Qatar News & Insights | Gulf Insider

4 weeks ago

Doha denies detaining Iranian pilots, says remains of one have been recovered

Doha details search-and-rescue efforts, coordination on returning pilot’s remains Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied reports that Iranian pilots were being detained, expressing surprise at what it described as misleading statements at a time when intensive diplomatic efforts are under way to de-escalate tensions in the region. The ministry said attempts had been made to contact the pilots after they violated Qatari airspace and their flight paths were verified. It said Qatar’s rules of engagement were followed and attempts were made to communicate with the pilots, but no response was received. The necessary measures were then taken to defend Qatari territory in accordance with international law, the ministry said, adding that this had been officially clarified at the time. The Ministry also said its search-and-rescue teams had carried out operations to locate the pilots’ remains. It said Qatar had contacted Iran to coordinate the handover of the remains of one pilot who had been found, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The ministry added that it had formally invited an Iranian team to visit Qatar in April to review details of the search-and-rescue operation, but had not received a response.

1 month ago

Woman admitted to ICU after weight-loss balloon bursts in stomach

Gastric balloon ruptured three days after procedure at private hospital A Qatari woman was admitted to intensive care after suffering serious health complications when a gastric balloon inserted for weight loss burst inside her stomach about three days after the procedure, according to a local media report. The woman underwent the gastric balloon procedure at a private hospital in an attempt to lose weight, but her condition deteriorated suddenly a few days later after the balloon ruptured inside her stomach. She was subsequently transferred from the private hospital where the procedure was performed to Hamad General Hospital, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. The incident has renewed attention on the potential complications associated with weight-loss procedures and the importance of choosing specialised medical centres and ensuring that such procedures are performed under the supervision of experienced medical teams. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that patients are fully informed about potential risks and complications before deciding to undergo weight-loss procedures.

1 month ago

Qatar detects 27 individuals who submitted false certificates for healthcare licences

The falsified certificates were identified during the ministry’s screening process Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has permanently barred 27 individuals from working in the country’s healthcare sector after they submitted falsified experience certificates while applying for practice licences in the first half of this year. The falsified certificates were identified during the ministry’s screening process, which verifies applicants’ credentials at the initial stages of registration and licensing, said Dr Saad Al Kaabi, Director of the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) at the MoPH. Preliminary screening is designed to identify false credentials early, before a licence can be granted, Al Kaabi said. Verification of applicants’ academic qualifications and professional experience is carried out in cooperation with specialised institutions to confirm the authenticity of the information submitted, the ministry said. The ministry said the checks help ensure that only qualified international healthcare practitioners are authorised to work in Qatar.

1 month ago

Qatar launches online permit for travellers with controlled medicines

Qatar has launched an electronic system for travellers bringing in or taking out controlled medicines from the country, the Qatar News Agency (QNA) announced on Wednesday. The platform will ensure passengers arriving in or departing from Qatar can apply for a permit to carry controlled medicines for personal use, track the status of their application, and receive the permit electronically. The digital system, created by the Ministry of Public Health, is expected to help speed up procedures, while maintaining the highest standards of pharmaceutical control and ensuring safe use of controlled medicines. The platform can be accessed through the authority’s website. The health authority has also issued a guidebook for the new system, explaining all the steps, including the list of controlled medicines. To apply for the electronic permit, users have to access the electronic system through the National Authentication System, submit the application, and attach the required documents, most notably a valid prescription. The application will then be reviewed by the Department of Pharmacy and Drug Control at the Ministry. The permit will then be issued in accordance with the approved regulatory requirements and controls. Travellers are advised to submit their application at least five working days before their […]

1 month ago

‘Near collision’ at Sydney Airport as Qatar Airways, Jetstar planes stop on taxiway

Safety regulators launched an investigation on Sunday into a “near collision” between two passenger aircraft at Australia’s busiest airport that injured a crew member. The incident, which involved a Jetstar pilot being forced to apply sudden brakes to avoid crashing into a Qatar Airways jet on Sunday morning, disrupted operations at Sydney Airport. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said a Jetstar Airbus A320 was taxiing for a flight to the Gold Coast on Sunday morning when its crew “observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, under tow from an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway”. “A cabin crew member aboard the [Jetstar] A320 was injured, and there was damage to the connection between the 777 nose gear and aircraft tug” as both planes stopped abruptly, the statement said. Investigators are collecting data from both aircraft, air traffic control, and interviewing crew and tug operators to determine the cause of the near collision, the regulator said. It called for witnesses at the airport to send in any video of the near collision. Flights at Sydney Airport are experiencing delays after the incident, Airservices Australia said. “Our aircraft was following instructions by Air Traffic Control when the pilots were […]

