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Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "2025" (303 articles)

Gulf Times
Community

World Children’s Day observed at QU's ECC

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. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

PM attends closing ceremony of 'Watan 2025' exercise

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.  

Gulf Times
Sport

FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy puts fans in the heart of the action

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.

Gulf Times
Sport

Organizing Committee Media Executive: FIFA Arab Cup 2025 set to smash records

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 

Gulf Times
Sport

Release of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ soundtrack

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.

 BMW at Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025
Qatar

Alfardan Automobiles supports Qatar’s classic car community

Alfardan Automotive, through Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importer and official BMW Group distributor in Qatar, participated as the main sponsor in the sixth edition of the Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025, held at The Pearl Island.Across five days, 65 exceptional classic cars were on display, underscoring Qatar’s status as a regional hub for automotive heritage and luxury.As the main sponsor, Alfardan Automotive helped in transforming the event into an immersive journey through automotive history against the stunning backdrop of The Pearl Island. The event attracted the general public and passionate collections from both Qatar and the wider GCC, offering a rare glimpse of meticulously selected vehicles exemplifying timeless design and engineering excellence.Featuring an expanded lineup of classics, paired with an increase in participation from across the GCC, this year’s edition was the largest to date, further strengthening Qatar’s reputation amongst the region’s enthusiasts and collectors.The exhibition highlighted Qatar’s cultural identity and automotive heritage, demonstrating how classic vehicles have the unique ability to connect generations through craftsmanship and storytelling.A highlight during the event was the exclusive Alfardan Automobiles BMW Classics Club display, featuring rare and historically significant BMWs. The display showcased two iconic models, the BMW E30 M3 (1991) and the BMW 2000cs (1968), and highlighted the rich heritage of the GCC, attracting significant interest from visitors and classic car enthusiasts alike.Showcasing the BMW Classics Club at the event underlined its role in growing a dedicated community of classic BMW owners and enthusiasts in Qatar, while strengthening their connection with Alfardan Automobiles as the Middle East’s first Certified BMW Classic Partner. Through exclusive drives, curated exhibitions and educational sessions, the club aims to keep these iconic models on the road, preserve their heritage for future generations and reinforce Qatar’s position as a key destination for classic car culture.Ayman Berjawi, general manager of Alfardan Automobiles, said: “Supporting the sixth Qatar Classic Luxury Car Competition and Exhibition 2025 underscores our commitment to Qatar’s automotive scene and passion for classics. With 65 outstanding vehicles and the BMW Classics Club’s engagement, Qatar’s growing stature as a destination for collectors and enthusiasts is clear.”Hussain Omar Alfardan, Chief Marketing Officer of Alfardan Automotive, said: “This year’s show aimed to engage families, first-time visitors, and collectors alike. From the BMW Classics Club to the broader exhibition, our goal was to share stories and highlight what makes each vehicle unique. The strong response encourages us to continue nurturing Qatar’s classic car culture.”The Pearl Island also hosted a lively, family-friendly event with interactive zones on restoration and a children’s area. Artistic performances kept visitors energised.Twenty winners were recognised across a variety of categories, with awards in cash and prizes for excellence in restoration, preservation, and presentation. The event set a benchmark for quality and dedication.Organisers aim to enhance future editions by blending authenticity with modernity, expanding experiences, and further establishing Qatar as a key player in classic car culture. Alfardan Automobiles remains dedicated to celebrating automotive heritage, luxury, and community. 

