tag

An event on cultural exchange and creativity was held at La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) in Santiago, Chile, with the participation of more than 120 first-grade students, as part of the Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture.This event is jointly organized by the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar National Library (QNL), CCLM, and Trama Cultura Foundation.The event gave students a glimpse into different aspects of Qatari culture through an interactive combination of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration.The book of fables, 'Kalila wa Dimna' played a pivotal role in this event, as it contains a collection of famous tales dating back over a thousand years, recently translated into Spanish, and has been integrated into educational activities in several countries participating in the Years of Culture partnership.The event revived the tales of 'Kalila wa Dimna' through an entertaining performance by a Chilean band, which encouraged children to contemplate the universal human messages that these stories carry.Following the storytelling session, the students participated in an art workshop where they collaborated to paint a mural inspired by the sea that connects the two countries. Through this, the children learned about the concepts of communication and cultural exchange, emphasizing the ability of storytelling to transcend borders between places, languages, and cultures.In this context, QNL's Qatar Reads initiative presented a special art exhibition of Kalila wa Dimna at the Ricardo Guiraldes Library in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The exhibition included twelve original works by the Qatari artist and writer Wadha Al Athba.Commenting on this collaboration, Manager of Qatar Reads initiative Fatema Al Malki highlighted the importance for children to learn that, regardless of how different they may seem, cultures can share the same values, symbols and interests. Throughout the centuries, tales have conveyed lessons about empathy, cooperation and the meaning of humanity, she added.She noted that the inclusion of an influential book like 'Kalila wa Dimna' serves as a reminder that these lessons can resonate in Qatar and around the globe.The style of artworks was inspired by Islamic miniatures, embodying the spirit of humor, wisdom, and cultural depth in the original tales.These artworks appeared in the Spanish version of Kalila wa Dimna, written and illustrated by the artist Wadha Al Athba, and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press.This initiative aims to promote respect between diverse cultures, encourage people to unite, strengthen ties, and promote dialogue. 

The Qatari national team is aiming to secure its first-ever Arab Cup title as it hosts the 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled from Dec. 1-18, marking Al Annabi's fourth appearance since the competition's launch in 1963.In its three previous appearances, Qatar reached the semi-finals each time. Its most notable achievement came in its second appearance, when it finished runner-up in the seventh edition held on home soil in 1998, delivering outstanding performances throughout the tournament.The Qatari national team made its Arab Cup debut in the fourth edition hosted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from July 3-12, 1985. With the draw placing them in Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the Qatari national team began its campaign with a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, before defeating Jordan 2-0 with goals from Ibrahim Khalfan in the 32nd minute and Mansour Muftah in the 66th. The win secured Qatar a place in the semifinals as group runners-up behind Saudi Arabia.In the semi-finals, Qatar faced Bahrain and lost 1-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Mansour Muftah scoring Qatar's goal in the 40th minute. Qatar then played Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff, losing 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time, finishing the tournament in fourth place.Qatar did not take part in the fifth and sixth editions in 1988 (Jordan) and 1992 (Syria), before returning in the seventh edition hosted in Doha from September 22 to October 1, 1998.The 1998 tournament featured the largest number of participating teams at the time, with 12 national sides competing across matches played at Khalifa International Stadium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.The teams were divided into three groups. Qatar was placed at the top of Group A alongside Jordan and Libya. The hosts opened with a 2-1 win over Libya, courtesy of Adel Khamis and Mubarak Mustafa, before beating Jordan 2-0 through goals by Mustafa and Khamis once again, advancing to the semifinals with a perfect record.Al Annabi then faced the UAE, winners of Group C, and claimed a 2-1 victory with goals from Yasser Nazmi and Mubarak Al Kuwari to reach the final.Despite Qatar's strong performances, the team lost the final 3-1 to Saudi Arabia. Obeid Al Dosari scored all three goals for Saudi Arabia, while