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Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ are set to go on sale this week, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced today.Starting from 30 September, 3pm Doha time, tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available. Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will go on sale exclusively to Visa cardholders starting 2 October, 3PM. All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans.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.Hassan Rabia Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, said: “The launch of our ticket sales marks an important milestone for us, as Qatar getsready to welcome the world once again. Fans will be treated to an exciting football season, where they will be able to experience the country’s signature hospitality and be part of awonderful cultural exchange that will showcase our shared passion for football.”FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets in three categories, 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. All stadiums will provide a number of accessible seating options for disabled fans.The opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974. All venues will feature a robust fan zone, where fans can enjoy a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.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.This is the second time that Qatar will be hosting the prestigious tournament. In 2021, the country successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the FIFA Arab Cup™, which was the first time the competition was played under the auspices of FIFA.In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup™ again in 2029 and 2033.FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available as a number of Day Pass options, with prices starting from QAR 20. The Day Pass will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as a number of cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see eight matches a day taking place during its various stages, for a total of 104 matches.Fans can also purchase a Prime Match Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All pitches will provide wheelchair-accessible seating for disabled fans. Tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues.Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The young Maroons will look to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament.The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets are available in two categories,with prices starting from QAR 15, and also includes accessible seating options.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and is the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams.For tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa, @u17worldcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms

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.

Saudi rider Khalid al-Eid stole the spotlight in the Diamond Tour of the second round of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour, securing both first and third places yesterday at QEF’s indoor arena.Al-Eid clocked 61.04 seconds on Q-Layen to win the title and added third place on Rakker DMC in 63.01 seconds. Brazil's Santiago Lambre took runner-up spot in 58 seconds on DB GI Diakitos in a field of just three riders.The Silver Tour delivered thrilling competition as Saeed Hamad Juma clinched victory in 26.49 seconds on Diesel. Hamad Nasser al-Qadi finished second in 26.93 seconds on Deep Water, while Salman Mohammed al-Emadi took third in 27.77 seconds on Toblerone.In the Future Riders class at 90cm, Fahad Talal al-Naimi emerged on top with a time of 54.14 seconds, riding Kroaat Van Orchid’s, just 0.14 seconds off the ideal time. Greek rider Melina Karagiannidi came second in 56.28 seconds on Tullibards Simply Cool, while Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani secured third place in 56.31 seconds on Zion II VDK.Championship Director Abdullah Al-Marri hailed the strong performances across the opening two rounds, noting the intensity and competitiveness in both show jumping and dressage. He underlined that the consistency shown by riders reflects their commitment and preparation, setting the stage for the upcoming competitions on the QEF calendar.Al-Marri expressed optimism about the future of Qatari equestrian sport, stressing the importance of continued hard work ahead of regional and international challenges. He voiced confidence that Qatari riders will represent Al-Adam with pride and achieve results that mirror the country’s equestrian development.The ninth edition of the prestigious series is organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation in partnership with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation.

The Al-Attiyah Foundation was a ‘Knowledge Partner’ at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Qatar 2025, held on at Georgetown University in Qatar Saturday.Organised under YOUNGO, the youth constituency of the UNFCCC, the event gathered students, activists, and experts to channel youth-driven messages into the COP climate process.As part of its contribution, Al-Attiyah Foundation hosted a high-level panel discussion that explored the complex and urgent transition facing energy-producing nations.The session was attended by young delegates from across Qatar and beyond, and featured dynamic exchanges between experts from industry, academia, and policymaking.The distinguished panel included Adil Mohammad, Deputy CEO of MBK-Global; Michael Wood, Partner, Mena EY Sustainability; and Dr Marcello Contestabile, Chief Economist at QEERI.Together, they addressed pressing issues such as the balance between energy security and climate goals, the role of natural gas as a transition fuel, and the opportunities presented by emerging technologies including carbon capture, green hydrogen, and energy storage solutions.The discussion also examined the financing and policy frameworks needed to accelerate renewable energy deployment, with a particular focus on how sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises can lead the way in diversification.Importantly, the panel emphasised the role of youth in driving innovation, awareness, and advocacy for a just and ambitious energy transition.The session drew on Qatar’s unique position as a global leader in LNG production and its growing investments in renewable energy, situating the Mena region at the heart of global climate and energy debates.The conversation underscored both the opportunities and challenges for countries reliant on fossil fuel revenues as they seek to align with the Paris Agreement and the global net-zero agenda.Through the event, the Al-Attiyah Foundation reaffirmed its role as a bridge between policymakers, industry leaders, and the next generation, highlighting the importance of youth voices in shaping pragmatic yet ambitious pathways to sustainability.The outcomes of the session will contribute to the official LCOY Qatar 2025 statement, ensuring that the perspectives of young people in the region are heard on the global stage.

