HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received on Saturday a phone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
During the phone call, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries, in addition to regional and international developments.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Al Daayen and Simaisma Youth Centre has concluded the summer activities of the Ministry of Youth and Sports which featured over 30 miscellaneous events and activities with the engagement of hundreds of young people.
The summer activities were primarily intended to discover and refine young talents, develop, and upgrade social skills, leadership, and innovation, foster the concepts of collective work, and optimize mental and emotional health in young people, as well as strengthen physical fitness, public health and expand affiliates’ knowledge and culture.
Chief of the Simaisma and Al-Daayen Youth Center Nawaf Al Mudhahka said the Centres events witnessed an exponential number of visitors because of their diverse that targeted various age groups with programs, sports activities, awareness lectures, in addition to discovering talents and programs that fulfill young peoples aspirations.
He noted that the summer vacation should have been utilized to fill leisure times and develop personal, social, and practical skills and expertise, pointing out that the vacation represents an opportunity for learning and development through reading, training courses, voluntary activities and practicing sports.
Several affiliates underscored the importance of their engagement in miscellaneous activities and events during summer vacations, especially that they constitute an opportunity for them to enjoy and capitalize on leisure times to alter the daily routines and pressures in schools.
The vacation times also strengthen social ties and establish new friendships to increase the sense of belonging and communication with other people which spur them to initiate the new academic year with a fully energized activity.
Source: Qatar News Agency
UDST President reiterated the university’s great attention to scientific research, pointing that during the academic year 2022-2023, UDST conducted over 250 research papers that were published in prestigious international journals.
He revealed that UDST will organize during the academic year 2023-2024 a large number of local and international scientific conferences and workshops, in vital and important sectors, within the framework of the university’s focus on the research environment, in cooperation with the Qatar National Research Fund of the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council. The university has distinguished faculty members who excel in conducting scientific research in all its disciplines, including engineering, food security, informatics and health sciences.
Dr. Al Neami told QNA that the university is also has important local and international partnerships, including more than 50 local partners in the governmental, private and mixed sectors, universities and professional centers, in addition to more than 20 global partners in a number of countries, including, US, Canada and Ireland to name a few.
On the University’s priorities for the new academic year, Dr. Al Neami said that they include expanding the infrastructure to accommodate a bigger number of students, as well as providing services that help students diversify their orientations and interests, in a way that helps them go beyond the local scope.
UDST priorities also include keeping up with and simulating the requirements of the local labor market, offering and providing not only academic programs, but specialized ones that meet the needs of various sectors in the country, and expanding researches on local and international problems.
Dean of the College of Engineering Technology Dr. Awni El Otoom told QNA that all college programs enjoy a remarkable turnout from students, such as marine engineering, mechanical engineering, and smart manufacturing engineering. They are all new programs that use the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and the Internet of Things, he noted.
For her part, Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. JoAnne MacDonald talked about the college’s programs and their importance to society in Qatar and abroad, including the midwifery program.
She indicated that UDST offers two types of certificates in this specialization, one of which is a post-diploma bachelor’s degree for professionals who practice different health professions and wish to complete their studies in this specialty to obtain a bachelor’s degree, in addition to another program, which is a bachelor’s degree in midwifery for those who enroll in the college after secondary school.
She stated that this program was selected and developed in response to a national need, adding that it graduates midwives who contribute to achieving the National Health Strategy in the State of Qatar.
Source: Qatar News Agency
In addition, QU has a substantial global credit in terms of research, as its researchers have registered their local, regional, and international presence in services, research consultations and conducting joint research with numerous industrial institutions and companies. The university is proud of having research partnerships with scientists and researchers from over 350 institutions worldwide.
Thanks to this research excellence, a modern study from Stanford University (USA) classified scientists and researchers from QU as the most outstanding in the world citing their research papers in a variety of disciplines.
According to the study published last year, %80 of researchers in QU were among %2 most prominent scientists worldwide, citing their research production and works which is an indicative of QU’s tremendous success in educations trailblazing and producing high-quality and impactful research.
Such research successes and milestones are not limited to QU-affiliated researchers, teachers, and scientists, but its students have also contributed to this research and achieved tremendous successes, in addition to reaping gold and silver medals during the recent years in many scientific and international forums through Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC).
In light of the research successes, QU has established the Qatar University Holding Company to embrace the creative ideas of faculty members, students and researchers, within the framework of supporting Qatar’s orientation toward a knowledge-based economy, opening the door for the emergence of startups that adopt these ideas and research to be transformed into marketable products locally and externally.
There are three startups in QU namely ‘Genesis Technologies LLC’ which is primarily specialized in fintech, Clear Exhaust whose innovation is based on a new technology that significantly reduces CO2 emissions from existing diesel engines which represent a key factor in global warming phenomena and lastly the SpaceVision Digital Solutions LLC which is focused on industrialized drone applications and services related to construction, energy, agriculture, and oil and gas sectors.
