MoL Launches “Istamer” Platform to Employ Retirees in Private Sector

The Ministry of Labor (MoL) celebrated on Sunday the launch of the “Istamer” platform, which is concerned with employing Qatari retirees wishing to work in the private sector, based on its commitment to investing valuable expertise and enhancing the presence of qualified national cadres in the private sector.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, HE Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, HE President of Planning and Statistics Authority Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed Al Nabit, and HE President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.

The unveiling of the “Istamer” digital platform is a key component of promoting the National Program for Job Localization in the Private Sector. Its purpose is to aid retired individuals who are keen on re-entering the workforce to find roles in private institutions aligned with their expertise.

Through this platform, retirees can set up profiles, enabling platform administrators to gauge the number of retirees keen on rejoining the workforce and assess their skill set and expertise. This will facilitate matching them with appropriate institutions or companies for potential employment.

The platform streamlines the entire recruitment process, from application submission to interviews and final job offers, all conducted online. This ensures transparency for job applicants regarding available roles in the private sector, while also offering businesses a broader pool of potential candidates during the hiring phase.

Director of Qualifying and Skill Development at the MoL Abdulrahman Telfat highlighted that the “Istamer” platform is the first of its kind in the State of Qatar as it supports the feature of artificial intelligence. This comes in line with the Ministry’s desire to harness the information technology infrastructure to achieve the objectives of the Localization program in the private sector.

During the launch event, Telfat highlighted that since outlining its roles in 2021, MoL has been dedicated to developing efficient strategies to boost the localization of employment within the private sector. The objective is also to enhance training for national talents to elevate their productivity. He emphasized that retirees are a significant asset to the national workforce in the private sector. As a result, the Ministry of Labor’s departments have been focused on creating an all-encompassing digital system to elevate the hiring rates of retirees in private sector organizations.

He pointed out that the platform is concerned with employing retired citizens voluntarily in private sector institutions and establishments, pointing out that retirees have accumulated experience that must be used within the framework of enhancing the presence of national cadres in private sector institutions.

Telfat stressed that the Istamer platform will start receiving applications from retirees wishing to return to the labor market as of today, Sep. 24, to limit their numbers and then determine the sectors in which they will be employed, explaining that the MoL invites retirees wishing to work to enter their data through the platform. He also called on private sector companies and institutions to contribute to the success of the platform and provide appropriate job opportunities for retirees within their expertise, thus contributing to activating the role of retirees in economic development.

Moreover, he highlighted that the platform would not affect job prospects for job seekers. This is because it will operate in partnership with 300 entities, including government corporations, energy sector businesses, major companies, and public benefit private institutions. The platform will provide job opportunities specifically for retirees in various private sectors, including private education, private healthcare, hospitality and hotel industry, and private security.

Telfat stressed that a retired citizen from civil or military authorities has the right to work in the private sector without his pension being affected, in accordance with the Social Insurance Law No. 1 of 2022 and the Military Retirement Law No. 2 of 2022.

In tandem with the introduction of the Istamer platform, the MoL has set up a dedicated hotline at 40488061 and an email, NHRE-Hotline@MOL.gov.qa, to address inquiries and questions related to the platform.

The inception of the “Istamer” digital platform is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the MoL, relevant agencies, and the Digital Transformation Unit. Their shared goal is to foster a Qatari workforce poised for outstanding performance, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Qatar Strongly Condemns Settlers’ Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

The State of Qatar Strongly condemned the storming of the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by hundreds of settlers, under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces, considering it a flagrant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the attempts to prejudice the religious and historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque are not only an attack on Palestinians but also on millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the Israeli occupation authorities solely responsible for the cycle of violence that will result from this systematic escalation policy against the Palestinian people and their lands and holy sites, urging the international community to take urgent action to stop these attacks.

The Ministry reiterated the firm stance of the State of Qatar regarding the justice of the Palestinian cause, and the legitimate rights of the fraternal Palestinian people, including the full right to practice their religious rituals without restrictions, and to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Coal-mine Fire in Southwest China Leaves 16 People Dead

Sixteen people have been confirmed dead in a coal-mine fire in the city of Panzhou, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, on Sunday.

The fire occurred at the Shanjiaoshu Coal Mine in Panguan Town, according to the city government of Panzhou.

Initial investigations suggest that the 16 people were trapped after a conveyor belt caught fire, said Chinese Xinhua news agency.

The blaze has been extinguished, and temperatures have returned to normal at the site of the fire, officials said.

Source: Qatar News Agency

OIC Strongly Condemns Israeli Occupation’s Crimes in Tulkarm

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces’ escalation of crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories, which led on Sunday to the martyrdom of two young Palestinians and the destruction of infrastructure in the Nur Shams refugee camp, coinciding with the escalation of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the OIC said that these Israeli attacks constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, calling on the international community to put pressure on the Israeli occupation to put an end to its crimes and repeated violations, in addition to calling for the provision of international protection for the Palestinian people.

