Qatar Forms Climate Change Ministry, Appoints Finance Minister

A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)
A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)
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Qatar Forms Climate Change Ministry, Appoints Finance Minister

A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)
A night view of Doha, Qatar. (AFP)

Qatar's emir created an environment and climate change ministry on Tuesday and appointed Ali bin Ahmad Al-Kuwari as finance minister, a role he had held in an acting capacity.

In a government reshuffle, Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani was named minister of environment and climate change in the world's top liquefied natural gas exporter, weeks before a UN climate change conference in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

Two women were handed cabinet posts for education and social development. They join Health Minister Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, who had been the only woman in the cabinet.

Al-Kuwari was commerce and industry minister in the previous cabinet and had also been acting finance minister since May.

Before joining the cabinet in 2018, Kuwari was chief executive officer of Qatar National Bank.

There were no changes to the energy, foreign and defense portfolios in the reshuffle announced by the office of Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

The commerce and industry ministry will now be headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani.



Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Plot Targeting the UAE

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns Terrorist Plot Targeting the UAE

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Tuesday the terrorist plot targeting the national unity and stability of the United Arab Emirates.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom also praised the efficiency and vigilance of the UAE security services in dismantling the terrorist cell, arresting its members, and foiling its plans.

It underscored Saudi Arabia’s full solidarity with the UAE and its support for all measures it takes to safeguard security and stability and to combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms.


Syrian President Arrives in Jeddah on Official Visit

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, (C-R) welcoming Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa upon his arrival in Jeddah, on April 21, 2026. (SPA)
This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, (C-R) welcoming Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa upon his arrival in Jeddah, on April 21, 2026. (SPA)
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Syrian President Arrives in Jeddah on Official Visit

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, (C-R) welcoming Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa upon his arrival in Jeddah, on April 21, 2026. (SPA)
This handout picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, (C-R) welcoming Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa upon his arrival in Jeddah, on April 21, 2026. (SPA)

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Saudi Arabia on an official visit.

He was welcomed at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport by Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.

He is expected to meet with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

They are set to hold talks on efforts to bolster bilateral ties, as well as issues of common interest, said Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Sharaa is on a tour of the Gulf.


MWL Condemns Israel’s Appointment of Envoy to Self-Proclaimed 'Somaliland'

People walk past street stalls in front of a mosque in downtown Hargeisa. (AFP file)
People walk past street stalls in front of a mosque in downtown Hargeisa. (AFP file)
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MWL Condemns Israel’s Appointment of Envoy to Self-Proclaimed 'Somaliland'

People walk past street stalls in front of a mosque in downtown Hargeisa. (AFP file)
People walk past street stalls in front of a mosque in downtown Hargeisa. (AFP file)

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned Israel’s announcement of appointing a diplomatic envoy to the self-proclaimed "Somaliland."

In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa denounced this act as a grave violation targeting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

He stressed that it constitutes a threat to regional and international peace and security, and stands in clear contravention of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.

He reiterated the MWL’s full support for the unity and sovereignty of Somali territory and its legitimate institutions, which reflect the will of the Somali people.