Category: General

Doha: The General Directorate of Civil Defense participated in the 5th edition of the Career Village, organized by the Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE), at KidZania interactive city from Apr. 29 to May 1.

The directorate offers an educational awareness pavilion, which aims to introduce security and safety procedures and the tasks and powers of the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

During the General Directorate of Civil Defense’s reception to a number of middle and high school students, First Lieutenant Eng. Abdulrahman Khaled Al-Mutawa from the Fire Prevention Department in Civil Defense confirmed that the directorate’s participation includes introducing the tasks of various departments of the General Directorate of Civil Defense, highlighting their significant role, the specialties they need, as well as answering the students’ questions and helping them enrich and consolidate their professional culture and contribute to
preparing them for the labor market.

Officers from the Preventive Education Section of the General Directorate of Civil Defense also introduced the students to the types of extinguishers and how to use them, and educated them on the causes and methods of preventing home fires, in addition to training them on the “Golden Seconds” firefighting simulator, as well as the VR device, through which they can deal with different scenarios for several virtual fires. Awareness and educational brochures were also distributed to visitors to the pavilion of the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Riyadh, The Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) was part of the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 2024 Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, held between April 23 and 25.

The pavilion, organized by the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, featured six Saudi companies specializing in fish and seafood production.

ADF highlighted its role in financing aquaculture projects, contributing to food security and sustainable resource management. It supports various fishery activities, including fish hatcheries, shrimp farming, floating cages, aquaponics, and inland fish farming.

The ADF’s participation underscores the promising potential of aquaculture projects, a rapidly growing sector in global food production.

Saudi Arabia boasts extensive coastlines, ideal for fish farming in floating cages, particularly along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Closed inland water systems offer opportunities for freshwater aquaculture as well.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Riyadh, Advisor at the Royal Court and General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah expressed his delight at participating in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group). He extended congratulations to the bank’s employees on their 50th anniversary and commended the logo chosen for the event, which aptly reflects the nature of the celebration: “Taking pride in our past, shaping our future: authenticity, solidarity, and prosperity.”

Dr. Al Rabeeah also expressed satisfaction at KSrelief’s involvement in the event, highlighting its contribution to sustainable development and global initiatives impacting various parts of the world, particularly the member states of the group.

These remarks were made during the IsDB Group’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Riyadh, held alongside the group’s annual meetings for the year 2024. The event was attended by the Group’s Chairman, Dr. Mohammed bin Sulaiman A
l-Jasser, and the Co-Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates.

Dr. Al Rabeeah elaborated on the launch of 12 voluntary medical projects aimed at combating avoidable blindness in Niger, Chad, and Mozambique. He underscored that these projects represent an extension of the fruitful partnership between KSrelief and the IsDB Group in supporting those in need worldwide. These initiatives, to be implemented in 2024, aim to provide medical examinations and consultations to approximately 45,000 beneficiaries and perform surgeries for 6,000 cataract patients with limited income.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed gratitude to the IsDB Group and all its member states for their diligent efforts in upholding the organization’s values.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani discussed with HE President of the United States of America Joe Biden the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, and the two countries’ efforts to reach an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

This came during a phone call HH the Amir received on Monday from HE the President of the United States of America.

During the call, they also discussed the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to regional and international developments.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Shura Council held Monday its regular weekly session at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Councils headquarters, under the chairmanship of HE Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.

At the beginning of the session, the Council commended the outcomes of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s last week Asia tour, which included the Republic of the Philippines, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and Nepal.

The Council affirmed that the tour reflected the depth and strength of the State of Qatars relations with those friendly countries, highlighting the agreements and memorandums of understanding that emerged from the discussions that His Highness held with the leaders of the three countries.

The Council noted that HH the Amirs tour strengthened bilateral relations between Qatar and the Philippines, Bangladesh and Nepal, and opened broader horizons for developing cooperation in various fields.

After that, HE Shura Council Secretary-General, Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud, read out
the agenda of the session, and the minutes of the previous session were approved.

During the session, the Council reviewed a general discussion request submitted by Their Excellencies Shura Council members, on the regulation of digital media content.

Within this framework, HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim said the State of Qatar’s constitution and laws guarantee free speech as long as it does not exceed the principles of religion, established customs and traditions, the values of society, morals and social peace, and does not harm the supreme interests of the state, stressing at the same time the danger of uncontrolled use of digital platforms, and the need to regulate the digital content.

