Sharm el-sheikh: An international summit is set to commence in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh with extensive participation from global leaders. The summit's primary goal is to finalize a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip between Hamas and Israel.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Egyptian presidency has announced that the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit will be co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and United States President Donald Trump. Leaders from over 20 countries are expected to participate in discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, enhancing peace and stability efforts across the Middle East, and opening a new chapter in regional security.
The summit, which comes at a critical time of escalating military activities in Gaza resulting in significant loss of life, is noted for its exceptional timing and participation. Al-Watan newspaper emphasized in its editorial that the gathering of over 20 world leaders is highly anticipated for the decisions and actions it may prompt towards achieving lasting peace in the Palestinian territories.
Meanwhile, Al-Raya newspaper highlighted local developments, noting the inauguration of the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum under the theme "Aqarat Future" by HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah. The forum underscored the substantial role of the real estate sector in advancing Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP with a consistent annual growth rate. His Excellency emphasized the importance of real estate development in diversifying the national economy and the role of a stable legislative environment in bolstering investor confidence and attracting foreign capital.
The Qatari real estate market has seen remarkable growth, with transaction values in the second quarter of 2025 reaching approximately QR 8.9 billion, marking a 29.8% increase year-on-year. This growth reflects the market's maturity and sustainability, with residential transactions rising by 114%.
Additionally, The Peninsula newspaper reported on Qatar's significant shift from manual meter readings to a fully integrated smart metering system, marking a major milestone in modernizing the country's utility services. The transition, part of Kahramaa's broader digital transformation strategy launched in 2021, has improved efficiency, accuracy, and customer service. With 98% coverage of smart meters nationwide, this digital upgrade supports sustainability initiatives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and environmental preservation.