gulfindependentnews

  Qatar has officially entered the race to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to become the first Middle Eastern nation to hold the prestigious event. The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has confirmed discussions with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), highlighting that 95% of the required infrastructure is already in place, thanks to years of investment in sports facilities. While the bid promises a sustainable, inclusive, and globally impactful event, serious concerns remain about whether Qatar has addressed the human rights violations that marred previous mega-events, particularly the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar’s Readiness: Stadiums Built, But at What Cost? Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the QOC, emphasized that nearly all necessary venues are ready, reducing the need for large-scale construction. This could be seen as a positive step — avoiding the rushed, dangerous labor conditions seen before the World Cup. However, past events have left a...

  The UAE’s Ministry of Community Development has officially registered the ‘Union for Human Rights Association’ as a public benefit association, with its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The association, consisting of 16 specialized human rights experts, aims to promote respect for civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental human rights for everyone in society. It will provide advice and opinions on national reports submitted by the state to international human rights organizations and support the UAE’s understanding of human rights to enable cooperation with global organizations. The association will promote a  culture of human rights awareness  in society, organize programs and events related to the subject, and prepare and publish studies related to human rights. The UAE’s focus on peaceful co-existence across the globe is evident, with President Sheikh Mohamed highlighting the importance of solidarity and understanding on the International Day of Human...