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Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has been confirmed as the official host circuit for the inaugural edition of CIRCUIT – The Global Race Track Summit & Awards, set to take place from February 16-18, 2026 in Doha. As one of the world’s most advanced and architecturally striking motorsport venues, Lusail Circuit provides the ideal stage for an event dedicated to the future of global motorsport infrastructure. The summit will unite circuit promoters, designers, architects, engineers, investors, and operators from around the world, all driven by a shared mission: to shape the next evolution of motorsport venues. CIRCUIT serves as a global platform for these professionals to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate excellence in race track design, operations, and innovation. Supported by former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and his global events company, Whisper Group, CIRCUIT will deliver a world-class production experience, combining storytelling, insight, and spectacle in equal measure. Over three days, the event will feature networking sessions, a global conference, and an investment forum, culminating in the Global Race Track Awards, which will celebrate excellence in design, operations, innovation, and guest experience across every level of motorsport venue worldwide. The announcement reinforces Qatar’s growing leadership in international motorsport and reflects LIC’s continued commitment to driving global collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the industry. Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, said: “LIC has always been more than a venue, it is a symbol of Qatar’s vision for the future of motorsport. We are honoured to welcome the world’s leading circuit professionals and to play a central role in defining the next generation of race track development.” Chris James, Founder & CEO of CIRCUIT, added: “CIRCUIT exists to bring together the global motorsport venue community, the people who design, build, and run the places where the world comes to race. Lusail International Circuit is the perfect home for that story, a symbol of progress, precision, and the ideal partner as we shape the next evolution of motorsport venues. I wish to thank the President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai and the CEO Abdulaziz Ali al-Mohannadi of Lusail International Circuit for their vision, belief, and commitment to helping bring this global gathering to life.”

Kuwait has called for adherence to international law and the principles of human rights as the only way to maintain international peace and security. This came in a statement delivered by the Diplomatic Attache of Kuwait's Permanent Mission to the UN, Abeer Al Methen, before the third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) of the UN General Assembly, during discussions on item (71) regarding the promotion and protection of human rights, as part of the 80th session of the General Assembly.She said that the world stands at a critical crossroads amid growing violations and declining respect for international conventions, noting that recent UN reports underscore the urgent need to strengthen global solidarity in confronting humanitarian crises, achieving sustainable development, and promoting just and lasting peace, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).Al Methen added that Kuwait continues to play a leading role in humanitarian work through relief and development initiatives that have reached numerous affected countries, pointing to the dispatch of 19 humanitarian air bridges to Palestine, a reflection of Kuwait's steadfast foreign policy based on supporting afflicted peoples and alleviating their suffering.She welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, expressing Kuwait's hope that it will serve as a step toward ending the long-standing humanitarian suffering. She reiterated that a just and lasting solution lies in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.Furthermore, she underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan, reaffirming Kuwait's firm stance rejecting any measures that violate international law or undermine regional peace and security.

Mohammed Miandad VP, Chairman and Managing Director of 33 Holdings Global, has been named among Forbes Middle East’s Top Healthcare Leaders 2025 – Founders & Shareholders, making him one of the youngest Founder to feature in this year’s prestigious ranking. The recognition highlights his visionary leadership in transforming Middle Easts’ healthcare landscape through diversified innovation and international expansion.Ranked in the Founders & Shareholders category, Miandad represents a new generation of healthcare entrepreneurs driving regional excellence and global integration. Under his direction, 33 Holdings Global has built a robust healthcare investment footprint encompassing Naseem Healthcare, Medinova Healthcare, ABM4 Scientific, ABM4 Trading, and Dfine Dental Lab, together redefining accessibility, quality, and cross-border medical collaboration.In 2025, 33 Holdings Global continued its dynamic growth through strategic expansions. Its subsidiary ABM4 Scientific signed major agreements with leading pharmaceutical companies in Qatar, strengthening medical supply chains and research partnerships.Through Naseem Healthcare, the group launched its first ever guest mobile application in Qatar’s private healthcare sector, and a Super Specialty Surgical Center with inpatient facilities along with its fourth Super Specialty Centre in Al Khor, marking another leap in advanced healthcare and medical excellence.Miandad’s forward-thinking leadership extends across continents as he also serves as Managing Director of Medinova Healthcare in Africa and Director of Dfine Dental Lab in Qatar, contributing to global healthcare integration and technology-driven global service standards.Forbes Middle East’s Top Healthcare Leaders 2025 showcases the most influential founders and shareholders shaping the future of healthcare in the region. The selection acknowledges leadership impact, diversification, innovation, and sustainability, spotlighting professionals advancing the Middle East’s medical ecosystem into a new era of transformation.Miandad VP’s inclusion for the third consecutive year underscores not only his entrepreneurial achievements but also the growing global recognition of Qatar’s healthcare excellence on the world stage.