Israel-Premier Tech have been excluded from the Giro dell'Emilia cycling race on October 4 in Italy for 'safety reasons', the organisers told AFP on Saturday.The Giro dell'Emilia, whose 2024 edition was won by cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar, will cover 199 kilometres from Mirandola to Bologna in northern Italy.The race concludes with a climb to the Madonna di San Luca sanctuary, not far from the historic centre of Bologna which has a large student population and a long history of left-wing politics.This week Bologna's local government, controlled by the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) called for Israel-Premier Tech's exclusion, citing "the Israeli government as guilty of serious crimes against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip."Roberta Li Calzi, the city's sports councillor, welcomed the decision to exclude the team."Given what is happening in Gaza it would have been hypocritical to consider the presence of a team linked to this (Israeli) government as insignificant," she said in a statement.Adriano Amici, president of GS Emilia which organises the one-day race, said the team "will unfortunately not be present at our race. We had to make this decision for reasons of public security.""There's too much danger for both the Israel Tech riders and others. The race's final circuit is run five times so the possibility of the race being disrupted is very high."It's a decision I regret having to make from a sporting perspective, but I had no other choice for public safety."The race is a ProSeries event, road cycling's second tier after the World Tour, and is a dress rehearsal for Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the year which takes place the following weekend.Four stages of this year's Vuelta, including the finale in Madrid, had to be cut short due to mass protests against Israel's continued offensive in Gaza and the participation in the event of the team, owned by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams.The Premier Tech group which co-sponsors the team and is the manufacturer that supplies the riders with their bikes, wants the team to remove the world "Israel" from the name.

The State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York under the theme: "Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being."The delegation of the State of Qatar was headed by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.In his address, HE Al Mahmoud emphasised the importance of joint international efforts to confront the growing challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third.He noted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritises the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, with a clear target of reducing NCD-related mortality by 36%.Drawing on the findings of the 2023 National STEPS Survey, HE Al Mahmoud highlighted the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, alongside innovative initiatives such as awareness programs linking oral health to the prevention of chronic diseases. He also underlined Qatar's continued investment in training healthcare professionals in collaboration with leading universities and institutions and the introduction of new care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health."Innovation lies at the heart of our vision," he said. "We employ AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine, through projects in personalised healthcare carried out in partnership between the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine."He further stressed Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.Qatar, HE Al Mahmoud added, has also expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centres, and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.He affirmed: "The progress achieved by the State of Qatar reflects its firm conviction that health is a fundamental pillar of human and social development. We reaffirm our commitment to continue these efforts and to work hand in hand with our international partners for a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for all."The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening global and national commitments to address the challenges of NCDs and mental health through enhanced cross-sectoral cooperation, health system transformation, sustainable financing, tackling social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants of risk and inequality, and accelerating a comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality response worldwide.