The progress in academic and research fields were followed by an evolution in QU’s facilities that essentially serve students and all affiliates as the university has witnessed a tremendous renaissance in its infrastructure during the recent years which kept up with change requirements at academic, research and recreational levels. QU gears up to launch new projects that respond to the current needs and future aspirations.
In implementing its plan to enroll the increasing numbers of students annually, QU has opened several new academic buildings and premises during the past two years such as college of education, college of law, student affairs office and college of engineering which constituted a paradigm shift at the level of technological equipment, cutting-edge laboratories and study halls fitted with state-of-the-art technologies to offer a world-class environment that spurs students towards excellence and innovation.
At the institutional level, QU has received this year the institutional accreditation from the US Senior College and University Commission ‘WSCUC’ in a new achievement that promotes its status and reputation among world-class educational institutions, as such an accreditation is a vital and major step to ensure QU’s commitment to its students and community in maintaining constant optimization and providing high-quality educational environment whose objectives and procedures are in conformity with the local and international standards.
In opening its doors to receive the new academic year and getting ready for its new strategy, QU has major milestones in a variety of sectors to strengthen planning and maintain perseverance and work with one team based on the visions and ambitions of its board of trustees with clear-eyed plans that enhanced its local impact towards universalism.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Qatar University (QU) is due to open the new academic year on Sunday. The opening of the new academic year 2023-2024 comes amid full preparation and mobilization to proceed with the march of academic, research and institutional milestones as QU is on the verge of launching a new strategy which is consistent with the third National Development Strategy 2023-2030.
The university is poised to receive nearly 30,000 male and female students this year among them over 6000 new students in a variety of scientific levels, colleges and academic disciplines who have finished the electronic orientation meetings during the two past weeks which included an overall presentation for various college procedures and services.
The university received a new contingent of teaching staff in various disciplines and organized the annual orientation meeting for them in quest of highlighting the university services, various departments and sections, as well as defining its identity, policies, and strategic academic, research and administrative orientations that require engagement of all in achieving them to ensure advancement in the sphere of global classifications and achieve objectives and purposes related to local development and develop human knowledge.
With the new academic year approaching, QU is pleased to highlight the accomplishments made over the past years at scientific and academic levels, including infrastructure, as well as the partnership relations it has fostered with the local community and higher education’s institutions in many countries worldwide.
In its endeavors to continue its triumph on this track, QU stands ready to announce the new strategy which is apparently consistent with the third national development strategy that combines a review of the current programs as previously underscored by the university officials and open new colleges, departments and programs that respond to the requirements of the current generation and generations to come, along with the requirements of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The strategy also offers interaction with the digital age and the tremendous technological evolution to be optimally employed to have a crucial impact on Qatar’s renaissance and chart its bright future.
The strategy, in question, will determine work tracks for the university to proceed with excellence in performance and new developments locally and globally to build on the milestones it has achieved, and the successes scored in education, scientific research, corporate development, responsibility and societal partnership.
Such milestones did not happen in a vacuum, but came in accordance with strategic visions and plans that were meticulously charted over the past years transforming QU from a traditional educational institution into a premium edifice where experiences and expertise react and ideas and knowledge converge to represent a major tributary for business market through supplying it with talents in multi-disciplinary fields to keep up with development plans that are responsive to the global evolution in knowledge fields.
The expansion in academic programs was followed by a tremendous growth in research facilities as QU today embraces 18 research centers and other supporting research facilities which contribute to achieving national priorities in development, modernization, upgradation, and global knowledge which bolster students’ capabilities and skills in scientific research, development, and creativity.
All affiliates of this national university are proud of the premium status QU has attained after it has climbed up the QS world rankings 2024, placing 173. The latest achievement follows the announcement by Times Higher Education (THE) that QU placed 28th in the THE Asia rankings 2023, moving up 18 places from 2022 and proudly entering the top 30 universities in Asia, as well as placing 24th worldwide and first in the MENA region on the Young Universities ranking by the same ranking agency. (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency
His Majesty the King’s Personal Representative His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Royal Endurance Team Captain, on winning the 160-km race of the Monpazier Endurance Championship in France.
HH Shaikh Abdulla attributed the outstanding achievement to the care accorded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HM the King’s Personal Representative commended the efforts made by The Royal Endurance Team and its strong resolve to achieve more championships.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Royal Endurance Team Captain received a cable of congratulations from Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa on winning the 160-km race of the Monpazier Endurance Championship in France.
In the cable, the Royal Court Minister attributed the global achievement to the support and directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander.
He praised HH Shaikh Nasser’s efforts in winning the championship alongside other trophies which enhanced Bahrain’s standing in the field of endurance sport.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Royal Endurance Team Captain, received a cable of congratulations from HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on winning the 160-km race of the Monpazier Endurance Championship in France.
In the cable, HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, said that the landmark achievement will further enhance Bahrain’s standing in the international endurance competitions.
