Qatar Charity’s Projects Support 736,400 People Affected by the War in Sudan
The year 2024 marked a pivotal chapter in Qatar Charity’s over thirty-year humanitarian and developmental success story in Sudan. Throughout the year, Qatar Charity launched a series of impactful humanitarian projects, significantly aiding displaced families and communities affected by the war. These projects focused on alleviating the severity of the ongoing crisis, particularly in areas like food security, health sector support, and assistance to the most vulnerable groups in Sudan. Below are the key highlights showcasing the performance and accomplishments of Qatar Charity’s Sudan office in 2024. Food Security Initiatives In 2024, Qatar Charity launched one of its largest food security projects to date, distributing 50,000 food baskets to families affected by the war. Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development, this project was aimed at providing urgent relief to people impacted by the ongoing war and displacement. The baskets were distributed across multiple Sudanese states most severely affected by the conflict. In addition to the areas suffering directly from the war, the project also provided aid to states hosting large numbers of displaced people, particularly Khartoum and Al Jazirah. The initiative made a significant impact in easing the suffering of war-affected communities by improving their food security, providing essential food items of adequate quality and culturally appropriate for local diets. 300,000 Beneficiaries in War-affected States Qatar Charity’s field teams successfully delivered food assistance to the most impacted states, such as Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Sennar, Gedaref, Kassala, the Red Sea, Nile, White Nile, and Northern States. Approximately 300,000 people, including displaced persons and host communities, benefited from this food security project in 2024. The food baskets, distributed to 50,000 families, contained critical items such as flour, oil, rice, lentils, sugar, and milk. These provisions brought much-needed relief and comfort to the displaced families. Providing Essential Medications for Kidney and Cancer Patients As part of its emergency medical supplies project, Qatar Charity provided essential medications for kidney dialysis patients, cancer patients, and blood bank services. Supported by the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity successfully distributed 70% of the received medical aid to regions in dire need of these supplies. This initiative focused on Northern, Nile, and Sennar States, where there was a severe shortage of medicines and medical consumables. It marked the first shipment of vital medication for kidney transplant and cancer patients following the outbreak of the war and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Improving Environmental Conditions for Displaced People In response to the urgent need for support in Kassala state in eastern Sudan, which received nearly 52,593 displaced families, including vulnerable groups like children and women, Qatar Charity implemented a project in 2024 aimed at improving environmental conditions for displaced people in shelters. The project provided essential healthcare services such as nutrition, vaccinations, and reproductive and mental health care in selected shelters. Five health centers were chosen for this initiative, which was recognized by local health and humanitarian authorities in Kassala as a model for responding to the needs of displaced communities. Environmental Sanitation Campaigns and Health Support The project to improve living conditions in the shelters also included essential interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene. This included providing safe drinking water, maintaining health centers and facilities, distributing medical supplies, and conducting environmental sanitation campaigns. Over 7,000 people directly and indirectly benefited from the project in shelters such as Al-Mirganiya, Al-Suraybah, Al-Karmata, Biryay, and Tarawa. The project included waste management campaigns, training for shelter staff on water chlorination, and workshops on disease prevention for displaced families. Supporting Health Workers and Patients Qatar Charity continued its dedicated efforts to support Sudan’s healthcare sector in multiple ways. In addition to providing 60 tons of medicines, laboratory consumables, and blood bags, the organization also supported health workers, administrative staff, and patients at hospitals such as Al-Jikeeka in the Nile State and Bar Al-Walideen in the Karri locality of Khartoum state. This support was crucial in ensuring that healthcare services could continue amidst the ongoing crisis. Emergency Response to Floods and Heat Waves In collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Qatar Charity also launched an emergency response project to address the devastating impacts of floods and extreme heat in eastern Sudan. The project provided tents and shelter materials to displaced families affected by both the war and the climate crisis. This initiative was focused on providing shelter in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea state, and in surrounding areas such as Sinkat. The partnership between Qatar Charity and IOM led to the provision of essential shelter materials to both displaced communities and host populations in the area. The support included blankets, mattresses, kitchen kits, solar-powered lighting, plastic water storage bags, personal item bags, and mosquito nets, helping thousands of displaced people cope with the harsh conditions. In summary, Qatar Charity’s efforts in 2024 were crucial in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs in Sudan, providing vital assistance in food security, healthcare, and emergency relief to those most affected by the ongoing crisis.