2 months ago

Qatar resumes maritime navigation within seven nautical miles

Qatar’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced the immediate resumption of maritime navigation activities for all types of vessels and ships within a marine range of nearly seven nautical miles. According to the ministry, the decision applies to waters stretching from Lusail City, including its ports, anchorages and marine facilities, to Hamad Port in the east. It also covers the western marine area from Umm Heesh to Doha Salwa. International vessels exempt The ministry said vessels operating under international maritime conventions, and in accordance with existing regulations and procedures, are exempt from the provisions of the circular. Safety reminder for mariners The MOT urged all vessel operators to comply with all maritime regulations and official instructions. It also reminded crews to ensure that all required safety and security equipment is on board before and during voyages to safeguard passengers, crews and maritime operations

2 months ago

Qatar Confirms Three Injured, Including Child, After Interception Debris

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said security authorities and Civil Defence teams activated emergency response procedures following Iranian attacks. The Ministry of Interior said, based on field assessments, that three people, including a child, were injured by falling debris from interception operations. The injured are receiving medical treatment. The ministry said public safety and emergency alerts are issued only when additional precautionary measures are required. It urged residents to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumours or sharing unverified content. Security authorities continue to operate around the clock to ensure public safety and maintain essential services.

2 months ago

Qatar extradites Asian suspect to US over organised crime charges

Qatar hands over Asian suspect to US in joint transnational crime probe Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has announced the extradition of an Asian national wanted by the United States over multiple criminal charges linked to transnational organised crime. The extradition was carried out as part of a joint security operation involving Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). In a statement, the ministry said the operation was conducted through international security cooperation channels. According to the ministry, the suspect was referred to Qatar’s Public Prosecution to complete the required legal procedures. Following the legal review, a decision was issued to surrender the individual to US authorities in accordance with applicable laws and agreements. The Ministry of Interior said the extradition reflects Qatar’s commitment to working with international partners to combat cross-border organised crime. It added that such cooperation supports global security efforts and strengthens the international justice system while following national legislation and legal frameworks.

2 months ago

A new era for places of worship: Qatar opens its first smart mosque

New mosque combines smart technology with sustainability under Qatar’s 2030 vision Qatar has inaugurated its first smart mosque as part of the country’s efforts to modernise mosque infrastructure through advanced technology and sustainable design. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Kuwari, Assistant Undersecretary for Da’wah and Mosque Affairs at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, officially opened Qais bin Saad bin Ubadah Mosque in the Muaither area, stressing that it is the first smart mosque in the country. The mosque accommodates around 350 worshippers, including a main prayer hall for 300 men and a separate prayer area for 50 women. It also includes residences for the imam and muezzin, together with integrated service facilities. The complex has been built on a 4,015-square-metre site using a contemporary architectural design that reflects the country’s Islamic identity. The mosque incorporates a range of smart technologies aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing resource consumption. These include intelligent systems to manage electricity and water use, solar panels that generate clean energy to power lighting and air-conditioning, and a water recycling system that reuses ablution water for toilets and irrigating surrounding green spaces. Landscaped areas around the mosque have also been designed to help reduce carbon emissions and support the ministry’s environmental sustainability objectives. […]

2 months ago

Former Emir Of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Dies At 74

The former leader of Qatar, Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passed away on Sunday, July 12. In a statement, the Amiri Diwan announced the historic Emir passed away on the morning of July 12, corresponding to 27 Muharram 1448 AH, at the age of 74. The late leader had served from 1995 until his historic abdication in 2013, when he handed the throne to his fourth son, the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

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Doha denies detaining Iranian pilots, says remains of one have been recovered

Woman admitted to ICU after weight-loss balloon bursts in stomach

Qatar detects 27 individuals who submitted false certificates for healthcare licences

Qatar launches online permit for travellers with controlled medicines

‘Near collision’ at Sydney Airport as Qatar Airways, Jetstar planes stop on taxiway

Qatar resumes maritime navigation within seven nautical miles

Qatar Confirms Three Injured, Including Child, After Interception Debris

Qatar extradites Asian suspect to US over organised crime charges

A new era for places of worship: Qatar opens its first smart mosque

Former Emir Of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Dies At 74

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