Doha: The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has been awarded the Platinum rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) Operations' sustainable green building certification system, highlighting Qatar Museums' leadership in sustainable cultural initiatives. This recognition solidifies NMoQ's commitment to environmental responsibility and positions Qatar at the forefront of sustainable development in cultural institutions.
According to Qatar News Agency, the museum's achievement underscores the country's dedication to promoting sustainable practices across various sectors. The prestigious Platinum certification is a testament to the museum's adherence to energy efficiency, waste management, and reduced environmental impact, setting a benchmark for cultural institutions worldwide.
In other developments, the holy month of Ramadan commenced in Washington, United States, on February 18, 2026, amidst a rapidly changing political and professional climate. The fasting period began with variations in crescent sighting methods by both Islamic centers and domestically approved entities.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Stock Exchange index saw a weekly decline of about 1.55 percent at the close of the Thursday session, ending February with a decrease of 2.26 percent. Despite this, the index remains up 2.72 percent since the start of the year.
Furthermore, HH Consort of HH the Amir Sheikha Jowaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani hosted an Iftar banquet at Lusail Palace to honor female teachers, school principals, and administrators from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, as well as female diplomats and employees from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, marking the Ramadan celebrations.
Qatar has also reaffirmed its commitment to international mediation efforts, contributing to strengthening international consensus on key issues through UN-sponsored meetings on Afghanistan. The nation's dedication to constructive dialogue as a means to achieve peace was emphasized in recent statements.
In a separate statement, Qatar reiterated its support for Sudan's unity and territorial integrity, condemning external interference in Sudan's internal affairs. The statement expressed concern over ongoing conflicts and human rights violations, highlighting the loss of life and infrastructure in Sudan.
The Ministry of Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, organized a community initiative to honor cleaning workers at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), demonstrating Qatar's ongoing commitment to community engagement.
Qatar also participated in an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, addressing pressing issues at the level of foreign ministers.
Lastly, Visit Qatar announced the upcoming launch of the Al Ruwais Maritime Heritage Festival, scheduled from March 18 to April 4, 2026, promising to celebrate Qatar's rich maritime heritage.
The State of Qatar has urged the international community to end protection and support for Israel, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding crimes and human rights violations against the Palestinian people.