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QatarAshghal clears 85% of rainwater, field teams on constant readiness

By Fathima Nasifa Marikkar -
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The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said it has cleared about 85% of the 770 rainwater accumulation incidents recorded during the current weather conditions, with operations continuing to address the remainder. Ashghal affirmed that its field teams remain on round-the-clock standby to ensure rapid water drainage and maintain smooth traffic flow, particularly in the most affected areas, including Al Wakra, Al Wukair, the Industrial Area and Mebaireek. Engineer Mohammed al-Kubaisi of Ashghal’s Drainage Networks Operation and Maintenance Department said teams were mobilised at the start of the week in co-ordination with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), represented by the General Directorate of Traffic and the National Command Center, as well as the Ministry of Municipality, to ensure a swift response to water accumulations. He added that monitoring systems at the Rain Emergency Room, based on data from the Meteorology Department of the Civil Aviation Authority, recorded the hi...
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Qatar Strengthens Safety with New Workplace Evacuation Guidelines

By Md Nahid Islam -
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Precautionary Evacuation Guidelines Manual at Workplaces during the Emergency and Exceptional Situations. Objective This manual aims to raise awareness among employees and staff in government and semi-government entities, as well as private sector institutions, about the procedures to be followed when a precautionary evacuation alert is issued. This manual contributes to safeguarding everyone’s safety and ensuring a prompt response in accordance with the instructions issued by the competent authorities and the safety officers within the establishment. First: Preventive Readiness  (Before any Emergency Happens) 1- Be familiar in advance with emergency exits and evacuation routes at the workplace. 2- Know the designated assembly point outside the building. 3- Ensure that emergency corridors and evacuation exits remain clear of any obstacles. 4- Take note of the locations of safety equipment and fire extinguishers at workplace. 5- Adhere to the safety instructions and guidelines appro...
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QatarQatar strongly condemns Israeli attacks on Southern Lebanon

By Fathima Nasifa Marikkar -
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The State of Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, considering them a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities by compelling the Israeli occupation authorities to cease their repeated attacks on Lebanon and to respect international conventions and laws. The ministry affirmed the State of Qatar's unwavering stance towards the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and its full support for all efforts that enhance its stability and prosperity.
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Eid shopping picks up as markets, malls see rising activity

By Fathima Nasifa Marikkar -
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As Eid Al Fitr approaches, markets and shopping malls are seeing a noticeable increase in activity as shoppers prepare for the holidays, buying clothing, gifts, sweets, and food. Shopping has been proceeding at a normal pace across the country despite the current circumstances, supported by the availability of goods, stable market conditions, and intensified monitoring efforts to ensure products remain accessible to consumers. Families are traditionally keen to prepare for the festive occasion, which is closely tied to long-standing social customs. Demand typically rises for clothing, perfume, and gifts, while stores selling sweets and nuts experience particularly strong sales during the days leading up to the holidays. Grocery stores are also seeing higher demand for seasonal items such as dates, chocolates, and traditional sweets associated with Eid celebrations. Several shoppers said that retail activity remains steady and that essential goods are widely available. They ...
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QNL: The library from home - Read for your well-being

By Fathima Nasifa Marikkar -
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Qatar National Library (QNL) has made available a selection of ebooks and audiobooks on mental health topics on its digital platform for members, as part of its commitment to raising awareness about mental health, as announced on its X page. QNL, which also urges community members to adopt more balanced lifestyles, highlighted the importance of taking time to care for one’s mental well-being from home. It encouraged readers to explore a selection of recommended titles that offer perspectives on mindfulness and emotional balance. These books are available as e-books and audiobooks through the QNL mobile app and website. The library also invited the public to register for free membership, which provides access to its extensive digital collections, including ebooks, audiobooks, and specialised databases, anytime and anywhere. QNL noted that it also aims to help readers dedicate time to their mental well-being from the comfort of their homes, through informative content that of...
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OAKRUN 2026 Set to Energize Runners at Old Doha Port

