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Canon and SOS Children’s Villages in Senegal Join Forces to Empower the Next Generation Through Miraisha

Source: APO

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com), a global leader in imaging solutions, has forged a strategic partnership with SOS Children’s Villages in Senegal, a non-governmental organisation supporting vulnerable youth, to expand its flagship Miraisha skills development initiative. This collaboration underscores Canon’s commitment to sustainable youth empowerment and meaningful social impact, with Senegal identified as a key strategic focus market for 2026.

Expanding Canon’s African Footprint

Miraisha’s expansion in Senegal builds on Canon’s decade-long commitment to blending innovation with tangible community impact across Africa. Through this initiative, vulnerable youth and NGO staff gain access to hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world platforms that nurture creative expression and strengthen skills in photography, videography, and visual storytelling. Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa, said, “Across Africa, young people are creative, resourceful, and driven to share their own stories. Our responsibility is to equip them with the tools, skills and confidence to transform that potential into sustainable livelihoods. Turn those talents into livelihoods Senegal is a key market for us, and this partnership reinforces our long-term commitment to advancing youth employability while empowering organisations to amplify their impact through compelling visual storytelling.”

Miraisha in Motion: Youth Creativity Meets Opportunity

Rooted in Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei, living and working together for the common good. The Miraisha initiative equips young people aged 18–35 with practical training in photography, videography, and digital storytelling. By combining technical expertise, mentorship, and real-world experience, the programme transforms creative potential into tangible career pathways and sustainable opportunities. This partnership serves as a natural extension of the mission of SOS Children’s Villages in Senegal. Since the mid-1970s, the NGO has supported children and youth with care, education, and community support across eight regions, emphasising the importance of developing employable and creative skills for resilience and independence.

Programme Highlights

Designed to deliver measurable long – term impact, the partnership provides targeted training and mentorship for youth and NGO staff. SOS communications teams will participate in an intensive three-day workshop focused on advocacy-driven photography and videography, strengthening their ability to communicate impact through powerful visuals. Youth workshops in Dakar and Kaolack will host 20–25 participants at each site, by the end of the training two chosen students will go on to receive a three-month mentorship with a dedicated Canon trainer to further enhance their skills.  To ensure sustainability, photography clubs across SOS Children’s Villages sites will be established to encourage peer learning, creative collaboration, and continuous skills development.

“This partnership empowers vulnerable youth by giving them more than just technical skills – it gives them confidence and a voice,” said Papa Daouda Diop, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Senegal. “Visual storytelling is crucial for our advocacy and fundraising, helping us share the realities our children face and the progress they make. Beyond stronger communications, these skills open new opportunities for employment and independence.”

Building on Proven Success Across Africa

The expansion of Miraisha in Senegal builds on a decade of transformative impact across Africa, where the programme has equipped thousands of young people in photography, videography, and digital storytelling. In Kenya, workshops at KCA University have enabled students to transition into freelance careers and creative entrepreneurship. In Nigeria, street photography sessions in Lagos enabled participants to build professional portfolios that led to paid assignments. In Morocco, collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages strengthened NGO communication channels while opening freelance opportunities for youth. These success stories demonstrate how Miraisha consistently translates creative skills into livelihoods and stronger community communications. Collectively, these success stories highlight Miraisha’s consistent ability to convert creative talent into sustainable livelihoods while strengthening how communities and organisations share their stories.

Senegal: A Strategic Focus Market

With over half its population under 25, Senegal faces both promise and challenge. Only 48.2% of youth participate in the labour market, compared to 69% of adults, reflecting persistent barriers to employment and limited access to practical training and skills in the creative industries. NGOs and community groups also require stronger communication tools to advocate and engage donors. Canon’s investment in Senegal directly responds to these interconnected needs, reinforcing the country’s strategic importance as a priority market for its social impact initiatives in 2026.

