Government

Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Saturday from Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom HE Yvette Cooper. During the call, they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. The Prime Minister congratulated Yvette Cooper on her appointment as Foreign Secretary, wishing her success in carrying out her duties. The call also discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to a number of issues of common interest. During the call, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to end the brutal war on the Gaza Strip, ensure the sustainable and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip, and release prisoners and detainees.

General

Doha, Qatar: Head of Qatar Astronomical Center, Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al-Thani, revealed on social media an image of a meteorite–a type of tektite known as cosmic glass–claiming it to be the first meteorite fragment to be discovered in Al Khor. In a statement to Al Sharq, the astronomer explained that he found the rare natural glass by chance while strolling along Al Khor beach. "The meteorite was found among rocks near the beach, partially submerged in water," he said, adding that he took it to specialists who confirmed that it was the cosmic glass known as "tektite." He described the meteorite as having unique characteristics that require careful visual inspection to confirm its identity, adding that its weight and time of its fall cannot be determined. Sheikh Salman also noted that upon close examination, the edges of the meteorite show signs of melting, which is evidence that it entered the atmosphere and transformed into mass. The astronomer confirmed that the Qatar Astronomy Center has previously discovered more than 30 meteorites in Qatar, while stating that he hoped that that many other fragments of the tektitecould possibly be found in Al Khor. He emphasised that finding meteorites of this size is important to astronomical research and studies in the country and the region.

Culture

Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar will be the guest of honor at the 26th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair, which will take place from September 10 to 21. Qatar's participation in the fair underscores the country's commitment to supporting the Arab cultural movement and highlighting Qatari intellectual production in the fields of literature, poetry, thought, and the arts. It also reflects Qatar's prominent cultural standing and underscores the depth of fraternal ties between Qatar and Iraq. Qatar's cultural program at the fair includes intellectual seminars, lectures, and poetry evenings, in addition to performances by the Qatari folklore troupe, which will perform Ardha and other folk arts, reflecting the spirit of authentic cultural heritage. The Qatari pavilion will feature demonstrations of traditional crafts such as goldsmithing and wooden shipbuilding. Visitors will be able to watch and interact with craftsmen at work. In a statement, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain stated that Qatar's participation in the Baghdad International Book Fair as the guest of honor reflects the deep fraternal ties between the two countries and their peoples. It also underscores the importance of culture, which is the ideal bridge for communication and the promotion of human dialogue. This participation, he said, reflects the Ministry of Culture's commitment to supporting the Arab cultural scene, enhancing cooperation with cultural institutions and publishing houses, highlighting the richness of Qatari intellectual production, and presenting a comprehensive image of Qatar that blends contemporary creativity with a rich cultural heritage. He explained that the Qatari pavilion in the fair features a design inspired by traditional Qatari architecture, embodying national identity and expressing the connection between the past and the present in a style that combines authenticity and the spirit of innovation. He noted that the pavilion offers a comprehensive cultural experience that goes beyond book displays, allowing visitors to explore the diversity of Qatar's cultural landscape, from literature, thought, and the arts to living heritage and traditional crafts. The Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture added that the Qatari pavilion will also host a photo exhibition featuring shots of Qatar's modern landmarks, traditional architecture, and scenes of daily life, in addition to the beauty of Qatar's land and marine environment.