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Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has announced an exclusive hospitality offering in collaboration with Cipriani Doha, elevating its hospitality experience and setting a new benchmark for premium Formula 1 hospitality.Renowned for its heritage of Italian elegance and four generations of tradition in which “to serve is to love”, Cipriani will bring its signature refinement to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of simplicity and quality, the experience will showcase Cipriani’s celebrated Venetian and Italian cuisine — including Carpaccio “alla Cipriani”, Baked Tagliolini and the iconic Vanilla Meringue — crafted with the finest ingredients and impeccable standards that have made Cipriani a global icon.The Cipriani experience will be hosted in Premiere Hospitality, located at the end of the Main Straight. Guests will enjoy climate-controlled indoor seating, an expansive outdoor terrace, and attached trackside grandstand access — providing outstanding views as the F1 cars accelerate down the straight and contest position into Turn 1.The experience will be complemented by a premium international beverage service, along with a selection of Cipriani’s classics. Exclusive live entertainment, including cultural performances and professional DJs, will create an elevated atmosphere under the lights of Lusail International Circuit.Hospitality packages are now available, but only a limited number of passes remain. The passes can be bought from here.

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has been ranked ninth regionally in the transport and logistics category on Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 list, which features 126 companies and institutions.This recognition highlights GWC’s role in promoting sustainable development practices and supporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives across the region.GWC Group Managing Director Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “We are proud to be recognised by Forbes Middle East for the third year in a row. This honour reflects our steadfast commitment to integrating ESG principles into our business model and highlights our ongoing efforts to provide sustainable logistics and supply chain solutions to our diverse clientele, in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”GWC’s Group Acting CEO Matthew Kearns stated: “Sustainability is a cornerstone for driving positive change, promoting responsible practices, and contributing to development. We achieve this by leveraging our capabilities, investing in the communities where we operate, strengthening governance, protecting the environment, and managing risks effectively.”He added: “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to adopting responsible initiatives and taking a proactive approach to sustainability. It further strengthens GWC’s position as a leader in ESG practices, demonstrated through a wide range of initiatives such as beach clean-ups, tree planting, wastewater treatment, energy conservation and emissions reduction, paperless processes, vehicle route optimisation, reduce-reuse-recycle initiatives, and resource consumption optimisation.”GWC’s Biobin initiative processed nearly 100 tonnes of food waste from its sites last year, transforming close to 40 tonnes into premium, nutrient-rich compost – enough to cover the equivalent of 14 FIFA football pitches.As part of the initiative, the recycled compost is donated to local agricultural projects including Education City Micro Farm, a community garden run by agriculture company Hadiqa that offers educational workshops for children in Doha, teaching them about gardening to create a more self-sufficient future.Forbes Middle East highlighted that the company has reduced Scope-1 carbon emissions by 3% and Scope-2 emissions by 0.2% compared with 2023 levels in 2024 and recycled more than 162,000m³ of treated wastewater at GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, achieving a 6% year-on-year reduction in water consumption in the same year.In 2024, GWC also recycled over 2,200 tons of waste, with a bold target of cutting waste by 20% by 2030. The company remains committed to minimising landfill dependency and promoting sustainable solutions.In September 2024, GWC joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, aligning itself with over 23,000 companies from some 166 countries worldwide committed to promoting responsible business practices and SDGs.

