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The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Transport, participated on Tuesday in the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly, currently underway in London.HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani headed Qatar's delegation to the session.Meetings of this session address a range of issues related to the safety and security of maritime navigation and the protection of the marine environment, and will also include elections for the Organization's Executive Council.Addressing the Assembly, HE the Minister of Transport lauded the crucial role of the IMO in shaping the future of global maritime transportation, enhancing the safety and security of global maritime navigation, and protecting the marine environment.He said that Qatar is strategically prioritizing its maritime industry within its overall national transportation ecosystem, in step with the goals and agenda of the IMO.HE the Minister also highlighted Qatar's pragmatic steps with respect to reducing GHG emissions, enhancing ports' efficiency, and developing its national legislations in line with best international standards for safety of life at sea, marine environment protection, and the safety of navigation and seafarers' rights.His Excellency cited significant progress in Qatar in qualifying and upskilling more national cadets in maritime industry; the most recent was the inauguration of a brand-new Maritime Training and Simulation Center at the University of Doha for Science and Technology. He said that the Center is equipped with cutting-edge world technologies to serve as a leading platform to prepare Qatari professionals to the best universal standards.Protecting the marine environment, he said, has always been a cornerstone of Qatar's national policies with a firm belief that seas are not just trade corridors, but natural and human legacy that ought to be protected for the coming generations.In this regard, the minister said, Qatar had developed a national action plan to preserve marine resources and established a multidisciplinary committee focused on enhancing the long-term planning and management of marine resources, in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).With that commitment front and center, he said, Qatar is looking forward to cementing its close cooperation with all Member States and the IMO for a safer, eco-friendlier, and more substantiable maritime future.HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Qatar's Permanent Representative to the IMO, attended the session

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Tuesday with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who is visiting the country.The meeting addressed bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen and develop it, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

In collaboration with Qatar Museums, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Chile's National Centre for World Heritage Sites, and the World Heritage Site Municipal Corporation of Valparaiso, and Trama Cultura, Years of Culture is hosting a regional workshop in Valparaiso, Chile, from November 24 to 28, 2025, dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in safeguarding heritage.As part of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, experts from Qatar Museums' Cultural Heritage Protection Department will work alongside Chilean and international specialists in a five-day program titled "Enhancing the Effectiveness of World Heritage Management." The initiative aims to pass on knowledge, share lived experiences and set up international expert networks between those entrusted with the world's most precious cultural legacies.Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums, said: "This collaboration with Chile reflects our shared responsibility to protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. Through the Years of Culture initiative, we are building meaningful platforms for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration that strengthen the management and resilience of World Heritage sites."Working together allows us to advance expertise and promote a deeper sense of cultural cooperation, preserving the stories and places that shape our shared human legacy," he added.Throughout the week, participants will explore how to sustain the values and authenticity of World Heritage sites through improved governance, legal frameworks, and management planning. The sessions will weave together global best practices with local perspectives, translating the lessons learned in Qatar's desert landscapes into strategies for Chile's coastal heritage.Practical sessions at the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transform the city itself into a living classroom. Participants will engage in fieldwork, risk assessments, and peer-to-peer exchanges that tackle real-world conservation challenges, fostering both technical skills and a spirit of shared stewardship.

The sixth edition of the Qatar Luxury Classic Cars Contest & Exhibition concluded on Sunday at The Pearl Island, awarding 20 winners across the competition’s various categories. The five-day event, organised by the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association, featured wide participation from across the GCC for the second consecutive year.In a press statement, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of the Association’s Board, said: “This year’s edition was defined by competitive energy among participants, giving it a truly exceptional character. It succeeded in attracting visitors from all GCC countries, creating a celebration that combines luxury with the heritage of automotive history.”He noted that the exhibition witnessed significant expansion in both area and number of participating cars, reaching 65 vehicles, the largest display since the exhibition’s inception. Omar Hussain Alfardan, vice-chairman of the Qatari Gulf Classic Cars Association, said: “The remarkable turnout at this year’s edition affirms the strong stature of this event and its growing role in enriching classic car culture in Qatar and the region.“The extraordinary audience engagement reflected a genuine passion for this historic world, reinforcing the exhibition’s position as an elegant platform that brings together car enthusiasts, experts, and designers. At the association, we remain committed to organising this event to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination, and to inspire the next generation with a spirit of authenticity and creativity,” Alfardan added.Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, Board Member, lauded the prestigious status the exhibition has earned among classic car lovers in Qatar and the GCC. This, he pointed out, was evident in the diverse participation from all GCC countries and in the unprecedented audience turnout, the largest ever recorded for a classic car event in the region.Hassan al-Bairami, winner of the Best Classic Car Restoration Project award for his 1968 Mercedes 230S and a participant from Kuwait, said: “This is our first participation in the Qatar Classic Luxury Cars Contest, and winning this prestigious award is the culmination of a full year of preparation and dedicated work.“We shipped 10 cars from Kuwait specifically to take part in this edition. It was a major challenge in terms of logistics and preparations, but the outcome was exceptional, we received three awards, which truly reflects the level of effort made by the entire team.”

