tag

Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari has participated in a session titled "Beyond Sharm El-Sheikh: The Gulf Amidst Conflicts in the Middle East," as part of the Mediterranean Dialogues 2025 Forum, held in Naples, Italy. Dr al-Ansari addressed the most prominent political and security challenges facing the region in the wake of recent developments, stressing the importance of the Gulf role in consolidating regional stability and promoting dialogue and diplomacy. He said that the Israeli attack on Doha last September marked a turning point in the GCC states' approach to collective security, prompting a reassessment of regional and international partnership priorities and enhanced security co-ordination in the face of growing threats. Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, following the signing of the ceasefire agreement during the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, Dr al-Ansari stressed that any future political or security arrangements must be based on international legitimacy and reflect the will of the Palestinian people, within the framework of a comprehensive vision for a two-state solution as the only path toward a just and comprehensive peace. He said that Qatar, despite security challenges, continues to uphold its role as a peacemaking force and effective mediator in the region, placing at the top of its priorities the promotion of political dialogue and support for the humanitarian response, particularly in the Palestinian issue. He highlighted the importance of Qatari-Gulf, American, and European partnerships in enhancing regional security, noting that the current phase requires multilateral co-operation to confront crises and prevent their escalation, in a manner that maintains regional stability and serves the interests of the people.

The inaugural edition of the Qatar Rapid Team Chess Championship 2025 will kick off Thursday at the Qatar Chess Training Centre, with 24 teams in action over two days.Organised by the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), the tournament is open to all FIDE-rated players and will follow the Swiss system format over seven rounds, with each game timed at 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move. The first three rounds are scheduled for Thursday, while the final rounds will take place Friday.A total prize pool of QR21,000 will be awarded to top-performing teams.The championship features a mixed-gender team format, requiring each team to field four players – three men on the open boards and one woman on a designated board. Notably, only titled players (FM, IM, GM) are allowed to play on Board 1, although female players holding these titles may also compete on either Board 1 or the women’s board.Ahead of the launch, the organising committee concluded preparations. A technical meeting with team representatives and the referee panel was held to review tournament regulations. The referees’ briefing was led by Dr Yousef al-Muhasna, Head of the Referees Committee, along with International Arbiters Sara al-Mohannadi and Hussein al-Haddad.

In a collective effort to advance sustainable development through education, education leaders and key stakeholders from across the Arab states concluded in Beirut Wednesday the ESD-NET Arab Region 2025 Regional Workshop. The two-day high-level strategic meeting aimed to accelerate the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into national education systems and to strengthen regional collaboration to drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by the Unesco Regional Office in Beirut, in partnership with the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the workshop serves as a key milestone in supporting Arab member states to operationalise the ESD-NET Global Network framework. It focuses on confirming the ESD-NET Terms of Reference, finalising the 2026–2027 Regional Roadmap, and aligning collective efforts to mainstream sustainability within education systems in the region. "This workshop is a new beginning towards a green and sustainable Arab education. Unesco, through its offices in Beirut, Doha, and its headquarters in Paris, is fully committed to supporting countries in this journey — strengthening education systems, empowering teachers, developing curricula, and building strong partnerships with communities and the private sector," said Maysoun Chehab, officer in charge of the Unesco Regional Office in Beirut. This gathering builds on the momentum generated by the 2025 ESD-Arab NET webinar series, which mobilised governments, civil society, the private sector and academic institutions to strengthen the ESD ecosystem in the Arab region. A key highlight of the workshop was the official launch of the Arabic language versions of the Greening Education Partnership’s resources, including the Green Schools Quality Standard and the Greening Curriculum Guidance. “These important resources will support countries in transforming learning environments and curricula to be more climate-responsive and action-oriented," said Salah Khaled, director of the Unesco Regional Office for the Gulf states and Yemen.