Mubarak Mustafa scored Qatar's lone goal and later received the tournament's Best Player award, shared with Kuwait's Bader Hajji.The Qatari national team had achieved remarkable results at that time, reaching the final stages of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifications and having previously won its first Gulf Cup title in 1992. They also reached the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Olympics that same year. The squad included standout names such as Mubarak Mustafa, Adel Khamis, Yousef Adam, Abdulaziz Hassan, goalkeeper Ahmed Khalil, Abdulaziz Al Obaidly, Yasser Nazmi, Fahad Al Kuwari and others.Former national team star Adel Khamis, who played in the 1998 tournament, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar delivered strong performances throughout that edition, topping its group before advancing to the final with a squad that blended experienced players with emerging talents.He emphasized that the Qatari team entered the competition with a strong desire to win the title, given their status as hosts, backed by significant fan support that helped drive the team through the group stage and into the final.Khamis pointed out that the seventh edition of the Arab Cup witnessed a significant technical surge with the participation of all teams fielding their top players, which was reflected in the overall level of play. The competition was particularly fierce among the Gulf teams, whose strong presence was notable, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia reaching the final.The seventh Arab Cup, he added, introduced many promising players and served as a launching pad for some, especially given the large crowds that played a major role in creating a competitive atmosphere. For his part, former Qatari national team player and current coach Yousef Adam stated that the 1998 Arab Cup, remains one of the most important participations for Qatari football, as Qatar hosted the tournament for the first time in its history, with the participation of elite Arab teams.He explained that Qatar was not initially considered a title contender, following a period of rebuilding with the introduction of new players. However, the team delivered strong results, topping Group A with wins over Jordan and Libya, then defeating the UAE in the semifinals to reach the final.Adam noted that Qatar lost 3-1 in the final to the Saudi national team that included several players who had competed in the 1998 World Cup in France. He explained that it was a tough match, decided by a few small details, and that Qatar came very close to securing its first Arab Cup title, making the experience an important milestone in the team's history.Qatar's third Arab Cup appearance came during the exceptional tenth edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which marked a major step forward for the competition after it received official recognition from FIFA.The tournament served as a key operational test for the stadiums that later hosted the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Arab Cup achieved resounding success, contributing to FIFA's decision to continue hosting the next three editions under its auspices.The tournament featured a record-breaking 23 teams, with nine qualifying directly and 14 progressing through the preliminary rounds, bringing the total to 16 teams in the finals.The Qatari national team topped Group A, which included Iraq, Oman, and Bahrain. They began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain, courtesy of a goal from Abdulaziz Hatem. They then defeated Oman 2-1, with goals from Akram Afif and an own goal by Omani defender Fahmi Said. Qatar followed this with a 3-0 win against Iraq, with Akram Afif scoring twice and Hassan Al Haydos adding another.In the quarterfinals, Qatar beat the UAE 5-0, with goals from Abdulaziz Hatem, Almoez Ali (two goals), Boualem Khoukhi, and an own goal by UAE defender Ali Salmeen.Qatar narrowly missed out on the final after a 2-1 extra-time loss to Algeria, who went on to win the title by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.Al Annabi secured third place by beating Egypt 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in regular and extra time.Former Qatar star Abdulaziz Hassan told QNA that Qatar delivered strong performances in the 2021 Arab Cup, entering the tournament as a top contender after winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and benefiting from major home support as host nation. He added that the tournament served as a key step in preparing the team for the 2022 World Cup.He added that the team delivered outstanding performances in the group stage, winning all three matches against Oman, Iraq, and Bahrain and topping the group with a perfect record. The team then advanced through the knockout rounds, beating the UAE and battling strongly against Algeria in the semifinal before securing third place.Across the three Arab Cup editions in which Qatar has competed (1985, 1998, and 2021), the national team played 14 matches, winning eight, drawing three, and losing three, scoring 22 goals and conceding 10. 

