On Dec. 10, 2024, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, inaugurated Fanar The Arab Artificial Intelligence Project, during the opening of the World Summit AI Qatar 2024, in Doha.
The project is a salient milestone that reflects the State of Qatars commitment to promoting the omnipresence of the Arabic language, and the Arab and Islamic culture in AI era. It comes by virtue of the productive collaboration between the MOCIT and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF).
Last June, the Ministry of Municipality unveiled its newly developed strategy, which is anchored in three core priorities: excellence in service delivery and digital transformation, enhancement of food security, and advancement of the overall quality of life, underscoring the State of Qatars unwavering efforts to leverage innovative approaches to address critical areas of national development.
Qatar has meticulously cultivated a state-of-the-art, integrated, and sustainable transportation ecosystem that spans land, air, and sea, effectively positioning the nation at the vanguard of global transportation networks, thereby facilitating the successful hosting of major global events and enabling the provision of environmentally conscious mobility solutions.
Concerning Hamad International Airport (HIA), it has ascended to a preeminent global status, commemorating its 10th anniversary in 2024, since its operational commencement. And over the course of its first decade, HIA has consistently delivered extraordinary travel experiences to passengers transiting through Doha to destinations around the world.
During this period, it has garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including three occasions as the worlds best airport, while also securing the second position in the Middle East for air connectivity. And from May 2014 to May 2024, HIA has efficiently processed 325.1 million passengers, facilitated by its continually expanding and state-of-the-art facilities.
In 2024, Qatar's ports played a profound role in enhancing maritime trade flows both domestically and globally, witnessing a 23% increase in transshipment volumes, with the State of Qatar signing new cooperation agreements and memoranda aimed at bolstering the strategic position of Hamad Port, as Qatar's primary gateway for trade with the world to reinforce the port's prominence and optimize investment. Currently, the port is directly and indirectly connected to over 100 maritime destinations worldwide through over 28 shipping lines operated by a range of global shipping firms.
More tellingly, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) continues to pursue the objectives of the Qatar's National Vision 2030 by executing comprehensive infrastructure and public building development projects across the nation to position Qatar as one of the most advanced nations globally in this sector. And Ashghal currently oversees a broad range of infrastructure programs throughout the country, some of which have earned international accolades for their excellence.
In June 2024, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani inaugurated the Al-Semaisma project, one of the latest Ministry of Municipalitys initiatives.
Managed by the Qatari Diar real estate investment firm, the project represents an investment of QR20 billion and spans an area of 8 million square meters. Upon completion, it is anticipated to become a new landmark in Qatar, further promoting the country's iconic landmarks and distinctive tourism destinations.
In the quest for safeguarding the security of the nation and its citizens, the Qatar Armed Forces with their diverse branches, alongside the Ministry of Interior and its operators have been receiving foremost care from HH the Amir and his sagacious government through outfitting them with the state-of-the-art accoutrements and weapons, in addition to their participation in military trainings at home and abroad with the forces of friendly and sisterly nations to ensure they remain vigilant guardian of the nation's security and the shield that stands in defense of the countrys achievements, interests and territory.
On Jan. 23, 2024, HH the Amir Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the Qatar Amiri Air Forces No.5 Ababil (F15 QA) strategic fighter jet wing at Al Udeid Air Base. And on Nov.30, the State of Qatars flag was held aloft on the strategic transport and support vessel 'Al Fulk' and the signing of its handover to the Qatari Amiri Navy. The ceremony of holding the Qatari flag aloft took place in La Spezia, Italy.
In 2024, new batches of students have been graduated from Qatars military colleges, while on Dec.11, 2024, the Ministry of Defense launched the Defense Digitalization Compass at Ahmed bin Mohammed Military College, with the objective of transforming the Qatar Armed Forces into a more efficient, information-driven, knowledge-based, and networked organization, in pursuit of bolstering the high efficient digitization capabilities within its operating forces.
During 2024, the State of Qatar steadfastly proceeded with its humanitarian role on the regional and global stages by extending a helping hand to those in need all over the world, as its flags of humanitarian work have been vibrant and ubiquitous, with the country providing financial, relief and medical aid to states, institutions, and peoples afflicted by persistent natural disasters, crises, wars and conflicts in all hotspots and disaster-stricken territories on the Earth.
Last November, the Hamad bin Khalifa Charitable Foundation was established to proceed with the process of giving and relief. The foundation aims to improve the living conditions of needy people through providing support and social care in education, health and social development, in addition to identifying the beneficiaries needs and meeting them at home and abroad. (QNA)