He wished HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the endurance sports further achievements that reflects Bahrain’s sports strides in lights of the care accorded by HM the King and the support of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
A team from the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC) conducted an unannounced inspection visit to “Jau” Reform and Rehabilitation Centre on Saturday August 25, 2023.
The team conducted the visit as part of the PDRC’s mandate under Decree no. 61 of 2013, which grants the independent commission the jurisdiction to monitor and assess inmate conditions in the Kingdom’s detention facilities, as well as provide recommendations to improve inmates’ conditions based on the principles and standards approved by the Supreme Judicial Council in 2014.
The PDRC stated that during the visit, the team listened to testimonies regarding the reported hunger strike at the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre. The PDRC team independently interviewed a random sample of inmates to ensure privacy, documenting the inmates’ concerns regarding their treatment and the healthcare services provided to them.
The PDRC stressed that none of the inmates interviewed declared experiencing any mistreatment, and all inmates interviewed have confirmed the availability of increased healthcare services for all, although some inmates have refused receiving healthcare services, treatment or medical supervision.
They also stated that they continue to enjoy all other rights related to their regular daily activities, including the alternative sentencing and open prisons programs, in accordance with the centre’s rules and regulations.
The team also listened to the demands presented by the inmates on hunger strike, which included extra outdoor time, extended visitation hours, and a wider circle of eligible family visitors.
The Commission’s delegation affirmed that they would present these demands to the relevant authorities to make appropriate decisions and approvals in accordance with the rights of individuals and the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law Promulgated by Law No. (18) of 2014.
The Commission’s team also added that they have met with the management of the Reform and Rehabilitation Centre, where they were briefed on the steps and procedures taken by the management to deal with the inmates on strike and the healthcare provided to them.
The team stated that records and surveillance camera footage indicated that the regular three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) were provided to all inmates without exception. These meals had sufficient nutritional value and were delivered by the building coordinator (an inmate selected to handle administrative matters and living arrangements within each building).
The PDRC team added that the facility’s management also provided additional items for purchase in the canteen, noting that there was a recent hike in purchases, especially of juices and snacks.
The Commission’s team also gathered field information by inspecting the facility and the building designated as a makeshift clinic specifically for the inmates on taking part in the protest, in cooperation with the Government Hospitals.
The PDRC noted that the clinic is equipped to receive and treat cases with qualified medical staff assigned to examine all inmates on strike on a daily basis.
The investigating team highlighted that the doctors at the center stated that most of the inmates who declared their hunger strike refused to undergo these routine medical examinations, and there were no critical or urgent cases that required their transfer outside the facility for treatment.
The Commission’s delegation also visited the general medical clinic at the centre, which is administratively affiliated with the Government Hospitals, to assess the continuity of providing comprehensive healthcare services to all inmates around the clock, ensuring their health and general well-being. The working medical staff and the medical protocols regarding the hunger strike were discussed.
The Commission’s team reviewed relevant documents, including signed statements from the inmates on hunger strike. They also requested access to surveillance camera footage from some cells, but it was found that some inmates who are taking part in the protest had damaged the cameras, making their behavior and how they dealt with the meals provided to them unverifiable.
The PDRC affirmed that, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, including the management of the Jau Reform and Rehabilitation Centre, it will spare no effort in monitoring the conditions of all inmates, including those who have declared taking part in the strike.
The Commission also noted the observations expressed by the inmates, which can be utilized to propose executive recommendations to improve certain administrative procedures in a manner consistent with the Reform and Rehabilitation Institution Law and its executive regulations, with the aim of enhancing the development programs of the Ministry of Interior in reform and rehabilitation centers, and reinforcing the values of human rights within them.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
The Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB) has signed an agreement, renewing joint cooperation with the British Hydrographic Office.
SLRB Chairman Shaikh Salman bin Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa sealed the deal with Admiral Angus Esenhay, Head of the Land Hydrographic Office, in the presence of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa paved the way for the exchange of accurate information that contributes to the development of navigational charts for the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Bahrain’s navigational charts were also approved by the International Hydrographic Organization, as such maps give confidence and secure maritime traffic to and from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“This agreement stems from a long history of strategic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom spanning more than 200 years.”, said Shaikh Salman.
He highlighted the care accorded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Charles III of the UK to longstanding sties, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He thanked Admiral Angus Esenhay, Head of the Land Hydrographic Office and all the personnel and experts for their professionalism which yielded landmark achievements.
Admiral Angus Esenhay also thanked SLRB chairman and the bureau technical team for their cooperation, noting the role of the Maritime Survey Department in providing accurate and updated data that reflect Bahrain’s progress and development in this field.
Shaikh Salman and the accompanying delegation toured the British National Maritime Museum and took stock of some historical collections and maps related to the marine survey.
He commended the preservation of such valuable information that benefits everyone in general and museum visitors in particular expressing his thanks and appreciation to Admiral Angus for the warm reception and hospitality.
The signing ceremony was attended by Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Chief Executive Officer Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, SLRB director-general Naji Sabt and other government officials.
Source: Bahrain News Agency