His Excellency pointed out that some undisciplined content creators often lead to insulting social values, customs and traditions, leading to the destabilization of belonging and pride in national identity, which contributes to spreading an alien culture in society, and negatively affects all segments of it.

For their p
art, Their Excellencies the members of the Council noted the provisions of the countrys constitution and the relevant laws stipulating the criminalization of any acts that harm the states interest and social values, and the imposition of deterrent penalties and doubling them in the event that some of these acts are repeated.

Their Excellencies pointed out that the lack of a legal framework that regulates the creation of content through social media platforms and sets the controls and conditions that must be followed, has led to the audacity of some to raise issues that are criminalized by laws, or that fall under the interpretation of criminal legal texts, or lack a legal basis that requires compliance with it.

During their discussion of this topic, Their Excellencies Council members pointed out that the reality of creating media content on digital platforms requires setting controls and conditions that content makers adhere to, whether they are individuals or institutions.

After the discussions, the Counc
il decided to refer the request for general discussion to the Information and Cultural Affairs Committee to mull and submit a report thereon.

During the session, the Council reviewed a draft law on the protection of public electrical and water facilities, which was referred to it by the esteemed government, and decided to refer it to the Services and the Public Utilities Committee to study and submit a report on it.

During the session, the Council also discussed the report on the participation of HE Shura Council member Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dhabet Al Dosari in the 33rd session of the Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, which was held in February in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad.

Reviewing the report, HE Al Dosari indicated that the meeting addressed a number of issues on joint Arab action and issued a statement calling on the Arab parliaments and councils to unify the Arab position to affirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to establish their independent st
ate with Jerusalem as its capital, and the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes from which they were unjustly displaced.

His Excellency stated that the statement called on the UN Security Council to be more just and firm in its dealings with the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the entire occupied Palestinian territories.

The Council also discussed the report of the Qatari-Asian Parliamentary Friendship Group’s February visit to the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye. HE Chairman of the Committee Ahmad bin Hitmi Al Hitmi said the visit included a meeting with the President of the Turkish Parliament and touched on the existing cooperation relations between the Shura Council and the Turkish Parliament and ways to strengthen and develop them, in addition to discussing a number of topics and issues of common interest.

At the conclusion of the session, HE the Shura Council Speaker briefed the members on the participation of the Council delegation, headed by His Excellency, in the sixth c
onference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments, which was held Saturday in the Arab Republic of Egypt under the theme “An Arab parliamentary vision for achieving the safe employment of artificial intelligence”.

His Excellency indicated that the conference adopted a document, which included the vision of the Arab parliaments for the safe use of artificial intelligence, indicating to the Council that it focused on the safe use of artificial intelligence in the Arab world, and on the benefits resulting from it and the challenges and threats accompanying it.

The document called for the need to develop national strategies and programs to regulate artificial intelligence, and to enhance research in this field, in addition to emphasizing the necessity of enacting legislation and establishing legal frameworks to regulate the uses of artificial intelligence.

His Excellency also informed the Council of his meeting with HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi, d
uring his reception of the heads of Arab councils and parliaments on the sidelines of the conference.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, met with Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), on the sidelines of his participation in the World Economic Forum’s Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development.

Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, the Minister of Sustainable Development, and CEO of the Economic Development Board (EDB), Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, attended the meeting.

Shaikh Salman affirmed Bahrain’s continued commitment to advancing Gulf integration and cooperation across various fields.

He highlighted the ongoing development and growth of joint Gulf action, particularly in the areas of financial and economic cooperation.

The minister praised the efforts of the GCC General Secretariat in strengthening Gulf cooperation and coordination.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the elimination of more than 8,280 Ukrainian soldiers, and the downing of 1,659 drones within a week.

In its daily statement on the progress of the military operation in Ukraine, the Ministry said that from the 20th to the 27th of April, Russian forces launched 35 high-precision strikes targeting the positions of the Ukrainian forces, the railway infrastructure, the air defense systems and the military industrial complex in Ukraine. More than 8,280 military personnel were eliminated, 1,659 drones were shot down, In addition to 8 tanks, 22 radar stations, 26 ammunition depots, and 9 combat vehicles that were also destroyed.

