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The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) is once again set to bring the region’s karting scene into the spotlight as it will host the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup 2025 at Lusail Karting Circuit from October 21–25, 2025. Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2023 and its return in 2024, this year’s championship promises to deliver an even bigger showcase of regional motorsport talent.The championship will feature more than 150 drivers from 18 nations across the Middle East and North Africa, with competitors representing countries including Qatar, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Iran, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Drivers will compete across six Rotax Max Challenge categories — Micro Max (ages 8–11), Mini Max (ages 10–13), Junior Max (ages 12–15), Senior Max (ages 14+), DD2 (ages 15+), and DD2 Masters (ages 31+) — alongside the R390 Sprint and R390 Endurance categories open to drivers aged 15 and above.The action-packed schedule will see administration and driver briefings open on 21 October, with practice sessions held across October 22 and 23, alongside a formal Welcome Ceremony and Gala Dinner. Racing will then take center stage from October 24–25, featuring qualifying sessions, heats, the R390 Endurance race, Pre-Finals, and Finals, culminating with the Championship Awards and MENA Nations Cup Presentation on the evening of October 25.Spectators are invited to enjoy all the high-octane action with free admission throughout the event. A dedicated shuttle service will operate between General Admission Parking and the karting track, while visitors can also experience a vibrant entertainment zone with racing simulators, a radio-controlled car circuit, PlayStation 5 gaming stations, and a 360-degree photo booth. For fans unable to attend in person, all races will be streamed live on QMMF’s official YouTube channel.Last year’s edition saw Lebanon claim the MENA Nations Cup title, with Morocco finishing second and the UAE securing third place, highlighting the depth of talent across the region. With the bar set high in 2024, this year’s championship is poised to deliver another thrilling weekend of racing and national pride.

The Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 officially commenced Wednesday at Subaru Park, home of Philadelphia Union, marking the first time the prestigious gathering has been held in the United States.Hosted in collaboration with Philadelphia Union and in partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS), among the first days' highlights was a Masterclass by former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez and a Star Chat with ex-England boss Sir Gareth Southgate.More than 400 people attended the opening, including members of the Aspire Academy leadership team, international guests, and members of the Aspire in the World Fellows community. They were joined by coaches from MLS and local clubs, as well as student-athletes from the YSC academy, the educational partner of the Philadelphia Union MLS Club. The young players later participated in the practical clinics; a new segment added to the Global Summit program this year.The attendees were welcomed by Richie Graham, Founder of YSC Academy and Investor of the Philadelphia Union. He emphasised the importance of education and football. “Football’s future is very bright, and it’s inspiring to see everyone come together to contribute to the progress of the game. The commitment to education, development, and collaboration is what will shape the next generation of players and leaders in the game,” he said.Abdullah Nasser al-Nuaimi, Acting CEO of the Aspire Zone Foundation, welcomed the delegates and echoed the sentiments of Richie Graham: “At Aspire Academy, our purpose has always been to develop, not only exceptional athletes, but well-rounded individuals who understand the game, its values, and their role within it. Education is at the heart of everything we do, because lasting success in football depends as much on knowledge and character as it does on talent. The Aspire Global Summit embodies this vision; it’s a platform where learning, collaboration, and innovation come together to advance the game for future generations.” Abdullah concluded.Building on that message, Aspire Academy Director General Ivan Bravo spoke about the Aspire Academy Global Summit’s mission to foster open dialogue and cross-cultural learning within the global football community. "We are about sharing and about knowledge exchange. We love to visit new countries and understand the challenges that coaches face. What is the approach to player development? That exchange of ideas and understanding of coaches’ approach in different countries is what makes the Aspire in the World Fellows program so special.”“It's crucial to be able to become a successful coach and provide a clear pathway for players. The program is designed for coaches and technical staff to maximize their understanding, allowing them to continue learning, adapting, and sharing. We hope that by opening it up to all the US soccer coaches, we can expand our horizons even further,” Ivan concluded.The guest of honour for the evening’s Gala Dinner was MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, who talked to the former US international footballer John Harkes. He explained some of the challenges he faced launching professional football in the USA following the 1994 FIFA World Cup and what lies ahead for MLS.“Events like the Aspire Academy Global Summit play a vital role in the progress of football as a sport. They connect ideas, people, and purpose, reminding us that the game’s progress depends on collaboration as much as competition.”The Commissioner was presented with a gift from Aspire Academy to thank him for his contribution. The Summit also took the chance to recognize some of its key partners with presentations made to Jay Sugarman, the Owner of the Philadelphia Union, Richie Graham, Alfonso Mondelo, Senior Technical Director of Competitions at MLS and Essa al Sulaiti, TV Director at Alkass Sports Channel.Earlier in the day the program began with a Masterclass with Rafa Benitez, former manager of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea, along with his long-time assistant coach Francisco ‘Paco’ de Miguel Moreno. Rafa Benitez highlighted three areas where the game has changed in recent years: an increased use of video analysis of player performance, more statistics available to coaches and improved GPS capability. For his part, Francisco ‘Paco’ de Miguel Moreno stressed the need for techniques used for senior players to be made suitable for the elite youth teams to ensure continuity.This was followed by the first Star Chat of the 2025 Summit with Sir Gareth Southgate, former England National Team Manager. He reflected on the challenges he faced during his coaching career and how he approached and overcame them. He added that events like the Global Summit play a crucial role in advancing football. “The most important thing for developing football is developing coaches. We are all constantly learning, regardless of how long we have been in the field. Bringing people together to share experiences and ideas helps us all grow, especially as we look ahead to the World Cup and the continued evolution of the sport. Having an amalgamation of clubs and federations together at initiatives like the Aspire Academy Global Summit, working and cheering for 11 years now, helps develop them further and gives them more confidence.”The day’s second Star Chat was with Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy Star Chat, who spoke to former professional player Bradley Wright-Phillips, who played over 200 matches for MLS side New York Red Bulls. Frenchman Wilfried Nancy offered an insight into his football philosophy, spoke about innovation and authenticity in coaching: “Coaching is about clarity, resilience, and connection; helping players fail, learn, and grow within structure and freedom. You have to fail; everyone fails. Life is about failure, and we have to learn to bounce back from it. It’s normal to face adversity, and if you don’t, it’s because you’re not trying. Coaching is about empowering players to read the game, adapt, and find solutions, while as a coach staying clear, open-minded, and true to yourself.”Following his Star Chat, Wilfried Nancy and Bradley Carnell led an on-field practical clinic with the YSC Academy, offering young players a chance to see coaching philosophies come to life in practice for the first time ever, with top coaches and football leaders.A series of shared workshops also provided the clubs and participants with practical, hands-on learning experiences led by Aspire Academy’s technical experts and international partners. The sessions focused on applied performance science, data-driven coaching, and youth development frameworks, allowing attendees to translate theory into actionable strategies.Day One also featured two expert-led roundtables tackling the topics of “Fixed tactical philosophy versus contextual adjustments” and “From injury to peak performance.” The day’s roundtables featured representatives from world-renowned clubs and federations — including AFC Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur, Sporting Club de Portugal, and Philadelphia Union.The Global Summit will continue with three more Star Chats featuring former Italian World Cup Winner Alessandro Nesta, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner Carli Lloyd and Ron Jaworski, former professional American football quarterback and workshops focused on performance innovation and player development.

