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Sunday, December 21, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "international" (203 articles)

Gulf Times
International

Turkish President and Spanish Prime Minister Discuss Developments in Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues during a phone call with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, particularly developments in the Gaza Strip and the need to halt the Israeli aggression and ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid. During the call, President Erdogan stressed the need to stop Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and prevent him from undermining peace in the region, emphasizing that the Israeli occupation government has demonstrated through its actions its lack of intention to achieve peace. Erdogan noted that the current session of the UN General Assembly witnessed significant steps toward implementing the two-state solution, stressing that Türkiye will continue its efforts to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Gulf Times
International

QFFD strengthens international dialogue at UNGA80 to advance inclusive and sustainable development

On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) reaffirmed the State of Qatar's leadership role in advancing global dialogue and strengthening international cooperation, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to pressing challenges and driving inclusive development. Through a series of high-level discussions, QFFD brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to collective action towards a more prosperous, just, and inclusive future. Highlighting its commitment to gender equality, QFFD partnered with Foreign Policy, as part of Her Power Forum under its Women in Conflict Zones initiative. The session "Women in Conflict Zones: From Marginalization to Mobilization." The discussion brought together global leaders to explore actionable strategies for meaningfully integrating women into peacebuilding and development processes, emphasizing their vital role in driving resilience and sustainable recovery. QFFD, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, co-hosted a high-level panel titled 'Global Development in Evolution: What's Next for the Future of Health, Food, and Education'. The session explored how geopolitical shifts, climate pressures, and demographic changes are reshaping development models, highlighting the importance of open dialogue, innovative financing, and strong partnerships to unlock resources for communities most in need and to advance global development that is inclusive, responsive, and effective. In parallel, QFFD joined forces with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation to host a high-level roundtable "Delivering Health for All: Scaling Immunization through Universal Health Coverage and Innovative Financing." The discussion emphasized the role of immunization as a cornerstone of global health and examined how Universal Health Coverage, policy reforms, delivery innovations, and innovative financing can expand equitable access to healthcare and strengthen resilience Kholoud Al Mohannadi, Head of Communications and Global Advocacy, at QFFD, stated: "Dialogue is the driving force of progress. It unlocks practical and innovative solutions that not only tackle today's most urgent challenges but also lay the foundations for lasting resilience. Working closely with our partners, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future that is just, inclusive, and sustainable for all". In addition to these platforms, QFFD also engaged in dialogues addressing youth employment, digital inclusion, and the eradication of poverty and hunger, underscoring its recognition of the vital interlinkages between these critical sectors and the integrated approach required to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Through these efforts, QFFD continues to advance Qatar's international cooperation agenda, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, inclusive dialogue, and collective progress.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar partakes in plenary meeting on UNGA sidelines

Qatar participated in the high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Director of International Organisations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman al-Thani.

Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib
Business

URDG 758 and ISDGP: The two needed possible options

Legal Perspective To promote international trade, there is a great need for financial guarantees to support exports and imports. In this respect, the International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) “Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees” (URDG 758) and the United Nations Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit (ISDGP) are both giving international guidelines for guarantees. The UN endorsed the “URDG 758” in 2011 to promote a kind of clarity, predictability, sustainability and great harmonisation in international trade. Both are relating to guarantees, one for "demand" guarantees whereas the other for "independent" guarantees. While the URDG 758 rules have been developed and published by the ICC with the intention to promote and to specify rules for "demand" guarantees, needed for international trade purposes. With this understanding in mind, we say that the UN Convention is intended as an international convention for "independent" guarantees and standby letters of credit. To explain more, we take the opportunity to highlight some features of the URDG and the UN Convention. The URDG 758 rules govern demand guarantees, which are forms of financial security used in international trade to ensure performance or payment. The current edition, URDG 758, came into force on 2010. The UN endorsed the URDG 758 in 2011 with the aim of harmonising international trade law and at the same time to remove all legal obstacles to enhance international trade. The URDG 758 mainly aims to provide clarity, precision, and predictability in demand guarantee practices. Regarding the ISDGP, we can say that, this is an international convention created by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). The Convention, provides a legal framework for independent guarantees and standby letters of credit, which are also common in international trade frequent transactions. The UN Convention and the URDG often cover similar areas and are sometimes used in conjunction or in comparison to one another; the two resemble the two sides of the coin. Harmonisation is taken as a relationship and significance to both, the URDG and the UN Convention enable them to work towards harmonising trade practices and laws related to guarantees in their different shapes. The UN's endorsement of the URDG 758 signifies the clear support of the international community for these rules and their role in modernising trade. With reference to application, it is left for the parties to a guarantee who can choose which rules to apply. For the URDG, important to say, the guarantee itself expressly indicates it is subject to the URDG and for them to be applicable. The United Nations Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters as UCP and URDG are issued with the aim of developing different international trade relations. The UNICITRAL and the UN endorses ICC Demand Guarantee Rules the “URDG 758, and this endorsement reinforces the ICC mandate of removing legal different obstacles to international trade by actively and progressively modernising procedures and enhancing relative laws and regulations. International trade, deserves all support to promote international ties and peaceful relations between all parts of the world. An “independent” guarantee, like a “demand guarantee”, creates a primary direct obligation for the guarantor, separate from the underlying contract and requires payment upon presentation of a demand. The key difference is that a demand guarantee is a specific type of independent guarantee, where the payment is triggered by a simple written demand by the beneficiary, regardless of the underlying contract's performance. In contrast, other independent guarantees may have more specific conditions for payment that are tied to the main agreement. Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib is a corporate legal counsel. Email: [email protected]

