Day: September 22, 2024

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings in September will facilitate talks that push for a more peaceful world, said HE Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar Timmy Davis.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , His Excellency hailed Doha’s world-wide roles that go beyond mediation efforts to nurture human rights and provide humanitarian relief.

In addition to its yearslong efforts to ensure Palestinians a humanitarian aid access, the State of Qatar has responded to various humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa, Venezuela, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere, His Excellency said. He also highlighted the need to bolster Qatar-US partnership to mobilize support to alleviate humanitarian crises around the world.

Qatar has done a really great job in helping and mediating to resolve conflicts around the world, and everyone recognizes Qatars role in working for peace in the Gaza Strip, His Excellency added. expressing
his optimism for the joint statement from HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US President Joe Biden, on the need to hammer out a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and release prisoners and detainees.

Qatar has been central in efforts to settle the crisis in the Gaza Strip since October 7 and adopted prominent roles to end conflicts around the world including the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the Horn of Africa, His Excellency added.

He added that the UNGA meetings would help world leaders to truncate weeks-long discussions and engage in direct talks that contribute to finding solutions to many world disputes.

The UNGA meetings primarily offer a unique opportunity for all parties to foster peace and determine the priorities and this inspires optimism and hope for achieving the coveted peace, he added.

This year’s UNGA agenda will cover a wide range of topics including world-wide conflicts, primarily the war in the Gaza Strip and the Russian-Ukrainian crisi
s, human rights and women’s suffering, especially in Afghanistan, he added, underpinning the importance of collaborating with various partners, most notably the State of Qatar, to achieve these specific priorities.

He added that the US-Qatar relations, spanning across trade, energy, arts, culture and security among other areas, are paramount for Washington. These exemplary relations are constantly growing and reflect positively on both parties.

He added that being the US Ambassador to the State of Qatar makes him the luckiest ambassador in the world.

HE Davis added that he closely monitored the Qatar foreign policy baselines and how Qatar positions itself on the global stage through great efforts to contribute to resolving world conflicts, appreciating the State of Qatar’s endeavor to achieve peace in the region and the world as a whole.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Arab Parliament Speaker Adel bin Abdulrahman Al-Assoumi has congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the Saudi people on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 94th National Day.

In a statement issued today, Al-Assoumi stressed the Kingdom’s leading role, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in supporting the region’s security and stability, thanks to its political and diplomatic weight in the Arab and Islamic world, as well as globally, to its wise and balanced policy, its foreign relations, based on respect and mutual cooperation, and its striving to establish peace and stability in all parts of the world.

Al-Assoumi said that the National Day is an opportunity to commemorate the Kingdom’s accomplishments, achieved due to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ wise vision and the support of HRH the Crown Prince to the implementation of the Kingdom Vision 2030
.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: Al Jazeera Media Network vehemently denounced the Israeli occupation forces’ raid on its Ramallah office, in the occupied West Bank, and said that the Network remains steadfast in its mission of reporting the truth with integrity.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Al Jazeera held the Israeli occupation government responsible for the safety of its journalists, adding that these oppressive measures are clearly intended to prevent the world from witnessing the reality of the situation in the occupied territories and the ongoing war on Gaza.

It added that it will remain steadfast in its mission of reporting the truth with integrity despite these attempts to stifle its voice, continuing that the Israeli occupations ongoing suppression of the free press is blatantly aimed at concealing its actions in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Al Jazeera rejected the unfounded allegations presented by the Israeli occupation authorities to justify these illegal raids.

The Israeli occupation forces had raided
Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, ordered its closure for 45 days by a military order, seized all equipment and documents in the office, disallowed the office’s employees to use their cars, and stopped the channel from broadcasting.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a cable, the sultan expressed his sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, wishing him good health, happiness, and a long life, and the Saudi government and people steady progress and prosperity.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) targeted and bombed the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip today, murdering six Palestinian civilians.

Wafa news agency reported local sources as saying that the red crescent crews pulled out the bodies of two slaughtered civilians in Abu Halawa area, east of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, after the IOF had targeted and bombed a group of civilians.

The IOF also bombed Abu Al-Hajin area, south of Deir Al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip, murdering four Palestinian civilians.

