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Britain, Australia, Canada and Portugal on Sunday recognised a Palestinian state in a coordinated, historic shift in decades of Western foreign policy, triggering swift anger from Israel.Other countries, including France, are due to follow Monday at the annual UN General Assembly opening in New York.Israel has come under huge international pressure over its war against Hamas in Gaza, which has sparked a dire humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the statehood moves, later vowing to expand Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.Netanyahu spoke after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was formally recognising the State of Palestine "to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution".The UK and Canada became the first members of the Group of Seven advanced economies to take the step, with Australia following suit.Portugal said Sunday it recognises a Palestinian state, making it the latest Western nation to make the symbolic move as the war in Gaza shows no sign of ending."Recognizing the State of Palestine is therefore the fulfilment of a fundamental, consistent, and widely agreed policy," Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel told reporters in New York."Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace, one that promotes coexistence and peaceful relations between Israel and Palestine," he added.Three-quarters of UN members now recognise Palestinian statehood, with at least 144 of the 193 member countries having taken the step.Canada "offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future", Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the move "recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own".Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas hailed the recognitions as "an important and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace".French President Emmanuel Macron insisted in an interview with a US television network that releasing the hostages captured in 2023 would be "a requirement very clearly before opening, for instance, an embassy in Palestine".It is a watershed moment for Palestinians and their ambitions for statehood, with the most powerful Western nations having long argued it should only come as part of a negotiated peace deal with Israel.Although a largely symbolic move, it puts those countries at odds with the US and Israel.US President Donald Trump said last week after talks with Starmer during a state visit to the UK that "one of our few disagreements" was over Palestinian statehood.A growing number of longtime Israeli allies have shifted their long-held positions as Israel has intensified its Gaza offensive.The Gaza Strip has suffered vast destruction, with a growing international outcry over the besieged coastal territory's spiralling death toll and a UN-declared famine.The UK government has come under increasing public pressure to act, with thousands of people rallying every month on the streets. A poll released by YouGov on Friday showed two-thirds of British people aged 18-25 supported Palestinian statehood.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed via phone the outcomes of a virtual summit convened by Macron on September 15, focused on regional developments, including the Israeli war on Gaza and the blatant Israeli aggression against the State of Qatar. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, al-Sisi expressed appreciation for Macron's initiative to host the summit, which aimed to explore ways to de-escalate tensions across the region.During the call, al-Sisi also briefed Macron on the key outcomes of the emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha. The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming "Two-State Solution" conference, scheduled for Sept 22 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly's high-level session in New York. Both sides underscored the importance of the conference as a pivotal step toward recognizing the State of Palestine, in line with the two-state framework and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.Al-Sisi welcomed France's recent announcement of its intention to recognize the State of Palestine, calling it a positive contribution to achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. He also urged countries that have yet to recognize Palestine to take similar steps in support of international efforts to end the conflict and promote regional stability.

Salman Mohammed al-Emadi, riding Higoletta van de Kapel, delivered two flawless rounds with times of 32.69 and 32.28 seconds to claim the top prize in the Gold Tour (140cm) as the opening round of the Longines Hathab Season 9 concluded at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena Saturday. Ghanim Nasser al-Qadi came second on Isis, also completing clear rounds in 32.95 and 32.73 seconds. Rounding off the podium, Mohammed Saeed Haidan partnered with Quick Bill for another perfect record in 33.87 and 33.28 seconds in the feature event of the day, limited for 10 riders. In the team competition of the same class, Wathnan team claimed first place with a combined time of 66.56 seconds, followed by Lekhwiya (70.34 seconds) and Al Fardan (74.51 seconds). Earlier, Haidan, riding D Saucedo, clinched the Silver Tour (130cm) title. Haidan clocked 22.90 seconds to prevail over Saudi rider Bader Alfard, who finished second aboard Kimberly in 26.00 seconds. Khalid Mohammed al-Emadi secured third place with a time of 25.51 seconds on Qapella Di Lino. In the Future Riders 90cm round, rider Al Reem Hamza al-Kuwari took first place with a time of 54.05 seconds aboard Jani. Khalifa bin Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani finished second and third with times of 56.48 and 57.11 seconds aboard Zion Wardfree. In dressage events, Abdulla Khalid al-Julandani (D3), Hamyan al-Kowari (D2), and Sara Almahasneh (D1) topped their respective categories.

The AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 has kicked off at Grand Hamad Stadium, with Iraq and Kuwait ending in a 1-1 tie in the first match of the tournament. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia beat Bahrain 4-0 at Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in the second match of the day.The tournament is taking place in Qatar from 20 September to 3 October, bringing together young football talents from the region to compete for the coveted trophy. This is the first time that the competition is being held under the auspices of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).“This tournament showcases the high calibre of young players from the Arabian Gulf. Over the next two weeks, Qatar will play host to future stars in the making. We invite fans to be part of this exciting competition and support emerging football talents from the region, while celebrating our shared passion for football,” said Jassim Sultan Al Rumaihi, AGCFF Secretary General.Hosts Qatar will play their first match on 21 September at Grand Hamad Stadium, 6pm, against Yemen, while UAE will take on Oman at 20:00 at Suheim bin Hamad Stadium. Both venues are accessible, ensuring a barrier-free experience for disabled fans.Fans can purchase tickets online from tickets.qfa.qa , starting from QAR 10. All tickets are digital.Participating teams include the eight member associations of the federation and have been divided into two groups. Group A features hosts Qatar, who will play alongside United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. Group B includes Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait.The AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 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 3-27 November at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. This will be followed by the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December.For inquiries regarding tickets, fans can email: [email protected] purchase accessibility tickets, fans can email: [email protected] all information related to the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, follow @AGCFF on all major social media platforms.

Qatar Youth Hostels (QYH) has concluded its "Your Game is My Idea" hackathon.Held in partnership with the Studio 5 Initiative, the five-day hackathon from September 14-18 targeted those aged 13-17, with the participation of 22 young men and women."We witnessed the conclusion of the 'Your Game is My Idea' hackathon for the 13-17 age group, in a successful and fruitful partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) through the Studio 5 Initiative,” the QYH said yesterday."The hackathon focused on video game design through programming and interactive design, with the aim of promoting Qatari culture and innovation,” it continued. “This exceptional edition witnessed diverse participation and creative ideas from participants to create innovative tourism and heritage games aimed at promoting tourism and technology culture."During the first three days, participating teams were engaged in understanding the process and environment of creating and designing games and characters.On the fourth day, they entered the programming phase of the approved game ideas.On the final day, the teams completed their game development and submitted them to the testing phase.Each team presented and explained their game to the judging panel headed by Nouf Abdulaziz al-Haddad, the chief of the Digital Competencies Department and director of Studio 5 at the MCIT.The *Peninsula game was selected as the programme's winning game.During her speech at the closing ceremony, al-Haddad emphasised that "Studio 5's participation in organising the 'Your Game is My Idea' hackathon falls within the MCIT’s efforts to develop digital skills among Qatari youth by providing an interactive learning environment that enhances their capabilities”.“The hackathon enables participants to gain practical experience in developing digital games that reflect Qatari identity, from concept design to implementation, strengthening their technical capabilities and preparing them for a promising digital future,” she said.The QYH concluded that "through these programmes, we aspire to encourage children to become more involved in the fields of tourism and technology, discover their talents, and harness them in projects that help develop their skills so they can become leaders in various areas of life”.

Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) has participated in the 62nd Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). QMC’s Director of International Co-operation Office Abdullah Ghanem al-Mohannadi led the Qatari delegation to the event held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The assembly addressed the role of media in preserving national and cultural heritage. Qatar’s participation reflects its commitment to introducing the country’s national efforts in the field of media, and opens new prospects for media cooperation between media institutions in the Asia-Pacific region and the State of Qatar.