The upcoming 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to be held in Qatar from December 1st to 18th, will mark a historic transformation for the tournament since its 10th edition in Doha in 2021.Despite the noble vision behind the tournament's inception over six decades ago, strenuous efforts have been made to ensure its continued existence as a consistent football competition capable of withstanding challenges. The previous 10th edition proved pivotal, propelling the tournament to new heights after gaining official recognition from FIFA, thus becoming a FIFA-sanctioned event for the first time.FIFA's recognition of the Arab Cup transformed it from a mere regional tournament seeking a place on the calendar into a global competition garnering widespread attention and a tangible impact on the football landscape, propelling it into the mainstream after it had moved beyond the margins of the international schedule.FIFA saw the 2021 Arab Cup as an ideal opportunity to test the operational capabilities of Qatar's stadiums and infrastructure ahead of the global event of the 2022 World Cup. The resounding success of the first two editions of the tournament contributed to this transformation, leading to the inclusion of the Arab Cup in FIFA's calendar for three more editions: 2025, 2029, and 2033. This inclusion is contingent upon all three tournaments being held in Qatar to ensure a replication of the success achieved in the inaugural edition following its recognition.The foundations upon which the resounding success of the 10th edition was built were the solid groundwork laid for maintaining the international umbrella, with ideal infrastructure, iconic stadiums, and excellent accommodation and transportation options. This provided an ideal environment for both players and fans, resulting in record-breaking attendance figures. It seemed as though the Arab Cup had launched a new global spectacle right here in Doha.For the first time in its history, the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, after the organizing committee selected six venues that would later host matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The tournament also witnessed the inauguration of two World Cup stadiums: Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain, and Stadium 974, the first fully demountable stadium in World Cup history.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Former Assistant Secretary General of the Qatar Football Association and former Qatari national team manager Majed Al Khelaifi, said that the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021 witnessed unprecedented success in terms of both fan attendance and technical quality. Consequently, fans are eagerly anticipating the next edition, which is expected to be even more prestigious in terms of both attendance and technical level. This is because the tournament serves as a preparatory event for some of the teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals. Furthermore, the increased prize money will significantly enhance the competition among the participating teams.The previous edition of the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, which greatly boosted fan attendance and positively impacted the overall quality of play. The diverse fan activities also contributed to record attendance, and this number is expected to rise further given the high demand for match tickets for the upcoming edition, he added.Current sports analyst on Qatar's Al-Kass channels Al Khelaifi, said that hosting the Arab Cup before the 2022 World Cup has positively impacted the tournament, elevating it from a regional to a global event. Most importantly, the tournament's schedule has been confirmed for three more editions under FIFA's auspices, ensuring continuity and contributing to the development of Arab football. For his part, journalist Khaled Jassim, in an exclusive interview with QNA, described the Arab Cup as a gathering of Arab nations, exemplified by the strong fan support in Doha. He noted that the resounding success of the previous edition has become a lasting legacy, prompting Qatar, in cooperation with FIFA, to secure the tournament's dates for three more editions.He further said that holding the tournament in World Cup stadiums gives it significant momentum and greatly contributes to increasing the number of fans, who also gather in various fan zones such as Souq Waqif, the Old Port, Lusail, Sealine, and other well-known locations in Doha.He pointed out that the Arab Cup is an opportunity to discover Arab talents, and the upcoming edition is expected to witness fierce competition, regardless of whether the participating teams field their first or second-string squads.It also presents an opportunity for some Arab teams that have qualified for the World Cup finals to prepare optimally for the global tournament, he added.The previous tournament saw a record number of participating teams, with 16 teams appearing in the finals, in addition to those that participated in the qualifiers - a first for the tournament.The tournament was characterized by an exceptional level of play, with intense competition at all stages, from the group stage through the knockout rounds to the final match, which saw Algeria claim the title by defeating Tunisia. The host nation, Qatar, secured third place after overcoming Egypt.The tournament set attendance records, with 571,605 fans attending matches, according to official FIFA statistics, averaging 18,000 fans per match. A total of 631,742 tickets were sold, and attendance at many matches exceeded 80% of stadium capacity.The tournament also set a record for the highest single-match attendance, with 63,439 fans attending the quarter-final match between Qatar and the UAE at Al-Bayt Stadium.A total of 272 million viewers worldwide watched the matches, with hundreds of millions of fans from the region and beyond following the tournament.The highest viewership was recorded for the group stage match between Algeria and Egypt, and the quarter-final match between Morocco and Algeria. 2.5 million fans used Qatar's advanced public transportation system during the tournament. The stadiums were easily accessible via the Doha Metro, and bus services were available between the metro stations and the stadiums.Despite the tournament's significant development and its status as a FIFA-sanctioned international competition, it retained its Arab identity as a sporting and cultural event that unites Arab nations under one banner, contributes to strengthening Arab unity through sports, and presents a positive image of the Arab region and its progress on the world stage.The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will further solidify Qatar's leading role and Doha's position as a global sporting capital, especially as it has just hosted another major international event: the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five editions awarded to Qatar by FIFA.

