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His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Jordan's King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein discussed the fraternal relations between the two countries and the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.This came during a phone call the Amir received Monday from the Jordanian king. The call also explored the latest updates in the US plan to end the war and ongoing efforts to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja starred with bat and ball as India hammered West Indies by an innings and 140 runs inside three days of the first Test Saturday.India declared on their overnight 448-5, a lead of 286, and then bundled the West Indies out for 146 in the second session at the world’s biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad.It was another heavy and demoralising defeat for West Indies, who are a pale shadow of the team that once ruled world cricket.Left-handed Jadeja stood out for India with 4-54 from his spin bowling after he hit an unbeaten 104 for his sixth Test century and was named player of the match.“Honestly, I think this was the perfect game for us,” India skipper Shubman Gill said. “Three centuries and we fielded really well, so no complaints.”“When you’ve got quality spinners like them, it’s difficult to be able to rotate, but it’s good to have an option of too many,” he said of his bowlers. “That’s the fun of playing in India.”Alick Athanaze, a left-handed number three, made 38 and offered some belated resistance with Justin Greaves in a partnership of 46, but the rest of the West Indies batting fell apart.Washington Sundar and then pace bowler Mohammed Siraj struck regular blows before Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the match as the West Indies innings folded in 45.1 overs.Siraj continued his good form with figures of 4-40 in the first innings after West Indies opted to bat. He then extended his tally of wickets this year to 30, after playing a key role in India’s 2-2 draw in England. India have still not lost a Test to the West Indies at home since 1994.‘Improve skills’West Indies were swept 3-0 at home by Australia this year and were bowled out for 27 in the third match - the second-lowest score in Test history. Their batting woes continued after they won the toss and could only manage a meagre first innings total of 162.“Obviously, we had a poor batting display, that’s been something that’s been plaguing us for the past two series,”Chase told reporters. “We’ve not been able to at least bat 80 overs by a day or even get at least 250 or 300 runs on the board.”“I just think that we have to improve our skill levels.”KL Rahul led India’s batting dominance with his 100 before Dhruv Jurel, who made 125, and Jadeja put on 206 for the fifth wicket on Friday. Jadeja took on the West Indies spinners, hitting left-arm orthodox Jomel Warrican for five sixes.Chase claimed two wickets and debutant left-arm spinner Khary Pierre claimed his first in a Test after wicketkeeper-batsman Jurel registered his maiden Test century. West Indies have struggled in the absence of premier fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, both ruled out with injury.India are strong favourites to win 2-0 against an opposition that is a pale shadow of the team that once ruled world cricket.The second Test begins on October 10 in New Delhi.BRIEF SCORES: India 448 for 5 (Jurel 125, Jadeja 104*, Rahul Chase 2-90) beat West Indies 162 (Greaves 32, Siraj 4-40, Bumrah 3-42) and 146 (Athanaze 38, Jadeja 4-54, Siraj 3-31) by an innings and 140 runs.

Parents of students at Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Pre-University Education (PUE) schools expressed their deep appreciation for the pivotal role teachers play in their children’s lives on World Teachers’ Day.According to parents, a teacher is not merely a transmitter of knowledge, but a source of inspiration who instils values, uncovers hidden talents, and transforms the learning journey into a rich human experience that extends beyond the classroom.Dana Abdullatif al-Kuwari, a parent of a student at Education City High School (ECHS) under QF’s PUE, said: “I believe that teachers are the primary source of inspiration for my daughter, as they have helped her build self-confidence and given her the motivation to become more responsible in her educational journey.“The secret to a teacher’s success lies in their patience, passion, and ability to see the potential in their students. I clearly found these qualities in the teachers at QF, who provided her with opportunities to experiment and discover her talents, helping her strengthen her abilities and overcome challenges.”Al-Kuwari added: “I am grateful to the teachers for making the learning experience enjoyable rather than just about academic grades. They have instilled in my daughter curiosity, confidence, and the pursuit of excellence.”Wadha al-Maawdah, a mother of children at Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS) and Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), both schools under QF’s PUE, recalled how her daughter’s shyness at the beginning of the school year was transformed through her teacher’s support. “Her teacher involved her in group activities and collaborative tasks, and step by step she built friendships and gained confidence, which made a significant difference in her personality both inside and outside of school.”An alumnus of QAD, al-Maawdah added: “I witnessed this same dedication when one of her teachers recognised her passion for art and encouraged her to participate in exhibitions. This not only boosted her confidence but also transformed art from a hobby into a meaningful way of expression.“I am thankful to every teacher who has been a guiding light for my children and a source of support at every stage. Thanks to their efforts, my children’s educational journey has been enriched with knowledge, confidence, and personal growth.”Reema Said, whose daughter studies at QAD, highlighted how teachers’ encouragement extended beyond academics. “Their positive impact was especially evident when they encouraged her to participate in extracurricular activities, which enhanced her sense of responsibility.“The teachers at QF provided her with a nurturing environment that encouraged her to explore and discover her talents. Thanks to their efforts, learning has become an inspiring journey that enriches her personality with confidence and curiosity. For this, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to them for being the reason behind our children’s growth and success.”