The “Sudan Retold Edition 1½”, a compelling exploration of Sudanese cultural wealth and intellectual achievement, was launched Friday at Alhosh Gallery at The Pearl Island.The event featured a book launch and an accompanying art exhibition, immersing attendees in photography, paintings, and multimedia installations that bring Sudan’s creative stories into dialogue with themes of memory, space, and community.Curated by Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Artist-in-Residence Khalid Albaih, alongside Larissa-Diana Fuhrmann and Abdelrahiem (Rahiem) Shadad, the project invites audiences to engage with Sudanese narratives beyond dominant political or historical frameworks, opening a space for alternative voices, layered interpretations, and artistic testimony.The initiative is part of the “Seeing Sudan: Politics Through Art” conference, a three-day event that began on September 18 at the Four Seasons Doha.It also forms part of a long-term project, now more than a decade in the making, that unites Sudanese artists, writers, curators, and cultural workers responding to a country often reduced to a single narrative despite its diverse cultures, religions, languages, and histories.Edited by Albaih, Fuhrmann, and Suzi Mirghani, the second volume of “Sudan Retold” was developed amid Sudan’s fragile transitional period: from the revolution, to renewed repression, to the 2021 military coup.With many contributors now displaced by ongoing conflict, the work resonates across geographies, weaving fiction, personal memory, archival fragments, and visual storytelling.The curators noted that the book and exhibition “are not historical overviews. They are fragments, fictions, testimonies, and visual narratives. They draw on personal archives, oral histories, forgotten objects, and speculative figures – not to reconstruct a singular past, but to open space tor layered, plural understandings of Sudan”.Among the featured works is *The Khartoum School by Ayat R H Ahmed, highlighting the influential Sudanese modern art movement shaped by artists such as Ahmed Shibrain, Ibrahim El Salahi, and Kamala Ishag.El Salahi, who once studied art in London, fused Western influences with Sudanese traditions to create a distinctive style that redefined audiences’ perceptions of modern African art.Also showcased is *Echoes of the Studio: Faces from the Archive by Waleed Mohammad, which reimagines mid-20th-century Sudanese studio portraits and family photographs, offering a meditation on continuity, change, and loss across generations.Another installation revisits “The Neighbourhood Association”, a tradition dating back to 1990 in Khartoum’s Burri district, where women organised collective support for community events, embodying enduring practices of solidarity.The exhibition also features *An Ode from the Diaspora, a series of illustrated poems that narrate fictional conversations between Sudanese creatives wrestling with self-doubt on the eve of the 2019 revolution – an exploration of art’s power to inspire change.

Coaches of the teams participating in the Gulf Cup for U-17 football, set to kick off Saturday in Doha, highlighted the tournament as a key step in building a generation of players with valuable international experience.Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia, leading the Qatari U-17 team, said the competition offers “an important test” as Qatar prepares for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in November. He added that the tournament will help players gain experience, refine their skills, and adapt to different levels of competition.Iraq’s Jose Maria Zarco echoed the sentiment, noting his team is in good shape and the timing of the tournament is ideal for assessing player readiness.Saudi Arabia coach Abdulwahab Nasser al-Harbi emphasised the value of the Gulf Cup in preparing for upcoming events, including the World Cup, despite missing some players due to club commitments.Bahrain’s Croatian coach Olewo Klingor praised the organisation and described the tournament as “a major challenge and an important step” in developing young talent. Kuwait’s Tariq al-Khelaifi said the competition will aid preparations for Asian Cup qualifiers next month, while Yemen’s Samer Mohammed Saleh highlighted the opportunity for first-time international players to gain exposure.UAE coach Majid Salem Al Zaabi stressed the tournament’s role in preparing his squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and Oman’s Ahmed Bait Saeed expressed enthusiasm for the strong competition and opportunities for interaction.The tournament opens tomorrow with Iraq facing Kuwait at 6pm at Grand Hamad Stadium, followed by Saudi Arabia vs. Bahrain at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar will start its campaign tomorrow against Yemen at Grand Hamad Stadium, alongside UAE vs. Oman at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on September 30, with the final scheduled for October 3 at Grand Hamad Stadium.

