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Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced the organisation of the third edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, supported by Daam, to be held from November 5 to 8, 2025. The event will take place under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab, marking a significant milestone in the calendar of Arabian horse beauty competitions in Qatar and the region. This year’s show will combine elegance with the exceptional beauty of Arabian horses, taking place across Al Shaqab’s indoor and outdoor arenas. The event reflects Al Shaqab’s mission to support the development and promotion of purebred Arabian horses locally and internationally while highlighting their rich cultural heritage within Qatari society. The competition holds special significance as it is internationally recognised and classified as Category (B), conducted under the supervision of the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organisations (ECAHO), providing participants the opportunity to qualify for higher-ranked international championships. Previous editions have successfully attracted prominent horse owners and exceptional horses from Qatar and abroad, alongside a strong public turnout, demonstrating the deep passion for equestrian sports within the Qatari community. Al Shaqab has also announced that registration for the upcoming edition will be open from September 14 to 25, 2025, inviting horse owners from around the world to participate in this prestigious event, which has become a highlight on the international equestrian competition calendar. Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab has focused on preserving the heritage of Arabian horses in Qatar and promoting them both culturally and athletically. The organization continues to strive to be a leading global destination for equestrian enthusiasts and professionals, while offering a unique, interactive experience for the community.

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean in 2025 is poised to catalyse a new era of cross-regional halal collaboration, particularly between Southeast Asia and Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, the top official of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has said.Asked about Qatar’s growing role in halal innovation and its strategic investment across Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) markets, and how Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and MATRADE’s leadership open new pathways for cross-regional halal collaboration between Southeast Asia and the Gulf, MATRADE chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican told Gulf Times that the two regions are seen as the “main beacon” and “main catalyst” in promoting halal globally.Merican noted that the GCC pavilion "includes participation from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, among others," while the Asean pavilion reflects robust regional engagement, with “300” buyers and “600” exhibitors from Asean countries participating in the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), a main component of the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which will run until September 20 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).“Altogether, out of about 900 [buyers], 300 are coming from Asean. Out of 2,400 exhibitors, 600 are from ASEAN countries,” said Merican, who also highlighted the presence of "first-time participants from Africa and Latin America, including Ghana, Mali, Congo, Senegal, Nigeria, Panama, and Costa Rica, as well as Central Asian nations, such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan."“We are seeing a very productive, fruitful, and more importantly, long and lasting partnership between Malaysian exporters and overseas buyers,” the MATRADE chairman also pointed out.Merican also revealed that Asean has elevated halal as a priority economic deliverable under Malaysia’s presidency, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposing the establishment of an Asean Halal Council.“Not just to look at Malaysia as one of the main and premier promoters of halal, but to see Asean as a region being one of the major players in promoting and also in providing the support of a global halal chain globally,” he said.Merican also highlighted the scale of MIHAS 2025’s INSP, which is expected to generate 2.5bn Malaysian ringgit in sales through more than 4,000 business meetings. Asean countries account for 300 buyers and 600 exhibitors, while GCC participation is described as “significant,” with Qatar among the key contributors.