Looking Ahead

Canon’s partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Senegal underlines its ongoing investment in the country’s youth and creative industries. As Miraisha grows in West Africa, Canon aims to serve as a driver of community skills and empowerment. By enabling young people to tell their own stories through visual storytelling, the company is helping unlock pathways to economic opportunity while advancing meaningful social impact across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4tYj6IP) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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Polygon launches first full-scale Display & Video (DV) campaign in Nigeria, marking a new milestone for data-driven outdoor in Africa

Source: APO

Polygon (https://PDOOH.co.za), Africa’s largest aggregated programmatic digital out of home (pDOOH) publisher network, has announced the launch of its first full-scale Display & Video 360 (DV360) campaign in Nigeria; a milestone that highlights the growing maturity of pDOOH across the continent.

The campaign, executed in Lagos State for Schweppes, represents the first time a Google-based enterprise media buying platform has been used to deliver a pDOOH campaign at scale in Nigeria. It also marks Polygon’s first fully realised campaign in the market, following a series of earlier test runs.

At the centre of the campaign is a highly localised dynamic creative optimisation (DCO) approach, which sees the development of more than 500 unique creative executions, each tailored to the precise location of a billboard and its surrounding retail environment. Consumers are served context-specific messaging that directs them to nearby Schweppes stockists, with copy dynamically calling out store names and proximity – for example, “Get yours at Sessy and Folly Enterprises – just 140m away!”

Says Remi du Preez, Managing Director at Polygon: “This campaign is an exciting example of where the medium is heading in Africa, as we move beyond static messaging into something far more responsive and relevant.”

The campaign is currently live across Lagos, with screens strategically positioned in high-traffic roadside environments. Polygon’s infrastructure enabled the geofencing of retail locations within a defined radius of each screen, ensuring that messaging remained locally relevant and actionable. The campaign roll-out also saw the use of one of West Africa’s largest digital screens – a 600sqm large-format site – creating an even greater sense of presence for the brand.

Beyond its immediate impact, Du Preez says the campaign serves as a broader proof point for the African market. “Programmatic DOOH in Africa is now fully operational, scalable and delivering at a global standard. What we’ve demonstrated here is that markets like Nigeria can support geo-targeted, data-driven, dynamic campaigns in the same way more mature markets do. The infrastructure works.”

He adds that unlocking new markets often depends on early adopters willing to test and learn, but that success tends to accelerate momentum quickly. “In every new market, you need a client that’s willing to lead. Once that first campaign proves itself, confidence follows – and we’re already seeing increased interest from advertisers looking to enter the Nigerian pDOOH space.”

Polygon currently has access to the majority of roadside DOOH inventory in Nigeria, spanning key urban centres including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Kano,  positioning the network to scale future campaigns rapidly.

Du Preez says that this latest campaign forms part of Polygon’s broader strategy to build a unified DOOH ecosystem across Africa, offering advertisers a single point of entry into a fragmented but rapidly evolving media landscape.

“And now – by linking media exposure to real-world proximity and behaviour – we’re moving closer to bridging the gap between brand and performance in OOH, which is something advertisers have wanted for years,” concludes Du Preez.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Polygon.

About Polygon:
Polygon is a programmatic aggregated digital out of home (DOOH) publisher network, making up a network of thousands of screens. The network is specifically designed to maximise performance in omni-channel advertising campaigns while integrating accredited audience data using world-class technology. Polygon offers advertisers a single point of entry into the continent’s largest network of DOOH inventory, allowing them to target audience sets across multiple touchpoints and venues along the customer journey.

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Nelson Mandela Bay issues flood warning amid hazardous conditions

Source: Government of South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay issues flood warning amid hazardous conditions

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Disaster Management Centre has urged residents, motorists, and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution as heavy rainfall continues to cause widespread flooding and hazardous conditions across various parts of the metro.

In a statement on Thursday, the municipality reported that multiple roads have been affected, with law enforcement and traffic officers deployed across affected areas to monitor the situation, manage traffic flow, and assist residents where required.

