Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Qatar is launching one of the region’s most significant joint security events — the Arabian Gulf Security 4. This large-scale tactical exercise brings together security agencies from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and strategic partners from the United States, underscoring a shared commitment to collective defense, preparedness, and regional stability. Hosted by Qatar for the first time, the 11-day exercise officially begins this morning and marks a new chapter in regional security co-operation. Participating forces include security apparatuses from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, alongside specialised US units. The event highlights the integration of Gulf expertise, the strengthening of operational partnerships, and the advancement of joint readiness across multiple security domains. Designed to address the evolving landscape of security challenges, Arabian Gulf Security 4 aims to enhance coordination mechanisms, unify response strategies, and reinforce the GCC’s capacity for effective crisis management. Over 70 complex scenarios will unfold across 260 hours of intensive field exercises, testing operational measures, decision-making frameworks, and communication across command levels. The exercise covers a wide spectrum of simulations—including counter-terrorism, civil unrest, cyber threats, border security, and natural disaster response — allowing participating forces to test and refine both tactical capabilities and command-and-control structures. Aligned with international standards and best practices, the drill places strong emphasis on interoperability, information sharing, and rapid deployment readiness. Extensive preparations throughout 2025 saw a series of coordination meetings held in Doha, during which Qatar played a leading role in operational planning and logistical alignment. This leadership further underscores Qatar’s growing stature as a regional hub for security innovation and coordination. “Qatar has once again proven its ability to serve as a hub for high-level coordination and security innovation in the Gulf,” a regional analyst, reflecting widespread recognition of the country’s organisational capacity and strategic vision, said. Arabian Gulf Security 4 will conclude on February 4, with participating states conducting joint evaluations and sharing outcomes to refine collective security frameworks and sustain long-term cooperation among GCC partners.

FuelFest roared into Doha for its Middle East debut, transforming Katara South Parking into a celebration of car culture, cinema legacy and community, as fans, builders and celebrities shared one high-energy experience.The event welcomed more than 6,260 fans to a high-energy automotive and entertainment festival that brought together live music and international celebrity appearances.FuelFest is a global automotive and entertainment festival that blends high-performance cars, drifting demonstrations, live music, street art and fan experiences into a one-day lifestyle event.Held previously across the US, Japan, the UK, and Germany, the Doha edition marked the festival’s first appearance in the region.It was delivered in partnership with Visit Qatar and Melt Live Middle East, the event positioned Doha as an emerging hub for major international entertainment and motorsport-driven festivals.Speaking to Gulf Times, Cody Walker, the brother of the late actor Paul Walker of the Fast and the Furious franchise, said what stood out most was the crowd itself.“The love of cars, the love of the films and the love of motorsport is a universal language,” he said. “FuelFest is about high energy and strong fan connection, and you can really see how it brings everybody together.”Walker added that the diversity of the Doha audience reflected exactly what FuelFest represents globally.“I’m not surprised to see it, but I love seeing it,” he said. “I love seeing how diverse it all is.”The Doha edition featured appearances by *Fast and the Furious stars Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham, a live DJ set by DJ Infamous, and a historic double-headliner concert by Ludacris and Busta Rhymes.Alongside the entertainment, fans explored supercar showcases, drift battles, live racing demonstrations and immersive fan zones, while the festival continued its tradition of supporting Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the disaster relief charity founded by Paul Walker.Beyond the star power, FuelFest Doha was deeply rooted in fan culture.For many attendees, the event was as much about emotion and nostalgia as it was about engines and speed.“I’m here for the legacy of Paul Walker,” said one fan. “And now, of course, for Jason Statham, the cars, the vibes and the fun.”Others spoke about their connection to the films themselves.“I’ve watched the first *Fast and the Furious movie more than 10 times,” said another attendee. “Tokyo Drift is my favourite. It’s the cars, the culture, everything.”Local car owners and collectives also played a central role, showcasing months and even years of work behind their custom builds.A representative from Qatar-based car group Car Majlis said more than 60 cars from the community were displayed at the event.“FuelFest allowed us to show what we’ve built,” said one participant, who spent nearly two years creating his car from scratch. “We build these cars for passion, and this event allows us to share that with the world.”Motorcycle enthusiasts were equally present, with groups such as Motor Fixer QA highlighting advanced carbon fibre modifications and custom builds.“We reduce weight, improve performance and compete in shows and races. FuelFest gives visibility to what local talent can do,” said one member.For families, the event became a shared experience across generations.Parents arrived with children eager to take photos with supercars and motorcycles, while many spoke about passing down their love for motorsport and automotive culture.“I enjoy it even more because my kids are enjoying it. This is our life,” said one father.Artists also found a place within the festival, using cars as canvases for creative expression.One participant described transforming his vehicle with bold character designs.“I’m an artist. Why not bring that energy here for the first time?” he said.