Motorsport fans and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting one of the most prominent events of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship this weekend when the Lusail International Circuit hosts the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, the 23rd and penultimate round of the world championship, which could crown McLaren's Lando Norris with his first world title.The Qatar Grand Prix will officially begin its three-day event starting tomorrow with the participation of 20 of the best racing drivers in the world in 10 Formula 1 teams for a chance to win the title in the Sprint race on Saturday evening and the main race on Sunday evening.Doha promises to deliver an exceptional round in the world championship, especially since the results of the Qatar Grand Prix may determine the 2025 Formula 1 world champion.Qatar will host the Formula 1 championship for the third year in a row and for the fourth time in its history, the first of which took place in 2021, replacing Australia as it dealt with restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time.Qatar officially entered the Formula 1 World Championship calendar for 10 consecutive years starting from 2023, as part of the partnership between Doha and Formula 1, under which Qatar has become an important annual venue for the world’s biggest motor racing event.This year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will be the fourth race held at the Lusail International Circuit, following the first in the 2021 season, the second in 2023, which marked the official start of the circuit’s inclusion in the international calendar, and in 2024.The first edition of the Qatar Grand Prix in 2021 saw Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), crowned champion after outperforming his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen, four-time world champion (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).In 2023, Verstappen came in first place at the Lusail International Circuit, securing his third world title. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris came in second and third, respectively.In 2024, Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix once again, edging past Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Piastri, who came in second and third.The fourth edition of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will feature a particularly intense competition between 20 drivers representing 10 teams, especially between the top three: Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen.The battle for the World Drivers' Championship title will be fierce between the three drivers. Norris is currently leading with 390 points, whilst Piastri and Verstappen each have 366 points. Norris has a great chance of securing his first ever World Championship title at the Lusail International Circuit.Meanwhile, McLaren have already won the Constructors' Championship by a high margin of 756 points, 325 points clear of its closest rival Mercedes in second place with 431 points. Red Bull currently sits in third with 391 points.With 58 points still up for grabs in the penultimate Qatar (33 points) and final Abu Dhabi (25 points) rounds of the World Championship, Norris has a great chance of winning the title. He needs to win the Qatar Grand Prix and finish with a 26-point lead over his rivals in the overall standings to be officially crowned world champion for the 2025 season, regardless of the results of the final round.The Lusail International Circuit, which, after its redevelopment, has retained its famous 5.380 km (3.343 mi) track, is one of the world's most prominent circuits, especially as it is one of the few circuits in the world that hosts both the Formula 1 and MotoGP World Championships.By hosting the most prominent global events in motorsport, the Lusail Circuit has contributed to introducing technology to the sport and changing the history of motorsport culture. It has also changed the FIA's rules, from holding the championship with daytime rules to nighttime rules, after Qatar was the first country to hold a night race for MotoGP.The Lusail International Circuit is also one of the most prominent circuits that hosts a round of the Formula 1 World Championship under floodlights, in addition to five other races held in the circuits of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.The distinctive role played by the circuit since its establishment in 2004 has made it a leader in circuit sports over the years by providing a great addition to motorsports, thanks to the support of officials and their keenness to provide all means to achieve success, which ultimately contributes to Qatar National Vision 2030.The Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, which includes Formula 2 and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, kicks off tomorrow, Friday. The race program will have official activities extending over three days, beginning Friday and continuing until the main race on Sunday, which will be held at 7 p.m. Doha time.Friday morning will feature free practice sessions where drivers will familiarize themselves with the circuit. It will begin with the first free practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, followed by the Formula 2 practice session, then the first Formula 1 practice session. After that, it will be followed once again by the second free practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, the Formula 2 qualifying session, and the Formula 1 sprint qualifying session. Press conferences will be held between these sessions.Starting on Saturday, the pressure will increase on the drivers, as the qualifying sessions for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will take place, followed by the Formula 1 Sprint race at 5 p.m., the last of the season. This will be followed by the Formula 2 Sprint race at 7:20 p.m., with qualifying sessions taking place at 9 p.m. to determine the starting positions for the main race on Sunday. After that, the first main race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will take place, which will last for 11 laps or 25 minutes.On the final Sunday, participants are allowed to do a round of practice and warm-up, followed by the second main race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East at 1:45 p.m., then the main Formula 2 race consisting of 32 laps or 60 minutes + 1 lap, at 3:00 p.m., after which the round concludes with the main Formula 1 race consisting of 57 laps or 120 minutes, which will start at 7:00 p.m. Doha time, to determine the champion of the Qatar Grand Prix, which constitutes the penultimate round of the World Championship.Last year, the Lusail International Circuit underwent a comprehensive development process to increase the grandstand capacity to 40,000 spectators, with the introduction of state-of-the-art facilities and buildings with world-class specifications. However, no modifications were made to the track itself, which retained its famous design, as it was only repaved and safety measures were provided.