Old Doha Port strengthened its international presence as chief executive Mohammed Abdulla al-Mulla joined the closing roundtable of the Monaco Yacht Show Summit 2025 on Friday.The session, titled “How to Create a Sustainable Superyacht Destination?”, convened senior figures from leading yachting hubs to explore how destinations can future-proof their appeal while safeguarding marine ecosystems.Set against the backdrop of the world’s foremost gathering for the superyachting and luxury maritime industries, this year’s summit ran alongside the Monaco Yacht Show at Port Hercule on September 24-27.The programme placed innovation, design, and sustainability at the centre, spotlighting impactful eco-responsible solutions across the sector.As part of its broader presence in the flagship maritime event, Old Doha Port also sponsored the Upper Deck Lounge for the first time, and will continue sponsoring the show for the next two years, underscoring Qatar’s growing role in shaping the future of global yachting.“Taking part in the Monaco Yacht Show Summit affirms Old Doha Port’s role among the world’s leading yachting destinations and allows us to share Qatar’s vision for sustainable growth,” said al-Mulla.“In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, we are building a luxury maritime tourism sector that blends heritage, innovation, and environmental responsibility, supports SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), maritime, and cultural industries, and ensures Qatar has a voice in global conversations shaping the future of superyachting,” he added.

HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met with Jorge Moreira da Silva, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting dealt with discussing bilateral co-operation between Qatar and the UN, and the means to enhance them.

Hamad Nasser al-Qadi stole the spotlight during the second round of the ninth edition of the Qatar Equestrian Tour – Longines Hathab, winning the Golden Tour Friday at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena. Riding Viahipi d'Auzay, al-Qadi produced a brilliant time of 27.99 seconds to secure first place, ahead of Khaled Mohammed al-Emadi on Qapella Di Lino (29.06) and Mohammed Saeed Haidan on Quick Bill (30.44).**media[361695]**In the Golden Tour team competition, Wathnan emerged victorious with a combined time of 68.92 seconds, edging Al Salam (69.49) and Lekhwiya. Tournament Director Abdullah al-Marri presented the awards to the winners.The day began with the Future Riders Round at 70 cm, where Nasser Hamad al-Thani claimed first place on Friedrichshof Dark Dream in 52.21 seconds, just 0.21 seconds behind the ideal time. Alya Ahmed al-Khater secured second with Soul Rebel (52.37), while Salman Faisal al-Marri finished third, also on Friedrichshof Dark Dream (52.66). Ahmed Khaled al-Humaidi, Equine Program Advisor at Al Shaqab, crowned the winners.**media[361696]**In the 110cm Open Tour, Yaqoub Nasser al-Mass impressed with a winning ride aboard Equinoxe de l'Aulne in 47.81 seconds. Khaled al-Hadi followed with back-to-back second and third places on Doremi du Flot Z (49.01) and 0 Carlton de Sauvageonn (49.25). The Junior category of the same round saw Mohammed Faisal al-Marri come out on top with Chou Chou Z (52.21). Sharida Nasser al-Kaabi on Extra Pam (55.36) and Mohammed Hamza al-Kuwari on Carte Blanche (55.75) placed second and third, respectively. Omar al-Buainain, Director of the Support Services Sector at the Qatar Equestrian Federation, crowned the winners.The second round concludes Saturday with the Diamond Tour, Silver Tour and Future Knights round. The Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour, jointly organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab – a member of Qatar Foundation – features 14 rounds to be held until May 2026. It stands as one of the country’s most prominent equestrian championships.