Rohit Sharma hit a century and Virat Kohli a bright 74 to drive India to a nine-wicket win in the third one day international Saturday, sending fans home happy after what are likely to be their final appearances in Australia in their country’s colours.Australia secured series honours with victories in the first two matches in Perth and Adelaide but India’s bowlers skittled the home side for 236 and the two former skippers got the tourists over the line with a partnership of 168 runs.“I’ve always loved coming here... and a nice way to finish getting that knock and getting that win as well,” said Rohit.“I don’t know if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but it was fun all these years that we played here. A lot of good memories, bad memories. But all in all, I’ll take the cricket that I played here.”Kohli, the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs behind Sachin Tendulkar, came out to join Sharma at the crease to a frenzied ovation from a big crowd that made the Sydney Cricket Ground feel more like it was located in New Delhi than New South Wales.Rohit had already combined with current skipper Shubman Gill (24) to cut 69 runs out of the chase but this was the “Ro-Ko” partnership the massed ranks of fans in blue shirts waving tricolour flags had come to see.The two thirtysomethings, who both now only play the 50-over game for India, duly delivered with assured shots and mature decision-making that frustrated then dispirited the Australian bowlers.Rohit smashed 13 fours and three sixes in his 33rd century in the format, reaching the milestone for the ninth time against Australia with a pushed drive down the ground for a single.Kohli, who had been dismissed for ducks in the previous two matches, brought up his 75th half-century to a huge roar with a single on one ball and Rohit locked in a 19th ODI century stand between the pair with another solitary run on the next delivery.“When we bat together ... even back in the day, we used to think, if we have a big partnership, the kind of strokes we can play, we can really take the game away from the opposition,” said Kohli.“The opposition also knew that if these guys are in for 20 overs together, any total is chaseable.”Rohit should have been caught on 108 after spooning a shot high into the night sky but was reprieved when Josh Hazlewood failed to get under it and finished 121 not out.Kohli got the winning runs by clipping a short ball off the face of his bat for a four down to third man.Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first at a venue where that decision had led to victory for the team concerned in the last nine ODIs.All of Australia’s top order got a start but only Matt Renshaw (56) managed to convert his innings into a half century, giving another boost to his hopes of reviving his long-stalled Test career in time for the Ashes.All-rounder Harshit Rana took 4-39 mopping up the Australian tail, curtailing the innings with the wickets of Cooper Connolly and Josh Hazlewood in the space of three balls.Kohli took the catch at long off to send back Connolly, having earlier whipped the crowd into another frenzy with a sharp hold at forward square to dismiss Matthew Short for 30 off the bowling of Washington Sundar.“We want to say thank you,” Kohli concluded.“We’ve loved coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds. And we’ve played some of our best cricket here as well.”BRIEF SCORE:SIndia 237 for 1 (Rohit 121*, Kohli 74*) beat Australia 236 (Renshaw 56, Rana 4-39) by 9 wickets

The tickets for the 2026 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar taking place at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), from April 10 to April 12, 2026, are now available. The Grand Prix of Qatar promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for motorsport enthusiasts.Constructed in 2004, LIC made its debut that same year by hosting the first ever Qatar Grand Prix, marking the country’s entry into the MotoGP World Championship. Since 2008, the Qatar Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most visually appealing events on the MotoGP calendar with its unique night time racing format. To this day, it remains the only venue on the calendar to host night races. The combination of cutting edge facilities and the iconic illumination of LIC creates an unparalleled spectacle that has become a hallmark of the championship.The 2026 MotoGP season is set to deliver another thrilling chapter, with the grid now fully confirmed after one of the most unpredictable contract periods in recent years, where Diogo Moreira was announced to join Honda LCR, completing an exciting line up of 22 riders.With Ducati’s powerhouse pairing of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez locked in, and rising stars like Pedro Acosta and Fermin Aldeguer ready to impress, the 2026 MotoGP grid blends proven champions with exciting new contenders. As anticipation builds for pre-season testing, fans can look forward to another year of fierce competition and unforgettable racing under the lights of Lusail.Ticket InformationFans can purchase tickets through LIC'S official website. For just QR200, a three-day ticket grants access to:• Free seating in the Main Grandstand and Lusail Hill (Turn 1 elevated viewing area)• Fan Zone with entertainment and activities for all ages.• MotoGP merchandising and other retail outlets.• Easy access to free parking and taxi pick up and drop off zone.• As a special bonus, motorsport enthusiasts who purchase tickets for the 2026 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar will also receive a 25% discount on tickets for the Qatar 1812 KM - FIA World Endurance Championship.• Wheelchair ticket holders are entitled to one free companion ticket (contact [email protected])Fans can book a maximum of 6 child tickets (free of charge for under 12 years of age) when accompanied by 1 adult purchasing a full price ticket.Event scheduleFriday, April 10, 2026: Free practice.Saturday, April 11, 2026: Qualifying for all teams and Sprint race.Sunday, April 12, 2026: Motogp Qatar Airways Grand Prix of QatarThe Qatar Grand Prix will showcase the world’s top riders competing on the 5.38 kilometer track. This world class venue features a flowing layout with a mix of medium and high speed corners, a main straight over one kilometer in length.Details on Hero walks, hospitality packages, and Fan Zone activations will be available on LIC’sofficial website and social media channels. For corporate and group requests, contact [email protected].