The Ministry of Municipality has marked the Customer Service Week 2025 by showcasing the remarkable progress it has achieved in enhancing customer service and advancing digital transformation throughout the year. Throughout 2025, the Ministry provided around 172 services through its website and an additional 127 services via the “Oun” mobile application.The total number of requests submitted across all channels reached 618,990, including 156,845 through the “Oun” app, 278,821 via the website, and 132,071 through customer service offices.Further, certain services saw 51,266 electronically scheduled requests. The “Oun” app recorded more than 131,000 downloads on Android and iOS platforms, while the ministry’s website attracted over 3.3mn visits during the same period.The ministry’s emphasis on digital efficiency yielded impressive results, with 93% of all transactions completed electronically and 97.7% of customer service requests processed successfully. These figures demonstrate the ministry’s success in establishing a smart service ecosystem characterised by speed, accuracy, and reliability.In terms of beneficiaries, a total of 332,479 individuals received services from the ministry during 2025. The unified call center (184) handled 174,989 incoming calls, achieving an average processing time of just three and a half minutes per transaction in government service centers — a clear indication of operational efficiency and prompt response. Customer satisfaction reached an advanced rate of 84.7% between January and August 2025, underscoring the ministry’s ability to meet and exceed public expectations.The ministry also continued to strengthen its communication channels with the public through social media, reaching a total of more than 533,776 followers across platforms such as X, Instagram, and Facebook. During the same period, the ministry received 9,557 public reports, including 3,353 urgent and 6,204 regular cases, all of which were handled with the highest levels of responsiveness and transparency.

The Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, one of the centers under the umbrella of Qatar Social Work Foundation, concluded the Al Shafallah Hackathon 2025 under the theme: "Innovate: For an Accessible World." The event was attended by a select group of officials and representatives of partner organizations, along with participants from various schools and universities. Commenting on the occasion, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi, said that the Shafallah Hackathon represents more than just a technical event, it servs as a national platform aligned with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes human and social development. The event demonstrated how innovation can drive progress and how youth can play a leading role in fostering a more inclusive and empowered society. Al Suwaidi added that organizing the hackathon coincided with World Cerebral Palsy Day, emphasizing the role of the Shafallah Center in supporting global issues from a local perspective and raising community awareness of the importance of facilitating access and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. The event included a short documentary film showcasing the hackathon's highlights and the stages of development of the participating projects. The judging panel and the specialists involved in supervising the teams were also honored for their valuable contributions in guiding the teams through all stages of the hackathon. The Qatar Scientific Club was also recognized for its active partnership and key role in the success of the event. The organizers of the Shafallah Hackathon confirmed that these projects will be pursued within the initiatives of the Center. To embrace outstanding ideas and transform them into practical applications that contribute to serving people with disabilities and promoting social innovation in the State of Qatar. The event saw widespread participation from school and university students, who presented innovative technical and humanitarian solutions covering various fields such as inclusive education, smart mobility, and enhanced communication, reflecting the spirit of initiative and social awareness among the rising generation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Sunday issued Law No. 22 of 2025 concerning persons with disabilities.The law is effective and set to be published in the official gazette.HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, affirmed that issuance of the new Persons with Disabilities Law marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's journey to protect and promote human rights.She emphasised that the law goes beyond care provision, embedding the principles of empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, recognising them as active partners in development and future-building.The legislation reflects Qatar's steadfast commitment to upholding justice and equality for all members of society, emphasising that everyone shares responsibility in shaping a better tomorrow.According to a statement from the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the law emphasises protection of civil and political rights of persons with disabilities, including freedom of movement, opinion, and expression, the right to form a family, and participation in elections, associations, and institutions.The law also stipulates that a person's freedom may only be restricted within the limits required by their condition, while prohibiting all forms of violence or exploitation.It includes deterrent measures to protect these rights, prescribing penalties of up to six months' imprisonment and fines of up to QR 100,000 for violations, with fines in certain cases reaching QR 500,000, particularly in instances of neglect, exploitation, or abuse.The law also holds officials in administrative bodies accountable for any negligence or failure to implement its provisions. It requires relevant authorities to establish a unified national database for persons with disabilities and issue identification cards to facilitate access to benefits and services, which embodies Qatar's vision to promote social justice, uphold inclusion and empowerment, and ensure a dignified life for all.

Ahead of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2025, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has launched the Qatar GP Educational Tour, a program that aims to empower youth by highlighting how LIC contributes to the development of motorsport in Qatar, while also creating pathways for youth to engage with its community and benefit from the activities it offers.The initiative is designed to connect students with the excitement and innovation of motorsport. Through it, students will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of LIC and its role beyond hosting world-class events. It aims not only to foster a passion for motorsport but also aligns with the broader objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.Kicked off on 25 September at Multaqa, Qatar Foundation, the tour is visiting universities and schools in Qatar until November 15 under the tagline “From the Track to Your Campus.” Through interactive experiences including VR pit stop challenges, STEM-based activities, quizzes, and photo opportunities, the programme gives students a hands-on introduction to the world of Formula 1.The initiative is rooted in education, designed to showcase the learning value of motorsport by connecting themes of technology, innovation, and real-world application directly to students. Through the Qatar GP Educational Tour, students will immerse themselves in a 1:1 virtual reality simulation of LIC, featuring the newly unveiled 2025 Qatar Grand Prix Show Car livery and the experience of being on one of the two tracks in the world that hosts all three premiere motorsporting events, including the Formula 1, MotoGP, and the Qatar 1812 km World Endurance Championship.Alongside this experience, they will take part in interactive activities—including quizzes and STEM-based challenges,enhancing knowledge not only about LIC itself but on how the teams in Formula 1 structured and the technicalities behind its races.The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 takes place from November 28–30 at LIC. Tickets are selling quickly, with discounts available for students and senior citizens, and free admission for up to four children under 12 when accompanied by a paying adult as part of the “Family Friday” offer for holders of General Admission Tickets. For more information about the pre-event activities and ticket sales, visit the circuit’s website.