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its joint invaluable mediation work to end the tragic war in the Gaza Strip.In a press statement, Guterres said he is encouraged by the statement issued by Hamas announcing its readiness to release hostages and to engage in negotiations on the basis of the recent proposal presented by President of the United States of America Donald Trump.The UN Secretary-General urged all parties to seize the opportunity to end the war in Gaza and reiterated his consistent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also thanked Qatar in particular and other Arab countries for their role in mediating a ceasefire in Gaza.In a post on X, she said: The US peace plan, already approved by Israel, supported by the European states, by many Islamic states, and by the Palestinian National Authority—thanks to the mediation of the Arab countries and in particular Qatar, which I wish to thank for its efforts—has also received an initial positive response from Hamas, which has first of all declared its willingness to release all the hostages within the framework of a ceasefire."We must all commit ourselves to ensuring that this extraordinary opportunity is seized."

The Qatar Off Road Championship delivered an action-packed spectacle in the Sealine area, drawing riders into a fierce contest across challenging desert terrain.In Class 1, the UAE’s Mohammad al-Balooshi came out on top, completing 18 laps in 1:11:37 to secure first place ahead of Great Britain’s Alex McInnes and compatriot Abdulla Lanjawi.Class 2 saw another Emirati triumph as Mansoor al-Suwaidi clinched victory with 18 laps in 1:16:43, followed by Abdulaziz Ahli and Ali Hasan al-Marzooqi. The championship continues with the fifth survival round scheduled for November 13-14.

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, made a field visit to several factories operating in the food and beverage manufacturing sector at the Small and Medium Industries Zone Saturday.The visit reflects the ministry’s commitment to monitoring developments in the national industrial sector and understanding its needs and future plans. During the tour, the minister was briefed on the factories’ key products, production capacities, processes, and latest technologies. He also reviewed their expansion and developmental plans.HE Sheikh Faisal reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing the growth of the industrial sector, in line with the National Manufacturing Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy. He emphasised the ministry’s continued efforts to provide facilities and incentives for national factories, enhance the industrial business environment, streamline procedures, and engage with investors, thereby fostering high-quality investments and supporting the development of national industries.