The Qatar Pavilion has officially concluded its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka after 184 days of operation, marking the end of a landmark journey that welcomed over 2mn visitors. Over the course of the expo, the pavilion became a hub of cultural dialogue, innovation, and exchange, reflecting Qatar's commitment to sharing its heritage and vision with the world.It also stood as a prominent platform enhancing Qatar's cultural and economic presence on the global stage and embodying the nation's vision of building bridges of co-operation and understanding among peoples. Under the theme 'From the Coastline, We Progress', the pavilion showcased Qatar's transformation from its maritime roots into a modern, knowledge-driven society. Through its striking architectural design, immersive exhibitions, and interactive cultural programming, the pavilion offered visitors an experience that blended authenticity with innovation.Throughout the six-month participation, the pavilion held 141 days of events, and saw the collaboration of 15 Qatari entities, resulting in 19 special events, in addition to five major activations organized directly by the pavilion. It also welcomed 70 VIP visits, reinforcing its role as a hub for cultural and diplomatic engagement.Qatar's ambassador to Japan and commissioner-general of the pavilion, Jaber bin Jarallah al-Marri, said: "The Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has served as a distinguished platform for cultural and diplomatic exchange, allowing us to present our values and national identity to the world, while strengthening bonds of friendship and understanding with Japan and the international community. Welcoming more than 2mn visitors reflects the success of our participation and the global interest in Qatar's rich heritage and ambitious vision for the future."For his part, chairman of the National Organizing Committee for Qatar's Participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed al-Thani emphasised: "The Qatar pavilion reflects our national pride, cultural heritage and forward vision. Its success is a testament to the strong collaboration among our institutions and shared commitment to sharing Qatar's story."Through this participation, we strengthened ties with Japan and reaffirmed our presence on the global stage. The pavilion's ability to engage millions of visitors, host high-level delegations and deliver impactful programming demonstrates our capacity to lead with creativity and purpose. We are proud of the legacy this pavilion leaves behind and look forward to building on this momentum in future global events."Director of the Qatar Pavilion, Faisal Abdulrahman al-Ibrahim, stated: "The pavilion's ability to deliver a memorable and engaging experience is a testament to Qatar's commitment to excellence in international representation. We take pride in knowing that our pavilion left a lasting impression on all the visitors in Osaka."The pavilion extended its sincere gratitude to all national entities and partners and volunteers whose contributions enriched its successful participation with talks, workshops, and cultural showcases, allowing visitors to experience Qatar in a compelling and engaging way. The Qatar Pavilion's journey at Expo 2025 Osaka reflects the country's ability to share its heritage, creativity, and forward-looking vision with the world. Its success not only strengthens Qatar's international presence but also paves the way for its upcoming participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, and future expos and global events.

Football fans from across the region are set to be treated to an exciting FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy experience organised by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of the tournament. As part of the tour, a dedicated booth will be set up at the following venues, allowing fans to learn more about the upcoming tournament and take photographs with the prestigious trophy: Saudi Arabia Red Sea Mall (Jeddah) | 15-19 OctoberThe Boulevard (Riyadh) | 12-16 NovemberAl Nakheel Mall (Dammam) | 19 – 23 November BahrainThe Avenues Mall | 15-19 October KuwaitThe Avenues Mall | 29 October – 2 November OmanThe Avenues Mall | 29 October – 2 November UAEDubai Mall (Dubai) | 5-9 November Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi) | 5-9 November The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from 1-18 December across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: www.roadtoqatar.qa, 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 tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has officially opened volunteer registrations for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, set to take place from November 28 to 30, 2025. From October 12 until 25, 2025, nationals and residents aged 18 and above are invited to apply for a chance to be part of Qatar’s most anticipated international sporting event of 2025.Building on the success of last year’s volunteer program — which saw more than 600 participants from 40 nationalities, with a split of 55% male and 45% female volunteers, including 210 students contributing across key operational areas.This year’s edition promises to be even larger and more engaging, offering a range of exciting roles and first-hand experience behind the scenes of Formula 1.Volunteers will have the opportunity to work across several essential departments, including Events, Marketing, Communication, Ticketing, Sustainability, Fanzone and more, supporting the seamless delivery of the race weekend. Each volunteer will receive specialized training and on-ground experience, gaining unique insights into event management, motorsport operations, and large-scale hospitality.The initiative reflects LIC’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and local empowerment, providing nationals and residents with a chance to contribute directly to Qatar’s growing motorsport landscape. Through the volunteer program, LIC continues to foster national talent, promote inclusivity, and strengthen the circuit’s position as a self-sustaining venue driven by the passion and participation of the community.Applicants can register through the official volunteer sign-up link (https://events.lcsc.qa/volunteer/public/register). Selected volunteers will be contacted after the closing date for onboarding and training sessions.The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 is set to offer hundreds of volunteers an unforgettable weekend filled with racing, entertainment, learning, and culture; presenting an opportunity to be part of something truly special.

