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Doha, Qatar: In Qatar’s fast-growing dining scene, excellence isn’t just about serving delicious food, it’s about delivering a complete experience that meets the highest national standards. Dining becomes more than a meal, it’s a celebration of culture, community, and artisty in the kitchen. From bustling souq cafés to elegant fine-dining establishments, every table tells a story. And now, through Taste of Qatar, those stories are being recognised, celebrated, and shared with the world. Taste of Qatar, launched by Qatar Tourism following the debut of the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025 and developed in collaboration with the global research firm Ipsos, is the nation’s official restaurant rating programme, a mark of distinction awarded to establishments that deliver not only exceptional cuisine but truly unforgettable dining experiences. For diners, spotting the Taste of Qatar plaque at an entrance is a promise that every detail has been perfected, every plate prepared with care, and every guest welcomed with the warmth and hospitality Qatar is known for. Read Also Municipalities intensify pest control campaigns Health Care Endowment Fund boosts national blood services with QR2.5m mobile unit ‘Employee-first practices put Qatar’s hospitality firms on regional map’ Earning a Taste of Qatar certification is a journey of dedication. Restaurants, cafés, and local dining concepts are awarded a 1–3 star rating, with the coveted 3-star status reserved for those who consistently achieve a 90% or above rating in multiple inspections throughout the year. These inspections are more than a checklist, they are moments that capture the essence of an outlet’s service, quality, and hospitality. Mystery dining visits ensure that every experience is authentic, while aggregate scores reflect a commitment to excellence over time. To be considered, outlets must first, register and remain active on the program’s official portal, pass the Ministry of Public Health’s Watheq inspection and demonstrate consistent quality across food, service, and ambiance. Every year, 3-star certified outlets will be honoured at the Taste of Qatar Certification Ceremony. The celebration brings together chefs, owners, to recognise their achievements, receive their official plaque, and enjoy the spotlight as part of Qatar’s vibrant dining scene.

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Doha, Qatar:The Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) concluded a high-level policy roundtable examining the implications of the Ukraine war for the Gulf region. Held at Education City’s Minaretein, the event titled “The Ukraine War Through a Gulf Lens” gathered experts, academics, and international observers to analyze critical intersections between the conflict and Gulf interests, particularly in food security, energy markets, and humanitarian diplomacy. The event was also attended by ambassadors and heads of mission from embassies based in Doha. The Ukraine war has created unprecedented global disruptions that resonate deeply across the Gulf region, which stands at the crossroads of global supply chain vulnerabilities and shifting geopolitical realignments. As major energy exporters and food importers, the Gulf states face both opportunities and risks as a result of this development. Additionally, Qatar’s successful mediation efforts in various international crises uniquely position it to lead conflict resolution, particularly in addressing the humanitarian dimensions of family separation and civilian protection. Following opening remarks by Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Ali Chihi, Executive Director, GISR, proceedings moved on to a roundtable titled “Exploring Common Interests: Ukraine and the Arab States”. The session explored historical foundations and current Ukraine-Qatar relations, with a focus on Qatar’s role as a mediator. It also analyzed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent diplomatic outreach on Palestine, Syria, and Sudan as a strategic bridge for engagement with Arab and Gulf states and mapping future areas for Ukraine-Arab collaboration. This was followed by a roundtable on “Lessons from Ukraine: Regional & International Security”. Reflecting on proceedings, Ambassador Dr. Chihi stated: “This event holds particular significance as it reflects Qatar’s role as a major diplomatic actor, committed to advancing dialogue and peaceful solutions to some of the world’s most complex crises. In the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, it also reinforces HBKU’s position as a leading hub for public policy dialogue, championing independent analysis, engaging policymakers, and fostering a diversity of thought to address pressing global challenges through an Arab perspective and a forward-looking vision.” Another roundtable, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Energy Security in the Shadow of War,” spotlighted the impact of the war on global energy markets and implications for Gulf producers. It also assessed the geopolitics of energy infrastructure, examining the short and long-term impacts of primary and secondary sanctions on Russian oil and gas. A subsequent roundtable titled, “Regional Vulnerabilities: Food Security in the Shadow of War” assessed the impact of the war on global grain markets and Gulf food import strategies and explored regional cooperation mechanisms for crisis response.

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Doha, Qatar: In an ongoing effort to enhance public health and reduce the spread of harmful insects, municipalities across Qatar continue to implement extensive pest control campaigns. The initiative aims to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy living environment that supports improved quality of life in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. According to the Ministry of Municipality, a total of 5,342 pest control service requests were handled across various municipalities from September 26 to October 16. Doha Municipality topped the list with 1,148 requests, followed by Al Rayyan with 1,362 requests, Al Daayen with 1,034, Al Wakra with 584, and Umm Slal with 802. Meanwhile, Al Khor and Al Thakhira registered 195 requests, Al Sheehaniya 117, and Al Shamal 100 service requests. The Ministry highlighted the rapid interaction with public reports, noting that service requests were received through multiple channels. More than 3,447 requests were submitted via the “Oun” mobile application, 1,832 requests came through the unified call center, and 63 were made through the Ministry’s website.