Katara Cultural Village launched Saturday the activities of World Space Week 2025 at the Al Thuraya Planetarium (Building 41).The event will run until October 7 from 5pm-8pm, featuring the participation of a number of experts and specialists, as well as a wide audience of enthusiasts and students from various age groups (eight years and above).The event reflects Katara’s commitment to promoting scientific and astronomical culture and raising awareness about space and its sciences through activities that combine knowledge and entertainment.The initiative aims to enrich scientific thinking within the community – particularly among youth – and to encourage innovation and discovery.The programme encompasses workshops, shows, and lectures held over four days.On the first day, activities featured a short film screening and a lecture on “Phases of the Moon”, presented by astronomy expert Dr Bashir Marzouk, in addition to a children’s workshop on “Thunder of the Moon”.On the second day, there will be a lecture on the basics of astrophotography delivered by Rabia al-Kuwari, followed by a presentation on the “Journey of the Photographer”.The third day will feature Dr Jörg Matthias Determann from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, presenting a lecture in English on “Space for Everyone”.This will be followed by a 3D film screening of Polaris, and a storytelling session for children titled Khalifa and Amal’s Journey to Space.The final day will focus on the environment and space, including a lecture on “The Importance of Environmental Preservation and Its Role in Living in Space”, organised in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.The day will also feature the screening of the film Stars – Losing the Dark, a children’s workshop on “Planting a Seed”, and a closing activity called “Message to Space”.Katara stressed that World Space Week is part of its diverse educational programme aimed at connecting the public with modern science and presenting scientific content in an engaging and interactive way.The foundation also noted that the Al Thuraya Planetarium has become a leading scientific destination in Qatar, offering visitors enjoyable and educational experiences.

Only 30 days remain for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. Taking place from 3-27 November, the tournament will bring together 48 young teams from across the globe to compete for the coveted trophy. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The young Maroons will kick off their campaign against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The team will look to improve on Qatar‘s highest achievement in the competition, when they finished in fourth place in 1991. For Qatar’s U-17 national team player, Zaid Faisal, the tournament is an important milestone for young players. “It’s a matter of pride to play for your country in the World Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity for us as future generations to showcase our talents, and the opportunity to play with international teams from all over the world will provide invaluable experience. I hope we make Qatar proud.” “Our goal is to qualify from the group stage. It is important that we give it our best. The world will be watching us. We will be competing against strong teams. This is a big opportunity that will open new doors for players like me,” said Omar Al Marzouqi, who also plays for Al Sadd SC.For Ahmed Saber Aboueitah, who plays his club football for Qatar Stars League side Al Arabi SC, being part of the Qatari U-17 national team is a dream come true. “It has been my dream to represent Qatar at the World Cup. This exposure is important to grow as a player. Playing against stronger teams and players makes you much more confident. I am ready to give my best and make the team proud. Someday, I hope to play for the first team at the World Cup.”All 104 matches of the tournament will take place at the at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, where fans will be treated to an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. Tickets for the tournament are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans can purchase a Day Pass for QAR 20, which will enable them to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets for the Final are available in two categories, with prices starting from QAR 15, and also include accessible seating options. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time.All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. 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.

World No 1 Mostafa Asal is one win away from winning a first QTerminals Qatar Classic title after downing fellow Egyptian Fares Dessouky in Friday’s semi-finals.Dessouky was appearing in his first major semi-final since May 2021 but ran into an opponent in red-hot form with Asal winning 11-4, 11-6, 11-6 in 42 minutes.Asal, who won the Egyptian Open title last month, has now reached his ninth successive PSA final and will take on World No 3 Paul Coll in final.Asal had only lost once to Dessouky in his last six matches coming into the match and he continued where he left off in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza last month.Coll hasn’t beaten Asal in their six previous matches, with their last match seeing Asal win in straight games in the semis of last season’s PSA World Championships.“Credit to Fares, he’s a good fighter and he can beat anyone when he’s on form,” said Asal. “He could be a World No.1 easily. I know how dangerous he is, so I had to put work into him in the beginning.“It will be a tough battle tomorrow and I know the crowd will be on my side tomorrow. It feels like home here and you see so many familiar faces and family friends.”Coll reached his third final in Qatar after a convincing victory over England’s rising star Jonah Bryant. Coll suffered a shock defeat to World No 252 Adam Hawal in round two of the Egyptian Open last month, but the 33-year-old has bounced back in the best possible way, with an 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 win over Bryant sending him through to a 49th PSA final.Bryant was appearing in his first Platinum semi-final after his titanic battle with Abdulla al-Tamimi was cut short yesterday due to a suspected Achilles rupture sustained by the Qatari No 1 in the decider.It followed up a hugely impressive win over World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria in the round prior to that, but today’s match against Coll proved a step too far for the 20-year-old.Both players train together as part of Rob Owen’s coaching stable, but Coll came out firing and dictated the tempo of the match, sapping the energy from the youngsters legs to win in three.“I wanted to make it all about me and go out there and play my game,” said Coll.“I had a big one last night but woke up feeling pretty good. I can’t think about that, I know how tough he is and what he possesses, I knew he was never going to give up, so I had to stay on it.“I’m super proud of him. He’s continuously putting in work and looking for ways to improve. He has one of the best attitudes in a young guy I’ve seen for a while, I’ve got massive respect for him.”