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with healthcare institutions across Qatar, recently organised a wide range of important activities and events as part of Qatar Infection Prevention and Control Week 2025.This year’s campaign embraced the theme “Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention” as a unifying call for collective action. The UPPP acronym stands for Unite, Protect, Prevent, Prevail — four fundamental principles which underscore what it takes to stop the spread of infection and build safer, healthier environments for all.The Ministry emphasised that these pillars highlight the importance of collaboration and integration between all healthcare professionals to achieve the shared goal of reducing infections and protecting both patients and staff.As part of the celebrations, the MoPH organised a CPD-accredited virtual symposium that explored crucial topics such as outbreak management, the role of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in infection control, environmental protection, and the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork.The event featured an array of international, regional and local speakers, and attracted over 700 participants from diverse healthcare facilities throughout Qatar — demonstrating the sector’s strong commitment to knowledge sharing and advancing expertise in this vital field.The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Section, Healthcare Quality Department, also hosted a creative competition for designing social media messages and materials. This initiative aimed to foster innovation and effective engagement in spreading infection prevention awareness across the country. Nearly 40 entries were received from over a dozen healthcare institutions, reflecting the dedication and creativity of healthcare workers in promoting the culture of infection control.Throughout the week, healthcare organisations conducted internal events — including educational lectures, awareness exhibitions, and competitions — to further enhance staff awareness, encourage ongoing adherence to IPC practices, and raise standards in healthcare settings.The IPC and AMR team at MoPH also conducted site visits to several health facilities, joining staff in their celebrations and reaffirming the core value of unity in advancing sustainable infection control efforts. These visits served to promote cooperation and integration among various institutions, ensuring the development and implementation of effective infection prevention strategies. 

When Portugal take on Austria in the final of the inaugural 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium today, it will mark the first time in 34 years that a final has featured two sides contesting their maiden final. Ghana’s 1-0 win over Spain in 1991 was the last time a pair of final debutants battled for the title. History will be made no matter who comes out on top in the all-European showdown. Portugal are hunting their first-ever U-17 global crown, while Austria are aiming to win their maiden FIFA World Cup in any category. Portugal came into the tournament as European champions and have displayed their elite quality throughout the competition. Their attacking flair has been on show in thumping wins over the likes of Morocco and Mexico, while they demonstrated their defensive grit and resilience to dig deep and see off Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals. While the Portuguese have suffered one defeat in the competition – against Japan in the group stage – Austria have triumphed in each of their seven matches so far. Hermann Stadler’s team have been exceptional, scoring 17 times and conceding just once on their way to the final. Powerhouse nations England and Italy are among the sides they have left in their wake. Speaking ahead of the final, Portugal coach Bino Macaes said: “We’re up against an Austria side that deserves a lot of credit. They’re a very difficult team to beat, having conceded only one goal in the competition. That tells you how difficult it is to score against Austria. We have to prepare well for this match.” Hermann Stadler, Austria coach, said: “It’s the first time the Austrian team is in the final. It’s fantastic. It’s a dream come true. What an incredible story! When we arrived at the World Cup, our goal was to get through the group stage, but we’ve been getting better with every match.” Portugal captain Rafael Quintas combines tenacity, technical ability and outstanding football intelligence in the middle of the park. Teammate Jose Neto hailed him as “the brains of the team”. He added: “Rafael is the one who gets us into the right mindset when things aren’t going well and keeps us fired up.” Portugal’s leading goalscorer is Anisio Cabral with six strikes at Qatar 2025. Cabral has spearheaded his team’s charge to the final. Athletic, focused and clinical, he looks up to both Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo. Coach Bino has saluted Cabral’s desire for self-improvement. “He’s evolving,” said Bino. “He’s a boy who loves to listen and to learn, and that’s what is helping him to keep progressing and get stronger and stronger.” For Austria, Jakub Pokorny is rock at the heart of a mean, superbly-organised defence, captain Pokorny’s inspiring leadership has drove his team on at the U-17 World Cup. His stirring pre-match speeches have earned praise from team-mate Johannes Moser while Pokorny explained: “I just say what comes into my head. I normally always give a speech before the games to push the guys, and it usually works! We are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.” Moser, Austria’s talisman has lit up the U-17 World Cup, delivering a series of exhilarating performances. The leader of the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals, his tally includes the winner in the quarter-final against Japan and two wonderful goals in their 2-0 semi-final victory over Italy. The attacking midfielder blends power, grace and ruthlessness in the final third. He will be out to finish a remarkable individual campaign on the biggest high imaginable. 

The FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar will conclude Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium, where either Portugal or Austria will create history by lifting the trophy in their maiden final. But the 20th edition has already secured its own place in history over the past 25 days at the state-of-the-art competition complex in Aspire Zone. This is the first FIFA event of any kind to feature 48 teams and marks the beginning of an annual cycle, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions. It is also the first U-17 World Cup staged in a centralised “football festival” and “grand-slam style” setting, and it has proved a resounding success. The group stage featured 72 consecutive matches in nine days – eight matches per day – a first for any FIFA event. By contrast, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 staged 64 matches over 29 days. Thousands of fans passed through the competition complex each day, with an innovative ticketing system including Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches. According to FIFA, daily crowd figures averaged between 7,000 and 9,000. Arsenal’s legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, lauded the quality of the pitches, Qatar’s flawless organisation and the significance of having 48 nations compete at the World Cup. After a media briefing by tournament’s FIFA’s Technical Study Group Wednesday, Wenger said: “We have now played 102 games, and when you look at the quality of the pitches, they are still in a marvellous state. Secondly, the overall structure of the organisation was perfect. You see that Qatar has the knowledge now to organise competition, and what I like as well is they always have the desire for quality in what they do, and I have a big respect for that.” Wenger expressed strong optimism about the tournament’s impact on global youth development. He highlighted the progress made by lesser-known teams, including Uganda, who reached the round of 16 in their first-ever FIFA tournament. They were among five debutants at this level along with El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia – with Ireland and Zambia also advancing from their groups to the knockout stage. “I would say this tournament will change football in the world,” the 76-year-old Wenger said. “I’m very optimistic about that, that every country will do more effort to develop their youth to come here and to compete, and so overall the impact will be very positive and much bigger than people expected it to be, because even the smaller countries can realise they have a chance to compete if they work well and develop their youth system, and we know if you want to make results at the top level, you need to develop your youth system.” He added that media and broadcast coverage exceeded expectations, showing the tournament’s growing global appeal. “Well, you know, we know that at that level, what was the most important for us is to have the 48 countries together for the first edition and overall to have a good organisation. The media coverage has been bigger than we expected it to be. The TV coverage, of course, you cannot have the same sophistication on the smaller pitches that you have in big stadiums and we have to accept that, and I still think I watched some games when I had to move back to Europe on my iPad and it still was enjoyable to watch,” the Frenchman said. Wenger said he plans to return to Qatar for the Arab Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, noting the passion the tournament evokes in the region. “I find it very interesting to watch the Arab Cup because it’s a special motivation. You feel the pride between the different Arab countries is very high and the commitment is absolutely total, so I’m very excited to watch that.”