Ukraine announced, Saturday, that 21 missiles were shot down during a Russian attack last night.

The military escalation is still ongoing between the Russian and Ukrainian sides amid the absence of a political horizon for ending the conflict which has entered its third year.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met separately, in Riyadh today, with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Espen Barth Eide, HE State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martinez Belio, and HE Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States Maria Teresa Mercado Perez, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting on efforts for a two-state solution including the recognition of a Palestinian state, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meetings, they discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories as well as support for international efforts aimed at an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid without obstacles to the Strip.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: As part of its efforts to provide care and protection for workers, the Ministry of Labour (MOL), in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), marked the World Occupational Safety and Health Day 2024, which is observed on 28th April every year, to promote occupational safety and health in workplaces and provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Speaking at the event, which was held under the theme “Chemical Hazards: Prevention and Mitigation Strategies”, Assistant Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Ministry of Labour Saad Rashed Al Nabit said that the Ministry’s celebration of World Safety and Health Day 2024 comes in the context of promoting participatory work for occupational safety and health, and encouraging private sector establishments and governmental and semi-governmental entities to prioritise the safety of workers and employees.

He underscored the need for workers exposed to the risks of the work environment to receive comprehensive and
integrated care in accordance with human rights standards, as stipulated in all international conventions and charters.

He added that the Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Ministry of Labour is responsible for monitoring the implementation of occupational safety and health procedures. In addition to assessing the risky materials in the work, in coordination with the relevant authorities, and ensuring that the private institutions and establishments take the necessary precautions and requirements in accordance with the Labour Law and its implementing decisions.

He explained that the Department’s inspectors carry out intensive inspection tours to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect workers from work hazards. This year, the Department will pay great attention to chemical hazards and will launch a major awareness campaign by distributing several awareness materials in several languages to help raise workers’ awareness of these hazards.

The department will launch a special ins
pection campaign through several inspection visits to companies working in the field of chemical manufacturing and areas where chemicals are handled and used, Saad Rashed Al Nabit added.

He hailed the great role played by employers in promoting their workers, educating them about their rights and duties, and preserving their health and safety, and urged them to continue resolving the issues facing their workers, protecting their rights, and fulfilling their social responsibilities towards the nation.

Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Public Health Dr Salah Abdullah Al Yafei, said that exposure to chemical hazards in the workplace is a serious threat to workers and requires a joint effort between many entities, as workers are the most vulnerable group to chemical hazards. He explained that the Ministry of Public Health is working jointly with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to develop national strategies and programmes that will protect w
orkers from exposure to these hazards. In addition to the active role of the Ministry of Public Health in spreading health awareness among workers on the proper handling of chemicals, prevention and first aid methods, rapid response to health emergencies and cases of chemical poisoning, as well as providing treatment and rehabilitation services for injuries resulting from exposure to chemicals in the workplace.

He highlighted the important role of employers to protect workers from exposure to chemical hazards by assessing chemical hazards in the workplace, using appropriate protective equipment when interacting with harmful chemicals, proper ventilation, providing training for workers to identify chemical hazards and ways to handle them safely, proper storage, and workplace precautions.

The ceremony which was attended by Project Manager of the ILO Office in Qatar Max Tonon, and several representatives of companies operating in the petrochemical industry included a roundtable discussion to address the effect
ive mechanisms for protecting workers from the risks of chemical exposure and ways to achieve occupational safety and health at workplace. The roundtable saw the participation of several experts from the Ministry of Labor; Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; Ministry of Public Health; Qatar Chemicals Company (Q-Chem); Qatardroplets for Agricultural Development “QADCO”; and Doha University for Science and Technology.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Riyadh: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, and the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Haitham Al Ghais, today held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the energy sector, particularly energy security. This discussion was prompted by the rapid regional and international developments affecting global energy markets, aiming to enhance the stability of global oil market prices.

The meeting took place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development, held on April 28 – 29. Various topics were discussed, with a particular emphasis on OPEC’s role in supporting the global oil market. The two sides also explored ways to enhance cooperation to serve their common interests, while reviewing the latest developments in the regional and international arenas.

Albudaiwi commended the valuable efforts made by OPEC and its major and vital role in maintaining the stabili
ty and balance of oil markets. He also acknowledged OPEC’s readiness to face future challenges in coordination with member states.

Source: Saudi Press Agency