Safety, sustainability and efficiency will be top on IATA’s priority list as the International Air Transport Association gets ready for the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal from September 23 to October 3.ICAO has already accepted some 14 working papers authored by IATA covering a wide range of topics for the Assembly’s consideration.IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh noted, “IATA will be participating in the ICAO Assembly with safety, sustainability and efficiency at the top of our priority list. It is critical that we secure stronger support for SAF production and CORSIA as key enablers of aviation’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.“Equally, we need agreement to follow the principles and provisions of the Chicago Convention to avoid patchworks of debilitating tax measures and passenger rights regulations. And we must shore-up safety with timely accident reports, mitigations for GNSS interference and preservation of critical radio-frequency spectrum.”Global standards, many of which are developed by governments through ICAO, are crucial for safe, efficient and increasingly sustainable aviation operations worldwide.These standards are developed with the expertise and input of airline operators’ worldwide working with ICAO member states. The ICAO Assembly is a once-every-three-year opportunity for states to align on ICAO’s work programme as it addresses aviation’s most pressing issues.“The criticality of global standards to global aviation cannot be underestimated. I am optimistic for the outcomes of this Assembly. Everybody wants flying to be safe, efficient and more sustainable. So, we have a common agenda with governments. Indeed, many of our submissions to the Assembly are simply asking governments to more effectively implement what they have already agreed. The coming weeks in Montreal are essential to set the agenda, but even more important is the following three years of work to achieve what is agreed,” Walsh added.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani left Amman on Wednesday, following an official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.HH the Amir was seen off upon departure from Marka International Airport by King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.Also present at the departure were Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Al Safadi, Director of the Office of HM the King Eng. Alaa Batayneh, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah, Minister of Finance Abdulhakim Al Shibli, Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Al Hunaiti, Director of the General Intelligence Directorate Major General Ahmad Husni, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al-Thani, HAmbassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the State of Qatar Zaid Mufleh Al Lawzi, and a number of senior officials.His Highness the Amir was accompanied by His Ecellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, along with an official delegation.

Spinner Nasum Ahmed produced a miserly spell to help Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by eight runs Tuesday and keep their Asia Cup hopes alive.Bangladesh posted 154-5 batting first as opener Tanzid Hasan starred with his 52 off 31 balls in Abu Dhabi.Nasum and fellow spinner Rishad Hossain then took two wickets each before pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman returned figures of 3-28 to help bowl out Afghanistan for 146.Taskin Ahmed also claimed two wickets as he wrapped up the innings with the final ball of the match.Bangladesh ended Group B with two wins and one defeat in their three outings.Their chances of reaching the Super Four stage will depend on the final match of the group between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday.Bangladesh will go through if Sri Lanka win, but an Afghan victory would see them progress and leave the Sri Lankans and Bangladesh to be split on net run-rate.Left-arm spinner Nasum rocked the Afghanistan chase early when he struck with the first ball of the innings to trap Sediqullah Atal lbw and then grabbed the key wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, for five, in the fifth over.He returned figures of 2-11 from his four overs.Rishad dismissed Gulbadin Naib caught and bowled for 16 with his leg-spin and then sent back the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 35 to dent Afghanistan.Azmatullah Omarzai attempted to revive the chase with three sixes in his 16-ball 30 but holed out off Taskin.Skipper Rashid Khan made one final push with a quickfire 20 but fell to Mustafizur, who struck again to be on a hat-trick which was avoided by Fazalhaq Farooqi.Earlier Tanzid put on an opening stand of 63 with Saif Hasan, who made 30, as the two racked up 59 in the powerplay.Rashid broke the stand as he struck in his first over by bowling Saif and Afghanistan's spinners soon took control.Left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad trapped skipper Litton Das lbw for nine to further peg back Bangladesh.Tanzid raised his fifty off 28 deliveries but fell to Noor in the next over.Towhid Hridoy added a 20-ball 26 but although Bangladesh managed just 67 runs in the final 10 overs, it proved enough for the win.

In the lead-up to the one of the anticipated event on the Qatar sporting calendar, Lusail International Circuit has unveiled its 2025 Qatar Grand Prix Show car livery that will serve as the centerpiece of its fan engagement efforts for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025. Brought to life with a custom design commissioned by Lusail International Circuit, it marks the beginning of a series of fan activations across the country in the build-up to race weekend at Lusail International Circuit, taking place from November 28–30. The show car’s livery embodies Qatar’s identity and the spirit of modern motorsport. Its sweeping speed lines capture the thrill of Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, while architectural elements inspired from Lusail International Circuit and a re-imagined falcon pattern symbolising agility, speed and competitive spirit bring a distinctive local character to the design. At the heart of the Formula 1 campaign is the slogan “Where Hearts Are Racing.” More than just a tagline, it captures the excitement of Formula 1’s return to Lusail International Circuit, the passion of fans, and the energy of a nation embracing motorsport at a global stage. Fans will also have the opportunity to see the show car up close as part of a special roadshow across Qatar in the lead-up to the Grand Prix, bringing the excitement of Formula 1 directly to the community. With tickets selling fast, fans are encouraged to secure their seats now at tickets.lcsc.qa and be part of the action.