Several incidents and road closures have been confirmed, including, among others:
• A motor vehicle accident was reported at 4:43pm on 6 May 2026, on the M4 Albany Road. No injuries were recorded.
• The Third Avenue Dip remains closed due to flooding and unsafe driving conditions.
• The N2 freeway between John Tallant Road and the M4 East and West interchange remains closed as a result of flooding. Traffic is currently being diverted via Old Grahamstown Road, with traffic officers assisting on the alternative route to alleviate congestion.
• Several roads across the metro remain flooded, with traffic and law enforcement officers currently assessing affected areas and monitoring conditions.

Motorists have been advised to avoid flooded roads, bridges and low-lying areas; reduce speed and maintain safe following distances; use alternative routes where possible and adhere to all instructions issued by traffic officers and emergency personnel.

Authorities have also cautioned against unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.  

“Pedestrians are advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, streams and stormwater channels; exercise caution near bridges, drains and waterlogged areas; and keep children away from fast-flowing water and flooded zones,” the municipality said.

The municipality said emergency and disaster response teams remain on high alert as they continue to monitor weather conditions and infrastructure impacts.

Residents have been encouraged to continue monitoring official Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality communication platforms for verified updates, emergency notices and safety information.

Cyler bridge overflowing

Meanwhile, residents in Kariega must take caution as the Cyler Bridge is currently overflowing due to heavy rains.

Motorists have been advised to use these alternative routes:
Algoa Road (R368), which connects to the R75 and passes through Despatch. From Despatch towards Kariega: traffic is diverted off the R75 at the Botha Street off-ramp, directed to proceed via Algoa Road (R368) into Kariega, and can rejoin the R75 at the Union Street on-ramp. From Kariega towards KwaNobuhle/Rocklands: use Melbrookes Avenue or Matanzima Road to access Rocklands Road.

“Do not underestimate the depth of water,” added the municipality  – SAnews.gov.za

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Five suspects arrested for an ATM bombing in the North West

Source: Government of South Africa

Five suspects arrested for an ATM bombing in the North West

An intelligence driven operation has resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including a police officer, in connection with an ATM bombing reported in the early hours of the morning in Dinokana, Zeerust in the North West.

The arrests follow a multidisciplinary operation that tracked the suspects and lead to a confrontation at Magogae Village, Mmabatho. During the shootout, three suspects were fatally wounded.

Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed the swift arrests, highlighting the dedication and coordination of the teams involved in bringing the suspects to book.

At the same time, Naidoo strongly condemned the alleged involvement of a police officer in such serious criminal activities.

“The actions of any member of the SAPS who engages in criminality are a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect. Such conduct will not be tolerated and those found on the wrong side of the law will face the full might of the law,” said the Major General.

The dedicated team consisted of members of National Intervention Unit (NIU) working for Illicit mining operations in the North West, Tactical Response Team (TRT) Mahikeng, K9 Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho Visible Policing (VISPOL), Mmabatho Detectives, Local Criminal Record  Centre, DPCI,  Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management ( CR & CSM), District Detective Coordination, Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) and Provincial Traffic.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges related to ATM bombing, possession of explosives and other related offences. 

The team is currently tracking further suspects in this matter. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africans are not a xenophobic people – Presidential spokesperson

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africans are not a xenophobic people – Presidential spokesperson

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says President Cyril Ramaphosa expects law enforcement to take action against violent protesters, while emphasising that South Africans are not xenophobic. 

The remarks come as demonstrations against undocumented immigrants have spread across several major cities in South Africa.

At a media briefing on Wednesday, Magwenya said the protests were discussed between President Ramaphosa and his Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Chapo during the latter’s recent working visit to South Africa.

“The matter was discussed yesterday between President Chapo and President Ramaphosa and they both agreed that…South Africans are not xenophobic. What you have [are] pockets of protest [which] is permissible within our constitutional framework.

“You also have the reality that the issue of immigration is a pressure point, not only here in South Africa but throughout the world where protests are held on these issues.

“What is important from our perspective is obviously, respecting the rights of everybody that is within our borders and, when we protest, to do so peacefully without causing harm to anybody,” he explained.

Magwenya added that President Ramaphosa expects law enforcement to “play its role to prevent any acts of violence against any individual.”