By Md Nahid Islam -
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The exciting OAKRUN 2026 community race is set to take place on Saturday, 4 April 2026 , bringing runners of all ages together for a vibrant morning of fitness, competition, and community spirit at Old Doha Port in Doha . Organized by NoLimits Races , the event combines competitive adult races with fun youth and kids runs, creating an inclusive environment where seasoned athletes, amateur runners, and families can participate together. The race celebrates health, energy, and community engagement — proving that it’s more than just a run. Event Details Date: Saturday, 4 April 2026 Location: Old Doha Port , Doha Main Race Start: 6:30 AM (Tentative) Youth & Kids Race: 8:00 AM (Tentative) Race Distances Main Races (16+ years): 10KM 5KM Youth & Kids Races (5–15 years): 1.5KM 500 meters Race Day Schedule (Tentative) 5:00 AM: Race village opens 6:30 AM: 10KM and 5KM races begin 8:00 AM: Youth and Kids races start 8:30 AM: Award...
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QSE Declines 1.99% This Week Amid Regional Pressures, Analysts See Long-Term Investment Opportunities

By Md Nahid Islam -
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The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) closed the week with a decline of 1.99 percent , losing 213.34 points to settle at 10,485 points , as most sectors came under selling pressure. Market data showed that six sectors recorded losses , with the insurance sector experiencing the sharpest drop of 5.64 percent . In contrast, the telecommunications sector was the only gainer during the week, rising 1.46 percent . Financial market analyst Youssef Buhulaiqa said in remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Qatari stock market, like other regional markets, has been affected by the current geopolitical and economic conditions. However, he emphasized that the QSE still stands out as one of the region’s strongest markets due to its solid fundamentals. Buhulaiqa explained that the Qatari market is supported by leading companies with strong financial positions and stable cash dividend policies , making it attractive to investors. He added that current and expected price-to-earnings ratios ...
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Qatar Energy Minister Meets EU Energy Director-General

By Md Nahid Islam -
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His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, held a virtual meeting with Ditte Juul-Jorgensen, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission, to discuss global energy developments. During the meeting, both sides discussed the impact of the ongoing regional conflict on the global energy industry and explored ways to ensure the stability and security of energy supplies. Minister Al-Kaabi reaffirmed the Qatar’s commitment to remaining a reliable energy supplier and expressed his interest in continuing and strengthening long-standing energy cooperation with the European Union. For her part, Juul-Jorgensen expressed the European Union’s solidarity with Qatar amid current regional tensions and emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and security in global energy supply.
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Qatar Participates in GCC Information Ministers’ Meeting to Strengthen Unified Media Narrative

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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The State of Qatar took part in an extraordinary meeting of GCC Ministers of Information held Monday via video conference to enhance joint Gulf media coordination amid ongoing regional developments. HE Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani represented Qatar at the meeting, which was also attended by HE CEO of Qatar Media Corporation Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani. Officials discussed strengthening Gulf media integration by developing a unified narrative reflecting the shared stance of GCC countries in addressing the repercussions of the current crisis and regional security and political developments following Iranian aggression against GCC states. The meeting also stressed the importance of countering misinformation, false news, and misleading narratives circulating on digital platforms and other media outlets aimed at distorting the positions of GCC countries. Participants further discussed producing and broadcasting multilingual medi...
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Bahrain Intercepts Iranian Missiles and Drones; One Civilian Killed in Manama Strike

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior reported that one civilian was killed and several others were injured after an Iranian attack struck a residential building in the capital, Manama. According to the General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force, the country’s air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 102 missiles and 173 drones during the assault. Authorities said emergency teams responded quickly to the damaged residential area, while investigations into the attack are ongoing.
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Saudi Defense Minister Discusses Regional Escalation with French and Swedish Counterparts