QIB Group CEO Bassel Gamal has been recognised in Forbes Middle East’s ‘Sustainability Leaders 2025’, a list celebrating executives who are advancing sustainability across the region’s largest companies.The achievement underscores the bank’s dedication to environmental management, robust ESG commitments, and innovative sustainability initiatives, affirming its influential role in promoting positive environmental impact and sustainable practices.QIB’s recognition aligns with the bank’s ongoing commitment to its ESG strategy, which includes the introduction of innovative, Shariah-compliant solutions and tools that empower customers and businesses to make more sustainable choices.This year’s Forbes Middle East list features 126 leaders across 15 industries, underscoring how sustainability is shifting from pledges to measurable action across the region. In the banks category, Gamal was recognised among the Middle East’s top 10 leading executives within the banking industry, affirming QIB’s leadership in sustainable finance and responsible banking.Gamal said, “We are pleased to be recognised by Forbes Middle East as a sustainability leader, reaffirming our strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This distinction validates our dedication to sustainability through tangible initiatives and recent milestones.“Our core strategy integrates sustainability into our business operations, rooted in our Islamic values and heritage. Over the past year, we have accelerated the integration of ESG principles across our organisation, aligning closely with Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar Central Bank’s ESG & Sustainability Strategy for the Financial Sector, the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and global best practices. This commitment strengthens our brand and enhances our financial resilience and long-term value for all stakeholders.”Recent QIB milestones include being the first bank in Qatar to adopt the Equator Principles, which has led the bank to embed a robust ESG Risk Assessment process in its credit review for all new finance requests. The bank has launched a sustainable deposit for institutional and corporate customers, which is in turn tagged to its sustainable asset portfolio. This product is aligned with QIB’s Sustainable Products Framework – guiding green and social financing.QIB has further introduced a carbon emissions tracker in the QIB Mobile App — Qatar’s first of its kind to help retail customers monitor the carbon footprint of their card transactions and encourage environmentally responsible purchasing behaviour through tailored sustainability tips. Additionally, QIB has collaborated with DHL to help lower its logistics emissions under the GoGreen Plus flagship, introduced a range of eco-friendly cards made from recycled plastic, and accelerated its shift to paperless banking through e-statements, digital onboarding, and smart printing.QIB’s current sustainability-related initiatives are aimed at embedding the assessment of climate risks within its risk management processes, leading to the evaluation of the potential impact of climate-related physical and transition risks on its wholesale banking portfolio, as per the guidelines laid down in Qatar Central Bank’s ESG Supervisory Principles for Banks.Forbes Middle East has unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Leaders list, spotlighting organisations across the Middle East that are driving measurable progress toward sustainable business goals. The evaluation considered demonstrable environmental impact, adherence to ESG principles, transparency, collaboration, initiatives delivered over the past year, and credible net-zero roadmaps. Within banking and financial services, the methodology placed particular emphasis on advancing sustainable finance.

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has been named by Forbes Middle East as one of the region’s leading sustainability champions in its prestigious Sustainability Leaders 2025 list.QNB achieved the second ranking in the banking sector, reaffirming its strong commitment to advancing sustainable finance and responsible banking practices.In addition, QNB Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa, was recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders, in acknowledgment of his vision and leadership in driving the Bank’s sustainability agenda and embedding ESG principles across its operations.This dual recognition highlights QNB’s consistent efforts to integrate sustainability into its core strategy, supporting global climate action, promoting financial inclusion, and contributing to national and international sustainable development goals.QNB Group continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainability through green financing initiatives, and investments that promote environmental and social progress which reinforces its role as a regional pioneer in sustainable finance.QNB Group is one of the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa and is ranked as the most valuable banking brand in the MEA region.Present in Some 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, it offers tailored products and services supported by innovation and backed by a team of over 31,000 professionals dedicated to driving banking excellence, worldwide.

Coaches of the teams participating in the Gulf Cup for U-17 football, set to kick off Saturday in Doha, highlighted the tournament as a key step in building a generation of players with valuable international experience.Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia, leading the Qatari U-17 team, said the competition offers “an important test” as Qatar prepares for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in November. He added that the tournament will help players gain experience, refine their skills, and adapt to different levels of competition.Iraq’s Jose Maria Zarco echoed the sentiment, noting his team is in good shape and the timing of the tournament is ideal for assessing player readiness.Saudi Arabia coach Abdulwahab Nasser al-Harbi emphasised the value of the Gulf Cup in preparing for upcoming events, including the World Cup, despite missing some players due to club commitments.Bahrain’s Croatian coach Olewo Klingor praised the organisation and described the tournament as “a major challenge and an important step” in developing young talent. Kuwait’s Tariq al-Khelaifi said the competition will aid preparations for Asian Cup qualifiers next month, while Yemen’s Samer Mohammed Saleh highlighted the opportunity for first-time international players to gain exposure.UAE coach Majid Salem Al Zaabi stressed the tournament’s role in preparing his squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and Oman’s Ahmed Bait Saeed expressed enthusiasm for the strong competition and opportunities for interaction.The tournament opens tomorrow with Iraq facing Kuwait at 6pm at Grand Hamad Stadium, followed by Saudi Arabia vs. Bahrain at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar will start its campaign tomorrow against Yemen at Grand Hamad Stadium, alongside UAE vs. Oman at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on September 30, with the final scheduled for October 3 at Grand Hamad Stadium.