The availability of electric heavy-duty trucks remains "limited" in Qatar and the wider Gulf Co-operation Council or GCC, underscoring the urgent need to expand supply and attract manufacturers to the region, a PricewaterhouseCoopers or PwC study has said.Stressing that accelerating sustainable trucking offers significant, measurable climate benefits; PwC Middle East research shows that, under a government-led scenario, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar could avoid up to 2.6mn tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2035 – the equivalent of 2.6 years of Qatar’s current road freight emissions.PwC and TruKKer, the Middle East’s first and largest on-demand truck aggregator, in their joint research across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar found that electric heavy-duty truck availability in the GCC remains limited, especially in the crucial mid-weight segment (10–20 tonnes), hindering fleet diversification and slowing electrification.With only 15 zero-emission models available - 70% fewer than in Europe - and most internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles being second-hand imports, "the region needs to expand its EV model availability, attract OEMs, and tailor deployment strategies to accelerate sustainable road freight transformation."The report said ambitious commitments made by countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries include nationwide electrification targets to public-private partnerships for clean transport.With GCC countries committing to net-zero targets, decarbonising heavy transport – one of the most emissions-intensive sectors – is essential, it said, adding without intervention, logistics emissions risk offsetting pervades into other areas.The shift to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks offers a chance to rethink mobility and reshape the region’s energy model, according to the report ‘Driving change – the future of sustainable heavy-duty trucks in the Middle East’.For economies built on hydrocarbons, road freight is both a challenge and an opportunity – a bridge between legacy systems and the cleaner, technology-led future outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE Net Zero by 2050, Qatar National Vision 2030 and vision programs of other GCC countries, it said.Scaling zero-emission trucks can cut emissions while driving industrial innovation and diversification, it added.“With smarter policy, investment and the right incentives, zero-emission trucks can soon outpace their combustion-engine counterparts not just environmentally but commercially. The GCC has everything it needs to lead this transition, including a fast-growing clean energy base, a strong logistics backbone, and the ambition to drive change," said Heiko Seitz, Global Transport and Logistics Leader, PwC Middle East.Calling for a confident and future-focused coordinated action plan; it said this is not only about reducing emissions, but on building a road freight system that is more efficient, more resilient, and ready for the next generation of growth.Clear regulations and subsidies can spark early demand, strong grid and charging networks will enable operations, cost optimisation through renewable integration will make fleets viable and localised solutions will ensure technology works in the Gulf region’s unique climate and logistics environment.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Friday his country's condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Qatar on Sept 9.In his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif affirmed Pakistan's condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli violation of Qatar's sovereignty, in the attack that targeted residential buildings in Doha, and its violation of the sovereignty of other countries in the region.Separately, the Pakistani prime minister said that the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the genocide against innocent Palestinian civilians represent a stain on the global conscience and a collective moral failure, reiterating the demand to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.He also welcomed the official recognition of the State of Palestine by a number of countries, calling on other countries to do the same. He recalled Pakistan's supportive position for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.Sharif also addressed the Ukraine-Russia crisis in his speech, affirming his country's support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two countries in accordance with the UN Charter.He also spoke, in separate contexts, about climate change, world peace, and Islamophobia.

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in cooperation with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), organized a side event titled "Family First: A Foundation for Social Development," on the sidelines of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.The event was attended by more than 71 participants representing diplomatic missions in Geneva, international and regional organizations, and civil society organizations concerned with family and social development issues. HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah stated in a speech that the event is being held at a pivotal moment as the world faces increasing challenges, noting that its aim is to highlight the central role of the family in driving social development.HE Dr. Hind affirmed that families around the world continue to face serious challenges, including poverty, limited access to productive and decent employment, social exclusion, and the need for protection during armed conflicts.In this context, she pointed out that more than 7,320 families in the Gaza Strip have been completely wiped out or reduced to one or two surviving members as a result of the genocide crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power.HE Dr. Hind stressed that addressing these challenges is essential to achieving comprehensive and sustainable development for all, noting that the progress made since the first World Summit for Social Development still requires further efforts to strengthen support and empowerment of families globally.She referred to the launch by the State of Qatar in June 2025 of the Social Development and Family's Strategy for 2025-2030 under the slogan "From Care to Empowerment," which embodies its firm commitment to enhancing social cohesion through a comprehensive approach that responds to the actual needs of society.She explained that this strategy places families at the heart of national development, recognizing them as a pillar of stability, identity, and resilience, and represents a qualitative leap in Qatar's social development efforts by addressing both current priorities and future aspirations.HE Dr. Hind noted that governments, civil society, and international organizations have a fundamental role in this field, calling for the strengthening of family-supportive policies, enhancing social protection, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and developing inclusive labor markets as practical steps to empower families and help them thrive.