There must be something special about the Japanese air for American sprinters as Noah Lyles and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden swept the 200 metres world titles in Tokyo, emulating Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix in Osaka 18 years ago. Rai Benjamin's win in the men's 400m hurdles – adding the world title to the Olympic gold he won last year – made it a special night for track and field powerhouse United States.Lyles had to battle to get his head in front, but the showman with the dyed-blond locks managed it handsomely and secured a fourth successive 200m crown to emulate Usain Bolt. For the 28-year-old, who raised his arms to the heavens and then let out a mighty roar when his name was announced before the start, his feelings were the polar opposite to how he felt after winning Olympic bronze in Tokyo in 2021."At that time I was depressed, but this time I am energised," said Lyles, who went over and hugged his mum Keisha Caine Bishop. "My face is blasted all over Tokyo. This is amazing and such a joyous moment I am going to keep with me forever."In contrast 100m champion Jefferson-Wooden coasted to victory, becoming the first double champion since another Jamaican sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in Moscow in 2013. "I am now looking forward to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics," the 24-year-old said. "I definitely put a target on my back."The women's 400m hurdles race lacked the drama of the men's – it was already without its superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who had instead swept to an imperious victory in the flat 400m on Thursday – with Femke Bol of the Netherlands retaining the title. Bol can only beat what is in front of her and she did that with aplomb as the Dutchwoman blazed home in 51.54sec, ahead of American Jasmine Jones and Slovakia's Emma Zapletalova. "This means the world to me," said the 25-year-old. "At these world championships I had to keep my title. I am proud of myself and my team for doing it."Bol admitted that Olympic champion and world record holder McLaughlin-Levrone probably would have beaten her. The race was notable for the absence of McLaughlin-Levrone, who chose not to compete in the hurdles in the Japanese capital so she could concentrate on the 400m flat race."I most likely wouldn't be here with the gold medal but I really love to race her," said Bol. "She's the best athlete to ever do it in my event so I would have loved to do it, but I also love to see her do so well in the 400 metres."Bol's win marked the end of another successful season after completing an incredible sixth Diamond League campaign unbeaten. But she has not fared as well in her infrequent match-ups with McLaughlin-Levrone, who beat her into third place on the way to gold at last year's Paris Olympics. Bol's first world title, in Budapest two years ago, also came without having to beat McLaughlin-Levrone, who missed the competition through injury.McLaughlin-Levrone hinted on Thursday that she could attempt a remarkable 400m hurdles-flat double at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Bol said she would "love to see her do both". "If she feels physically ready for that, that would be amazing to see because I think if someone could pull it off, it would be her," she said.If anything the most drama occurred in a sandpit involving a hop, skip and a jump – the men's triple jump final. Italy's Andrea Dallavalle livened up a competition that had not really caught fire by snatching the lead with his sixth and final effort – a personal best of 17.64 metres.However, Portugal's long-time leader Pedro Pichardo reacted in the best possible way and with the last jump of the final, 17.91m, he regained the lead and won gold -- in the same stadium where he won the Olympic title four years ago.Four years ago Norway were on a crest of an Olympic wave in track and field as Karsten Warholm and Jakob Ingebrigtsen won gold. Warholm broke the 400m hurdles world record that scorching hot day in Tokyo, and his celebration was one of the iconic moments of those Games.On Friday he was far from his best, hitting the third hurdle, and slumped to the ground at the finish, putting his hand to his face. Ingebrigtsen won the 1,500m Olympic title in 2021, but only sneaked into 5,000m final by the skin of his teeth."I am not myself," he said. "I don't have any idea what I am going to do in the final. I will try my best. Can it be a medal for Norway? I don't know, maybe. We will see."

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has spotted an environmental violation involving the entry of three marine vessels into the fishing harbour of Bu Zuluf, located west of Al-Ruwais Port, where they collided with the coral reefs.A field inspection team from the ministry’s Marine Protection Department examined the site and found topographical changes to the seabed caused by the direct contact of the vessels with the coral reefs. This resulted in the destruction of coral structures, a reduction in the percentage of live coral cover, and erosion and sedimentation in parts of the reef area due to the collision.The ministry explained that these damages negatively affected the rich biodiversity of the area, home to many fish, invertebrates, and marine organisms associated with the coral reef ecosystem.The ministry stressed that it has taken the necessary legal measures against the violators, while confirming its continued efforts to intensify the protection of natural resources and monitor and detect any environmental violations against the country’s marine ecosystems.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to Governor-General of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Marcella Althea Liburd on the occasion of her country's Independence Day.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani also sent a similar cable to Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Michael Drew on the occasion.

Mohammed Saeed Haidan set the pace on the second day of the ninth Qatar Equestrian Tour Longines Hathab, winning the Diamond Round (150cm) with a blistering time of 30.42 seconds aboard Quick Neck. Saudi rider Khaled al-Eid followed in second and third place, clocking 34.41 seconds with Q Line and 37.15 seconds with Racker.In the Juniors Round, Sherida Nasser al-Kaabi took first place in 21.52 seconds on Extra Bam, edging Amer Hamad al-Mansouri (21.76, Flexi) and Hadi Nasser al-Shahwani (21.85, Monopoly).The Open Round was dominated by Yaqoub Nasser al-Mas, who stormed to victory in 20.26 seconds on Iconix. Khalid al-Hadi came second with Carlton (21.24), while Nada al-Rubaish placed third on Murdock (21.35).In the Future Riders Tour, Hessa Ali al-Jaber produced the closest ride to the perfect 50-second mark, stopping the clock at 50.63 on Jeel. Alia Ahmed al-Khater followed with second and third place finishes in 50.81 (Sita) and 50.88 (Zoro).The first round concludes Saturday with the Gold and Silver Rounds, the Future Riders Round, and Dressage competitions at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s indoor arena.