Qatar’s cruise season, which at present is witnessing a spectacular growth, has ensured a steady multiplier effect to the country’s economy, thanks to Doha Port expansion and modernisation and the appurtenant arrival of large flotillas and more passengers."The cruise economy creates a larger economic impact," an analyst, who works with a leading investment firm, told Gulf Times.Finding that the expansion of the cruise sector has been facilitated by the modernisation of cruise terminals to accommodate larger vessels while enhancing the overall visitor experience; he said these investments have enhanced the local economy, especially in areas like transportation and retail, creating new job opportunities and supporting ancillary businesses."The growth of the cruise industry is the result of a comprehensive strategic vision led by Qatar Tourism, in close collaboration with our partners at Mwani Qatar and our stakeholders. We remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience that embodies Qatar’s authentic hospitality and upholds the highest internationalstandards,” according to Omar Abdulrahman al-Jaber, Chief of TourismDevelopment at Qatar Tourism.The sector directly contributes to the GDP (gross domestic product) through tourist spending on goods and services as tours, transportation and retail purchases.Additionally, it benefits from port fees, docking charges, and services purchased by cruise lines. The sector also has an indirect economic impact by creating demand for suppliers and ancillary services, thus boosting local businesses and further stimulating GDP growth."The sector’s contribution to GDP will increase in the coming years, supportingQatar’s economic diversification goals," the analyst said.The country's 2025/26 cruise season, which started off this November on a strongnote, will feature 73 scheduled cruise calls, including four maiden calls to Doha Port.The previous season witnessed with more than 396,000 visitors, reflecting a 5% year-on-year growth.Although it has a history of less than a decade, Qatar’s cruise sector has grown tremendously and now contributes influentially to the national exchequer, according to experts in the field."There has been increasing preference for Qatar as a destination for both regular cruise calls and cruises with turnaround calls," an industry insider said.Doha Port regularly hosts top international cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Emerald Cruises, and TUI Cruises with live-ship tracking showing frequent vessel movements, reflecting the port’s growing importance as a regional hub.Considering the pace of non-hydrocarbon sector, the analyst said cruise tourism can be a significant economic contributor to Qatar but long-term success hinges on policies that promote sustainability, and equitable sharing of the benefits of tourism among local communities.Qatar’s cruise sector, which was established in 2016, has helped position Qatar as a popular destination for maritime tourism in the region. The growth of the industry supports Qatar’s economy through increased tourist spending, employment and business opportunities.Cruise ships make money through two channels: Ticket sales and onboard purchases (beverages, spa treatments, art auctions, and shore excursions), which passengers pay for with pre-loaded cruise cards and chip-equipped wristbands.On average, tickets account for more than 60% of total revenue and onboard purchases make up the remaining; even as the other school of thought is onboard purchases account for the lion’s share of the profit despite tickets representing a majority.During the 2024/25 season, there were 15,000 embarkation and disembarkation and as many as 30,000 guests enjoyed a shorex experience with Discover Qatar, which is the destination management company of Qatar Airways.Promoting Qatar’s cruise industry since 2015, Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season.To support the tremendous growth of the industry, a new passenger terminal, opened in 2022. It offers passengers the same level of service and facilities as Hamad International Airport, including seamless immigration and customs, foreign exchange services, taxi and bus stands, Duty Free shops, a café, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff, as well as city tours and other tourist information services.Collaborative efforts by Qatar Tourism and local authorities includingImmigration, Customs and Mwani Qatar, have made the disembarkation process quick and hassle-free for passengers arriving at Doha Port, enabling them to start enjoying the destination’s tourism offerings without wasting any time.The 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlights a vibrant and responsibly-growing global cruise sector.Cruise ship travel has emerged as a new growth area across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and is playing a pivotal role in the transformation and diversification of regional economies, according to Knight Frank.Industry leaders highlight short cruises are becoming a foundational strategy for regional growth.In 2025, the global cruise industry is forecast to welcome 37.7mn ocean-going passengers and reach 310 ocean-going vessels.The report also includes the latest trends, the significant global economic impact of cruising and the sustainability advancements that are leading the industry to a sustainable future.