The Iftar tents came alive across Qatar Thursday on the first day of Ramadan hosting thousands of faithful, after an interval of three years.During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) had suspended permits for the Iftar tents as part of the efforts to curb the disease spread.This Ramadan, the General Directorate of Endowments at Awqaf has opened ten Iftar tents across Qatar reaching out to the needy while the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Qatar Charity (QC) opened tents at several locations where meals and food kits were distributed to those fasting.“We are glad to see the tents are open after a long interval and we can find meals easily. The tents are so helpful for fasting persons as they provide good meals, which many the low income workers cannot afford,” Mohamed Shafi told Gulf Times at Al Wakra where he visited Awqaf’s Iftar tent to break the fast.Awqaf has chalked out a plan to provide Iftar meals for 10,000 fasting people daily in its various tents while distributing meals with the support of endowments and contributions from the public.“In fact, the tents are places that treat everyone with respect. They reflect the true spirit of Ramdan while extending a helping hand to the needy,” said an Al Wakra resident.QRCS is planning to reach more than 720,000 people inside and outside Qatar while distributing meals and food kits. The society will host Iftar for tens of thousands on a daily basis while targeting the labour community in various areas of Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Khor and Al Wakrah.QC has distributed vouchers to about 10,000 low-income families, widows and expatriate families and set up 40 tents for workers during the holy month. QC also gives out Iftar kits with snacks, dates and water which benefit motorists and travellers.A number of Qataris are also hosting mass Iftars at various locations in their private capacity. Many hailed the mass Iftars describing that such good initiatives reflect the Qatari society’s compassion and kindness.

Written in the Stars, the Official Film of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, is available now on FIFA+ (https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/movie/5mxDnmKbx2FmDeiEGknA5G).Narrated by Welsh actor and football fan Michael Sheen, the 1hour 34minutes 6seconds feature-length documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the first-ever FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East, a FIFA statement said.From 172 goals scored to five billion people engaged, a host of new records were set during what was a record-breaking FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Inside the stadiums, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was enjoyed by 3.4mn spectators – up from 3mn in 2018 – who were treated to a spectacular and historic tournament. As many as 172 goals ensured that Qatar 2022 became the highest-scoring FIFA World Cup in history, overtaking the previous highest total of 171, set in both 1998 and 2014.The documentary takes viewers behind the scenes at matches, shows all the action from previously unseen camera angles, and shows the enormous global appeal of the tournament through the perspective of fans watching around the world."It is a story that was written in the stars, one that follows the 32 teams – including Argentina and Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in the history of the game – that saw new landmarks achieved in a journey that saw Argentina secure their place in football history in one of the most unforgettable football matches ever played," the statement added.

Doha Port received the cruise ship MSC World Europa on Thursday, carrying 5,613 tourists and a crew of 2,121.They will be joined later by 555 tourists from Doha to a new itinerary to a number of tourist stops in the region.This is the 30th visit for the cruise ship during the 2022/2023 cruise season that lasts till April.Operated by Switzerland-based MSC Cruises, the MSC World Europa flies the flag of Malta.MSC World Europa is one of the most innovative and eco-friendly equipment in the company's fleet, featuring the latest technologies that reduce carbon emissions and are energy efficient.With 22 decks, MSC World Europa is 333m long and 47m wide, and can accommodate more than 6,700 passengers.The cruise sector in Qatar has contributed to strengthening Qatar's position as a leading destination for cruise tourism in the region.The sector supports the national economy growth by increasing tourism spending and providing more employment and business opportunities.Qatar's cruise sector has recorded a significant growth since the launch of the 2021-2022 cruise tourism season, after it was halted due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.Doha Port received about 8,000 visitors in December, mostly from Italy and Russia.The total number of visitors in the previous season was 100,500 passengers. – QNA