The Organizing Committee of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 unveiled today the official logo of the Games during a ceremony held at Old Doha Port, in the presence of a number of officials, representatives of sports federations, and members of the media.The official logo of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 draws its inspiration from the palm tree, one of the most prominent symbols rooted in the environment and heritage of the Gulf region. The palm tree reflects the shared values of Gulf societies, including resilience, endurance, generosity, patience, and a deep connection to the land—values that have shaped the Gulf identity across generations.The logo is composed of six palm fronds, representing the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, presented in a contemporary visual style defined by flowing lines that reflect the sporting character of the Games. The harmonious arrangement of the fronds creates a central negative space that forms the number “4”, offering a clear reference to the fourth edition of the GCC Games.**media[395915]**The logo was unveiled through a creative and interactive approach, based on the execution of an artistic mural using a “paint-by-numbers” concept. Attendees and members of the public took part in gradually completing the logo by filling the numbered sections with their designated colors, in a scene that highlighted the importance of community participation and reinforced the concept of collective effort—values that the Games seek to promote.The Qatari capital, Doha, will host the competitions of the 4th GCC Games from 11 to 22 May 2026, with the participation of elite Gulf athletes competing in 18 sporting disciplines, held across nine sports venues.On this occasion, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, General Director of the 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 expressed his pride in unveiling the official logo of the Games, affirming that the logo embodies the shared meanings that unite GCC countries and reflects the depth of historical and cultural ties among their peoples.He noted that the logo’s design was the result of a carefully considered vision aimed at translating common Gulf values into a contemporary visual identity, explaining that the choice of the palm frond was deliberate and based on its firmly established symbolism in the region’s heritage, and what it represents in terms of authenticity and cohesion among Gulf states.**media[395916]**He added that the Organizing Committee was keen to ensure that the logo unveiling took place through an interactive and innovative method, allowing the public to participate in the moment of announcement and reflecting the Games’ approach to engaging the community at various stages. He emphasized that this approach aligns with the Games’ message of strengthening bonds among Gulf youth and reinforcing the values of cooperation and collective action through sport.Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid also confirmed that preparations for hosting the Games are progressing in line with the approved plans, drawing on Qatar’s extensive organizational experience in hosting major sporting events. He expressed the Organizing Committee’s aspiration to deliver an outstanding edition of the GCC Games that contributes to the development of Gulf sport and further enhances Doha’s position as a leading destination for hosting regional and international sporting events.

Qatar and the United States reaffirmed their deepening strategic partnership during the seventh Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue held in Washington on December 17, underscoring close co-operation on diplomacy, security, investment and global stability.Co-chaired by His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the talks highlighted Qatar’s mediation role in Gaza, expanding defence and economic ties, and a shared commitment to addressing regional and international challenges.The dialogue guided by the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and US President Donald Trump, sets the stage for further working-level engagements in early 2026 and the next strategic dialogue in Doha.The text of the following statement was released by the governments of Qatar and the United States:HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and convened the seventh Qatar-US Strategic Dialogue on December 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Senior Qatari and US officials also participated.The event attests to the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the US Donald Trump.The topics for the dialogue included strengthening co-operation to advance peace, security, and investment. Discussions and working groups will continue in early 2026, encompassing law enforcement, security co-operation, and deepening cultural ties between both countries.His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani lauded President Trump's leadership to end the war in Gaza and bring lasting peace to the Middle East.On behalf of President Trump, Secretary Rubio thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the government of Qatar for their important role as a mediator to enable President Trump's Gaza Peace Plan and resolution of other conflicts.On wider Middle East security, the two ministers affirmed their support for efforts to stabilise Syria, counter terrorism in the country, and boost its economy.Global and regional co-operationSecretary of State Rubio affirmed the US-Qatari partnership as a model of peace through strength to meet regional and global challenges together.Qatari and US officials discussed shared strategic priorities, including Gaza, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Haiti.The United States and Qatar reaffirmed their partnership as a force for peace and stability, emphasising a shared commitment to confront regional and global threats through unity.HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani praised the leadership of President Trump in forging a new coalition of nations, of which Qatar is a part. Together, the United States and Qatar are partners in shaping a future grounded in peace, where extremism and terror have no place.Economic affairs and investmentsQatar and the United States highlighted their strong economic partnership, which continues to generate economic growth, support job creation, and foster collaboration in advanced technology and energy, particularly given the two countries' uniquely aligned interests to promote global energy abundance and stable energy markets.This builds upon the over $240bn in economic deals secured during President Trump's visit to Qatar in May.His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs affirmed that as Qatar charts a path to a diversified economy driven by technology, innovation, and knowledge, its deep investment partnership with the US has been central to their mutual success.The United States highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory processes and promote a welcoming investment climate, while Qatar reiterated its dedication to economic diversification and technology-driven innovation. Deals secured this year include: $96bn deal from Qatar Airways to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The Qatar contract will support over 154,000 US jobs annually, totaling over one million jobs in the years to come.