Qatar and the United States have played a key role in stabilising the European energy crisis due to the reduction of Russian piped gas supply, according to International Gas Union (IGU).“The 2022-2024 European energy crisis following the reduction of Russian piped gas supply was stabilised using LNG imports from the US and Qatar,” IGU said in its just released Global Gas Report 2025.Similarly, East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea rely on spot LNG purchases to balance seasonal fluctuations, establishing natural gas and LNG as tools for preventing deeper economic or social fallout through resilient and diversified supply, the report noted.Gas has proved itself a vital component of global energy security. LNG trade has historically offered cross-border flexibility to respond to shifting demand- supply dynamics during market uncertainties, it said.Amid rising demand, there is indication of growing LNG supply reinforcing natural gas’ role as a reliable fuel to meet expected shortfalls.Despite tightness in the near term, the global LNG market is expected to gradually ease over the next few years, and move into surplus as new supply comes online toward 2030.Around 270 bcm of approved or under construction liquefaction capacity is currently in the pipeline to be commissioned by 2030, primarily driven by projects in the US and Qatar.This marks a new growth phase following a prolonged period of stagnation, reflecting the inherently cyclical nature of the liquefaction sector.These cycles are driven by the capital-intensive nature of projects – typically costing around $0.75bn per bcm – and long development timelines, often spanning four to five years from FID to operation. To manage market risk, developers usually secure most of their capacity through long-term contracts.“Due to these factors, the LNG market is expected to remain broadly balanced, with limited opportunity for new developments in the short term and ample supply by 2030,” IGU said.Uncertainty surrounding the timing of LNG supply persists despite the expected surge associated with the next wave of LNG projects. In October 2024, TotalEnergies revised its forecast, now anticipating that the next wave of LNG supply will only come to market from 2027, two-years after the previously projected 2025 timeline.The supply outlook remains uncertain due to potential delays as well as regulatory, technical and financial risks to projects. While there is a potential for increased project FIDs as a result of US import tariffs, policies such as the sanctions on Russian LNG are set to strike a blow to global LNG supply as upcoming projects’ ability to acquire necessary equipment, secure vessels and find buyers is becoming increasingly limited.IGU said, “Disruptions to key LNG transit routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, increase shipping times and costs, undermining project economics and investor confidence. This may lead to slower FIDs for projects dependent on long-distance or chokepoint- exposed routes.”

South Korea, the United States and Japan launched their trilateral multi-domain exercise Monday, in what is seen as their continued efforts to deepen security cooperation. The five-day Freedom Edge exercise got under way in international waters east and south of South Korea's southern island of Jeju from Sept. 15–19, according to the South Korean military. The ongoing exercise is the third round of the trilateral drills, following previous rounds of the exercise conducted in June and November last year, respectively.It is the first such exercise to be held since President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump took office. The Korean military earlier said the three countries will aim to enhance their interoperability to maintain a "solid and stable" trilateral cooperation through the exercise, according to (Yonhap) news agency. The US Indo-Pacific Command said the exercise "demonstrates the countries' shared commitment to collectively achieve and maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific."The exercise will feature training aimed at sharpening ballistic missile defense capabilities, as well as air defense exercises, medical evacuation training and maritime interdiction operation training, it said.