Qatar Chamber hosted the first meeting of the Qatar-Azerbaijan Joint Business Council in the chamber’s Lusail headquarters Monday. The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed and Azerbaijan Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov, as well as Qatar Chamber second vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari.The council meeting was co-chaired by Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohammed bin Jawhar al-Mohammed, who is also chairman of the Qatari side, and Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) chairman Orkhan Mammadov, who is also head of the Azerbaijani Side. The meeting discussed numerous co-operation opportunities between the Qatari and Azerbaijani business sectors across various fields, as well as the investment climate and opportunities available for companies in both countries.Al-Kuwari said the business council confirms the common keenness of both sides to strengthen economic ties and open broader horizons for cooperation in various commercial and investment sectors. He noted that the joint council is not just a platform for consultation, but rather an effective bridge to connect the business community in the two countries, enabling companies to exchange experiences, explore promising opportunities, and build strategic partnerships that serve the interests of the private sector and support joint economic development.Al-Kuwari also expressed confidence that the council would contribute to facilitating the flow of mutual investments, enhancing bilateral trade, and creating a more attractive environment for investors in both countries, especially in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, energy, logistics, tourism, technology, and food industries, among others.Heydarov stated that the first meeting of the joint business council represents a new boost to the friendship and mutual trust between the two countries — an advancement that will positively impact the business community, particularly the private sector.He noted that discussions between the two sides are ongoing to enhance the mechanisms for developing trade relations through the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Committee. He expressed his confidence that the Qatar–Azerbaijan Business Council will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade relations between the private sectors of both countries.Al-Mohammed said the council reflects the keenness of both friendly countries to enhance economic and trade cooperation relations between them, stressing that they have strong and growing relations that include various fields, especially economic and trade, supported by many co-operation agreements and MoU signed between both nations.  

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.

The World Innovation Summit for Education ( WISE 12), a global education initiative of Qatar Foundation  got underway Monday at Qatar National Convention Centre with over 4000 attendees.Speaking at the inaugural plenary session  of the summit, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation highlighted the importance of the summit in promoting human values in the age of technology and AI, stating 'WISE was founded to ignite the minds.' HE Lolwah bint Rashid al-Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education also addressed the gathering.Several leaders from around the world,  dignitaries and guests attended the opening session.

The Ministry of Municipality has launched an extensive inspection plan ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, set to take place from December 1 to 18, aimed at ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality across food and service establishments. The plan seeks to promote a healthy and safe environment for the public while developing an efficient monitoring system capable of keeping pace with major sporting events.In a press release issued Monday, the Ministry affirmed that these efforts align with the directives of HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, which aim to enhance quality of life and well-being and ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.In this context, Doha Municipality has launched a comprehensive two-week inspection campaign targeting 156 hotels, with 30 inspectors working around the clock. The campaign focuses on food establishments, salons, and massage centers, in accordance with the health requirements outlined in Ministerial Decision No. (38) of 2025. Samples of food products are also being collected and analyzed at the government laboratory to ensure they are safe and suitable for human consumption.The campaign covers key tourist and high-traffic areas, including Souq Waqif, Doha Port, The Pearl-Qatar, and Msheireb Downtown Doha, in addition to food stalls and mobile carts in parks and public spaces, with the participation of 24 inspectors.These monitoring activities will continue throughout the tournament and the National Day celebrations, ensuring a comprehensive regulatory framework that reflects the Ministry's commitment to providing a healthy and safe environment for all.Meanwhile, Al Rayyan Municipality announced the intensification of its inspection campaigns across tourist establishments within its jurisdiction in preparation for the tournament. The campaigns target restaurants, hotels, shops, and other facilities frequented by visitors and tourists to ensure full compliance with approved health requirements and provide a safe and healthy environment during this major sporting event.The Ministry stressed the importance of public cooperation and encouraged residents and visitors to report any observations or complaints related to food establishments as part of ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and maintain public safety. 

