Qatar, Uruguay sign investment protection and tax treaties to deepen economic ties 

The first pact was signed by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Lubetkin. QNA
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Updated 08 December 2025
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Qatar, Uruguay sign investment protection and tax treaties to deepen economic ties 

RIYADH: Qatar and Uruguay signed two economic agreements aimed at strengthening investment flows and eliminating double taxation as Doha moves to expand its network of international trade partners. 

The deals were concluded on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025, the Qatar News Agency reported.  

The first pact, an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments, was signed by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Lubetkin. 

The agreements come as part of efforts to establish a modern legal framework that eases two-way investments and strengthens investor confidence. They ensure fair treatment for investors, protect them from non-commercial risks, allow free movement of funds, and adopt global best practices for dispute resolution. 

“This agreement is an important step toward expanding the horizons of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries and opening new avenues for mutual investments, especially in vital sectors and services,” QNA reported. 

In a parallel move, the two countries also signed an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and avoidance. Qatar’s Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, and Lubetkin signed the document. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Al-Kuwari emphasized the importance of the tax agreement, stating: “It will contribute to supporting international transparency standards through the exchange of documented financial information, alongside strengthening bilateral economic relations between the two countries.” 

The tax treaty aims to remove all forms of double taxation, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness and equality in the treatment of individuals. It is also expected to bolster commercial cooperation and increase investment opportunities for both governments and private entities. 

The agreement is expected to support broader economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and create additional opportunities for mutual investment, particularly in key sectors and services. Qatar said it hopes the deal will further strengthen bilateral ties and serve the shared interests of both nations.

Following their signing, both agreements will enter into force after the completion of ratification procedures according to the domestic laws of each country. 

The signings were preceded by a meeting between Al-Thani and Lubetkin, where they reviewed cooperation in commercial, investment, and industrial fields and discussed ways to enhance and develop these relations further. 


Saudi Arabia leads outcome-based education to prepare future-ready generations: Harvard Business Review

A Harvard sign is seen at the Harvard University campus in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 27, 2025. (AFP)
Updated 10 February 2026
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Saudi Arabia leads outcome-based education to prepare future-ready generations: Harvard Business Review

  • The Riyadh-based school group developed a strategy that links every classroom activity to measurable student competencies, aiming to graduate learners equipped for the digital economy and real-world contexts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s education system is undergoing a sweeping transformation aligned with Vision 2030, shifting from traditional, input-focused methods to outcome-based education designed to equip students with future-ready skills, Harvard Business Review Arabic reported.

The transformation is being adopted and spearheaded by institutions such as Al-Nobala Private Schools, which introduced the Kingdom’s first national “learning outcomes framework,” aimed at preparing a generation of leaders and innovators for an AI-driven future, the report said.

Al-Nobala has leveraged international expertise to localize advanced learning methodologies.

The Riyadh-based school group developed a strategy that links every classroom activity to measurable student competencies, aiming to graduate learners equipped for the digital economy and real-world contexts. The school’s group approach combines traditional values with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, innovation and digital fluency.

According to the report, the shift addresses the growing gap between outdated models built for low-tech, resource-constrained environments and today’s dynamic world, where learners must navigate real-time information, virtual platforms, and smart technologies.

“This is not just about teaching content, it’s about creating impact,” the report noted, citing how Al-Nobala’s model prepares students to thrive in an AI-driven world while aligning with national priorities.

The report noted that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education has paved the way for this shift by transitioning from a centralized controller to a strategic enabler, allowing schools such as Al-Nobala to tailor their curriculum to meet evolving market and societal needs. This is part of the long-term goal to place the Kingdom among the top 20 global education systems.

Al-Nobala’s work, the report stated, has succeeded in serving the broader national effort to link education outcomes directly to labor market demands, helping to fulfill the Vision 2030 pillar of building a vibrant society with a thriving economy driven by knowledge and innovation.

Last February, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Saudi Arabia’s minister of education, said that the Kingdom was making “an unprecedented investment in education,” with spending aligned to the needs of growth and development. He said that in 2025, education received the second-largest share of the state budget, totaling $53.5 billion.