$97bn offered by Qatar to US Company Parsons on projects advancing innovation. This deal will also support hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs across the United States.$8.5bn contract from Qatar Energy with McDermott to advance critical energy infrastructure.$1bn will be invested in the Quantinuum Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, advancing state-of-the-art quantum technologies.Defence and security co-operationQatar and the United States reaffirmed their defence and security partnership as recognised in the September 29 Executive Order assuring the security of Qatar.Both sides continue to enhance regional deterrence, strengthen joint defence capabilities, and support economic growth through defense investment.The partnership includes significant military infrastructure upgrades at Al-Udeid Air Base (AUAB) in Qatar, advancing air and maritime security, and increasing Nato interoperability through joint training and operational initiatives. The United States reiterated its commitment to Qatar's security and territorial integrity, while Qatar underscored the value of continued co-operation in addressing shared security challenges.Qatari defence investment enhances regional deterrence and boosts US defense manufacturing to drive economic growth and well-paid US jobs.Both sides reaffirmed the statement of intent signed during President Trump's May trip outlining over $38bn in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at AUAB and future defense capabilities.They further discussed the establishment of the first bilateral combined command post for air defence, strengthening joint defence capabilities in the Gulf and beyond.The US Secretary of State welcomed Qatar's procurement of cutting-edge military equipment including innovative defense technologies as part of the $2bn deal with General Atomics of remotely piloted aircraft systems. The two sides also reviewed a further $1bn agreement with Raytheon for the purchase of counter-drone capabilities to protect Qatar.Counterterrorism and law enforcementThe two governments emphasised their long-standing partnership addressing terrorist threats and crime highlighting their close cooperation in counterterrorism and law enforcement.Both sides recognise Qatar's frontline role in global counterterrorism efforts and commitment to international standards in combating terrorist financing and anti-money laundering including.As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, Qatar pledges full co-operation and support to the United States to ensure the tournament's success.Such co-operation includes the recent signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior and Lekhwiya and the FBI to advance security co-operation mechanisms and coordinate training, information exchange, and capacity-building, in support of both countries' shared interests.The two sides also signed statements of intent on countering unmanned aerial systems and civil aviation security.Culture, sports, and educationThe two countries underscored the importance of deepening cultural and educational co-operation, noting the value of our decades-long academic and educational institutional partnership.The two governments highlighted the renewal of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Museums and the Smithsonian Institution as a foundation for expanded collaboration.Both sides intend to share best practices in the arts through a Strategic Dialogue Working Group on Culture, Sports, and Education, including potential co-operation on the Art in Embassies programme and engagement during Art Basel.Enduring strategic partnershipQatar and the United States emphasised the importance of their enduring strategic partnership and continued co-operation across key issues. Both sides look forward to the next Strategic Dialogue in Doha in 2026.

More than a million fans went through the turnstiles during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, Jassim al-Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee of the hugely popular tournament, has said.Just two days after Morocco beat Jordan 3-2 in extra time in front of 84,517 fans at the iconic Lusail Stadium, Qatar drew wholesome praise from regional leaders on 'organising a high level' tournament that was held from December 1 to 18."The tournament witnessed record breaking numbers in spectator attendance. More than 1.2mn fans attended the matches in the stadiums during the course of 32 scheduled games,” al-Jassim revealed."Qatar organising top level football events regularly reflects FIFA's confidence in Qatar as a reputable global sports host. We are proud to say we have become qualified to host global events thanks to the legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup," al-Jassim said in his interview with Al Kass Sports Channel.In his post-tournament comments, al-Jassim revealed Qatar has pulled off a rare feat of staging a staggering 176 matches in just 78 days.The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al- Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on ‘organising a highly successful FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025’.Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud also sent a cable of congratulations to the Amir, on the country's success in organising the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.The Crown Prince said: "On the occasion of the State of Qatar's success in organising the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, I am pleased to express to Your Highness my sincerest congratulations and best wishes for further progress and success for your brotherly people and country."In a separate note Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman congratulated His Highness the Amir on the 'remarkable success achieved by the State of Qatar in organising the FIFA Arab Cup football tournament'. He added in his message: “I wish Qatar continued success in hosting major events and achieving all accomplishments and aspirations in all sectors."The congratulatory cables were also received from the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah.FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted how the tournament showcased top-level football while uniting the Arab world, as he praised Qatar’s hosting and reflected on the conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, saying:“My sincere thanks to Qatar, to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and to the Qatari people for once again uniting the Arab world through football on Qatar National Day. This competition is here to stay and will continue to grow as one of FIFA’s great tournaments.”Thanks largely to world-class stadiums — that were built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup — Qatar put together flawless football tournaments within just seven weeks. Doha first hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 3 to 27 followed by the FIFA Arab Cup from Dec 1 to 18. In between, Qatar also hosted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the GCC U-23 Football Tournament.