Mohammad Daham (centre) dazzled as Kuwait eased past Mauritania 2-0.
Sport

Palestine, Kuwait and Syria reach group stage of Arab Cup

The FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers kicked off in Qatar Tuesday with Palestine, Kuwait and Syria reaching the group stage on a thrilling day of action. Less than a week out from the start of the second edition of the tournament proper, Palestine needed penalties to beat Libya after a goalless draw, while Mohammad Daham dazzled as Kuwait eased past Mauritania 2-0 and Syria comfortably dispatched South Sudan by the same scoreline.At the Al Gharafa Stadium, Palestine enjoyed the better run of play in the first half and had the best looks at goal, first through a left-footed effort from Oday Dabbagh that missed the target, followed by Mustafa Zeidan hooking a right-footer wide of the mark from inside the area.Libya found their footing in the second half and nearly had an opener when Ezzeddin Elmaremi swung a shot wide, followed later by a gilt-edged chance for Mahmoud Alshalwi that was spoiled. Back came Palestine and Libya goalkeeper Ayman Altihar was called on to save a well-struck volley from Hamed Hamdan.Libya made a notable switch right before the full-time whistle, as Altihar made way for Abdelhadi Yassin with penalties looming, but it was Palestine’s Rami Hamada stealing the show by saving a spot kick before a missed attempt from Maruwan Alhibeeshi secured their progress. The field is now set in Group A of the regional showpiece, which contains hosts Qatar, Tunisia, Syria and Palestine.At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Daham stole the show in the first qualifier as the electric winger scored one and created the other in Kuwait’s fairly straightforward win over Mauritania. The winger was on hand to nod home the opener at the back post in just the eighth minute, following a deflected Rashed al-Dousari cross.Then it was the 25 year-old’s teasing cross that lured Mauritania defender Nouh Mohamed into a touch that flew past his own goalkeeper to send Kuwait to the break with a two-goal advantage. Mauritania had a Hacen El Id effort ruled out for offside just shy of the hour but an organised Kuwait saw things out to set up Group C dates with Egypt, Jordan and United Arab Emirates.Meanwhile, Syria continued their excellent form this year by comfortably defeating a plucky South Sudan team to reach the group stage. South Sudan bravely held off the Syria attack in the opening half. But they fell a goal behind in the 52nd minute after brilliant play down the right wing from Mahmoud al-Aswad, who crossed for Mohammad al-Hallak to convert from close range.That goal immediately changed the trajectory of the game, with captain Mahmoud al-Mawas doubling the lead seven minutes later with an exquisite strike into the top corner. Syria twice came close to extending their advantage late on through al-Aswad and al-Hallak as South Sudan's wait to qualify for their first major tournament continued.

The award was accepted by IT experts from QNB, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to modernising its technology landscape and pioneering new solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and information security
Business

QNB wins Innovation Award at Red Hat Summit 2025

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has been honoured with the Innovation Award at the Red Hat Summit 2025, in recognition of the bank’s leadership in digital transformation, hybrid-cloud adoption, and its strategic advancements in AI-driven financial services.The award was accepted by IT experts from QNB, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to modernising its technology landscape and pioneering new solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and information security.During the panel discussion, QNB showcased its forward-looking roadmap in digital transformation and governance of artificial intelligence, as well as its role in fostering innovation across the financial sector.Red Hat Summit Connect, being its first time in Qatar, brings together technology leaders, decision-makers, and open-source experts to explore the next frontier of IT innovation.The event serves as a platform for accelerating digital transformation through collaboration, education, and real-world application.QNB’s participation in the event, which is considered one of Red Hat leading strategic showcases, strengthened with the award reinforces its significant contribution and its continuous efforts to strengthen its digital capabilities, support Qatar’s innovation ecosystem, and set new benchmarks for sustainable and secure technology adoption.

Gulf Times
Sport

FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025: a platform reinforcing Arab cultural and historical bonds