Furthermore, the two Presidents agreed that the African continent must collaborate to tackle the challenges that cause migration.

“Yesterday, both President Chapo and President Ramaphosa also agreed that the continent needs to work together to address the issues that are behind these levels of migration that we see across our continent.

“Issues of conflict, issues of instability and in some areas, if we’re being honest, the misgovernance that causes people to migrate in large numbers and seek refuge in different parts of the continent including South Africa.

“They both agreed that there has to be that genuine, open and frank conversation across the continent. But the President did emphasise that South Africa is a welcoming country, that South Africans are open, friendly and warm people. We will reject any notion that seeks to characterise this country or its people as being xenophobic,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Enlit Africa 2026 keynote programme tackles Artificial Intelligence (AI) reality, grid constraints and the energy–water nexus

Source: APO


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Enlit Africa 2026 returns to Cape Town with a focused opening sequence built for decision-makers who need practical clarity, not theory: an early-morning investment-led breakfast followed by two keynote anchors that tackle delivery realities in Africa’s power, energy and water systems.

Taking place on 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Enlit Africa convenes stakeholders from across the electricity value chain and the water ecosystem. The programme is anchored by the 2026 theme: Compounding impact: small changes, outsized outcomes – a deliberate focus on the operational decisions, governance shifts and financing mechanisms that translate intent into measurable system performance.

19 May: Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast (07:00–09:30)

The week starts with the Project & Investment Network Business Breakfast, featuring keynote commentary from Bruce Whitfield followed by a fireside chat between Bruce Whitfield and Goolam Ballim (Chief Economist and Head of Research, Standard Bank Group).

The breakfast is designed for participants focused on bankability, procurement confidence and the practical steps that move projects from intent to execution. It unpacks what financiers are actually pricing, what evidence strengthens confidence in delivery, which behaviours and signals measurably improve fundability and why Africa is more geopolitically relevant than ever before.

19 May: Keynote 1 – Africa in the AI Age (10:30–12:55)

The first keynote anchor, Africa in the AI Age, is hosted by Enkromelle Andrew (Master of Ceremonies) and opens with a welcome from Chanelle Hingston (Group Director, Power, Energy & Water, VUKA Group).

A ministerial address by the Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy is followed by a focus on digital power, storage and AI, with a keynote contribution from David Sun (Vice President and CEO of Electric Power Digitalisation Business, Huawei).

The keynote then moves into a panel discussion on the role of AI and digital technologies in Africa’s energy evolution, with panellists including Carol Koech (CEO, GEAPP). The morning concludes with an in-conversation session moderated by James Mackay (CEO, Energy Council of South Africa) with senior business leaders including Dan Marokane (Group Chief Executive, Eskom), and leaders in industry.

20 May: Keynote 2 – How coordinated energy and water planning could change African resilience (09:30–12:00)

The second keynote anchor turns to a reality shaping resilience across the continent: energy security and water security are increasingly inseparable but planning and funding remain fragmented.

Under the guidance of MC Enkromelle Andrew, the session includes a perspective on the water–energy nexus from Sabine Dall’Omo (CEO, Siemens South Africa which convenes a high-level panel on taking water–energy coordination beyond theory, with panellists including Darshana Myronidis (Global Group Director of Sustainability, Virgin Group), Deerosh Maharaj (Executive Head: Energy, Infrastructure & Mining, Standard Bank Business & Commercial Banking), Sabine Dall’Omo (CEO, Siemens South Africa), and JP van der Merwe (Chief Foreign Direct Investment Officer, Wesgro).

Across the Business Breakfast and both keynote anchors, Enlit Africa 2026 is designed to deliver high-signal discussions focused on delivery, governance and the actions that improve system outcomes at pace.

Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group, will take place on 19–21 May 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa. The full programme and registration information are available at: www.Enlit-Africa.com 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa convenes stakeholders across the power sector value chain to address the commercial and operational realities of delivery. The programme brings together leaders across finance, utilities, government, industry and technology to accelerate bankable investment, system readiness and measurable outcomes.

