Qatar

Sunday, December 28, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Qatar

Gulf Times

Place Vendome celebrates culinary excellence as restaurants bag Taste of Qatar certification

Place Vendome announced that 14 of its restaurants and cafés have been awarded 3-star Taste of Qatar certification, recognising outstanding quality, service and dining experiences across the mall’s diverse food and beverage portfolio.The award ceremony was organised by Qatar Tourism (QT), highlighting culinary excellence across the country and recognising venues that meet the highest national standards in food quality, service, hygiene and overall guest experience.Taste of Qatar is QT’s official national restaurant rating and certification programme, developed to elevate culinary standards across the country. The certification is awarded following comprehensive evaluations that include mystery dining visits, service and food quality assessments, and strict hygiene and safety compliance in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health.The certified outlets span upscale dining, casual dining, premium cafés and quick-service concepts, reinforcing Place Vendome’s position as one of Qatar’s leading lifestyle destinations for world-class dining, social experiences and everyday indulgence.Mall manager Carole Sabbagha said: “This recognition from the prestigious Taste of Qatar programme reflects both the quality of our partners and our long-term commitment to delivering memorable, high-standard dining experiences as part of the Place Vendome journey.”In upscale dining, Kumar at Place Vendome was recognised for its refined culinary experience, while the casual dining and quick-service category included Sushi Library, B+F, Amigos, Benihana, Oishi Sushi and Dave’s Hot Chicken, alongside Adrift Anda at Le Royal Meridien Place Vendome Lusail. Together, these concepts contribute to a dynamic, all-day dining landscape that caters to families, social gatherings and destination-led visits.Place Vendome’s strong café culture was also acknowledged, with premium cafés such as Cafe Pouchkine, Volume Cafe, Creme & Butter and Maison Chaudun earning Taste of Qatar certification. This reinforces the destination’s appeal as a place to meet, pause and socialise throughout the day. Quick-service cafes, including Soho Coffee Co. and Go-Ssip Café, were similarly recognised.

Gulf Times

Qatar slams bombing, affirms solidarity with Syrian government

Qatar has condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs, which resulted in deaths and injuries. The State also affirmed its solidarity with the Syrian government in all the measures it would take to maintain security.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs renewed, in a statement yesterday, Qatar's firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts regardless of the motives. The ministry also stressed its firm rejection of any targeting of houses of worship and terrorising of innocent people.The ministry expressed Qatar's condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of Syria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.Saudi Arabia also condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms.The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday the kingdom's firm rejection of terrorism, extremism, and the targeting of mosques and houses of worship. The statement expressed Saudi Arabia's solidarity with Syria following the tragic incident, as well as its support for the Syrian government's efforts to re-establish security and stability.The kingdom also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of Syria, while wishing the injured a swift recovery.Meanwhile, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudawi expressed his strong condemnation of the attack. He also stressed the GCC's solidarity with Syria and its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism that seek to destabilise Syria and the world.The Arab League condemned the bombing and expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.It also warned against all attempts to destabilise Syria's security and stability by sowing discord and spreading chaos.The statement stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to overcome the current challenges in a way that preserves Syria's unity and sovereignty.The Arab League reiterated its support for the Syrian government's efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and its co-operation with the international community to confront terrorist threats and eradicate their sources.