The beauty of sport is its ability to surprise and Isaac Nader produced one of the biggest ever in international 1,500 metres finals as he won the world title Wednesday while Katie Moon was a more predictable winner of a third successive pole vault crown.Portugal had never had a medallist in the 1,500m but Nader's storming run in the home straight was enough for the 24-year-old to deny Jake Wightman of Britain a second title. "Some people criticised me and said I would never achieve this but here I am – world champion and the first Portuguese athlete to win a global gold in the 1,500m," said a beaming Nader.While Wightman celebrated his silver after an injury-plagued three years since he won the title in 2022, there was misery for reigning champion Josh Kerr after the Briton was left hopping along midway through the race, apparently with an injury.Even at 34, Moon is pretty much unbeatable in an event that has failed to match the heights of the men's event in which Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis broke the world record for the 14th time in Tokyo. Moon triumphed with a best vault of 4.90 metres, a considerable 16 centimetres shy of the world record set by Yelena Isinbayeva 16 years ago."It feels fun watching girls getting in shape in real life," said Moon. "I am 34 now and I have seen several athletes come in young and blossom. All my medals are special but this one is the one. The older you get, it gets harder."The men's long jump went to Italian Mattia Furlani, 20, who confirmed his Olympic bronze last year was no fluke with a winning effort of 8.39m. Defending champion and two-time Olympic gold medallist Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece was totally out of sorts and finished 11th.One lesson to be learned is beware Kenyan women distance athletes called Faith. Faith Kipyegon romped to the 1500m title on Tuesday and Wednesday it was the turn of Faith Cherotich to triumph in the 3,000m steeplechase.Femke Bol has had the misfortune to compete in the 400m hurdes at a time when the phenomenon that is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been around.McLaughlin-Levrone, though, has turned her attention to the 400m flat and is favourite to add that world title to her tally Thursday.Bol, three times a minor medallist behind the American, can take advantage of her absence to retain her world crown, just as she did in the 2023 championships. Bol had far too much pace in her semi-final for former Olympic and world champion Dalilah Muhammad, who at 35 is 10 years older than the Dutchwoman.The climax to the men's event is a rematch of the three medallists from the 2021 Olympic final in Tokyo. Karsten Warholm, who set a memorable world record on that scorching day, takes on runner-up Rai Benjamin, who avenged that defeat in winning Olympic gold in Paris last year, with bronze medallist, 2022 world champion Alison dos Santos, completing the trio.The stage is set for perhaps the most keenly awaited clash in the field events, the men's javelin final Thursday, between Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan and the man he deposed in Paris last year India's Neeraj Chopra. However, the script came close to being torn up by Nadeem until he saved face in qualifying with his third and final throw.Chopra feels right at home in the stadium where he won Olympic gold four years ago, albeit with empty stands owing to Covid restrictions. "That Olympic gold medal changed everything for me," he said. "After winning it, I started to believe in myself."Nadeem may have pulled it out of the fire but it was not the case for another Olympic champion, Spanish triple jumper Jordan Diaz. The 24-year-old's dream of a full house of titles, he is also European champion, ended, as he pulled up with a quadriceps injury in qualifying.All the favourites in the men's and women's 200m – in which Melissa Jefferson-Wooden is bidding to become the first to achieve the individual sprint double since Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in 2013 – eased into semi-finals.Joining them is 17-year-old Australian Gout Gout, of whom great things are expected. The Australia-born son of South Sudanese parents took his first experience of a global championships in his long stride. "It's a great experience for me, running against the big dogs," said Gout. After the action was followed by big crowds early in the champions, Wednesday's action attracted just shy of 36,000, leaving thousands of empty seats.