Enlit Africa is supported by leading industry sponsors already confirmed for 2026 including
– Huawei (Diamond Sponsor);
– ACTOM, Conlog, Eskom Rotek, Lucy Electric, Macrocomm, Ontec, Vodacom Business and Standard Bank (Platinum Sponsors);
– Allbro, Eskom, Department of Electricity and Energy, Landis + Gyr, Siemens and Steinmuller Africa (Gold Sponsors);
– ABB South Africa, Andritz Hydro GmbH, Australian Winders, CBi electric: African Cables, Doble Engineering, EBM, Enertech International, EWSETA, G3-Alliance,  Hitachi Energy South Africa, Holley Technology, McWade, WEG Africa, Howden Africa, Nuriflex, Revive Electrical Transformers, Neelkanth, and NECSA (Silver Sponsors).

More information and ticket information can be found at www.Enlit-Africa.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa. www.WeAreVUKA.com        
 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Wednesday from HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Dr. Ayman Safadi.

During the call, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to further enhance them, in addition to regional developments, particularly the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region to strengthen security and stability.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of all parties responding to ongoing mediation efforts to address the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, UAE National Security Adviser

Source: Government of Qatar

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Wednesday in Abu Dhabi with HH Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and HH Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, they discussed the strong fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to further develop and strengthen them, in addition to a number of topics of mutual interest. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Co-Chair 7th Joint Supreme Committee Meetings

Source: Government of Qatar

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chaired the seventh session of the Qatar-UAE Joint Supreme Committee, held Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

In his remarks, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the meeting carries significant importance in advancing relations between the two countries and their peoples across various fields in a manner that serves mutual interests. 

His Excellency underscored that this cooperation enjoys the full support and guidance of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His Excellency commended the preparatory committee and all working teams for their efforts in organizing the session and developing a roadmap to further strengthen bilateral ties.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that today’s meeting builds on previous sessions aimed at enhancing cooperation, reviewing achievements, and leveraging available opportunities between the two countries. It also provided a platform to exchange views on shared visions and positions amid a highly sensitive regional and international environment.

He highlighted the rapid developments and exceptional events in the Gulf region, pointing to the challenges posed by the Strait of Hormuz crisis and what he described as Iran’s aggressive military attacks on regional states, which have created unprecedented security and geopolitical challenges affecting regional stability and freedom of navigation.

HE the Prime Minister emphasized that the sensitivity of the current stage requires intensified consultation, unified positions, and strengthened joint diplomatic efforts to mitigate risks. He stressed the need for deeper integration across sectors to overcome challenges and promote security, stability, and prosperity for both countries and the wider region.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of continuing joint efforts to implement agreed outcomes in a way that strengthens the partnership and fulfills the aspirations of both nations.

For his part, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the convening of the seventh session reflects the deep-rooted and strong fraternal ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to close cooperation.

He affirmed the UAE’s aspiration to enhance strategic connectivity and economic integration, particularly in vital sectors such as oil, gas, and energy, to reinforce mutual interests, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open new avenues for cooperation and investment.

His Highness expressed hope that the outcomes of this session would yield tangible results that further consolidate the partnership and joint progress.

The meeting witnessed broad participation from senior officials of both countries. Discussions covered ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, education, culture, environment, health, sports, Islamic affairs, industry, transport, and other areas of mutual interest.

At the conclusion of the session, both sides signed the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee. 
The two sides also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding, including an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed on behalf of Qatar by HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and on behalf of the UAE by HE Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini.

A memorandum of understanding on agriculture and food security was also signed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, on behalf of Qatar, and HE UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi.

An MoU on cooperation between the Doha Municipality at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and the UAE Department of Municipalities and Transport was also signed. It was signed on behalf of the State of Qatar by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and on behalf of the United Arab Emirates by HE Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.

In the same context, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates held a bilateral meeting to discuss the strong fraternal relations and explore ways to further enhance cooperation, in addition to addressing regional developments.

During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of renewed Iranian attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones, reaffirming Qatar’s full solidarity and support for all measures taken by the UAE to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

For his part, HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates expressed his thanks and appreciation to HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the UAE in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks.