Huge numbers turned out at pro-Palestinian rallies in Europe on Saturday, calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the release of activists on board a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the territory.Organisers of the protest in Rome said hundreds of thousands of people had turned out for a fourth day running, after Israel intercepted the 45-strong flotilla seeking to reach Gaza earlier this week.Some 70,000 people, according to police, took to the streets in Barcelona, in one of several pro-Palestinian protests to take place across Spain.Elsewhere, several thousand people marched through the centre of the Irish capital, Dublin, to mark what organisers said was "two years of genocide" in Gaza.With Ireland, Spain is one of the fiercest European critics of Israel's military offensive in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas militants' October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip.But in Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's hard-right government has been criticised for its inaction on the siege of the Palestinian territory.On Saturday, Meloni accused demonstrators of defacing a statue of Pope John Paul II with graffiti in front of Rome's main train station, calling it a "shameful act"."They claim to take to the streets for peace, but they insult the memory of a man who was a true defender and builder of peace," she said in a statement.Protesters in the Italian capital, including families with children, shouted, "We are all Palestinians", "Free Palestine" and "Stop the genocide", with many carrying Palestinian flags and wearing black-and-white chequered keffiyehs."Usually, I don't appreciate large-scale demonstrations, but today, I couldn't bring myself to stay home," Donato Colucci, a 44-year-old scout leader accompanying 150 youths from a secular association, told AFP."I think countries like Italy, France, and Spain have developed a culture of resistance and democratic values more than others because they experienced dictatorship and violence."In Barcelona, Marta Carranza, a 65-year-old pensioner demonstrating with a Palestinian flag on her back, said Israel's policy "has been wrong for many years and we have to take to the streets".The Global Sumud flotilla, which was intercepted on Wednesday, left Barcelona in early September and had been seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, where the United Nations says famine has taken hold.Around 50 Spaniards on the flotilla have been detained by Israel, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told public television in an interview aired on Saturday.The flotilla organisers say Israel's actions were "illegal" since they intercepted the vessels while they were traversing international waters.Jordi Bas, a 40-year-old primary school teacher waving a Palestinian flag, said the huge turn-out was "predictable". "People are beginning to wake up a bit," he said."It's the only thing that can give them (Palestinians) a little encouragement, to see that the whole world is mobilising in solidarity with them," he added.On September 14, around 100,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators forced the halt of the final stage of the Vuelta a Espana cycling race in the Spanish capital, where an Israeli team was competing.Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Israel should be barred from international sport over the Gaza war, just as Russia was penalised over its invasion of Ukraine.In September, Spain said it would ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which have been described by UN rights chief Volker Turk as a war crime.In Ireland, speakers called for sanctions on Israel and an immediate end to the conflict -- and Palestinian involvement in the ceasefire plan."Any plan that's made without the involvement of the leadership or the people involved has to be suspect," said John-Paul Murphy, a 37-year-old medical doctor.

Only 30 days remain for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. Taking place from 3-27 November, the tournament will bring together 48 young teams from across the globe to compete for the coveted trophy. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The young Maroons will kick off their campaign against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The team will look to improve on Qatar‘s highest achievement in the competition, when they finished in fourth place in 1991. For Qatar’s U-17 national team player, Zaid Faisal, the tournament is an important milestone for young players. “It’s a matter of pride to play for your country in the World Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity for us as future generations to showcase our talents, and the opportunity to play with international teams from all over the world will provide invaluable experience. I hope we make Qatar proud.” “Our goal is to qualify from the group stage. It is important that we give it our best. The world will be watching us. We will be competing against strong teams. This is a big opportunity that will open new doors for players like me,” said Omar Al Marzouqi, who also plays for Al Sadd SC.For Ahmed Saber Aboueitah, who plays his club football for Qatar Stars League side Al Arabi SC, being part of the Qatari U-17 national team is a dream come true. “It has been my dream to represent Qatar at the World Cup. This exposure is important to grow as a player. Playing against stronger teams and players makes you much more confident. I am ready to give my best and make the team proud. Someday, I hope to play for the first team at the World Cup.”All 104 matches of the tournament will take place at the at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, where fans will be treated to an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. Tickets for the tournament are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans can purchase a Day Pass for QAR 20, which will enable them to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets for the Final are available in two categories, with prices starting from QAR 15, and also include accessible seating options. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time.All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.

Sheikh Salim bin Said bin Hamed al-Fannah al-Araimi, chairman of Galfar Engineering & Contracting and former president of the Oman Football Association (OFA) passed away Friday. Al-Araimi founded Galfar in 1972, transforming it into Oman’s largest contractor and a public joint stock company in 2007.In addition to his role at Galfar, al-Araimi was chairman of Bank Sohar and Salim International Investment Holding, and served on the board of the Oman Charitable Organisation. His contributions to Oman's infrastructure and economic development were significant, earning him an honorary doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2007.A passionate advocate for sports, he played a pivotal role in promoting football in Oman, particularly through his leadership at the OFA and involvement with Arouba Club.Al-Araimi’s legacy is marked by his commitment to philanthropy, community development, and sports, leaving a lasting impact on Oman’s growth and prosperity. It was in 1995 that Galfar Al Misnad, began its independent operations in Qatar, building upon the legacy of Galfar Oman.