The Israeli occupation continues committing crimes as it enters its 352nd day of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, creating an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, through airstrikes, bombardment and artillery shelling shot from all sides (land, air and sea), as well as mass murder and cutting all means to deliver supplies of food, water, medicine, and fuel to civilians, amid brazen disregard for the UN Security Council resolutions and orders from the International Co
urt of Justice to stop the genocide immediately.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the anniversary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day.

Deputy Amir of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani have expressed in two similar cables their congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: Weather inshore tonight until 6:00 am on Monday will be hazy to misty with a chance of fog at some places by late night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.

Offshore, it will be fine become hazy later, the report added.

Wind inshore will be variable mainly northeasterly to northwesterly at a speed of 03 to 13 knot.

Offshore, it will be mainly northwesterly to northeasterly at a speed of 03 to 13 knot.

Visibility will be 04 to 08/02 kilometers or less at some places by late night.

Sea state inshore will be 1 to 2 feet. Offshore will be 1 to 3 feet.

Area High Tide Low Tide Mini Messaid 10:24 19:52 02:51 18:12 28 Wakrah: 09:22 20:18 02:33 16:47 27 Doha: 08:54 18:55 01:53 15:39 30 Al Khor: 18:37 08:20 14:20 02:21 29 Ruwais 08:20 20:50 02:21 14:56 30 Dukhan: 01:14 13:31 07:26 19:47 26 Sunrise: 05:23 LT Sunset: 17:28 LT

Source: Qatar News Agency

– King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the 94th Saudi National Day.

In a cable sent to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Hamad offered his warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for continued good health, happiness, and a long life. He expressed admiration for the progress achieved under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ wise leadership and wished for Saudi Arabia’s continued success.

King Hamad further expressed his deep appreciation and pride in the strong historical ties and close fraternal relationship between the two countries. He emphasized his country’s unwavering commitment to strengthening and deepening cooperation with Saudi Arabia, building on the existing strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to achieve mutual goals, benefit both nations and foster prosperity for the brotherly peoples of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khal
ifa also sent two cables of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the occasion of the Saudi National Day.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced opening nominations for the 8th edition of Qatar Digital Business Award (QDBA) 2024. Nominations will be open from September 22 to October 06, 2024.

QDBA aims to recognize innovation and creativity in digital projects and supporting them, while fostering Qatar’s leadership in various technological fields. It also seeks to honor outstanding companies and institutions that provide innovative digital solutions contributing to the growth of Qatar’s digital economy. Additionally, the Award will honor digital innovators from startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as leading and distinguished individuals in technology.

The 8th edition has been expanded to include seven new categories in order to promote innovation in advanced fields, which contributes to bringing greater diversity to the included fields while continuing to recognize the notable achievements in key categories from previous editions, such as: B
est Systems Integrators, Best Smart Solution, Best Mobile App, Best ICT Service Provider, Best Innovative Digital Commerce Solution, Best Innovative Digital Startup, and Best SME Digital Transformation Initiative. As for the new categories, they include Best Digital Transformation Corporate, Best AI Solution – Corporate, Best AI Solution – SMEs, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Cybersecurity Solution, Research and Development Excellence, and Best Digital Experience. These new categories are designed to acknowledge innovation in emerging fields that reflect the rapid advancements in the ICT sector.

Commenting on the occasion, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, said: “The launch of Qatar Digital Business Award 2024 in its 8th edition reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity, while celebrating the companies and institutions leading digital transformation as well as encouraging individuals and companies to adopt modern digital
technologies and promote digital competitiveness. As such, we encourage all businesses in Qatar, as well as digital innovators and entrepreneurs, to take part in the award and seize this unique opportunity.” Al Mansoori added, “This year’s edition highlights a remarkable diversity in participations, which reflects the vibrancy and growth of Qatar’s digital sector. By introducing seven new categories this year, we are opening the door for more innovators to present their creative ideas and projects. This award is not only a celebration of the outstanding achievements in the digital fields, but also an investment in our digital future. Through supporting innovators and startups, we aim to build a thriving digital economy capable of competing globally.” This year, the award will honor 14 winners across various categories, with one winner for each category. A rigorous evaluation process, led by an independent panel of judges adopting clear and specified standards and comprising leading experts in the digital fiel
d, will ensure transparency and fairness. Five finalists will be shortlisted for each category, followed by interviews to present their projects before announcing the winners at a special award ceremony.