Lincoln marks a successful 2024 with strong sales growth n the middle east
Doha-Qatar, 3 February 2025 – As Lincoln celebrates 103-year of elegance and innovation on February 4, the brand has concluded a successful 2024 with sales achieving 17% year-on-year increase. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia emerged as Lincoln’s top-performing markets, each registering a 21% YoY growth. Commenting on this exceptional sales performance, Ravi Ravichandran, President, Ford Middle East, said, “We are grateful to our distributor partners for their dedication to the Lincoln brand. Their efforts have been instrumental in achieving yet another successful year for Lincoln in the region, solidifying our status as one of the most desired automotive brands.” He added, “This year, we are thrilled to introduce the all-new Lincoln Navigator to our customers, whose addition will complete the brand’s most refreshed lineup, alongside the all-new Nautilus and the new Aviator introduced in 2024. As our flagship SUV, it will feature the first-ever Lincoln Split Gate and the unique multisensory experience known as Lincoln Rejuvenate, setting a new benchmark for full-size luxury SUVs in the region.” The Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair led the charge as the brand’s top-selling vehicles by volume last year. The mid-size Nautilus SUV (launched in 2024) offers customers the choice of two powertrains; a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque, as well as a hybrid powertrain boasting a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission and 100kW electric motor for a total output of 310 horsepower. The 2025 Nautilus with the immersive 48” display – the largest in its class – is also the first Lincoln nameplate in the region to offer Lincoln Rejuvenate; a multisensory experience that combines sight, sound, touch, and scent to help occupants unwind and reduce stress, providing increased relaxation. The strong-selling compact SUV Corsair – delivering versatility, style, and a spacious interior including plush, hand-selected materials – features nimble performance from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with Auto Start-Stop technology mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, producing 250 horsepower and 373 Nm of torque. In terms of year-on-year growth, matching the Nautilus’ impressive increase in sales of 46%, was the Aviator, a large three-row SUV combining power and elegance. Captivating both inside and out, Aviator has been meticulously crafted for connoisseurs of refinement, complemented by effortless performance from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating an impressive 400 horsepower and 563 Nm of torque. Looking ahead, Lincoln is poised for continued success with the highly anticipated launch of the all-new Navigator in the Middle East later this year. The flagship SUV will redefine luxury and capability, further enriching the Lincoln lineup.
Turkish stars Esra Bilgiç and Birkan Sokullu applaud 2024 Ajyal’s youth-centric focus
Doha, Qatar; November 17, 2024: Acclaimed Turkish actors Esra Bilgiç and Birkan Sokullu highlighted the 2024 Ajyal Film Festival’s distinctive focus on nurturing youth talent in cinema. “What makes Ajyal special is its commitment to nurturing young voices in film,” said Bilgiç. “As artists, we strive to be positive role models, and to contribute to building a world based on mutual respect and understanding. This festival’s emphasis on youth perspectives makes this particularly meaningful.” Sokullu, who is visiting the region for the first time, shared his perspective on representing Turkish culture internationally: “As actors, we serve as cultural ambassadors. By sharing our stories and traditions, we are representing our values and promoting stronger understanding . I feel a distinct connection to this at Ajyal, which brings together independent voices in cinema from around the world.” Both actors reflected on what they find most rewarding about their profession. “The ability to step into different lives, be empathetic and understand various perspectives is one the most fulfilling aspect of being an actor,” said Bilgiç. The actors said they are keen to explore the city’s cultural landscape. “We’re looking forward to visiting Doha’s museums and experiencing its rich cultural heritage,” said Sokullu. “The city’s blend of tradition and modernity is fascinating.” They said they feel very close to Arab films, and said they appreciate Arabic literature, poetry and culture. “The MENA region is one of our biggest viewing demographics. When we produce a cinematic work, we take into consideration the Arab viewers as well as international audiences, yet executing them in our unique creative way. Today, our works resonate with global audiences because human emotions are universal.” The actors also highlighted their new series, Doors of Destiny, produced by TOD Studios. The series, directed by Yunus Ozan Korkut, tells the story of a reclusive computer genius whose life transforms when he meets the enigmatic daughter of an influential Turkish figure. The series is exclusively available on TOD reaching audiences across the Middle East, North African countries, and Turkey. The 12th edition of Ajyal features 66 films from 42 countries, and includes several programs such as Voices from Palestine and the Intaj: From Ground Zero Experience exhibition. Ajyal 2024 continues through November 23 with screenings and events across various locations including Katara Cultural Village, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Lusail, and VOX Cinemas Doha Festival City. Tickets are available online at www.dohafilminstitute.com/filmfestival.
