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Maersk will resume sailings via the ‌Red Sea and Suez Canal ‍for one of its services this month, the shipping group said on Thursday, marking a first step ⁠towards ending two years of ⁠global trade disruption due to attacks on ships by Yemeni Houthi rebels.The Danish ‍shipping group's share price fell more than 7% on the news, reflecting the likelihood of lower freight rates as vessels gradually return to the shorter Suez route.Shipping companies are weighing a return to the critical Asia-Europe trade corridor after vessels were rerouted in late 2023 around Africa following the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in what they said was to show ‌solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.Maersk said its weekly service connecting the Middle East and India with the US east coast, known as MECL, will be first in the group's ‍staggered return to the Suez ⁠route, starting on January ‌26 with a sailing departing Oman's port of Salalah."This decision follows a continued stabilisation of conditions in and around the Red Sea, including the Suez corridor, as well as improved stability and reliability in the region," Maersk said in a statement.The Danish group on Monday said one of its vessels had tested the route as a ceasefire in Gaza raised hopes for normal shipping traffic. One Maersk vessel also made a voyage through Suez in December."Maersk has decided to implement a structural return to the trans-Suez ​route for all MECL service ‌sailings," the company said in a statement, adding the aim was to offer customers "the most efficient transit times".The Suez ⁠Canal is the fastest route ‍linking Europe and Asia and, until the Houthi attacks, had accounted for about 10% of global seaborne trade, according to Clarksons Research."Maersk has contingency plans in place should the security situation deteriorate, which may necessitate reverting individual MECL sailings or the wider structural change of the MECL service back to the Cape of Good ​Hope route," it said.German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd will not adjust its operations in the Red Sea for now, a spokesperson said, but added that the company was closely monitoring the situation and Maersk's move changed the situation.The ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, in place since October last year, has renewed hope of normalising Red Sea traffic.The ceasefire has ended major combat in Gaza over the past three months, but both sides have accused the other of regular violations. ⁠ 

Qatari driver Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah finished fourth in the prologue stage of the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally, which began in Saudi Arabia for the seventh consecutive year Saturday. The rally got underway today from the city of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, with a 22-kilometre prologue stage. In the car category, five-time Dakar champion al-Attiyah recorded a time of 10:56.6 minutes to place fourth for Dacia Sandriders. Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom made a quick start by leading a ‌Ford one-two, ‍the manufacturer’s first. The ⁠two-times German Touring Car (DTM) champion covered ‍the distance around Yanbu in 10 minutes 48.7 seconds in his Raptor, eight seconds faster than American teammate Mitch Guthrie. Belgian Guillaume de Mevius was ahead of al-Attiyah for Mini X-Raid. It ⁠was Ekstrom’s ‌third prologue success after 2023 and 2024 and his sixth Dakar special stage win. After taking his tally of Dakar stage wins to six, Ekstrom said: “I had a very good prologue, it was much more difficult than I expected from navigation and stones and, for me, this was a small stage and we did a very good job.” Saudi Arabia’s defending champion Yazeed al-Rajhi was sixth and 14 seconds off the pace for Toyota Overdrive. The prologue positions determine only the start order for today’s first proper stage, ​with the times ‌not carrying over but the 10 fastest drivers picking ‍their start positions among the first 16. In the motorcycle category, Spaniard Edgar Canet was fastest for KTM and became the youngest stage winner on two ​wheels at the age of 20 years nine months and 18 days. “I was super fast and super happy with this feeling. It’s the best way to start the rally,” said Canet. Defending champion and teammate Daniel Sanders of Australia was three seconds behind with American Ricky Brabec third for Honda. Canet will start 15th with Sanders 16th. Sanders was relieved to get his title defence up and running. “Happy to be here at the start line and get the prologue done. It was a lot faster than expected, but not so technical, so it was hard to make up time,” the said. “It was full gas the whole time, so I’m sure there were really close times. It’s good to get that out of the way and get into a stage Monday.” The total distance of the rally stands at 7,994 kilometres for cars and 7,906 kilometres for motorcycles, including 4,480 kilometres of timed stages for cars and 4,748 kilometres for motorcycles. The rally comprises 13 diverse stages, with the first competitive stage set to start tomorrow from the Bisha region, featuring a 305-kilometre special stage and a 213-kilometre liaison section. Subsequent stages will pass through Alula, Hail, Riyadh, Wadi Al-Dawasir, and Al-Hanakiyah, before the rally concludes in Yanbu on January 17 . The route includes two marathon stages. The first, in Al-Ula, covers 451 kilometres of timed sections for cars out of a total distance of 526 kilometres, while motorcycles will contest 417 competitive kilometres out of 492 kilometres. The route then continues to Hail, featuring 372 kilometres of special stages for cars and 356 kilometres for motorcycles. The second marathon stage will run from Wadi Al-Dawasir to Bisha, covering 418 kilometres of timed sections for motorcycles and 410 kilometres for cars, followed by stages measuring 421 kilometres for cars and 371 kilometres for motorcycles. 