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------------------ 

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.

Qatar Chamber hosted Monday the activities of the ‘2nd Conference on Environmental, Social, and Institutional Governance (ESG) Qatar 2025’, organised by Hawkama Centre for Public Relations, in cooperation with the Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) in England and Qatar Chamber as a strategic partner.Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali bin Saud al-Thani, president of the conference, affirmed that ESG has become a major driver of business worldwide. He stressed that companies seeking to strengthen their competitiveness in global markets and attract foreign direct investment must adhere to the highest international standards, with ESG now forming an integral component of these standards.He noted that Qatar holds a leading position in adopting ESG frameworks, guided by a proactive vision that places sustainability at the core of its national priorities. He explained that ESG standards serve as a fundamental pillar for building sustainable sectors such as tourism, financial services, and technology.Sheikh Dr Thani emphasised that ESG has evolved into a strategic tool for managing risks, generating growth opportunities, enhancing reputation, and attracting capital and talent. He warned that companies neglecting these standards risk falling behind in an increasingly dynamic and rapidly changing global economy.Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri said the conference plays a key role in raising awareness about the implementation of ESG standards across economic sectors. He noted that the event provides an important platform for showcasing best practices in governance, reporting, financial integration, and innovative approaches to sustainability.Alan Darby, Corporate Partnerships manager at ISEP–UK, said Qatar plays a leading role in integrating ESG standards, noting that ISEP co-operates with various Qatari entities and companies to implement best practices in this field.He also affirmed that the risks associated with climate change will have direct impacts on the economy, businesses, and supply chains. He noted that while these challenges pose significant risks, they also open the door to new economic opportunities, with the private sector expected to play a key role in addressing and leveraging them.Engineer Abdulwahab Bukshaisha from the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said Ashghal works to integrate ESG standards across all stages of its projects, placing community safety and quality of life at the top of its priorities.He noted that Ashghal is committed to developing facilities and urban infrastructure that enhance security and safety while promoting best practices. He stressed Ashghal’s commitment to working with a spirit of innovation to support the future of the State and reinforce the principles of sustainability.

Vodafone Qatar has announced the commercial launch of its 5G Standalone (SA) network, which marks a significant leap forward in its digital transformation journey.The company has partnered with Nokia to deliver 5G SA in Qatar, and they are jointly showcasing two use cases, immersive video applications and Data Centre Fabric, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha. The demonstrations showcase the capabilities of 5G SA for consumers and enterprises, which will further solidify Vodafone Qatar’s position as a leader in innovation.Visitors to MWC Doha can visit the Vodafone Qatar booth to view the two demos:Immersive 360 camera showcases, featuring Nokia’s 5G 360 camera and real-time eXtended Reality Multimedia (RXRM) software. The demonstration uses 5G SA to bring real-time, high-definition streaming capabilities to enterprises and consumers, enabling use cases like remote monitoring, immersive entertainment, virtual tourism, and enhanced security solutions.Data Centre Fabric is Nokia’s cutting-edge data centre networking solution that enhances the operator’s infrastructure with a highly scalable, resilient, and agile foundation. It will create a highly automated and programmable network environment, optimise resource utilisation and simplify management of Vodafone Qatar's operations.Ramy Boctor, Chief Technology officer at Vodafone Qatar, said: “The launch of our 5G Standalone network is a pivotal moment for Vodafone Qatar and for the nation’s digital future. By leveraging the full capabilities of 5G SA, we are not just offering faster speeds. We are enabling a new generation of services that will revolutionise industries, enhance daily lives and drive economic growth.“Our 5G network is at its most robust and extensive yet, and this, as part of our work to develop Qatar’s national digital infrastructure, is continuously opening up opportunities to embrace and deploy other emerging technologies.”Samar Mittal, vice president, MEA Market, Cloud and Network Services’ of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: “Nokia is proud to partner with Vodafone Qatar to launch 5G SA at MWC Doha.“This nationwide network modernisation project will enable Vodafone Qatar to deliver faster, more secure, and highly adaptable 5G services to consumers and businesses across the country, while preparing the network for next-generation innovations.”The 5G SA network, which incorporates Nokia’s autonomous network solutions and automated data centre fabric for the edge, will deliver dynamic network slices combined with intelligent automation, providing guaranteed performance, ultra-low latency, and enhanced security for specific consumer and enterprise applications and services.Attendees are invited to visit the Vodafone Qatar stand at MWC Doha to experience the future of connectivity and learn more about the transformative potential of 5G SA.