The Qatar International Baja will be the penultimate round of the FIM Bajas World Cup on November 6th-8th. While competitors in the FIA World Baja Cup wait for the outcome of this weekend’s Baja Portalegre 500 in Portugal before the latest championship standings are known before the Lusail-based event, riders competing in the FIM category are already making final preparations for their title-deciding rounds in Qatar and Dubai.This year’s FIM Bajas World Cup is being fought out over just seven counting rounds after the Hungarian Baja pulled out of the series in August. Action began across the deserts of north-central Saudi Arabia for the Hail Baja at the start of February and then moved on to the narrow and twisty gravel tracks of Portugal for the Baja Escuderia Castelo Branco in wet conditions.British rider Alex McInnes claimed his maiden win on the series opener and then Junior rider Martin Ventura got the better of Jorge Brandao and Paulo Cardoso to win in Portugal.MX Ride Dubai’s Mohammed al-Balooshi then confirmed his fifth victory at the Jordan Baja in April, an event that was held across the spectacular desert terrain of Wadi Rum in the south of the Hashemite Kingdom. That victory pushed the defending champion into title contention.The series then returned to Europe for back-to-back Bajas in Spain. Professional Honda rider Tosha Schareina overcame tricky muddy conditions to get the better of Javi Vega at the Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura at the start of May. Lorenzo Santolino then guided his Sherco to victory over Neels Theric and Vega in the Teruel-based Baja Spain Aragón in the heat of the Spanish summer.Entries closed Wednesday for the event being organised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the final lists will be announced on October 29th.But Dubai-based al-Balooshi is expected to take the start with a nine-point advantage over his Lebanese team-mate Rafic Eid in the overall 450cc riders’ championship. Vega is third in the rankings, ahead of Brandao, Cardoso and a tying Santolino, Schareina, Ventura and McInnes. Tragically, Brandao lost his life while competing at the recent W2RC event in Morocco. Rafic Eid leads the Veterans’ category by six points from al-Balooshi.The FIM Bajas World Cup also has a well-supported Ladies’ category. Alona Ben Natan leads the way on 58 points and has an eight-point cushion over Spaniard Sara Garcia Alvarez. Equador’s Maria Taranto is third, five points in front of Sarah Khuraibet from Kuwait. Kove Factory Racing’s Lili-may Mansuy and the Duust Rally Team’s Joanna Modrzewska are also in the points’ hunt.Polish rider Konrad Dabrowksi won the Qatar International Baja outright on two wheels in 2022 and 2023. He currently trails Spain’s Victor Manuel Moya Aguilera by 13 points in the race to become the leading Junior rider in 2025. Dabrowski rides for the Duust Rally Team and is tied in second place in the standings with Jordan’s Abdullah Al-Batayneh, Ventura and McInnes.Experienced Saudi rider Hani al-Noumesi won last year’s Qatar International Baja in the quad category and has a 16-point advantage in the FIM’s quad standings over Frenchman Antoine Sanchez and Portugal’s Fernando Jorge Sampaio.Frenchman Jerome Connart and the Saudi duo of Haitham al-Tuwaijri and Abdulaziz al-Shayban are also in the hunt. Administration and technical scrutineering will be based at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit on Tuesday, November 4th with re-scrutineering for any FIA vehicles on Wednesday, November 5th.Competitive action will then take centre stage from Thursday, November 6th through to Saturday, November 8th over a total route of 773.83km and 453.21 competitive kilometres.