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) at Qatar University (QU)’s College of Education organised its annual festival in celebration of World Children’s Day 2025 under the theme 'Reflections on the Child’s Hundred Languages.'The event brought together around 200 children from the ECC, as well as from public, private, and international kindergartens, parents and representatives from educational, cultural, and community organisations within the university and beyond.The festival’s theme reflects QU’s mission as a beacon of thought and creativity rooted in an Arab–Islamic identity with a global horizon. Inspired by global early childhood philosophies, the ECC adopted the concept of the 'Hundred Languages of Children' and translated it into practices that align with the rich cultural context of Qatar.**media[386894]**This year’s festival aimed to raise community awareness about the importance of encouraging children to express themselves through multiple forms of communication, nurturing their potential, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting values of diversity, respect, and teamwork.The opening ceremony featured a performance of the Amiri Anthem by the Qatar Armed Forces Music Band, followed by remarks from Prof Diala Hamidi, director of the ECC, who highlighted the festival’s purpose, theme, and objectives. The programme also included an educational video showcasing classroom practices inspired by the 'Hundred Languages' approach, in addition to a theatrical performance presented by the children of the ECC.Prof Asma al-Attiyah, dean of the College of Education at QU, honoured the participating organisations that contributed a variety of interactive activities. These included a group parade led by the Armed Forces Music Band, followed by the distribution of children across multiple learning stations offering art, drama, gardening, physical activities, and hands-on scientific experiments designed to spark curiosity and enrich children's learning experiences.This year’s celebration reflects the ECC’s commitment to providing a quality learning environment that nurtures children’s diverse modes of expression and celebrates their individuality, in alignment with QU’s vision of delivering impactful education and supporting sustainable community development, a statement added. 

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani Thursday attended the conclusion of the "Watan 2025" exercise.The exercise included preliminary desk-based phases, followed by field exercises simulating realistic scenarios for dealing with security challenges and emergencies.The closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali al-Thani and His Excellency Minister of Interior and Commandor of Internal Security Forces (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani along with a number the ministers; senior officials from participating entities; and security leaders. His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also inaugurated the Lekhwiya camp - in Zekreet - which is preparing to host the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise in early 2026, with the participation of security agencies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.  

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC), in collaboration with FIFA, has launched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy Game, a game that allows fans across the region and beyond to step into the role of football managers and compete in a daily fantasy challenge throughout the tournament. The game is available in the Play Zone tab of the FIFA app and can also be accessed on play.fifa.com. Daily Fantasy invites users to build a team of seven players from the nations competing on each match day. Points are awarded based on real-life performances, giving fans the chance to test their football knowledge and tactical skills. Additional points can be collected through clean sheets, assists, key passes and successful tackles according to each player’s performance on the pitch. Building on the success of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, which generated hundreds of millions of views across the region and benefited from high mobile connectivity, the new Daily Fantasy game is expected to become a major fan-favourite throughout the tournament. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy is completely free of charge and offers fans an accessible, interactive way to deepen their engagement with the tournament. Fans need to login or create a FIFA account to save and submit their team selections. The app is available in all FIFA languages, including Arabic, ensuring ease of access for users worldwide. To further elevate the experience, the LOC will award daily prizes to the top-scoring users at the end of each match day, including tickets. Fans can also create private mini-leagues to compete with friends, colleagues, or community groups. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from 1–18 December across six venues used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. All venues are connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on 10, 13, and 17 December. In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033. For all information related to the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, follow @arabcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets, starting from QAR 25, and match schedule, are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa.