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar debunks NYT claims about Witkoff

Qatar's International Media Office has debunked claims that Qatar attempted to cultivate a relationship with Steve Witkoff through a lobbying programme, years in advance of his appointment to public office, including his later role as Middle East envoy.The International Media Office (IMO), in a statement said these claims are entirely false and so lacking in credibility that they can only be described as absurd.In response to false accusations carried by The New York Times, IMO said Qatari investment entities, both state and private, have maintained business relationships with Witkoff for many years, long before President Trump was elected."These accusations come from questionable sources and are intended to target Qatar and Witkoff as part of a coordinated effort to sow tension and division between Qatar and the United States, while undermining efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza. They serve the interests of bad actors who oppose the work our two countries are doing to advance international peace and stability."The New York Times chose to disregard key facts shared with them in order to manufacture a story - for example, that the hotel in question was not owned by Witkoff or his companies at the time of purchase."The IMO said Qatar always interacts with the United States government at an institutional level. "Our relations are built on decades of department-to-department co-operation across a range of shared interests, including diplomacy, security and economic partnership."Qatar's investment decisions are kept entirely separate from diplomacy. Strict governance ensures that one does not influence the other." The IMO said Qatar's investments in the United States are based strictly on long-term economic and financial criteria. "In cases where business and diplomatic interests overlap, safeguards are introduced to prevent any conflict of interest."

Gulf Times
Qatar

Hamad International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an Airport strengthen partnership to drive innovation and connectivity between Qatar and China

Hamad International Airport has signed a significant Sister Airport agreement with Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX), reinforcing Qatar-China ties and further expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between the Middle East and China. The MoU was signed at Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong by Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, and Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group and Board Chairman of Shenzhen Airport Co., Ltd. The agreement, signed between MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Shenzhen Capital Group, operator of Shenzhen Bao'an, establishes a strategic framework for collaboration. Focus areas include exchanging market insights, coordinated route planning, and technology adoption, leveraging their shared strength as innovation hubs, to strengthen connectivity for passengers and trade flows between China, the Middle East, and beyond. Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport said: "By linking Doha and Shenzhen, with shared values in technology and service excellence, we are creating smarter, more sustainable journeys for future travelers while advancing stronger economic and cultural ties between our nations." Chen Fanhua, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen Airport Group, said: "Hamad International Airport is a leading hub in the Middle East, and partnering with it represents a meaningful step in Shenzhen Airport's journey toward internationalization. As one of the gateways of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Airport is committed to expanding its global network and enhancing its hub functions. Through this partnership, we will work hand in hand with Hamad International Airport to provide passengers with more seamless and convenient travel experiences, open new opportunities for trade and tourism, and deliver sustainable value to passengers, airline partners, and the broader economies of both regions." Hamad International Airport connects to nine Chinese cities, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu as well as Hong Kong. These cities are connected to more than 120 global destinations through Doha. From January to August this year, Qatar's airport has served over 1.1 million passengers from these Chinese cities. At Routes World, the global aviation summit for route development and connectivity, Hamad International Airport engaged with airline partners best positioned to strengthen Qatar's global network, enhance passenger and cargo flows, and drive demand for Doha as a destination. The airport showcased its robust hub performance and its point-to-point passenger growth, reinforcing its position as a strategic connector between Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Recent milestones underscore the momentum of Qatar and China's successful aviation partnership. In October 2024, Shenzhen Airlines launched thrice-weekly Doha-Shenzhen flights, its first Middle East route and Doha's ninth Chinese destination. A testament to growing ties between Qatar and China, Qatar Airways recently announced the expansion of its codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines. Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern's three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its "CZ" code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. China Southern will further extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu, Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approval. This latest agreement between Hamad International Airport and Shenzhen Bao'an builds on its recent Sister Airport MoU with Beijing Daxing International Airport, further strengthening Qatar's strategic aviation links with China.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Minister of State for International Cooperation meets secretary of state for international development of Canada