Doha will host the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1 to 18, offering a renewed opportunity to deepen ties among Arab nations and reaffirming that the tournament's significance extends far beyond the football pitch.Bringing together 16 Arab national teams in the finals and 14 in the preliminary qualifiers, the event stands as a vibrant platform for strengthening cultural and historical connections among Arab peoples. It underscores sport's role as a unifying force that reinforces shared identity, values, and traditions, and reflects the organizing committee’s commitment to cultural and sporting cooperation that nurtures a deeper sense of belonging to a unified Arab world.Since hosting the previous edition in 2021, Qatar has positioned the Arab Cup as a meaningful space for renewing inter-Arab bonds and building bridges of friendship and cultural understanding.The tournament has gained added significance under Qatar's hosting, as the country has become a model for staging major global events. Qatar offers an environment that celebrates Arab identity, honors heritage and history, and provides world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating an event of this scale -- uniting nations bound by a shared past and a common future.Notably, Qatar succeeded in bringing the Arab Cup under the official FIFA umbrella for the first time in 2021, transforming it from a traditional regional competition into a comprehensive Arab gathering. The tournament brings together fans from across the region not only to support their national teams but also to celebrate the richness of Arab culture -- through language, dress, music, customs, and traditions. These scenes of unity, vividly reflected in Qatari stadiums, highlight the strong bonds shared by the peoples of the region despite geographical and social differences.The 2025 edition will further reinforce Arab identity through a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Planned events include musical and artistic performances, fan zones showcasing diverse elements of Arab culture, and interactive spaces that bring communities together.The organizing committee said fans across the country will enjoy a rich program of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the tournament, supported by seamless transportation services ensuring easy access to all stadiums and venues.One of the tournament's most distinctive features is its enthusiastic fan engagement. Stadiums and fan zones become vibrant meeting points where Arabs interact, wear traditional attire, exchange chants and songs, and share their national and cultural expressions. This festive atmosphere has become as central to the event as the matches themselves.This unique cultural exchange strengthens social bonds among Arab fans and adds a profound human dimension to the tournament. The experience extends beyond football, creating shared memories that will endure in the collective Arab consciousness for years to come.The State of Qatar is always keen to utilize its capabilities to deliver impressive organizational standards. Following the 2022 World Cup and, before that, the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021, Qatar is set to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, to be held from Dec.1-18.Qatar's commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties among Arab peoples has been evident in the upcoming edition of the Arab Cup and was reflected in statments made by HE Minister of Sports and Youth and President of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani who emphasized that the tournament holds a special place in the region and carries significance that extends beyond football matches.In his remarks about the tournament, His Excellency said that the tournament, "celebrates the positive values of Arab football and once again highlights sport's ability to bring people together and build bridges of communication."His Excellency added that the Arab Cup is a platform that brings together players and fans alike, a forum for entrenching the values of unity and solidarity, and enhancing feelings of belonging and a shared identity. It also reflects the Arab youth's passion for sport.HE Minister of Sports and Youth said the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 carries a message calling for Arab unity and represents a window for introducing our authentic culture and ancient heritage. It is also a platform to highlight the unlimited potential of Arab youth in sports and various other fields.For his part, Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, a player for Al-Shamal SC, affirmed that the significance of the Arab Cup extends beyond competition on the pitch. He stressed the tournament's value in introducing the world's people to Arab and Islamic culture and in promoting Arab identity on the global sports stage.Bounedjah said in statements published by the tournament's organizing committee the Arab Cup is a grand celebration that reflects the unity of the Arab peoples and their passion for football, while also highlighting the region's capabilities and its ability to host world-class sporting events.For his part, Jordan national team star Yazan Al Naimat praised the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as a gathering that celebrates Arab talent.The Al-Arabi SC player said the event contributes to the development of football in the Arab world and introduces nations to the region's passion for the sport. He also commended the remarkable success of the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which provided a major opportunity for Arab players to appear on the global stage.The Arab Cup has not only attracted regional attention. It is also followed by audiences from around the world. Hosting the tournament in Doha reaffirms Qatar's pivotal role in uniting the Arab world both athletically and culturally, and its ability to present an honorable Arab model in tournament organization, one that reflects the civilized image of the Arab world before the international community.For Arab fans, the Arab Cup is no longer just a sporting competition. It is a message of unity, solidarity, peace, and connection. It affirms the shared heritage and deep-rooted history of all Arab peoples and offers an opportunity to strengthen historical bonds across generations, highlighting the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation to leave a positive impact on the cultural, sporting, and social levels across the Arab world.