Qatar's Milaha Group, in collaboration with Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri, held a workshop today titled "Underwater Innovation Forefront: Submarines, Drones and Dual-Use Integrated Solutions for Sea Defence and Strategic Infrastructures Resilience". The workshop showcased the latest technologies in submarines, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater drones, highlighting applications for both defense and civilian purposes. Participants included officials and experts from Qatar's defense, energy, cybersecurity, and maritime sectors, as well as international representatives from Italy. Discussions focused on integrated command and control systems, dual-use solutions for maritime defense, and protection of strategic infrastructure, including undersea cables, energy platforms, and ports. The event also analyzed emerging threats to the maritime environment and explored advanced capabilities to ensure the reliability and continuity of offshore energy and critical infrastructure assets. Milaha Group CEO, Fahad bin Saad Al Qahtani, said the workshop aimed to analyze current threats to the maritime environment, present advanced technologies with defense and civilian applications, and strengthen cross-sector integration to safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure. Al Qahtani emphasized Milaha's long-standing role in Qatar's maritime and energy sectors, noting that the company has been a strategic partner in national development since 1957 and continues to support the country's maritime and economic readiness. He described the collaboration with Fincantieri as a strategic step to combine Milaha's national expertise with Fincantieri's global capabilities in underwater systems and autonomous maritime platforms. Fincantieri presented its DEEP dynamic performance system during the workshop, an AI-powered integrated platform for underwater drones. The system, recently demonstrated at the Italian Navy's Support and Sea Trials Center in La Spezia, combines autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), early-warning sensors, launch and recovery solutions, and a dedicated management system to enable continuous monitoring and early threat detection in complex maritime environments. The workshop highlighted that 98% of global internet traffic relies on submarine cables, alongside power transmission systems that underpin national communications and energy security. Fincantieri emphasized its role as an underwater systems integrator, capable of designing, building, and operating all key components to bridge the gap between defense requirements and dual-use civilian applications. Rear Admiral Francesco Milazzo of the Italian Navy emphasized that the underwater domain is now a decisive arena requiring continuous innovation and synergies. He also highlighted the key role played by the Italian National Hub for Underwater (PNS - Polo Nazionale della Subacquea), as well as the Italian Navy's initiative to create a NATO Center of Excellence for the Underwater Domain. Meanwhile, Ambassador Massimo Marotti of the Italian National Cybersecurity Agency also highlighted the critical role of international cooperation and the partnership between governments and private players in addressing cyber risks that threaten underwater infrastructures.