Qatar has affirmed full support for the Libyan political process, relevant Security Council resolutions, and all peaceful solutions that preserve Libya's unity, stability, and sovereignty as well as achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people for security, peace, development, and prosperity.This came in Qatar's statement delivered by third political researcher at the International Organisations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Salman al-Hammadi during his participation in the interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on technical assistance and capacity-building to improve human rights in Libya, Item 10, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.Al-Hammadi welcomed the efforts and activities implemented by the OHCHR, in co-operation with the Libyan authorities, to provide support, technical assistance, and capacity-building to improve the protection of human rights and address challenges, especially during this transitional period the country is undergoing.Having reviewed the report, Qatar, he noted, condemns all violations committed against the Libyan people and calls on all Libyan parties to respect their obligations under international laws and agreements, promote national reconciliation and transitional justice, and ensure accountability for all violations committed against Libyans.Al-Hammadi urged the international community and the Office of the High Commissioner to continue providing technical assistance and coordinating with Libyan authorities and institutions to identify needs and priorities and ways to respond to them, thus contributing to achieving positive results and assisting Libya in implementing its international human rights obligations.Meanwhile, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada al-Nashif, stressed that any sustainable political settlement in Libya must be grounded in justice, human rights, and address the root causes of conflict and weak governance, while also establishing legitimate institutions.Speaking during the interactive dialogue, al-Nashif said Libya is at a critical turning point. She noted that the UN Support Mission's political roadmap, announced in August, has renewed hope after years of political stalemate.She added that the roadmap paves the way for national elections, unified institutions, and structured dialogue, but warned that the country still faces major challenges stemming from a longstanding legacy of serious human rights violations.Al-Nashif emphasised the need for the effective participation of all groups, including minorities, to ensure an inclusive national dialogue capable of moving Libya forward.She also referred to a recent report detailing the activities of the UN Human Rights Office in Libya, highlighting efforts to bring together stakeholders from both eastern and western Libya to reach consensus on a legislative framework for transitional justice and national reconciliation, as well as a law to prevent violence against women.

Khaled al-Eid, Manar Rashid al-Shahwani and Yaqoub Nasser Al Mass were among the standout winners on the second day of the third round of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab staged at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena. Saudi rider al-Eid triumphed in the Golden Tour (140cm) with Racker, edging Bader al-Fard on Levigon and Qatar’s Hamad Nasser al-Qadi on Edison. The Open Class (110cm) was won by al-Mass aboard Pontendro, with Mohammed Dhafi al-Ardi second on Destiny and Chun Yuen Ammy Xiao third with Carton. In the junior category, Chun Yuen secured top spot riding Carton, ahead of Sharida Nasser al-Kaabi on Extra Bam and Tamim bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on Just In Time. In the Future Riders (70cm) class, al-Shahwani clinched first place with Frederikshof, followed by Eva al-Jarmakani on Korapaun and Alia Ahmed al-Khater on Zoro.

Saudi Arabia have been crowned champions of the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, after claiming a 2-0 win against the UAE in the final match held at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha.The tournament brought together young football talents from the region to compete for the coveted trophy. This was the first time that the competition was held under the auspices of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).“Over the past two weeks, we witnessed the phenomenal talents of young players from the Arabian Gulf. The successful delivery of this tournament once again showcased Qatar’s commitment towards supporting emerging football talents from the region, while uniting fans to celebrate our shared passion for football. Congratulations to all the players who took part, and to Saudi Arabia for clinching the trophy,” said Jassim Sultan al-Rumaihi, AGCFF Secretary General.The AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup is a precursor to a spectacular line-up of tournaments scheduled for this winter. Hosts Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 that will take place from November 3-27 at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. This will be followed by the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup from 1-18 December. Fans can purchase tickets for both tournaments at www.roadtoqatar.qa. In addition, Qatar is also set to host the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 from December 4-16, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.