Gulf Times
Sport

FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025: 14 teams eye seven qualifying spots

Fourteen national teams willl compete in the qualification stage to secure seven spots for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will be hosted in Doha from Dec. 1 to 18. The teams will compete for these spots through qualification matches held in the Qatari capital.The seven qualification matches will take place on Nov. 25 and 26. The opening match will feature Mauritania against Kuwait tomorrow at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at Al Sadd Sports Club. It is an unpredictable encounter between two teams with strong players, each aiming to book a place once again in this major Arab competition.The Kuwaiti national team enter the qualifiers relying on their history in the Arab Cup, having participated in eight of the previous ten editions. They aim to bounce back from failing to qualify for the most recent edition, hosted by Qatar in 2021, after losing to Bahrain 2-0 in the qualifiers, as well as from exiting the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 . Meanwhile, Mauritania aim to secure what would be their third appearance in the tournament, having featured in the 1985 edition in Saudi Arabia and the 2021 edition in Qatar, while also seeking to bounce back from missing out on qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco at the end of December.In another match, Syria will face South Sudan at Grand Hamad Stadium at Al Arabi Club. On paper, Syria holds the advantage given the strong quality of the players, in addition to the expected large support from Syrian fans in Doha, who enjoyed the atmosphere of the tournament's previous edition.South Sudan, on the other hand, hope to qualify for the Arab Cup for the first time and to overcome the disappointment of failing to reach the previous edition after their 3-0 loss to Jordan in the qualifiers.Syria seek not only to qualify but also to achieve strong results in the upcoming edition after exiting the group stage last time. The team finished third in their group with three points from a single victory over Tunisia (2-0) and two losses to the UAE and Mauritania by identical scorelines (1-2).Meanwhile, Palestine will face Libya Tuesday at Thani bin Jassim Stadium at Al Gharafa Club in another unpredictable match, given the close level between the two teams and their shared determination to secure a qualifying spot.Libya hop to return to the Arab Cup after failing to reach the finals in the last edition, following a 1-0 loss to Sudan. The team looks to build on the strong performances shown during the African qualifiers for the World Cup 2026, despite not succeeding in reaching the tournament.Palestine, in turn, seeks to qualify for the finals once again after reaching the previous edition by defeating Comoros in the qualifiers. However, they exited in the group stage after a 0-4 loss to Morocco and 1-5 to Jordan, and a 1-1- draw with Saudi Arabia. Four matches will be held on Wednesday, as part of the qualifiers for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will be hosted by Doha from Dec.1-18.The first match will see Oman face Somalia at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, a repeat of their encounter in the qualifiers for the previous edition of the tournament, which ended at that time in a 2-1 victory for Oman.The Somali national team seeks to achieve the goal it failed to reach in the last edition, while the Omani team aims to qualify for the second time in its history after securing a place through the previous qualifiers.Oman delivered satisfactory results in the 2021 Arab Cup, advancing to the second round with four points after defeating Bahrain (3-0), drawing with Iraq (1-1), and losing to Qatar (1-2), before being eliminated by Tunisia (1-2) in the quarterfinals.At Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Djibouti will face Bahrain in a match where Djibouti seeks to make its first-ever appearance in the Arab Cup, after failing to qualify in the previous edition following a 1-0 loss to Lebanon. In contrast, Bahrain hopes to return to the tournament and go further than it did in the previous edition after it exited in the group stage with just one point from a goalless draw with Iraq and two losses to Qatar and Oman (0-1 and 0-3 respectively).Although the odds are in Bahrain's favor due to its greater experience and capabilities, Djibouti dreams of causing an upset to secure its first-ever appearance in the upcoming edition.Grand Hamad Stadium will host another match between Comoros and Yemen, with both sides sharing a single aim: qualifying for the tournament. Comoros hopes to make its first Arab Cup appearance and to redeem its failure in the previous qualifiers when it lost to Palestine.On the other hand, the Yemeni national team seeks victory and a return to the Arab Cup atmosphere after failing to qualify for the last edition held in Doha in 2021, where it lost against Mauritania 2-0.The Arab Cup Qatar 2025 qualifiers will conclude with a strong match between Sudan and Lebanon at Thani bin Jassim Stadium, a match expected to feature fierce competition between two teams eager to secure their place in the major Arab event. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Meteorology department warns of poor visibility, thundery rain