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with the Secretary of State for International Development of Canada Randeep Sarai on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar wins bid to host the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has announced Qatar has won the bid to host the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. The decision was made during the FIVB Board of Administration meeting held Friday in Philippine’s capital, Manila.Qatar officially submitted its bid to host the 2029 edition of the Men’s World Championship, which received high praise after thorough review and evaluation by the FIVB. The FIVB officially confirmed Qatar’s selection to host the event, marking a historic milestone as the tournament will be held in the Middle East for the first time in its 70-year history.The decision reflects Qatar’s modern infrastructure, world-class sports facilities, advanced transport networks, and its unwavering commitment to the development of sport in general and volleyball in particular. It also highlights Qatar’s accumulated expertise, human capital, and cultural and organisational legacy in hosting major international sporting events across multiple disciplines.The World Championship is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions on the FIVB calendar, bringing together 32 national teams from around the world. The tournament enjoys global acclaim due to the high level of competition and the participation of the world’s top volleyball stars, cementing its position as one of the sport’s marquee events.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said: “Qatar’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship reaffirms our country’s prominent position on the global sporting map as a key and active partner in the Olympic Movement, and a preferred destination for international federations that trust in our organisational capabilities. Over the years, Qatar has proven its ability to successfully host major international championships, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, ideal environment that provides all the conditions for success, and the highly qualified national workforce with extensive experience in organising top-tier sporting events.”He added: “This milestone represents another step toward fulfilling Qatar’s sporting vision. We continuously strive to expand our partnerships with various international stakeholders, further reinforcing Qatar’s position as a strong contender to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. This reflects our unwavering commitment to Olympic values, youth empowerment, and investment in sport as a means to foster unity among nations and drive sustainable development.”Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, expressed pride in Qatar’s successful bid, describing it as a testament to FIVB’s confidence in the country’s organisational capabilities.“We are confident that this edition of the Championship will be the best in the tournament’s history,” he said. “Qatar’s victory in securing the hosting rights once again affirms its global leadership in organising major sports events to the highest international standards. We are committed to delivering a unique sporting experience for all participants and fans that reflects Qatar’s prominent position in the global sports landscape.” He added.He also stressed that the Championship would contribute to advancing sustainable development efforts in alignment with the QOC’s Strategic Plan 2023–2030.He also confirmed that preparations for this major global event would begin immediately in coordination with all concerned entities, emphasising the importance of collective efforts to deliver an exceptional edition befitting Qatar’s stature in the world of sports.He concluded by thanking the FIVB for its trust, promising to create the best possible conditions for the participating teams, guests, and fans, and to deliver a world-class event that meets the highest international standards.Fabio Azevedo, President of the International Volleyball Federation said: “The 2029 Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Qatar will mark another major milestone in the upwards trajectory of volleyball. Through this host decision, which marks another first-time host for our flagship competition, we are partnering with a nation that understands volleyball’s ability to bring communities together, inspire young people and celebrate the positive power of our sport. We look forward to working ‘Together as One’ to help build a powerful legacy through our sport for Qatar and the wider region.”Ugo Valensi, CEO of the Volleyball World said: “The Middle East is one of the most dynamic growth markets for volleyball, and we are proud to bring the World Championships to the region for the first time in 2029. Qatar has proven itself as a world-class host of major sporting events and has a passionate volleyball fan base. This tournament is a unique opportunity to deepen that connection, attract new fans, and set new benchmarks for our sport in innovation, presentation and fan experience”Qatar has an impressive track record of hosting major international sporting events, having organised 18 World Championships over the past 20 years. These include the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which was successfully hosted as the first edition in the Middle East and was widely hailed as the best in the tournament’s history, the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, the 2014 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), the 2015 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship, the 2016 UCI Road World Championships, the 2018 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships, the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games in 2019, the 2023 World Judo Championships, the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, and the 2025 World Table Tennis Championships.Doha is also preparing to host other upcoming global events, such as the 2026 World Shooting Championships, the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the 2030 Asian Games. Qatar’s successful bid to host the championship further strengthens its ambitious track record in organising major international sporting events. It also aligns with the country’s active participation in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee regarding its bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036. Through this endeavour, Qatar reaffirms its deep commitment to promoting Olympic values, empowering youth, and leveraging sport as a bridge between cultures—drawing on its strong sporting legacy, world-class infrastructure, and extensive organisational expertise.

