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Doha, Qatar: The Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has achieved notable progress in supporting a number of indebted individuals through its “Gharimin” (debt relief) initiative, raising more than QR1.1m within just a few days following the announcement of several cases earlier this month. The initiative witnessed strong engagement from donors and philanthropists across Qatar, contributing to the repayment of debts for several beneficiaries, with settlement rates ranging between 48 percent and 90 percent for different cases. The foundation confirmed that the remarkable response from the community enabled it to collect more than QR1.1m for indebted individuals in need. It also renewed its call for continued charitable contributions during the final ten days of Ramadan to help relieve the financial burdens of additional cases. Commenting on the initiative, Khalid bin Abbas Al Emadi, member of the Gharimin Committee at the foundation, expressed deep appreciation for the generosity of donors in Qatar. He said the strong response reflects the authentic values of solidarity and compassion deeply rooted in Qatari society. Al Emadi noted that the foundation hopes to see further support during the last ten days of Ramadan, which are considered among the most virtuous days of the year for charitable giving. He emphasised the importance of maximising these blessed days to support indebted individuals and families in need, affirming the foundation’s commitment to delivering donations to beneficiaries with transparency and responsibility. He explained that the foundation follows clear and rigorous mechanisms in selecting beneficiaries, including careful assessment of each case’s financial and social circumstances by specialized committees in accordance with approved standards to ensure fairness and transparency. According to Al Emadi, the Gharimin project primarily targets individuals unable to repay their financial obligations due to unforeseen circumstances or economic pressures beyond their control, rather than negligence or extravagance. These include individuals who have lost their jobs, suffered sudden illnesses, or families of prisoners who lost their primary source of income and now face significant financial hardship. Al Emadi stressed that the project is subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation to reinforce governance principles, ensure that support reaches those who truly deserve it, and maintain public trust in institutional charitable work. The foundation reiterated its call to donors and philanthropists across Qatar to continue supporting the initiative during the remaining days of Ramadan, noting that many families are still awaiting assistance. Donations can be made through the foundation’s official website, its smart application available on app stores, or by visiting its office at Ezdan Mall Al Gharrafa, in addition to other channels established to facilitate charitable giving and promote a culture of community solidarity.

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Doha, Qatar: The Katara Cultural Village Foundation has announced the top five winners of 9th Katara Prize for Quran Recitation 2026. The first prize, worth QR500,000, was awarded to reciter Mohammed Al-Wafi Idris Hamad from Libya. the second prize, worth QR400,000, went to reciter Dirgham Jahad Khudair from Iraq while the third prize, worth QR300,000, was awarded to reciter Mahdi Gholamnejad from Iran. The fourth prize, worth QR200,000, was awarded to reciter Sayed Mustafa Hosseini from Iran, and the fifth prize, worth QR100,000,was awarded to reciter Ahmed Safi Al-Halabi from Syria. The five winners range in age from their mid-twenties to their late thirties, a group that has historically been the most represented not only in this year’s competition but also in most previous editions of the award. All five have been connected to the Holy Quran since childhood and are all involved in teaching and reciting it in their respective countries. First-place winner, Muhammad Al-Wafi Idris Hamad, has also composed religious songs that glorify the teachings of Islam and encourage young people to adhere to its tolerant principles. The five winners expressed their pride in receiving the prestigious Quran Recitation Award, which they consider an exceptional award, unparalleled in the Arab and Islamic worlds, due to its transparent judging process, excellent organisation, and significant monetary value. General Manager of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti crowned the winners in a live broadcast on Qatar TV, the award’s media partner, as part of its coverage of the award’s final rounds. The 25-episode competition typically attracts high viewership from around the world. Following the crowning ceremony, Al-Sulaiti affirmed that the Katara Quran Recitation Award has become a global event, evidenced by the continuous increase in the number of participants from foreign countries. He noted that the number of entries from 46 foreign countries reached 611 in the current edition of the award, compared to approximately 655 entries from 17 Arab countries. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the official sponsor of the Katara Prize for Quran Recitation, for its continued support, which has enabled the prize to reach its current distinguished international standing. He also expressed his sincere thanks to Qatar TV, which broadened the reach of the Prize by broadcasting the final rounds of the competition throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The members of the judging panel agreed that the ninth edition was the most distinguished yet, given the close levels of the contestants, which intensified the competition and made the judges’ task more challenging. The competition’s selection committee chose 100 contestants from 20 countries to participate in the final rounds. These included 9 Arab countries and 11 non-Arab countries. Ultimately, 53 participants from Arab countries and 47 from non-Arab countries qualified. Katara Cultural Village Foundation launched the prize in March 2017, fulfilling its leading cultural and religious role in the Arab and Islamic world. The award aims to encourage and discover outstanding talents in reading and reciting the Holy Quran, presenting the world with distinguished reciters who adhere to the rules of tajweed (the science of Quranic recitation), ultimately striving to achieve the most beautiful and melodious voices.

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Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Press Centre has renewed its strong condemnation of the continued Iranian attacks targeting the State of Qatar through ballistic missiles and drones, describing them as a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and a direct threat to its security and territorial safety. In a statement, the centre said the ongoing aggression represents a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region. It stressed that targeting vital infrastructure sets a serious precedent that could expose the peoples of the region to significant risks and wide-ranging humanitarian and economic consequences. The centre also highlighted remarks made by Majed bin Mohammed Al‑Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a media briefing earlier today. Al-Ansari revealed that an Iranian missile was launched on Saturday toward a residential neighbourhood in Doha but was successfully intercepted, prompting a precautionary evacuation in parts of the area. Meanwhile, Hind Abdulrahman Al‑Muftah, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Office at Geneva, stated during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council that deliberate or indiscriminate attacks against civilians, civilian facilities, and residential areas constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. She expressed deep concern over the continuation of such acts and stressed the need not to remain silent in the face of them. The centre praised the high level of professionalism and bravery demonstrated by the Qatar Armed Forces in confronting the attacks, noting that since the beginning of the aggression, the forces have successfully thwarted all missile and drone assaults targeting the country. It also commended the vigilance and courage of Qatari soldiers in defending the homeland and safeguarding its sovereignty. The centre further acknowledged the significant efforts of the Qatar Ministry of Interior and all relevant authorities in addressing the challenges, strengthening security and stability, and countering rumours and misinformation to protect society and enhance public awareness. In light of the sensitive circumstances, the Qatar Press Centre emphasised that responsible and professional media serve as the first line of defence during crises, helping protect the internal front, strengthen social cohesion, and confront rumours and misinformation, while reinforcing public trust in national institutions and their ability to safeguard the country’s security and stability. Concluding its statement, the centre expressed prayers for Qatar’s continued safety and stability, asking for protection for its leadership, people, and residents.