The United Nations' top legal body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Wednesday gave an advisory opinion saying that Israel is under the obligation to ensure the basic needs of the civilian population in Gaza are met.The panel of 11 judges added Israel has to support relief efforts provided by the United Nations in the Gaza Strip, and UN entities, including UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East."As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival," presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa said. He added that basic needs include food, water, shelter, fuel and medical services.Advisory opinions of the ICJ, also known as the World Court, carry legal and political weight, but they are not binding and the court has no enforcement power.The opinion, which was requested by the UN General Assembly in December, clarified the protections states must provide for UN staff and is expected to have effects beyond the Gaza conflict.In a post on X, Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the court's findings and added "Israel fully upholds its obligations under international law".The ICJ judges on Wednesday found that Israel had not substantiated its claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees are Hamas members.In April this year lawyers for the United Nations and Palestinian representatives at the ICJ accused Israel of breaking international law by refusing to let aid into Gaza between March and May, a time when Israel completely cut off all goods.Since then, some humanitarian aid has been allowed in but UN officials say it was nowhere near what was needed to ease a humanitarian disaster which crossed the threshold into famine. A ceasefire agreed this month calls for Israel to admit 600 trucks of aid per day, but the UN says far less is entering so far.The ICJ opinion found Palestinians in Gaza were inadequately supplied and stressed Israel cannot use starvation as a weapon of war.Paul Reichler, a lawyer acting for the Palestinians, said the findings meant Israel was not complying with its international law obligations."On the one hand, you have the court finding that starvation as a method of warfare is illegal, and on the other, the court found that Israel deliberately prevented food from reaching the civilian population in Gaza," he said.UNRWA, which serves millions of Palestinians by running schools and aid distribution, employs more than 30,000 people.Within hours of the ruling, Norway said it would propose a UN General Assembly resolution demanding that Israel lift restrictions on Gaza aid.And the Palestinian delegate to the ICJ, Ammar Hijazi, urged nations to ensure Israel complies with the court to let aid into Gaza."The responsibility is on the international community to uphold these values and oblige Israel, bring Israel into compliance," he told reporters.Before the ruling, Abeer Etefa, Middle East spokeswoman for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), said 530 WFP trucks had crossed into Gaza since the ceasefire started on October 10.The trucks had delivered more than 6,700 tonnes of food, which she said was "enough for close to half a million people for two weeks".Etefa said around 750 tonnes a day were now coming through, well below WFP's target of around 2,000 tonnes daily.ICJ judges heard a week of evidence in April from dozens of nations and organisations, much of which revolved around the status of UNRWA.Hijazi told the April hearings that Israel was blocking aid as a "weapon of war", sparking starvation in Gaza.The case was separate from the others Israel faces under international law over its Gaza campaign.In July 2024, the ICJ issued another advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories was "unlawful" and must end as soon as possible.ICJ judges are also weighing accusations, brought by South Africa, that Israel has broken the 1948 UN Genocide Convention with its actions in Gaza.Another court in The Hague, the International Criminal Court, has issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Hamad International Airport recently welcomed the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight CZ8059 bound from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).The celebration began with a traditional water salute, followed by an airport ceremony featuring a ribbon-cutting and warm gestures of hospitality. The event highlighted the collective ambition between Qatar and China to unite people and opportunities across continents, a statement said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), represented by the Radiation Control Department, announced the accreditation of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) as an international collaborative centre, the "Anchor Center," in radiation medicine.This achievement is the result of close and ongoing cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department, and HMC, as part of joint efforts to develop peaceful applications of nuclear technology in healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to further scientific and medical progress for the benefit of Qatari society and humanity as a whole.Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MoECC Yousef al-Hamar emphasised that the accreditation of HMC as an international collaborative centre with the IAEA is a major achievement that adds to Qatar's distinguished record in the areas of international cooperation and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It also reflects the great confidence that the country's institutions enjoy among specialised international organisations.Al-Hamar pointed out that this fruitful cooperation highlights Qatar's commitment to empowering its national cadres and building human capacity in the fields of radiology and radiation control, through research, training, and professional development programmes, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 towards sustainable human and health development.He indicated that this achievement represents international recognition of the competence of Qatari national cadres and the advanced infrastructure the country possesses in the field of radiation and medical applications. It also reflects Qatar's unwavering commitment to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and its contribution to enhancing the health sector's capabilities in diagnosing and treating cancer according to the latest international standards.This accreditation is a significant national achievement that enhances Qatar's position in the fields of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment, as part of the "Rays of Hope" initiative launched by the IAEA to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, particularly in developing countries. (QNA)###OPT TRIMThis achievement comes within the framework of the practical arrangements signed between the Ministry of Public Health and IAEA in November 2023, during the visit of the IAEA's deputy director general and head of the department of technical cooperation Hua Liu to Doha, which will contribute to strengthening the advanced healthcare system in the country.This event embodies Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts to combat cancer and affirms its active role in providing specialised medical expertise and services at the regional and global levels.This also reflects the close cooperation between the MoECC, represented by the Radiation Control Department — as the national point of contact with the IAEA and relevant state institutions — in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals and developing national capabilities in the fields of radiation medicine and peaceful nuclear technology, thus consolidating Qatar's position in supporting international initiatives aimed at employing nuclear technologies to serve humanity. (QNA)

The Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Mostafa Madbouly met with Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, during her visit to Egypt.The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, ways to support and enhance them, and a number of topics of common interest.