The 11th FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, scheduled from Dec. 1 to 18, 2025, will be exceptional and is poised to break records in attendance and global fan engagement, Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Local Organizing Committee for Football Events, Fatma Al Nuaimi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA).She stated that the committee finalized all preparations for the tournament a long time ago to present the finest edition in terms of organization, fan experience, and coaching dimensions, in line with Qatar's long-established standards when hosting major sporting events and football tournaments.Al Nuaimi stressed that Qatar has become a preferred global hub for sporting events, not only on the Gulf and Arab stages but also on the global stage.Qatar has staged several world-class competitions under FIFA's umbrella, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 10th 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, culminating with the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five consecutive tournaments to be held in Doha through 2029, Al Nuaimi pointed out.She emphasized that the upcoming December 11th FIFA Arab Cup will be completely different from the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which took place under strict COVID-19 preventive measures.Despite those restrictions, the 2021 tournament delivered remarkable success, she noted, and this year's tournament, staged across six FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums, will feature full-capacity crowds, enabling unprecedented attendance and followership.Al Nuaimi elaborated on the extraordinary demand for match tickets, with nearly 500,000 sold so far, underscoring fans' strong appetite to follow a tournament held under FIFA's umbrella for the second time since its official recognition in 2021.The unprecedented media interest is evident in the 3,500-plus media accreditation requests received from outlets worldwide.Several regional and global broadcasters have secured broadcasting rights while negotiations are ongoing with others, particularly as the Qualification Stage, featuring 14 teams competing for seven spots in the Final Stage, has yet to conclude, said Al Nuaimi.She added that the committee has dedicated two broadcast centers in Souq Waqif from which fourteen daily programs will be aired by Arab channels holding media rights for the tournament.The committee gives foremost priority to the fan experience, aiming to leave an indelible impression on all visitors attending major events in Qatar, including this tournament, both inside and outside stadiums, with partners across the country organizing a broad range of activities in major tourist and cultural hubs, including Katara Cultural Village, Doha Port, Msheireb, Lusail, Souq Waqif, and The Pearl, in collaboration with Visit Qatar to ensure fans enjoy a bountiful blend of cultural and entertainment experiences, Al Nuaimi explained. She added that the committee staged several fan-oriented activations, including the fan parade at Doha Port, showcasing supporters from all 23 participating nations across both the Qualification and Final Stages, including official fan leaders.The parade was designed to reflect the essence of the championship as a platform showcasing Arab unity, shared passion for football, and the power of sport in bringing people together under one banner, she underlined.Additionally, she stated that fan zones will be set up around all six stadiums hosting the Final Stage, offering recreational activities with gates opening early on match days to provide a unique pre-match experience, ensuring memorable moments for supporters.Al Nuaimi further explained that the committee organized a FIFA Arab Cup Trophy Tour across multiple Arab countries, similar to the FIFA World Cup 2022 tours, giving fans the chance to see and photograph the official trophy.The tour generated widespread excitement and directly contributed to increased ticket sales in each country visited, she noted, affirming that engagement continues to rise as the tournament approaches, especially after the launch of the official mascot "Juha" and the official tournament song, both of which significantly boosted fan enthusiasm.This growing momentum reflects the tournament's rising importance, especially now that it carries FIFA ranking value in the monthly FIFA World Ranking, Al Nuaimi said.She praised the committee's approach to engaging with leaders of fan groups from various expatriate communities in Qatar and noted that it has operated a dedicated Fan Engagement Department since 2021, maintaining a comprehensive database of fan groups and communication channels, moving beyond reliance on conventional media and social media platforms.Direct engagement with supporter groups enabled the committee to gather their feedback on accommodation, ticketing, transportation, and other matters.The LOC holds regular consultation meetings to review fan experiences from past tournaments, starting with the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, then the FIFA World Cup 2022, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and now the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to resolve concerns and facilitate fans' needs, thereby consolidating a robust data system that continues to evolve 

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee has announced the release of the tournament’s official soundtrack, as excitement builds for the prestigious Arab competition taking place from 1-18 December. Consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios, the upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game.‘Zamani’, which means, ‘My Time’ in Arabic, is sung by Qatari artist, Hamad Al Khazina, with lyrics penned by Mohammad Al Khajah. In a celebratory style befitting the spirit of football, the song focuses on the importance of ambition, the spirit of determination, and the joy of achievement, while declaring that the region’s time to shine has come.‘Makani’ is the second song released, which means ‘My Place’ in Arabic, with eminent Egyptian artist Mohamed Mounir lending his vocals, and lyrics by Mostafa Hadouta. The song examines the concept of home from a human perspective, celebrating the shared identity among Arabs that transcends borders to create a community that provides support, unity, and a sense of true belonging.Both songs are composed by award-winning Moroccan-Swedish record producer Nadir Khayat, also known as RedOne, who has previously worked on the official soundtrack of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, regaling fans with unforgettable hits such as Arhbo and Dreamers.Watch the full videos of ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’ on the @RoadtoQatar YouTube channel.The countdown begins for the Arab world’s biggest football tournament that will see a total of 16 teams competing for the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy.FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticket are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected] opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa on all major social media platforms.