari citizens.  It also supports the Third National Development Strategy, which aims to effect a fundamental transformation towards a more productive labour market, focusing on high-skills jobs.

The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani graciously inaugurated the third summit of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), which is being held under the theme "Sports Diplomacy", this morning at the Ritz Carlton Hotel - Doha. The opening was attended by President of the State of Palestine HE  Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran HE Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Republic of Tajikistan HE President Emomali Rahmon, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait HH Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand HE Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, heads of delegations of sisterly and friendly countries and governments. The opening was also attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, a number of Their Excellencies the Ministers and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State, senior officials and representatives of a number of regional and international organizations. HH the Amir delivered a speech, the speech reads as follows: In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Your Excellencies and Highnesses,Ladies and Gentlemen, May peace, mercy and blessing of God be upon you. At the outset, I am pleased to welcome you to Qatar, wishing you a pleasant stay. I would also like to extend my deep thanks to both the sisterly State of Kuwait and the friendly Kingdom of Thailand for their gracious hosting of the previous two summits of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue. I also thank the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran for the valuable efforts it has made during its presidency of the dialogue this year and its keenness to promote it. This summit is held under the theme: "Sports Diplomacy", which was chosen to express our firm belief that enhancing sports and cooperation in this regard is closely consistent with the vision of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue 2030, and out of our conviction in the importance of sports for the health of individuals and societies, and its role in promoting peace, spreading the values of tolerance and mutual respect, and dispelling stereotypes and preconceived ideas. We look forward to concretize this theme into a tangible reality that will reflect positively on our peoples and countries. Ladies and Gentlemen, We believe in the importance of intensifying efforts to contain the escalation and tension and to stem the bloodshed by resorting to rational dialogue, the rules of international law, the United Nations Charter, the international legitimacy resolutions, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and non-interference in their internal affairs in a way that guarantees the right for all countries and peoples to live in security, peace, and dignity. This summit is being held amidst challenges and tensions facing the international community, many of whose institutions have been marginalized, while the endemic violations and unaddressed elephant in the room crimes have made it appear as if it is devoid of international law and its values. The world is still witnessing a dangerous escalation of the war waged by the Israeli occupation authorities against our Palestinian brothers in the Gaza Strip and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territories. The institutions of the international community stand helplessly by vis-a-vis this dangerous escalation of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, which is spilling over day after day, in flagrant violation of all international norms and laws. We have previously warned of the consequences of not holding Israel accountable for its crimes against humanity and its refusal to implement the resolutions of international legitimacy on ending the occupation and resolving the Palestinian issue justly. This has prompted it to heedlessly disregard the international law, and gave its rulers a free hand in Palestine and Lebanon. We call for serious action to ceasefire and stop the aggression carried out by the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories. Security will not be achieved without achieving just peace, and this in turn will not be achieved in our region without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 4th 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. The State of Qatar will continue to uphold the Palestinian rights and support its people to obtain all their legitimate rights. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Asian continent occupies an important position, geopolitically and economically, in addition to its prominent impact on global trade as the largest continent that contains strategic energy reserves, global markets and stock exchanges that are the largest of their kind worldwide, as well as its enormous human resources. In order to leverage the comparative advantages of each country, we must work to strengthen the synergy between our countries in various fields by identifying common strengths, exploring opportunities and putting forward proposals aimed at developing our societies. In conclusion, I would like to thank the General Secretariat for its efforts to reach a final version of Doha Declaration due to be adopted at this summit, in addition to following up on the implementation of previous dialogue resolutions and the good preparation for this summit, which we hope will achieve its desired goals. We also wish the friendly Kingdom of Thailand every success during its presidency of the dialogue next year. I reiterate welcoming you to Doha. May peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you HH the Amir attended the luncheon banquet held for Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the heads of sisterly and friendly states and governments participating in the 3rd Asian Cooperation Dialogue Summit, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel - Doha.