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Final Statement of 7th Session of Qatar-UAE Joint Supreme Committee

Source: Government of Qatar

Abu Dhabi, May 6, 2026

The seventh session of the Joint Supreme Committee for Cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates concluded in Abu Dhabi in a fraternal atmosphere reflecting the deep-rooted historical ties, strong brotherly bonds, unity of destiny, alignment of visions, and integration of interests between the two countries.

The session was co-chaired by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the participation of senior officials and representatives of relevant government entities from both sides.

During the session, both sides affirmed that Qatar-UAE relations are steadily advancing toward a more integrated and cooperative phase, grounded in shared political will and a genuine commitment to expanding bilateral partnership in ways that serve the interests of both nations and their peoples, support Gulf cooperation, and enhance regional security, stability, and prosperity.

The session featured a comprehensive review of all aspects of bilateral cooperation, with both sides emphasizing the importance of translating the committee’s outcomes into actionable programs and initiatives that deliver tangible results and open new horizons for economic and developmental integration.
In the economic field, both sides stressed that integration between the Qatari and UAE economies represents a cornerstone for enhancing global competitiveness, diversifying growth sources, and supporting sustainable development. 

They underscored the need to continue improving the business environment, encouraging mutual investments, and fostering high-quality partnerships between the public and private sectors, thereby strengthening both countries’ positions as leading regional and international economic and investment hubs.

The two sides welcomed progress in financial and investment cooperation, including efforts to draft a memorandum of understanding between the ministries of finance in both countries, ongoing procedures related to the double taxation avoidance agreement, and discussions on potential collaboration between the Qatar Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company in areas of mutual interest.

They also highlighted the strategic importance of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement as an advanced legal framework that enhances investor confidence, ensures a stable and transparent investment environment, supports mutual investment flows, and paves the way for broader economic partnerships.

In the trade sector, both sides emphasized strengthening cooperation between chambers of commerce and industry, encouraging reciprocal trade delegations, promoting investment opportunities, showcasing national products, and regularly exchanging economic data and statistics to support the business community and facilitate the flow of trade and investment.

The two sides placed particular importance on cooperation in future economic sectors, especially artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, recognizing these as key drivers of productivity, capacity-building, and economic readiness for the future.

In this context, they stressed the importance of exchanging expertise in developing digital policies and strategies, digital government services, digital infrastructure, and AI applications, thereby enhancing technological and knowledge integration and supporting the transition toward innovation-driven economies.

They also discussed opportunities to enhance logistical connectivity and integration in air, maritime, and land transport, as well as ports, to facilitate trade flows, strengthen supply chain resilience, and improve connectivity between ports and industrial and economic zones. 

Both sides emphasized the importance of developing effective communication channels and exchanging data and information to address challenges and support decision-making.

In the area of food security and supply chain sustainability, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise in the agricultural and livestock sectors, support strategic reserves, and ensure the availability of essential goods during crises, reflecting a shared understanding of the importance of building resilient economic systems capable of addressing regional and global challenges.

The session also addressed cooperation in health, labor, education, culture, sports, media, Islamic affairs, standards and metrology, social development, and humanitarian work. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued institutional coordination, exchange of expertise, and adoption of best practices to enhance the developmental and humanitarian dimensions of bilateral relations.

The two sides welcomed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding during the session, reflecting the depth of bilateral relations and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation frameworks. These included the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, two MoUs on cooperation in agriculture and food security between Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and an MoU on municipal cooperation between Doha Municipality and the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport.

At the conclusion of the session, both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to implementing the agreed outcomes and activating the committee’s results through relevant channels to ensure practical achievements that meet the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of both countries, and to advance Qatar-UAE relations toward broader horizons of cooperation, integration, and strategic partnership.

The minutes of the seventh session were signed by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on behalf of the Government of Qatar, and HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on behalf of the Government of the UAE, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Both sides also agreed to hold the eighth session of the Joint Supreme Committee in the State of Qatar, with the date to be determined through diplomatic channels.