Gulf Times
Region

GCC Secretary-General says brutal Israeli attack on Qatar violates international law

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasim Mohamed Albudaiwi said that the recent Israeli attack on the State of Qatar constitutes a blatant violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and Qatar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that Israel targeted residential facilities housing members of the negotiating delegation from the Hamas Political Bureau during ongoing talks and mediation efforts hosted by Doha to reach an agreement on Gaza. Albudaiwi made these remarks during his speech at the joint strategic partnership meeting between the GCC and the United States, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting was co-chaired by Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, and current GCC chair, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He highlighted that the Israeli attack endangered civilian lives in a residential area filled with schools, diplomatic missions, and kindergartens. He reaffirmed the GCC's full solidarity with Qatar, stressing that the security of the GCC states is indivisible and that any attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Regarding the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the Secretary-General said that the ongoing Israeli aggression, the crime of genocide being committed by Israeli forces, and the deliberate blockade that has caused famine pose serious threats to regional and international peace and security. He emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and a just, comprehensive settlement leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions. On Syria, Albudaiwi underscored the importance of respecting Syrian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs. He reaffirmed that Syria's security and stability are essential to regional stability, condemned repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, and stressed adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Turning to Lebanon, he reiterated the GCC's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability and highlighted the need for political and economic reforms to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people for stability, prosperity, and development. He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding maritime security and waterways in the region, countering activities that threaten regional and global stability, including attacks on commercial vessels, threats to shipping routes, and targeting of oil installations in GCC states. During the joint ministerial meeting, Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC-US partnership is a strategic necessity to ensure security, stability, and prosperity for all. He noted that the meeting reflects a strong commitment to strengthening this longstanding partnership, which has evolved over decades of close cooperation. He added that this partnership has been reinforced through five joint summits, most recently the Riyadh Summit in 2025, which witnessed the signing of trade and investment agreements exceeding $2 trillion. On the economic front, Albudaiwi reported that bilateral trade between the GCC and the United States surpassed $120 billion in 2024, supported by significant Gulf investments in the US economy. He also pointed to the depth of educational and cultural ties, noting that tens of thousands of Gulf students currently study at US universities and that hundreds of thousands have graduated from American institutions over the past six decades. He expressed hope that Gulf students will continue to study in the United States without facing any consular or procedural obstacles.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Minister of State for International Cooperation meets ESCWA Secretary-General

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with Dr. Rola Abdullah Hussein Dashti, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The meeting dealt with areas of cooperation between the State of Qatar and ESCWA in sustainable development, empowering the most vulnerable groups, and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.During the meeting, Dr. Al Misnad reaffirmed the State of Qatar's interest in strengthening partnerships with regional and international organizations to achieve common goals in development and economic prosperity.For her part, Dr. Dashti praised Qatar's active role in supporting development and humanitarian work and emphasized ESCWA's commitment to expanding avenues of cooperation with Qatar.Both sides agreed to continue coordination and consultations on future programs and initiatives that serve economic and social development in the region.

Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil and Invicta Racing (10) leads the field into turn one at the start
Sport

