General
German embassy celebrates Unity Day in Doha
Doha, Qatar: The German Embassy in Doha marked the Day of German Unity on Monday with a warm and reflective celebration, as Ambassador of Germany to Qatar H E Oliver Owcza delivered a speech underscoring the historical significance of the occasion and the strengthening ties between both nations.
Present at the event were the Minister of Public Health, H E Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, Director of the Protocol Department at MoFA, H E Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, along with several ambassadors, as well as other dignitaries and guests.
In his address at the event, Ambassador Owcza emphasised that the commemoration of German Unity remains a moment of profound meaning not only for Germans but also for friends of Germany around the world.
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He recalled the emotional scenes of November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, paving the way for Germany’s reunification less than a year later, on October 3, 1990.
“Everybody who experienced Germany as a divided country, Berlin as a divided city, will remember the emotional moments when the Berlin Wall finally came down,” he said.
The Ambassador highlighted that the memory of unity is inseparable from the courage of East German citizens, the solidarity movements that preceded the fall of the Wall in Central Europe, and the support of international partners who welcomed a united Germany into a peaceful European order.
“As we mark 35 years since those events, our gratitude persists,” he noted, adding that this history continues to shape Germany’s foreign policy through its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, a rules-based international order, and free trade.
Turning to Qatar, Ambassador Owcza praised the alignment of both countries’ foreign policy principles, particularly Doha’s rising role as a mediator in global conflicts. “These principles seem to guide our host nation too,” he said, commending Qatar’s “remarkable embodiment of soft power” and its vital contributions to resolving conflicts in the Middle East. He extended appreciation to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari government for their “outstanding contributions to international conflict resolution.”
At the same time, the Ambassador reiterated Germany’s condemnation of the attacks carried out on Qatari soil earlier in the year, describing them as “completely unacceptable and must not repeat themselves.”
Ambassador Owcza highlighted the deepening relations between Qatar and Germany over the past year, which have been marked by high-level political exchanges, business delegations, and collaborative initiatives. Politically, the year witnessed two visits to Doha by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and the launch of the bilateral strategic dialogue.
Economically, Germany has solidified its position as Qatar’s sixth-largest trade partner, with several business delegations working to expand commercial ties.
The Ambassador also highlighted joint efforts on climate change, particularly through the continuation of the “Doha Climate Talks,” a platform for discussing pressing environmental challenges.
Addressing the German community in Qatar, Ambassador Owcza switched briefly into German to express heartfelt gratitude to the engineers, educators, medical professionals, musicians, and other expatriates contributing to Qatar’s development and strengthening the reputation of “Made in Germany.”
The event concluded with acknowledgments to sponsors, musicians, and the German Embassy team, whose efforts brought the evening to life.
General
Qatar Tourism completes Desert Safari Guide Training Programme
Doha: Qatar Tourism (QT) has announced the successful completion of the inaugural edition of the Desert Safari Guide Training Programme, marked by an official ceremony held on November 13, 2025, where 180 guides were formally honoured. An additional 50 participants are expected to finalise training in upcoming editions.
The training programme is designed to ensure that every Desert Safari Guide is fully equipped to deliver safe, seamless, and high-quality desert experiences. It also reflects Qatar Tourism’s dedication to enhance national tourism standards and elevate the overall visitor experience.
Launched in May this year, the training programme specifically targeted Desert Safari Guides working.
The program provided participants with hands-on instruction in desert safety, customer service, environmental responsibility, and cultural awareness, aimed at fostering a workforce that embodies both technical expertise and the authentic warmth of Qatari hospitality.
Additionally, participants completed complementing certifications through Qatar Tourism’s trusted training partners, including Basic First Aid with CPR and Off-Road Driving Skills Training.
Qatar Tourism’s long-term goal is to train over 250 Desert Safari Guides, equipping them with the expertise required to deliver exceptional experiences throughout the upcoming winter season.
General
Qatar Ministry's 2025 Sustainability Report highlights 100 percent growth in organic farming
Doha, Qatar: In a landmark step toward building more sustainable cities and enhancing quality of life, the Ministry of Municipality (MoM) has released the 2025 Sustainability Report, Qatar’s first fully comprehensive government sustainability report.
The publication consolidates data, results, and innovative practices across key sectors, including environmental protection, agriculture, waste management, digital transformation, public well-being, and future-readiness.
This initiative aligns closely with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, reaffirming the Ministry’s central role in driving long-term sustainable development.
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One of the most significant achievements highlighted in the report is the 100% increase in organic farming production by the end of 2024. This remarkable accomplishment reflects Qatar’s strategic investment in environmentally friendly agriculture and its commitment to strengthening food security.
Driven by growing public demand for healthy, chemical-free produce, organic farming has expanded rapidly, supported by the Ministry’s provision of modern technologies, technical training, and strict quality control standards.
In 2024, Qatar’s agricultural landscape transformed dramatically as the area dedicated to organic farming doubled and 950 productive farms came into full operation. This growth contributed to elevating local vegetable production.
During the same period, the national livestock population—which includes sheep, goats, camels, and cattle—reached 1.4 million head, underscoring the strength of Qatar’s food production systems. The Ministry further supported this momentum by providing agricultural machinery to 1,237 farms, enabling farmers to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices.
To reinforce this progress, the Ministry, through its Agricultural Affairs and Agricultural Research Departments, organised an educational program titled “Organic Farming: Importance and Requirements.”
Held at the Arab-Qatari Agricultural Production Company (Qatfa) and presented by Mahaseel, the program brought together 35 agricultural engineers and farm managers. It covered key aspects of organic production ranging from soil preparation to marketing, as well as the requirements for obtaining organic certification.
Participants recommended increasing practical training and expanding organic production nationwide, emphasizing its importance for public health.
The 2025 Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, reflecting the Ministry’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and international best practices.
The report documents wide-ranging achievements in environmental management, resource efficiency, sustainable urban development, and community well-being, providing a clear overview of progress made during the reporting period.