Saudi Arabia have been crowned champions of the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, after claiming a 2-0 win against the UAE in the final match held at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha.The tournament brought together young football talents from the region to compete for the coveted trophy. This was the first time that the competition was held under the auspices of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).“Over the past two weeks, we witnessed the phenomenal talents of young players from the Arabian Gulf. The successful delivery of this tournament once again showcased Qatar’s commitment towards supporting emerging football talents from the region, while uniting fans to celebrate our shared passion for football. Congratulations to all the players who took part, and to Saudi Arabia for clinching the trophy,” said Jassim Sultan al-Rumaihi, AGCFF Secretary General.The AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup 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 November 3-27 at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. This will be followed by the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup from 1-18 December. Fans can purchase tickets for both tournaments at www.roadtoqatar.qa. In addition, Qatar is also set to host the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 from December 4-16, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.

The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 concluded in Riyadh. Held over two days, 29–30 September, the event reinforced culture as an asset and a driver of sustainable growth. Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Conference gathered more than 100 speakers and 1,500 participants, cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for cultural investment.Day One began with an opening keynote delivered by His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, His remarks emphasized the Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a dynamic cultural economy that empowers talent, supports innovation, and strengthens the country’s standing on the global stage.Another major opening day highlight was the ministerial plenary, “From Policy to Prosperity – Culture as a Strategic Investment,” featuring, His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment. The session outlined a national framework that integrates cultural priorities into economic forecasts, supports infrastructure and heritage investments, and expands creative skills through education and talent development.Throughout the day, international perspectives and local expertise converged on themes ranging from building sustainable creative economies to embedding culture within global growth strategies. Discussions emphasized finance and investment as essential to transforming cultural ventures into structured, credible markets, while also spotlighting cinema and entertainment as expanding drivers of cultural and economic influence. The Conference also delivered tangible outcomes with the signing of 89 agreements , valued at SAR 4.3 B, including the launch of an investment fund by the Cultural Development Fund and the Cultural Assets Group, an investment fund in the film sector in partnership with BSF Capital, and an investment fund in the fashion sector in partnership with Merak Capital and other significant agreements across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In addition, new initiatives highlighted the Conference’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy. Audi Capital launched the Kingdom and MENA region’s first CMA-regulated art investment fund, creating a new platform for cultural financing. Colnaghi, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, partnered with Sarat Investment Holding to open its first Middle East gallery in Riyadh. A strategic agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla will also drive cultural and heritage development in AlUla, positioning it as a global destination. Together, these initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for cultural investment and innovation.Breakout discussions in the Culture Studio explored leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation, alongside dialogues on philanthropy, heritage, and storytelling that highlighted the role of capital, partnerships, and technology in safeguarding authenticity and amplifying voices. The day closed with a focus on investor priorities, demonstrating how culture can attract global capital through ventures spanning immersive experiences, heritage preservation, and next-generation performance spaces.Day Two continued with a keynote address by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America, under the theme “From the Kingdom to the World – Investing in Culture and Identity,” which reflected on how culture can shape national identity, strengthen global partnerships, and advance sustainable growth.A milestone announcement followed with Google Arts & Culture’s partnership with Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The collaboration aims to digitize the district using Street View technology, making its heritage accessible worldwide for the first time. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to harnessing technology to showcase its culture globally while safeguarding its historic treasures.The closing day also focused on culture’s role as a catalyst for growth and competitiveness, as national leaders discussed how policy, talent development, and investment frameworks are embedding creativity within the Kingdom’s diversification plans. Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and creative industries were presented as global showcases of culture, with developments such as Qiddiya, New Murabba, and NEOM anchored in cultural expression, while music, fashion, design, and hospitality were highlighted as expanding sectors of economic and cultural opportunity.The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 reinforced Saudi Arabia’s leadership in making culture a driver of global growth. It laid the foundation for enduring partnerships and innovative models that will shape the creative economy of the future.

Ticket sales for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will begin today, 3pm, Doha time at www.roadtoqatar.qa, with an exclusive presale opportunity for Visa cardholders. General sales will begin on 7 October 2025, 8am, Doha time. Tickets for the tournament will be available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. The price of a Day Pass is QAR 20. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased per match day. The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone from 3-27 November, will see as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. 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 Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets for the Final are available in two categories, with prices starting from QAR 15, and also include accessible seating options. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time. 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.