F2 set for action at Lusail International Circuit

Formula 2, the premier feeder series to Formula 1, is once again set to bring the next generation of racing stars to Lusail International Circuit (LIC) this year. Often deemed as the ultimate proving ground for young drivers, Formula 2 delivers high-intensity, wheel-to-wheel racing where talent and racecraft are on full display – often shaping the careers of future Formula 1 champions. Last season, LIC hosted one of the final rounds of the F2 calendar, where fans witnessed a dramatic showdown featuring Gabriel Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar, Zane Maloney, and Paul Aron in their hunt for the title. Bortoleto ultimately claimed the championship, ahead of Paul Aron in second and Isack Hadjar in third. Both Bortoleto and Hadjar have since progressed to the pinnacle of motorsport, joining the 2025 F1 grid – a testament to how F2 serves as the final stepping stone to F1, where every overtake, pit stop, and podium finish can shape a career. As the 2025 season builds momentum, LIC once again takes its place as the penultimate round on the calendar, promising another weekend of intense racing. The 5.38 km circuit, with its flowing corners and 1.068 km straight, offers a true test of driver skill – one that pushes the grid to its limits in both sprint and feature races. Drivers to Watch in 2025 This year’s F2 championship is proving as competitive as ever, with several standout talents emerging at the top of the standings: Leonardo Fornaroli (188 points) – The Italian continues to lead the standings and remains the benchmark thanks to his consistency across both Sprint and Feature races. Fornaroli’s 2025 wins include Silverstone Sprint, Spa Sprint, Budapest Feature, and Monza Sprint. In Baku, he crossed the line third but dropped to fifth after a 10-second time penalty, losing ground in the championship fight. Jak Crawford (169 points) – The American strengthened his championship bid with a commanding Feature Race win in Baku—his fourth victory of the year—after converting pole position and fending off Joshua Duerksen in a tense finish. Crawford’s season tally also includes triumphs in the Imola Sprint, Monaco Feature, and Silverstone Feature. As Aston Martin’s development driver, he’s now Fornaroli’s closest challenger. Luke Browning (161 points) – The British driver remains firmly in contention. His maiden Feature Race victory at Monza and a string of consistent podiums keep him within striking distance of the leaders. Richard Verschoor (151 points) – The Dutchman has enjoyed a strong campaign, highlighted by three wins (Jeddah Feature, Barcelona Sprint, Spielberg Feature). In Baku, he added more points with a solid eighth-place finish, keeping him in touch with the top group. Alex Dunne (130 points) – The Irish rookie continues to shine. With Feature Race wins in Sakhir and Imola plus multiple podiums, Dunne underlines his aggressive but controlled style, cementing his place as one of the season’s breakout stars. Further down the order, Josep Martí (112 points) and Arvid Lindblad (109 points) continue to impress—Martí with his early-season Sprint win and Lindblad with standout performances like his charge from P14 to sixth in Baku. Dino Beganovic (96 points) also made waves in Azerbaijan, adding a Sprint Race victory and a Feature Race podium to his résumé, while Roman Staněk (81 points) remains a consistent points-scorer. A Proven Pathway to Formula 1 Looking ahead to 2026, F2 drivers are already being linked to full-time F1 seats. Jak Crawford is confirmed to be in active talks with Cadillac’s F1 team for 2026, positioning him as one of the foremost candidates should an opportunity arise. Meanwhile, Red Bull is preparing Arvid Lindblad for a likely promotion to their Racing Bulls outfit, having granted him an early super-licence and placed him behind the wheel in F1 practice sessions. These developments underscore F2’s role as the proving ground for motorsport’s next generation. With the new Dallara F2 chassis introduced in 2024 – lighter, more powerful, and designed to mimic modern F1 handling characteristics – drivers are developing skills directly transferable to the F1 grid. The Stage is Set at LIC As the championship battle tightens, LIC will once again provide a decisive stage. The Qatar round being the second last of the season, running as part of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 weekend, offers fans the unique opportunity to witness both F1 and F2 in action – seeing today’s heroes and tomorrow’s stars compete on the same track. Tickets for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 are available now at https://tickets.lcsc.qa.

Gulf Times
International

HH the Amir’s 80th UN General Assembly speech draws global media attention

Major international media outlets, including BBC, CNN, and Sputnik, have highlighted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s powerful speech at the UN General Assembly. His Highness The Amir addressed regional conflicts, condemned violations of Qatar’s sovereignty, and reaffirmed Qatar’s role in promoting peace and diplomacy. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) BBC website quoted His Highness the Amir as saying that Israeli Prime Minister seeks to turn the Arab region into an Israeli sphere of influence. The website quoted His Highness the Amir saying that Doha was subjected to “a grave violation of a state’s sovereignty and a blatant breach of international norms, and a heinous act which we branded as state terrorism.” US News Network (CNN) The Network highlighted His Highness the Amir’s remarks that “The fallback of this international order in favor of the logic of power means paving the way for the law of the jungle to prevail.” CNN aired video clips from His Highness the Amir’s speech, in which His Highness the Amir emphasized that “They visit our country while planning to bomb it.” Russian news agency (Sputnik) The news agency quoted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as saying: “Doha came under a treacherous attack targeting a meeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation at the residence of one of its members in a residential neighborhood hosting schools and diplomatic missions.” Sputnik also focused on His Highness the Amir’s statement that the Israeli attack constitutes an assault on a mediating, peace-making state whose diplomacy has been devoted to resolving conflicts through peaceful means.