The Ministry has also launched a dedicated website for the award, serving as a comprehensive reference containing all related information. This website enables participants to explore the award categories, terms, conditions, criteria, and the nomination process.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The history of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces is inextricably linked to the unification of the Kingdom under the leadership of King Abdulaziz. It was a time of immense challenges, yet the unwavering loyalty and courage of his followers proved instrumental in establishing a secure and unified nation.

The journey began with a small group of loyal men armed with swords and spears, and riding horses and camels. Their mission was to dispel fear and unite the Arabian Peninsula. Led by King Abdulaziz, they traversed mountains, plains, and valleys, uniting the diverse regions of the Kingdom.

The Foundation of the Saudi Arabian Army

The early stages of the Saudi Arabian Army were characterized by a focus on organization and standardization. Fighting teams were formed from both urban and desert populations, laying the groundwork for a unified military force. The establishment of military garrisons, such as the Jeddah garrison, marked significant milestones in this process.

Under the visionary leadership of King Ab
dulaziz, the Saudi Arabian Army underwent rapid development. The formation of regular army units, including infantry, artillery, and machine gun regiments, marked a significant advancement. The establishment of a military affairs directorate further solidified the army’s structure and administration.

As the Saudi Arabian Army continued to grow, the need for a more comprehensive defense system became apparent. The formation of a defense agency, the restructuring of army units, and the establishment of a military school were crucial steps in this direction. The introduction of modern weaponry, transportation, and communication technologies further enhanced the army’s capabilities.

The Establishment of the Ministry of Defense

The increasing complexity of defense operations necessitated the creation of a dedicated ministry. In November 1943, the Ministry of Defense was established, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces.

Successive Saudi monarchs continued to inve
st in the development of the armed forces. The establishment of specialized forces, the acquisition of advanced weaponry, and the training of personnel have ensured that the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces remain a formidable force.

After the death of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, his sons, the kings after him, continued to support and develop the Saudi Army, and to create specialized forces to protect the Kingdom, and equip them with the latest weapons and members trained in the best practices.

Land Forces

In October 1962, the modern era of the Saudi military began. King Faisal issued a Royal Decree appointing Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz as Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.

Under Prince Sultan’s leadership, significant reforms were implemented. In December 1976, the Saudi Arabian Army was renamed the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

Air Forces

A key priority for Saudi Arabia since the reign of King Abdulaziz has been securing the country’s airspace. The first step toward building a domestic
air defense capability came in 1929, when the Kingdom acquired British Westland Wapiti fighter aircraft. Initially based on Dareen Island in the Eastern Region, these aircraft were primarily used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Recognizing the growing importance of air power, King Abdulaziz ordered the transfer of the aircraft to Jeddah in 1930, and established the first Saudi aviation school, which focused on training pilots and maintaining aircraft, laying the foundation for the Kingdom’s future aviation capabilities.

Following the unification of the Kingdom, King Abdulaziz recognized the need to further develop the military air force. To address the shortage of trained personnel, he requested the British government to provide training for Saudi air crews.

Under the leadership of Minister of Defense and Aviation Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Air Force underwent significant changes. It was relocated from Jeddah to Riyadh, and its name later became the Royal Saudi Air Forces.

Air Defense

I
n response to the Kingdom’s evolving needs and the importance of protecting its vital assets, Saudi Arabia established an air defense force as part of the artillery corps within the land forces. Recognizing the expanding role of air defense, a Royal Order was issued in 1984 designating air defense as a specialized independent force, officially named the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces.

Naval Forces

Given Saudi Arabia’s extensive coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, establishing a naval force to protect the Kingdom’s territorial waters became a strategic necessity. In 1957, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces were formed, initially known simply as the Navy.

Today, the Ministry of Defense, with its various forces and branches, enjoys the unwavering support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Under the close guidance of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, t
he ministry is actively working to elevate the Saudi armed forces to world-class standards.

A key component of this effort is the Ministry of Defense development plan, which outlines a new vision and strategy, a targeted operational model, an organizational structure, governance principles, and human resource requirements.

Aligned with the National Defense Strategy, this comprehensive plan aims to ensure the continued modernization and effectiveness of the Saudi armed forces.

Source: Saudi Press Agency