Amnesty International on Monday denounced "systematic human rights violations" in Tanzania by authorities, which are said to be intensifying ahead of presidential polls that exclude opposition candidates.Current President Samia Suluhu Hassan was initially praised for easing restrictions imposed by her authoritarian predecessor John Magufuli, but as she seeks re-election in October 29 polls, she faces sharp criticism from the opposition and NGOs.Between January 2024 and October 2025, Amnesty documented widespread abuses such as "enforced disappearance and torture... and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures and activists".Amnesty's report reviewed by AFP was based on interviews with 43 people, including witnesses, victims, relatives of victims, NGO members and lawyers, along with analysis of images and publications.In September 2024, a senior official with the main opposition party Chadema, Ali Mohamed Kibao, 69, was abducted and found dead.An investigation was launched into his violent murder, but no progress has been reported, Amnesty denounced.The country's former ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Hesron Polepole, who was also a government critic, disappeared this month.Authorities "have ramped up their clampdown on the civic space and the right to participate freely in elections through the passing of deeply flawed legislation", Amnesty's regional director for east and southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said in a statement.The Chadema party has been excluded from the elections for refusing to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct.Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, arrested in April, has been on trial for treason, a charge punishable by the death penalty.Luhaga Mpina, candidate for the third-largest party, the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo) was barred from standing.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh guided his side to a comfortable seven-wicket win against India in a rain-affected first one-day international in Perth Sunday.Chasing 131 for victory in a match that was reduced to 26 overs a side, Marsh scored 46 not out as the home side cruised to an easy win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Matt Renshaw was unbeaten on 21 alongside Marsh as Australia reached 131-3 with 29 balls remaining. Josh Philippe contributed 37, batting at number four.“Obviously the weather played its part today,” Marsh said. “But it’s nice to get a win.“The ball was swinging around for both teams out there so it was a little bit of a challenge to get through. I was proud of the way our young guys came out and got the job done.”Marsh, who was also named player of the match, won the toss and chose to field due to the inclement weather around the Western Australia city.It paid dividends as India’s innings was hampered by rain delays, which frustrated the visitors who struggled to build any momentum.A quickfire 38 off 31 balls from KL Rahul helped India to recover to 136-9, with Australia set 131 to win after the total was adjusted on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system.Australia’s opening bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc troubled the Indian batsmen with a good line and movement.Hazlewood had Rohit Sharma caught at second slip for eight before Starc claimed Virat Kohli without scoring, leaving the visitors 21-2. India skipper Shubman Gill was caught by wicketkeeper Philippe off Nathan Ellis for 10 before the first rain delay, with India 23-3 after 8.5 overs.“When you lose three wickets in the powerplay you are always trying to play a catch-up game,” Gill said. “But there are a lot of learnings for us from this game and a lot of positives as well.”Hazlewood grabbed his second victim when Shreyas Iyer gloved a ball to Philippe before another long delay with India at 45-4. When they eventually resumed, the game was reduced to 26 overs.Rahul smashed two huge sixes but fell on the boundary going for a third. Nitish Reddy blasted 19 runs off the last two overs but the reduced total was never enough.The two teams meet again in Adelaide on Thursday before the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.BRIEF SCORES:Australia 131 for 3 (Marsh 46*) beat India 136 for 9 (Rahul 38) by seven wickets (DLS squad)