As many as seven companies from Qatar will participate in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025, scheduled from September 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) office in Qatar disclosed to Gulf Times that the participating companies from Doha are Lari Group, Qatar National Import & Export (QNIE), Al Majid Jawad Distribution & Marketing, Magic Touch, Tanit Group, IBRIDGE Trading, and Morex Group.Following previous business meetings between Malaysian companies under MATRADE and their Qatari counterparts under the Qatar Chamber, “MATRADE has observed that all Qatari companies feel comfortable and secure when engaging with Malaysian companies certified as halal” by the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) or the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.MATRADE also informed this paper that it is targeting Qatar “as one of the top prominent markets” in the region to increase awareness about JAKIM’s “vital role in promoting the importance of halal products in daily healthy life.”“MATRADE is also expanding a wide range of business opportunities to halal-concerned Malaysian corporations and organisations, especially to a highly respected entity like Qatar Chamber,” it stated.According to MATRADE, JAKIM, which is “recognised by the Food Safety Department” under the Ministry of Public Health, “stands as one of the world’s most influential and respected authorities in Islamic affairs, particularly in the domain of halal certification and standardisation.“Established under the Prime Minister’s Department, JAKIM plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of Islamic principles in Malaysia while shaping the global halal landscape with its internationally recognised standards.”Last week, MATRADE Qatar hosted a webinar titled ‘The Importance of Halal Products in our Lives’. The session aimed to provide Malaysian companies with insights into the Qatari market – recognised as a key target for halal products – highlighting the growing awareness and positive reception of halal-certified goods among the Qatari population.The webinar was organised by Rami el-Sayegh, senior marketing manager at MATRADE Qatar, and moderated by Shafiq Nasarudin, assistant trade commissioner at MATRADE Dubai. During the webinar, Jaffar Waqqas, category supervisor at QNIE, outlined the requirements and procedures for exporting food products to the Qatari market and emphasised the importance of halal certifications within the Qatari community.“The 21st edition of MIHAS will be a four-day trade showcase held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the MIHAS Virtual platform,” according to its website, which added that the event “is poised to attract one of the highest participations ever.”During a briefing session with foreign missions and industry players held last month in Kuala Lumpur, MATRADE emphasised that “MIHAS 2025 is gaining remarkable traction, with projections pointing to more than 2,300 booths from 45 countries, an impressive leap beyond the 2,028 booths featured in the last edition.”MIHAS 2025, under the theme ‘Pinnacle of Halal Excellence’, will highlight innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation as key drivers of growth.”“Its enhanced Knowledge Hub will advance knowledge exchange, halal investment, and policy alignment, whereas their targeted International Sourcing Programme (INSP) will empower Malaysian exporters with access to curated international buyers, powered by the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) Platform for real-time matching and analytics, ensuring greater efficiency and resilience in business matching,” MATRADE added.Ends

More than 200 journalists and media professionals from various regional and international media institutions continue to arrive in the Qatari capital, Doha, alongside local media outlets, correspondents, and press, to cover the activities of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit.This large gathering of journalists and media professionals will cover the Summit's activities through the media center specially prepared for this important occasion, located inside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The center has been equipped with everything necessary to cover and follow the Summit's proceedings in real-time, including screens, studios, press halls, offices, dozens of cameras, computers, and other advanced technologies, to provide comprehensive, distinguished, and rapid media services, and to broadcast the Summit events smoothly.Through these facilities, the media center offers comprehensive and accessible media services to cover this exceptional event, which is eagerly anticpated and followed by the world and has attracted widespread international attention.In this context, the center witnessed during the early hours of Sunday morning a huge influx of senior media professionals, journalists, and correspondents from various local, Arab, and international media institutions, to participate in covering the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit. The media preparations made in this regard will provide distinguished coverage through the media center hosting this major Arab and Islamic event.This exceptional Summit, in addition to its main theme, aims to strengthen Arab-Islamic solidarity and advance joint Arab and Islamic action towards broader horizons amid current challenges.