Qatar Motorsport Academy rider Jake Franklin was crowned the champion of the 2025 FIM MiniGP Qatar Championship, after concluding the five-round series with an impressive 213 points.Franklin’s consistent performance throughout the season, including five race wins, secured him the top spot ahead of Mohammed Adel al-Mutawa, who accumulated a total of 185 points. The final championship podium was completed by Anas Boukabache in third place, with Andrea Giaccherio and Tyler Netterberg rounding out the top five positions respectively.The championship title was decided in a thrilling finale during Round 5 at the Lusail track. In the second race of the day, Franklin clinched a decisive victory, finishing the 15-lap race with a time of 15:07.502 and also setting the fastest lap at 59.873 seconds. Al-Mutawa finished just 1.377 seconds behind him in second place, while Boukabache finished third. Earlier in Race 1, the roles were reversed as Al Mutawa took the win ahead of Franklin, with Tyler Netterberg securing third place, setting the stage for the dramatic final race showdown that ultimately saw Franklin emerge as the overall champion.

Ticket sales for the second edition of the ‘Qatar Boat Show 2025’ are officially open. On November 5-8 Old Doha Port will once again transform into the heart of global maritime luxury, bringing together world-class yacht builders, marine innovators, and lifestyle brands from across the world. This year’s edition is poised to be bigger, better, and more spectacular than ever, celebrating Qatar’s spirit of heritage, innovation, and maritime excellence.

Leading regional retail chain LuLu Hypermarket has launched the “Festival of Spain 2025”, which will run across all LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar until October 15.The week-long celebration was officially inaugurated recently at LuLu Hypermarket Giardino, The Pearl Qatar, in a ceremony graced by Spanish ambassador to Qatar Dr Álvaro Renedo Zalba, along with dignitaries from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar and other guests.The festival showcases an extensive range of Spanish-branded products, offering shoppers an opportunity to experience the country’s rich flavours and culture.Eye-catching themed displays inspired by Spain’s iconic landmarks, along with creatively arranged product presentations, create a cultural atmosphere throughout LuLu Hypermarket’s aisles, blending tradition with modern retail excitement.As part of the festivities, customers can enjoy live sampling booths featuring Spanish delicacies and culinary specialities.The promotion includes a wide assortment of fresh imports from Spain, including premium cheeses, artisanal bread, and farm-fresh produce – allowing shoppers to savour the true essence of Spanish cuisine.“LuLu Group is doing an extraordinary job in promoting high-quality Spanish products in Qatar,” Dr Zalba said at the inauguration. “Their efforts go beyond commerce – they bring a touch of Spain’s rich culture and gastronomy to the Qatari community, fostering appreciation for our culinary traditions.”“As a lover of gastronomy, I find Lulu’s initiative truly impressive and commendable,” he added.“This festival is not just about trade; it is about building bridges between our peoples through the universal language of food,” the envoy continued. “Gastronomy is an art and a form of soft power that strengthens cultural ties, and LuLu is playing a key role in deepening the connection between Spain and Qatar.”“LuLu Group has been consistently celebrating Spain’s rich culinary heritage through our annual Spanish Festival, and this year, we have further expanded our range with a greater selection of authentic products sourced directly from Spain,” LuLu Group International director Dr Mohamed Althaf said.“At LuLu, we place great emphasis on transparency and traceability in our sourcing process,” he said. “Our dedicated team based in Spain ensures that every product we import complies with Qatar’s regulatory, health, and halal standards.”“This year’s highlights include several new additions that showcase the country’s diverse agricultural strength,” Dr Althaf continued. “Spain remains a global leader in high-quality food production, and through our strong sourcing network, efficient logistics, and quality assurance systems, we continue to offer premium Spanish products at affordable prices to our customers in Qatar.”LuLu’s state-of-the-art logistics and warehousing facility in Madrid, operated under Y International, plays a vital role in ensuring a steady supply of Spanish products to LuLu hypermarkets across the region.The facility, along with Lulu’s global network of export distribution centres spanning 22 countries, including advanced hubs in the UK, the US, Australiaand Italy, supports LuLu’s mission to deliver world-class products at competitive prices to its customers.All shoppers are invited to immerse themselves in the “Festival of Spain 2025” and enjoy the vibrant flavours, culture, and traditions of Spain, exclusively at LuLu Hypermarket Qatar.

