Qatar and Belgium have taken significant steps to bolster their economic ties, as highlighted during the Qatar-Belgium Business Meeting in Doha. The event, spearheaded by Qatar Chamber and 'hub.brussels', brought together key figures from both nations to discuss investment opportunities across various sectors. With a trade volume reaching QAR 4.6 billion last year, the meeting underscored the potential for further growth in bilateral relations, particularly in healthcare, education, and technology.

Meanwhile, Qatar is set to make a splash at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, showcasing its rich tourism offerings. Visit Qatar's pavilion, spanning 600 square meters, will feature interactive experiences highlighting the country's cultural heritage and modern attractions. This participation aligns with Qatar's National Tourism Strategy, aiming to foster sector collaboration and attract global investment.

The enduring partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom serves as a testament to Qatar's role as a reliable ally on the global stage. Over the past decade, the relationship has deepened, with Qatar's investments in the UK spanning retail, hospitality, and construction, contributing significantly to the UK economy. This partnership exemplifies the mutual benefits of international cooperation and the importance of nurturing such alliances.

As Qatar continues to expand its global footprint, its efforts in strengthening economic, tourism, and diplomatic ties reflect its commitment to fostering international collaboration. Whether through business meetings, tourism exhibitions, or strategic partnerships, Qatar is positioning itself as a key player in the global arena, offering opportunities for growth and mutual prosperity.

London's Metropolitan Police has reversed its longstanding position on grooming gangs in the capital, acknowledging for the first time that it has multiple active investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation. The shift came after an investigation by MyLondon and The Daily Express challenged official statements from both police leadership and Mayor Sadiq Khan, who had consistently maintained there were "no reports" or "no indication" of Rochdale or Rotherham-style rape gangs operating in London.

The investigation uncovered evidence from four separate His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services reports spanning 2016 to 2025 that documented at least six potential victims of grooming gang abuse. These case studies, which the Mayor of London personally responded to according to public statements, described children as young as 13 being exploited by groups of predatory men. The reports detailed how girls were plied with drugs and alcohol, raped in hotels by multiple perpetrators, and subjected to life-threatening situations.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley revealed to Assembly Members at City Hall that the force now acknowledges a "steady flow" of live multi-offender child sexual exploitation investigations and a "very significant" number of historic cases requiring reinvestigation. The commissioner estimated these reviews would cost "millions of pounds a year, for several years" to properly investigate, contradicting previous assertions that the force had "not seen" such cases in London.

Political figures including Reform UK MP Lee Anderson and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp have criticized the mayor's handling of the situation, with Anderson stating there is "real, credible evidence that grooming gangs exist in London" and Philp alleging that Khan is "facilitating a cover-up." A spokesman for the mayor maintained that Khan has "always been clear that the safety of Londoners is his top priority" and remains "committed to doing all he can to protect children in London."