The Doha International Music and Marching Festival (Doha Tattoo) is set to begin tomorrow (December 16) at Katara Cultural Village, bringing together leading international and Qatari musical ensembles for four evenings of large-scale marching and musical showcases.The programme, running until December 20, will feature distinguished bands from seven countries, including the UK, the US, Turkiye, Jordan, Oman, Kazakhstan, and Qatar. Shows will be accompanied by fireworks and drone displays, illuminating the sky each night.Participants includes the Irish Guards and the Royal Air Force Music Services from the UK, the US Air Force Honor Guard, the Ottoman Mehter Band from Turkiye, the Jordanian Armed Forces Band, the Royal Guard of Oman Band, and the Central Military Band of the Kazakh Ministry of Defence.The festival will also feature notable Qatari participation from musical units representing the Ministries of Defence and Interior, the Amiri Guard, the Ministry of Culture and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.The programme also includes The Village, positioned adjacent to the festival venue. The Village offers a family-friendly space featuring Qatar Calendar, food and beverage providers, alongside dedicated kiosks for the Police Academy, Lekhwiya, Civil Defense, merchandise, Vodafone, and ticketing.The area also includes a Ministry of Culture tent and shaded seating with tables and umbrellas. Visitors can also enjoy a varied entertainment line-up including neon stilt walkers, jugglers, local musicians, caricature artists, calligraphers, live sketch artists, face painting, glitter tattoos for children, and balloon twisting, creating an engaging atmosphere for families and guests throughout the festival period.Tickets are available to the public through https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa/dohatatoo offered at accessible rates to encourage wide participation. Tickets are available in three categories: QR15, QR30, and QR100.

Twelve people were killed and others were wounded in a shooting east of Sydney, Australia.Australian police said Sunday that two officers were among the injured in the attack at Bondi Beach, one of Australia's most famous seaside destinations. Authorities said one of the attackers was among the dead, while another was critically wounded.Two suspects were arrested following the incident, police added, urging residents to avoid the area, comply with instructions and not cross the security cordon around the site.Videos circulating online showed crowds scattering at Bondi Beach and a nearby park as gunfire and police sirens rang out.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the award ceremony of the 9th Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award at Katara Hall in the Fairmont and Raffles Hotels in Doha Sunday.Also attending were His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani; His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al Ghanim; President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino; and a number of Their Excellencies ministers, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar, alongside high-ranking officials and distinguished guests.During the ceremony, a film was screened documenting the award and its history and evolution in countering corruption, as well as the ongoing efforts by the award winners and their outstanding contributions through presenting exemplary models and demonstrating leadership, innovation, and commitment to combating corruption.His Highness the Amir honoured Professor Nikos Passas and Dr. Marianne Camerer, winners of the Academic Research and Educational Materials Award, as well as Gloria Pallares-Venials, Tatenda Chitagu, and Andiswa Matekenka, winners of the Innovation and Investigative Journalism Award.**media[393709]**In addition, His Highness honoured Mar Niang and Motiullah Wesa, winners of the Youth Creativity and Engagement Award, along with Drago Kos and Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, winners of the Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Achievement Award.On this occasion, Acting Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), John Brandolino, delivered remarks, in addition to the remarks of Acting Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Alexandre Zouev, and His Excellency Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Award, Dr. Ali bin Fetais al-Marri.Members of the Higher Committee for the Award and the Award’s Advisory Committee, along with members of the Executive Committee and the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), as well as several international researchers specializing in the field of the award, attended the ceremony.