Aspetar on Saturday concluded its 2025 World Conference on Sports Medicine with a successful closing ceremony at the Aspire Dome. The event attracted over 1,000 participants globally and featured discussions on the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of sports medicine.Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, announced the dates for the hospital’s upcoming major scientific gatherings, including the Sports Rehabilitation Conference in 2026 and the second edition of the Aspetar World Conference on Sports Medicine in 2027, which will coincide with Aspetar’s 20th anniversary celebration. Al-Mawlawi encouraged professionals worldwide to prepare and participate in these future events, reaffirming Aspetar’s commitment to advancing sports medicine globally.Conference Chairman Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham al-Kuwari, in his closing remarks, emphasized the importance of fostering international collaboration and continuous innovation in sports medicine to enhance athlete health and performance. He highlighted the conference as a unique platform for exchanging scientific expertise and advancing innovative medical and technological solutions for injury prevention and athlete safety.The organizing committee expressed its gratitude to all participants and attendees, reaffirming Aspetar’s ongoing leadership and dedication to advancing sports medicine worldwide.The scientific program of the last day of the conference featured distinguished speakers and session leaders. Dr. Celeste Geertsema addressed medical challenges in extreme environments and best practices for athlete safety. Professor Dave Collins from the United Kingdom explored psychological aspects of athlete rehabilitation, emphasizing innovative mental strategies for successful returns to competition. Dr. Alan Getgood, Chief of Surgery at Aspetar, provided a comprehensive review of anterior cruciate ligament surgical advancements. Dr. Rodney Whiteley focused on training load balance and optimal workload management. Professor Stuart Phillips from Canada delivered evidence-based strategies for athlete recovery and safe return to play.Sessions led by Dr. Mohammeed Al Saey, Director of Sports Dentistry at Aspetar, examined oral health and its impact on athletic performance. Dr. Enda King, Head of Elite Athlete Performance Development, explored tendon and muscle injury management, rehabilitation for hamstring injuries, and return-to-running protocols. Dr. Juan Manuel Alonso, Aspetar sports medicine physician, chaired sessions on team travel management and infection prevention.The conference also highlighted contributions from Sheikha Abdullah, Aspetar Nutrition Specialist, who co-led sessions with Professor Stuart Phillips on advanced sports nutrition trends. Dr. Cristiano Eirale, Chief of Sports Medicine, and Dr. Milos Bojovic presented the latest in regenerative therapies including stem cell and biological treatments. Other notable experts included Mahmoud Ali Mohamed (sports nursing), Dr. Olaf Schumacher (injury risk management). The conference dedicated special programs to youth athletes and highlighted national Qatari initiatives supporting female athlete development and participation.In addition to the sessions, the closing ceremony featured distribution of awards for outstanding scientific presentations and recognition of major sponsors and partners, notably Hamad Medical Corporation, New Balance, Qatar Datamation, and Al Ameen Medical.Aspetar concluded the event by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and international collaboration across sports medicine disciplines, solidifying its position as a global center of excellence in sports medicine and scientific research.

Preparations are in full swing for the FIP Asia Padel Cup (Qatar 2025), set to take place from October 17 to 24, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.The tournament will be held in two phases. The first stage, from October 17-19, will feature 17 national teams ranked between 5th and 21st across Asia and Oceania, divided into four groups. Group winners will advance to the final stage, joining the top four ranked teams in the region for the concluding phase from October 20-24.Tariq Zainal, President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Badminton Federation, confirmed that logistical and technical preparations are nearly complete to welcome participating teams.As part of the event's buildup, the federation announced a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Rail during a press conference held on Thursday. The deal was signed by Zainal and Head of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail, Ajlan Al Enazi.Zainal hailed the partnership as a strong example of collaboration between the sports sector and national institutions.Meanwhile, Al Enezi expressed pride in supporting the first edition of the championship, stating the sponsorship reflects Qatar Rail's corporate social responsibility strategy and commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and national sporting events.He added that sport plays a vital role in community building and youth empowerment, aligning with Qatar's broader social development goals.

Qatar Museums (QM) announced that it has been recognised among the region's leading institutions in sustainability at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2025, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. QM was awarded the Gold Award for Best Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality, distinguishing it as a benchmark institution in advancing responsible cultural tourism and sustainable visitor experiences. It was also awarded the Silver and Bronze Awards in the Green Building category, recognising its commitment to sustainable architecture, energy-efficient infrastructure, and environmentally conscious operational practices across its museum network. Competing against more than 50 prominent organisations from across the Middle East, QM achieved multiple distinctions that reflect its leadership in integrating sustainability into every aspect of its cultural and operational mandate. These accolades reaffirm Qatar Museums' alignment with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its environmental development pillar. By embedding sustainability into design, operations, and community engagement, QM continues to set new regional standards for institutional responsibility and cultural leadership. This year, Qatar Museums is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This milestone year is marked by Evolution Nation—an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar's cultural journey, since the founding of the National Museum.