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Khalid bin Salman Al Saud , Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia , held separate phone calls on Monday with Catherine Vautrin of France and Pål Jonson , Minister for Defence of Sweden , to discuss the latest developments in the region. During the calls, the officials reviewed the escalating regional situation and its implications for security and stability. The discussions also included condemnation of Iranian aggression against the Kingdom, in addition to addressing the broader impact of the current escalation on regional peace and stability.
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UAE President, German Chancellor Discuss Regional Developments in Phone Call

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , President of the United Arab Emirates , discussed the latest regional developments with Friedrich Merz , Chancellor of Germany , during a phone call on Monday. The discussion focused on the escalating military operations and their serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability. Both sides stressed the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomatic solutions to address the outstanding issues in the Middle East, in order to preserve regional security and stability and prevent further crises.
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Minister of Commerce and Industry Reviews Strategic Reserves and Market Monitoring Efforts

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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HE Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani , Minister of Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Qatar) , stressed the importance of continuing field monitoring of markets and strengthening coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure market stability and the availability of essential goods for consumers. His remarks came during a visit to the Ministry’s Operations Center, where he reviewed the strategic reserves of essential commodities and the mechanisms in place to monitor supply chains as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard market stability. According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the Minister was briefed on the measures adopted to ensure a steady supply of essential goods, as well as coordination mechanisms with suppliers and relevant authorities to maintain market stability and ensure the smooth and uninterrupted flow of commodities. HE the Minister also commended the efforts of the Ministry’s staff, praising their readiness and dedication in monitoring markets and resp...
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MOI Seizes 39 Vehicles for Causing Disturbing Noise on Qatar Roads

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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The Ministry of Interior (Qatar) , represented by the General Directorate of Traffic (Qatar) , has seized 39 vehicles for emitting loud and disturbing noises while driving on public roads. The drivers were apprehended and referred to the competent authorities in accordance with the applicable legal procedures. The action comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Traffic Department to curb violations that disturb public tranquility and cause inconvenience to road users and residents. According to the Traffic Department, producing disturbing noise from vehicles is a violation of Article (58) of the Traffic Law issued by Decree-Law No. (19) of 2007, which states that no vehicle may be driven on the road if it emits disturbing noise. The law also requires every vehicle to be equipped with a properly functioning muffler (silencer). The Ministry further noted that vehicle sound levels are measured in decibels (dB), in accordance with the standards set by the Qatar General Organization for St...
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22 health centers in Qatar provide 24/7 urgent care

By Fathima Nasifa Marikkar -
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The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) provides urgent care services for adults and children across 22 health centers in Qatar. 8 centers offer 24/7 urgent care for both adults and paediatrics, and 14 centers for adults only, ensuring round-the-clock access to emergency healthcare services in the community. ☆8 health centers providing urgent care for adults & pediatrics: •Al Ruwais •Al Mashaf •Al Wajbah •Umm Slal •Al Sadd •Al Thumama •Muaither •Leabaib ☆14 health centers providing urgent care for adults only: •Gharrafat Al Rayyan •Al Kaaban •Muaither •Al Thumama •Al Sheehaniya •Al Karaana •Al Mashaf •Al Wajbah •Abu Bakr Al Siddiq •Al Ruwais •Al Sadd •Rawdat Al Khal •Umm Slal •Leabaib
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Qatar Central Bank Announces Eidiya ATMs for Eid Al Fitr Starting 10 March 2026

By Md Nahid Islam -
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Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Central Bank has announced the launch of special Eidiya ATMs ahead of Eid al-Fitr , starting from 10 March 2026 , to facilitate the traditional exchange of monetary gifts during the festive season. The dedicated ATMs will dispense currency notes in denominations of QR 5, QR 10, QR 50, QR 100, and QR 200 , allowing residents to easily withdraw smaller notes commonly used for giving Eidiya to children. Eidiya is one of the most cherished traditions during Eid Al Fitr, where elders present money to children as a gift while exchanging Eid greetings. The cash is typically handed directly to the children or placed in their pockets as a gesture of celebration and goodwill. To make the process convenient for the public, the Eidiya ATM machines will be installed at several major shopping destinations across Qatar: Place Vendôme Mall – 8 ATMs Mall of Qatar – 4 ATMs Al Wakrah Old Souq – 4 ATMs Doha Festival City – 7 ATMs Al Hazm Mall – 4 ATMs W...
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Qatar Airways Plans Limited Flights as Qatari Airspace Remains Temporarily Closed