Nestled on Spain’s eastern coast, along the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia captivates visitors with its serene rhythm of life and genuine charm. Gulf Times joined a press trip organized by Visit Valencia to experience this dynamic city where nature and modernity blend in perfect harmony.Among Valencia’s many attractions, its mild Mediterranean climate stands out as one of the most inviting. Even in winter, temperatures remain comfortably moderate compared to much of Europe.With sunshine gracing the city for most of the year, visitors can wander its streets, unwind on its beaches, and explore its rich historical heritage in ease. This pleasant year-round weather makes Valencia a destination for all seasons — not just summer.In the city center... a Spanish flavour and elegant European styleThe city features a unique urban character—a mix of classic buildings and lively streets full of cafés, restaurants, and luxury shops.The downtown area is a great opportunity for a genuine experience for lovers of international brands, where luxury fashion stores are found side by side with local shops that have an authentic Valencian character.**media[376847]**What makes the experience even better is that many of these shops and restaurants offer a welcoming environment for visitors, with menus in English and options suitable for all tastes.A visit to the largest aquarium in Europe: L'OceanogràficNo visit to Valencia is complete without heading to L'Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, which is an architectural and scientific masterpiece at the same time.**media[376840]**Visitors can enjoy a magical experience among marine life, moving from one ocean environment to another through glass tunnels surrounded by sharks, dolphins, and giant turtles. It can be considered an educational and recreational destination suitable for families.Discovering the city in a different wayOne of the experiences that adds a special flavour to visiting the city is renting bicycles and riding through its streets. Valencia is a bike-friendly city, with dedicated paths that give visitors a unique opportunity to explore alleys, buildings, and small cafés that are hard to reach by car.One of the great advantages Valencia offers to visitors is the ease of renting cars. There are many rental offices in the city center and at the airport, with automatic cars available and online booking services.You can easily rent a car from Valencia and head to nearby tourist destinations like Barcelona, about 350 km away, and the capital Madrid, about 360 km away. Comfortable alternatives are also available, such as high-speed trains that connect Valencia to Barcelona and Madrid in just two to three hours, or intercity buses.This makes Valencia an ideal starting point for tourists who want to explore other Spanish cities easily and flexibly.The flavors of Valencia... between paella and Mediterranean cuisine**media[376845]**Valencia offers famous Mediterranean dishes, most notably the original Paella Valenciana, made from rice and seafood. While some restaurants stick to traditional ingredients, there are places that offer halal or vegetarian versions, expanding the options for all visitors.A promising destination waiting to be discoveredWhat sets Valencia apart from other Spanish cities is that it is less crowded than Barcelona and Madrid, yet no less beautiful or diverse. The city also stays alive at night, with markets, shops, and restaurants open until 10 PM.This gives visitors plenty of time to explore the city in a calm evening atmosphere, whether walking in the city center, having dinner at a fancy restaurant, or shopping from high-end brands after sunset.**media[376838]**This makes the experience more flexible and enjoyable, especially for visitors who prefer evening activities. Thanks to this balance, it is an ideal destination for tourists seeking a calm, rich, and safe European experience.**media[376843]**Valencia leaves an unforgettable impression on its visitors—with its mild climate, friendly people, and rich artistic and cultural character. It is a city that resembles a living painting, waiting for someone to discover its details.It is not just a tourist stop, but a complete experience worth telling.For more information about Valencia, visit:https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-see-valencia/valencia-three-days

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Tuesday will be relatively hot daytime and mild by night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report. Offshore, the weather will be fine, the report said, warning of strong winds and high sea at North at first. Wind inshore will be northwesterly to northeasterly at a speed of 05 - 15 knots at first, gusting to 23 knot at places daytime. Offshore, it will be northwesterly to northerly at 05 -15 knots, gusting 22 knot at north at first. Sea state inshore will be 1 to 2 feet, rising to 4 feet at north at first, while offshore will be 2 to 4 feet, rising to 7 feet at north at first. Visibility inshore will be 4 to 10 km, while offshore will be 5 to 10 km.