Qatar, with its prudent leadership, believes in peace as the rational and moral option and in constructive dialogue as the path toward ensuring a more cooperative and safe future among peoples, Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) chairman Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi (pictured) has said.He was addressing the two-day International Conference on Peace Among Followers of Religions 2025, hosted by Malaysia’s Penang state government, under the theme of Cultural and Religious Pluralism: A Pathway to Peace and Harmony in a Turbulent World.Dr al-Naimi touched on the brazen Israeli aggression against Qatar, the nation that has been diligently energising efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region through mediation and dialogue.He stressed that Qatar would continue these efforts despite all challenges and hurdles.This conference is an essential gathering and represents the product of multi-institutional and multicultural partnerships, stemming from the consultations of the 15th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue 2024 and the Second International Conference on Peace Making 2025.Interfaith encounters, Dr al-Naimi said, are not limited to the exchange of knowledge, they spark transformations in thought and behaviour and build practical commitments to advance peace.He also spoke on the tragic situation that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing, stressing that brothers in Palestine have been entrapped in a years-long methodical siege, war, displacement, and starvation.Dr al-Naimi added that the DICID has launched an awareness campaign on deliberate starvation in Gaza to highlight this crime, with hopes remaining substantial with human voices around the globe that demand an end to this calamity.Peace is a joint moral and human responsibility, he stressed, and this conference should go far beyond merely a dialogue to be a springboard to real transformations, practical partnerships, and global efforts that build a future that underpins co-existence, tolerance, and harmony.Organised by the Coalition of Islamic Non-Governmental Organisations in Malaysia, in collaboration with the Penang state government, and in partnership and under the auspices of the DICID, the conference convenes more than 200 dignitaries, including high-ranking officials, religious leaders, academics, and civil society representatives from a host of countries around the world.Regarding the partnership forged with the DICID in organising this event, Dr al-Naimi highlighted that this collaboration, in terms of organisation and sponsorship, embodies the centre’s objectives and efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among followers of religions.He said that the centre has a substantial presence in numerous countries worldwide, including Western and Arab nations.Convening in Malaysia and other southeast Asian countries, Dr al-Naimi stated, is a natural extension of Qatar’s efforts in the field of dialogue and peace-building, which broadens horizons to handle novel challenges.He noted that Malaysia’s experience in unity and peace is a perfect opportunity, as it is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, making it a fertile ground for the experience of interfaith dialogue.

Al Abdulghani Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, marked the successful conclusion of the ninth edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition – S’hail 2025 in its role as the event’s exclusive mobility partner.This marks Al Abdulghani Motors’ first participation in S’hail, underscoring its long-standing commitment to supporting Qatar’s cultural heritage and fostering deeper engagement with the local community, particularly those passionate about hunting and falconry.S’hail is one of the world’s leading events dedicated to falconry, hunting, and camping.It draws top local and international companies showcasing the latest technologies and specialised equipment tailored for hunting enthusiasts.These include advanced off-road vehicle outfitting, caravans designed for desert and safari adventures, as well as the newest falconry gear and camping innovations.“We are delighted to have made our debut at S’hail, an exhibition that truly embodies Qatar’s spirit and rich cultural legacy,” said Al Abdulghani Motors chief executive Abdulghani Nasser al-Abdulghani. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve and promote the cherished traditions of hunting and falconry on a global stage.”Blending innovation with cultural heritage, Al Abdulghani Motors unveiled a uniquely designed exhibition booth at S’hail 2025, inspired by Qatar’s desert landscapes.The booth featured a lineup of standout off-road models, including the Toyota Prado, the LX700h Overtrail, and a Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid.The booth also offered visitors a unique opportunity to explore the exceptional performance and advanced technologies of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.Additionally, a specially modified Toyota Land Cruiser 300, equipped with advanced technologies and exclusive enhancements tailored for hunting and outdoor adventures, was showcased at the main entrance of the exhibition.