By Md Nahid Islam -
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Scheduled flight operations of Qatar Airways remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline confirmed that normal operations will resume only after Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the full and safe reopening of the country’s airspace. However, following temporary authorization from the aviation authority allowing limited operating corridors, Qatar Airways plans to operate a limited number of flights in the coming days. The move aims to support passengers affected by the disruption and help them reach their destinations or reunite with their families as quickly and safely as possible. Flights Departing from Doha On 9 March , flights from Doha are scheduled to depart for: Seoul , Moscow , London (Heathrow), Delhi , Madrid , Islamabad , Beijing , Perth , and Nairobi . On 10 March , additional flights are expected to depart for: Cairo , London (Heathrow), Jeddah , Manila , Kochi , Muscat , Istanbul , Mumbai , Delhi , Nairobi , Islamabad ...
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Qatar Tourism Assures Support for Visitors During Current Regional Situation

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Qatar Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting visitors and coordinating with partners in the tourism and hospitality sectors to ensure guests in Qatar receive the necessary assistance and services during the current period. In a statement on Friday, Qatar Tourism said it has strengthened its tourism hotline (106) to help visitors with inquiries related to the current circumstances. The authority also advised travelers to wait for official communication from their airlines regarding travel arrangements. Qatar Tourism urged visitors to follow updates issued by official government and aviation sources and to rely only on verified channels for accurate information.
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Minister of State for International Cooperation Receives Call from Sudanese TSC Advisor

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad , Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, received a phone call on Thursday from Al Sadig Ismail Mahmoud , Advisor for Organizational and Humanitarian Affairs to the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan . During the call, the two officials discussed the ongoing military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions for regional and international security and stability, stressing the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means. Al Misnad affirmed that the Iranian attack on the territory of Qatar represents a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and contradicts the principles of good neighborliness. She noted that Qatar has consistently sought to distance itself from regional conflicts and has worked to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community. However, she said the renewed targeting of Qatari territory undermines the foundations of understandings on which bilateral relations...
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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Calls from Slovenian, Portuguese, Uruguayan Foreign Ministers

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi , Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, held separate phone calls on Thursday with Tanja Fajon , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia ; Paulo Rangel , Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal ; and Mario Lubetkin , Foreign Minister of Uruguay . During the calls, the officials discussed the ongoing military escalation in the region and its serious implications for regional and international security, stressing the need to resolve disputes through peaceful means. Al Muraikhi said the Iranian attack on Qatari territory constituted a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and contradicted the principles of good neighborliness. He noted that while Qatar has long worked to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community, the renewed targeting of its territory undermines the basis of bilateral relations. The Qatari minister called for an immediate halt to escalation and a return to n...
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GCC, EU Issue Joint Statement Affirming GCC States' Right to Self Defense

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union called for dialogue and diplomacy to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East, while affirming the Gulf states’ right to self-defense. In a joint statement issued after an extraordinary virtual meeting, the ministers condemned what they described as unjustifiable attacks by Iran against GCC countries, saying the strikes targeted civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities and residential areas, and threatened regional and global security. The statement reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to regional stability, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter. It also highlighted the strategic partnership between the EU and the GCC, first established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and reinforced during the 2024 summit in Brussels. While stressing diplomacy as the main path to resolving the crisis, the ministers recalled the inherent right...
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Qatar Condemns Iranian Attack on Buildings in Bahrain Housing Qatari Naval Personnel