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has unveiled “Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight”, an immersive exhibition that explores the life cycles, habitats, and ecological significance of Qatar’s sea turtles.The exhibition focuses on the endangered Hawksbill turtle, the only sea turtle species that nests on Qatar’s beaches, and reflects the nation’s natural endowment.The exhibition was inaugurated by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), in the attendance of QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani and other dignitaries.Taking its name from the local term for a sea turtle, “Lehmesa” celebrates the resilience of the Hawksbill turtle, and reflects the nation’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity.On view from today until February 7, 2026, the exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the NMoQ, a milestone that honours five decades of preserving and sharing the nation’s cultural and natural legacy.Through six immersive sections, “Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight” traces the Hawksbill’s journey from land to sea, offering visitors a sensory-rich experience inspired by Qatar’s coastlines, coral reefs, and marine habitats.Blending environmental science with creative interpretation, the exhibition features works by London-based artist Josh Gluckstein and encourages visitors to reflect on their role in sustaining the balance of the natural world.As part of the exhibition’s public programming, the NMoQ will host a series of events, workshops, and educational activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Qatar University.These initiatives are aimed at deepening public understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation, engaging families, students, and communities in hands-on learning experiences that highlight the importance of Qatar’s coastal ecosystems.“Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight” is presented as part of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the NMoQ.Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.The exhibition explores the turtle within the context of Qatar’s identity, aligning with the Years of Culture initiative, which shares Qatar’s cultural heritage with partner nations.

Sixteen migrants and a people trafficker died when their inflatable dinghy capsized early Friday in the Aegean Sea off the Turkish resort of Bodrum, the coastguard said. It was the latest in a series of migrants deaths on the short but perilous route between the Turkish coast and the nearby Greek islands of Samos, Rhodes and Lesbos that serve as entry points to the European Union. "The dead bodies of 16 illegal migrants and that of a trafficker have been recovered," the coastguard stated, adding two migrants had been rescued. The local governor's office had earlier given a death toll of 14 migrants, stating on X that a migrant had managed to alert the coastguard to the emergency. One of the two survivors, an Afghan, told rescuers that the vessel had sunk barely 10 minutes after starting to take on water. He had been forced to swim for six hours to Celebi Island, he added. Authorities did not give the nationalities of the other migrants. Bodrum lies less than five kilometres from the Greek island of Kos. According to the Missing Migrants Project run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), nearly 1,400 migrants have died trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea this year. Turkey, which signed an agreement with Brussels in 2016 to stem illegal immigration into the European Union, hosts more than 2.5 million refugees on its soil, the vast majority Syrians, say officials.

Romania's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned the Russian ambassador to Bucharest over the entry of a Russian drone into its airspace during an attack on Ukraine. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said that Russia's ambassador to Bucharest, Vladimir Lipaev, was summoned to the ministry and that Romania conveyed its strong protest against this act, adding that Moscow's actions pose a "new challenge" to Black Sea security.Earlier today, Romania strongly condemned the entry of a Russian drone into its airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine. The incursion comes days after Poland said it had shot down Russian drones that had violated its airspace.In a statement, Romania's defense ministry said it "strongly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area."

Nomas Center continues to offer training courses dedicated to teaching the art of sea fishing, one of the most important traditional professions linked to Qatar’s history and rich maritime heritage.This is part of its programmes aimed at instilling authentic values in the hearts of young people and introducing them to the heritage of their forefathers.The course aims to introduce young participants to the basics of marine fishing, starting with knowledge of traditional fishing tools and how to use them, moving on to the art of sailing and safety at sea, and finally to sound environmental practices that ensure the sustainability of marine resources.Trainees also learn the art of casting nets, how to select fishing spots, and how to deal with ocean currents and weather changes.The course pays special attention to practical aspects, with trainees spending time at sea under the supervision of experienced instructors, providing a realistic experience resembling that of fishermen of the past. Theoretical activities are combined with folk stories and narratives that reflect the suffering, patience, and co-operation of ancient fishermen in facing the challenges of the sea.This course is organised in line with Nomas Center’s mission to promote authentic Qatari identity, connect new generations to their national heritage, and instil in them life skills and values such as patience and teamwork.The course witnessed a growing turnout from participants, who emphasised the importance of these programmes in deepening children’s connection to their roots.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has carried out a field operation to remove abandoned fishing gear from a coral reef fishing ground in the country’s eastern local waters, as part of the efforts to protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity. The operation resulted in the retrieval of fishing nets and traps from a depth of 14m. They posed a danger to marine life and threatened the ecological balance of the surrounding marine environment, a statement added.