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning of poor horizontal visibility at most places at first in inshore areas, in addition to expected thundery rain at first associated with strong wind and high sea offshore.According to the Department's daily weather report, inshore conditions until 6:00 pm on Monday will be misty to foggy at most places at first and moderate in temperature daytime with scattered clouds to partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rain.Offshore, the weather will see scattered clouds to partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rain that maybe thundery at first.Inshore winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 03 to 13 KT. Offshore, winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 05 to 15 KT, gusting to 25 KT with thundery rain.Sea state inshore will range from 1 to 4 feet, while offshore it will range from 2 to 4 feet, rising to 8 feet with thundery rain.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4 and 9 km/2 km or less at most places at first. Offshore, the visibility is expected to range between 5 and 9 km/3 km or less with thundery rain.Area High TideLow TideMinMax------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha07:03 - 17:2014:58 - 23:492129Mesaieed08:46 - **:****:** - **:**1528Wakrah08:14 - **:**23:50 - **:**2029Al Khor17:44 - 06:4022:38 - 00:251930Ruwais06:40 - 19:3100:25 - 13:462026Dukhan00:27 - 12:2106:13 - 18:531827Abu Samra01:12 - **:**10:33 - 07:261828Sunrise: 05:57 LTSunset: 16:43 LT------------------ 

Gulf Times
Sport

Brazil-Portugal semi-final showdown primed to thrill

Brazil and Portugal headline today’s FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals in Doha, a meeting of two continental champions with everything on the line. The match kicks off at 7:00pm at Aspire Zone.Portugal continue their chase for a first-ever U-17 world title, while Brazil look to edge closer to a record-equalling fifth trophy.Portugal’s creative spark Mateus Mide remains central to their hopes, with four goals and two assists so far. Intelligent, sharp and decisive in tight spaces, he was on target again in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Switzerland. Brazil, however, lean on the tournament’s most feared finisher: Dell, whose power and precision have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland.His brace against Morocco took him to five goals, firmly placing him in the Golden Boot race.Brazil will have to cope without suspended trio Vitor Hugo, Luis Eduardo and Arthur Ryan, though coach Dudu Patetuci brings experience – he was assistant coach during Brazil’s 2019 triumph. His counterpart, Bino, carries history of his own, having been part of Portugal’s squad the last time they reached this stage back in 1989.**media[385330]**Austria vs Italy Earlier at 4:30pm, Austria and Italy meet in a showdown between two teams that have won all six of their matches so far – an unprecedented run that has brought both nations to the brink of their first U-17 World Cup final.Austria’s talisman Johannes Moser has taken Qatar 2025 by storm with six goals, making him joint-top scorer.Captain Jakub Pokorny couldn’t hide his admiration, calling Moser “just incredible... like something I haven’t seen before.” Their momentum is fierce, having swept past England before surviving a gruelling quarter-final against Japan. “It was the toughest match we ever played in our lives,” Pokorny admitted. “Japan is a very good team... but we are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.**media[385331]**I think we can go all the way.”Italy, disciplined and composed, have been anchored by captain Luca Reggiani, a defender who has put in three consecutive Player-of-the-Match displays in the knockout rounds. Calm and commanding, he is Italy’s heartbeat. Suspensions, however, hit both sides: Ifeanyi Ndukwe for Austria and David Marini for Italy. “We know that they are a very good team,” Reggiani said. “The fact that they are in the semi-finals says it all.But we’re going to work hard to prepare... and keep pushing ourselves. We’re really looking forward to it.” Austria are also chasing national history - no Austrian team, at any age level, has ever reached a World Cup final. Italy bring their own storylines too, including the background of rising star Samuele Inacio, whose Brazilian father Pia played professionally for clubs such as Atalanta, Napoli and Torino.Today’s winners will advance to Thursday’s final at Khalifa International Stadium, setting the stage for one more chapter in a tournament that has already delivered drama, discovery and a new generation of global stars.