By Md Nahid Islam -
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The State of Qatar has strongly condemned the Iranian attack that targeted buildings in various areas of the Kingdom of Bahrain housing personnel from the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces. In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty, as well as a direct threat to its security, stability, and the overall security of the region. The ministry affirmed Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain in confronting the incident. It stressed that targeting facilities hosting forces operating within the framework of joint Gulf cooperation represents a dangerous escalation that undermines the principles of good neighborliness and respect for state sovereignty. According to the statement, the personnel of the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces who were present in the targeted buildings are safe, and no injuries were reported among them. The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Bahrain ha...
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Qatar Airways Operates Limited Relief Flights Amid Regional Airspace Disruptions

By Md Nahid Islam -
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Doha, 05 March 2026 – Qatar Airways has announced the operation of a limited number of relief flights following temporary airspace closures affecting parts of the region. The airline stated that these measures are aimed at assisting passengers impacted by the ongoing situation. Qatar Airways is working around the clock to organise additional relief flights where operationally possible and will provide updates as soon as they are confirmed. Affected passengers will be contacted directly with their flight details and arrangements. Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport unless they have received official confirmation from the airline. For those currently in Doha, Qatar Airways representatives are available at designated hotels to provide assistance regarding relief flights and travel arrangements. The airline urged passengers to ensure their contact information is up to date via the Qatar Airways website or mobile app, emphasising that the safety and wellbeing of passenge...
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His Highness the Prince visits the Air Operations Center Qatar

By Md Nahid Islam -
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His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, visited the Air Operations Center today. During his visit, His Highness reviewed the high level of readiness and preparedness of the military units. He also received a briefing on the progress of operations and the procedures implemented to enhance the security of vital installations and protect Qatari airspace and territorial waters, all within the framework of maintaining the nation's security and stability. His Highness commended the efforts of the Qatari Armed Forces personnel and their high level of competence in performing their duties, emphasizing the importance of continuing to raise the levels of readiness and coordination to ensure the protection of the State and safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents.
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Oil and Gas Production Suspended in Iraqi Kurdistan Due to Security Concerns

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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ShaMaran Petroleum Company reported that its partners and operators at the Atrush and Sarsang oil fields have temporarily halted oil production as a precautionary measure amid the current security situation. The company emphasized that the stoppage is not due to damage to the fields or their resources. Meanwhile, Gulf Keystone Petroleum , which operates the Sheikhan oil field , also announced a suspension of oil production. The field produces approximately 44,000 barrels per day. Additionally, Dana Gas halted natural gas production from the Kor Mor field last Saturday. The field supplies around 750 million cubic feet per day, providing the majority of the Kurdistan Region’s electricity.
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Oil prices soar, stock markets fall amid regional conflict

By Afif Mohammad Tuha -
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Oil prices soared on Monday as U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz already heavily disrupted. The coordinated attacks on Iran on Saturday targeted senior Iranian leaders, triggering immediate retaliatory strikes from Tehran against U.S. and Israeli assets across multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman. President Donald Trump warned that the military operations “will continue until all of our objectives are achieved,” signaling the potential for a prolonged regional conflict. Oil and Energy Markets React The escalation has fueled fears of disruptions in oil supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Brent crude prices jumped as much as 13% in Asian trading before stabilizing at $76.48 per b...
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Qatar Urges Citizens Abroad to Register via MOFA App for Emergency Support

By Md Nahid Islam -
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar has called on Qatari citizens currently residing or traveling abroad to download its official mobile application and register their personal details to ensure swift communication and consular assistance during emergencies. In a statement, the Ministry emphasized the importance of keeping personal information updated within the application. This measure aims to facilitate rapid coordination through Qatar’s embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide, particularly in urgent and crisis situations. The Ministry advised citizens facing emergencies abroad to directly contact the State of Qatar’s diplomatic missions through their designated phone numbers.  Additionally, individuals may reach the Ministry’s Department of Operations via the following emergency contact numbers: ☎️ 00974 4011 1000 ☎️ 00974 4011 1140 ☎️ 00974 4011 1104 The official mobile application of the Ministry is available for download on both major platforms: 📱 iOS: ...
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