Palestinian medical sources announced on Sunday that two young men were martyred by Israeli occupation forces’ bullets as they stormed the Nur Shams camp, east of Tulkarm in the West Bank.

The occupation forces stormed the camp in large numbers amid heavy gunfire, accompanied by armored bulldozers, which began bulldozing the main street and the camp’s infrastructure.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Algeria, Jordan Discuss Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation

Algerian Prime Minister Ayman Abdel Rahman met Sunday with Jordanian Minister of Agriculture Khaled Al Hanifat, who is visiting Algeria.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries in various fields, especially in increasing investments in the agricultural field and activating bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Bahrain All Share Index has closes at 1,931.83 points

Bahrain All Share Index has closed at 1,931.83 points marking an increase of 2.32 points above the previous closing .

This increase was due to the rise in the and Financials Sector.

Bahrain Islamic Index has closed at 721.44 points marking an increase of 4.53 points above the previous closing .

Results indicated that 54 equity transactions took place with a volume of 1,125,054 worth BD 263,845.

Investors traded mainly in the Financials Sector representing %87.81 of the total value of securities traded.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Finance Minister affirms depth of Bahrain-Oman relations

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, has affirmed the depth of the long-standing fraternal Bahraini-Omani relations and cooperation across various fields, thanks to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman.

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa also highlighted the keenness of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamas Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to broaden bilateral cooperation towards more progress to achieve common aspirations.

The Minister of Finance and National Economy was speaking while receiving Saud bin Nasser Al Shukaili, Oman Tax Authority (OTA) Chairman, who is on a visit to the kingdom.

Shaikh Salman bin KHalifa reviewed with OTA Chairman the deep-rooted Bahraini-Omani relations, which are growing steadily across various fields, particularly the financial and economic ones.

He also stressed the importance of such visits in paving the way for exchanging experiences and expertise, as well as in expanding the frameworks if bilateral cooperation, in a way that would achieve common interests.

The two sides also discussed ways to bolster the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, in addition to issues of mutual concern.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

HM King’s Advisor for youth and sports receives outgoing Egyptian ambassador

Saleh bin Isa Bin Hindi Al Mannai, Advisor to His Majesty the King for youth and sports affairs, received Yasser Mohammad Shaaban, the outgoing Ambassador of Egypt to Bahrain.

The advisor praised the ambassador’s efforts in consolidating Bahraini-Egyptian relations, wishing him success in his future duties.

The Egyptian ambassador expressed his appreciation to the advisor’s constant keenness to strengthen cooperation in the field of youth and sports , wishing Bahrain and its people further progress and prosperity.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Social Development Minister affirms supporting national efforts to boost competitiveness among employees

Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, was briefed on development ideas and projects of “Badir” initiative that were launched by the ministry’s employees.

The minister affirmed the ministry’s keenness to support national efforts to establish a culture of innovation and competitiveness among all its employees, to motivate them to develop creative ideas that serve the Government Plan (2023-2026).

Al Asfoor said that “Badir” would contribute positively to improving the quality of the ministry’s institutional performance, employee motivation and competitiveness, in a way that supports building national capacity and providing more flexible services.

The meeting discussed the possibility of implementing innovative projects, and their impact on administrative practices in all sectors of the ministry.

The minister praised the employees’ capabilities and motivated them to continue the process of creativity and excellence with the aim of enriching the culture of innovation.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

National Cyber Security Centre co-hosting second Arab International Cybersecurity Conference Exhibition

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain is set to host the second Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS).

The event is scheduled to take place at the Exhibition World Bahrain from 5th to 6th December 2023.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) of Bahrain is co-hosting the second Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS). As a vital entity responsible for enhancing Bahrain’s cybersecurity posture, the NCSC is devoted to promoting cyber resilience, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation in the fight against cyber threats.

“We are thrilled to once again co-host the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS) and continue our journey towards a more secure digital future,” said His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa – CEO National Cybersecurity Centre. “With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, collaboration and information exchange are more critical than ever.

This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for cybersecurity stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions.”

By empowering global cooperation as the main objective, the event aims to enhance collective resilience against cyber threats and create a safer digital environment for individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

Here are the key highlights:

Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Solutions: Participants will have access to a diverse range of exhibitors, including leading cybersecurity companies, start-ups, and technology providers, showcasing the latest innovations and solutions.

Thought-Provoking Conference Program: Esteemed speakers from government, industry, and academia will deliver keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, and thought-provoking sessions on pertinent cybersecurity topics.

Networking and Collaboration: The event will foster networking opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, potential partners, and industry leaders, facilitating valuable collaborations.

Workshops and Training: Interactive workshops and training sessions will equip participants with handson skills and knowledge to address cybersecurity challenges effectively.

The Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS) is poised to be a pivotal event in the cybersecurity domain, offering attendees from Bahrain and from around the world, the opportunity to discover groundbreaking solutions, exchange insights, and join forces in securing the digital realm.

Source: Bahrain News Agency