Qatar's family offices are in the path of shifting to "bold" venture capital (VC) investments, which have emerged as a powerful driver of growth, according to a top official of the Qatar Development Bank (QDB).In the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), family offices are shifting from conservative wealth managers to bold venture investors, and "Qatar’s ecosystem is ready for this transformation," QDB chief executive officer Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi on Wednesday told the seventh edition of Investment Forum 2025, organised by QDB in association with Young Entrepreneurs Club."As Qatar moves with confidence towards 2030, opportunities have never been more exciting. Investment is yielding growth and the market is laden with potential," he said.Highlighting that QDB continues to be a key enabler for the nation's VC space, maintaining strong growth through 2025; he said QDB's direct and indirect investments (as of today) exceed QR350mn, resulting in more than 1,100 direct and indirect new jobs, thus contributing to a strong private sector capable of driving Qatar diversification."Our mandate has expanded beyond local boundaries in alignment with our new strategy, positioning Qatar as the centre of tomorrow's opportunities. We launched the Startup Qatar Investment Programme, opening Qatar's door to global founders, capital, and ideas," according to him.In two years, this programme has directed more than QR120mn into more than 30 companies, scaling their growth and projecting their reach beyond its borders, he said, adding "this is only the opening chapter."Following the success of the first phase, QDB expanded the programme's capacity further, attracting 177 applications from 27 countries."With more than 40 entrepreneurs already benefiting from this community, the programme is establishing itself as a true hub of global talent," according to al-Sowaidi.Stressing that a great economy is not built on capital alone, but on knowledge, on talent and on trust and it is why QDB continues to invest in people; he said through its VC training programme, more than 170 investors are now equipped to play a leading role in the VC landscape of tomorrow."By the end of 2024, private sector participation in the VC scene reached 57% of total investment, surpassing the 50% target set for the same year," according to him.The QDB official said VC funding in the Middle East nearly doubled in the first half of 2025, reaching about $1.35bn, despite a global VC slowdown."In Qatar and beyond, private capital from high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and venture funds has emerged as a powerful driver of growth," he said, adding globally, family offices are rethinking how to preserve and grow assets across generations, as assets under their management are projected to exceed $5tn by 2030, underscoring their rising influence in finance.Placing particular emphasis on the growing role of family offices both regionally and globally; al-Sowaidi said these institutions have become vital partners in shaping the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, leveraging accumulated expertise and directing investments toward the sectors of tomorrow.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to take place from November 3-27. With less than two months until the tournament kickoff, fans in Qatar look forward to welcoming their national teams and partaking in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of football and culture. This is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams. A total of 104 matches will take place over 25 days at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. Argentina fans will hope to see their team win this competition for the first time, following the success they enjoyed during Qatar 2022. For Maria Hermina, a human resource professional and Argentinian super fan based in Qatar, the tournament has brought a wave of excitement within the football-loving expat community. “Football is in our blood. It unites us all regardless of our diverse backgrounds or beliefs – this is the beauty of the game. We look forward to celebrating this beautiful game with fans from around the world. In 2022, we watched the senior Argentinian team crowned as world champions, now we are rooting for our young Albiceleste to bring home the U-17 World Cup trophy.” Portuguese fan leader, Elisabete Reis, an etiquette and protocol consultant in Qatar and a long-time resident of 19 years, looks forward to recreating memories of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with the team set to make their fourth appearance at the upcoming tournament. The young Portuguese squad will be looking to improve on their best finish when they finished in third place in 1989. “The world was amazed by what Qatar had to offer. I was happy that fans were able to appreciate the true beauty and culture of Qatar and go back with a positive perspective. The U-17 World Cup, will bring the world together once again in Qatar, allowing fans to embrace new cultures and revel in the thrill of this game. I look forward to welcoming global fans to my second home, and creating incredible memories together.” Amongst participating teams, Uganda is set to make their first ever appearance at a FIFA competition. For fan leader, Allan Ssemugabi, who works in the automobile industry, the team’s qualification to the tournament was a historic moment for football fans. “This is a momentous occasion in our football history. Fans are super excited, and many will be travelling to Qatar to support our young players. It’s a dream for us to be able to watch our team play at a global stage. I am excited to unite with fans from around the world to celebrate our common passion for football. I am certain that fans will enjoy all that Qatar has to offer, especially its compact nature, making it easy to travel between various cultural sites using public transport.” Indonesia will be making their second appearance at the competition after hosting the competition in 2023. Fan leader Vidi Viciyandrie, who works in the oil and gas industry, is an avid supporter of Indonesian football. “Football is the number one sport back home; we are crazy about the game. Indonesian fans take immense pride in supporting our national teams, no matter what the result is. Our young Garudas have our full support. This will be a wonderful tournament for all of us. The world has seen how Qatar can successfully organise football tournaments, and the U-17 World Cup will be another spectacular event for football fans.” The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will host eight matches a day during the group stage. Fans will also be able to enjoy several cultural activations in a vibrant fan zone. The venue is connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans.

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.

The opening round of the 2025 QSSP 300 season saw Egypt's Mahmoud Elbanna dominate both races at the Lusail International Circuit.In Race 1, which consisted of eight laps, Elbanna, riding a Kawasaki 300, finished in 19:07.385, well ahead of Johann Zahren of Malaysia who placed second and Andrea Giacchero of Italy in third. Elbanna continued his winning streak in Race 2, securing another first-place finish with a time of 20:05.119.Kamal Navas from India took second place in this race, while Zahren rounded out the top three. The championship is organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation.

Prominent Qatari rider Mashel al-Naimi dominated the opening round of the 2025 QSTK 600 season, winning both races at the Lusail International Circuit. In Race 1, al-Naimi secured the victory with a time of 20:51.947, followed by his compatriot Abdulla al-Qubaisi who finished just over five seconds behind. In Race 2, the competition was much closer, with al-Naimi once again taking the top spot with a time of 20:50.510, narrowly beating al-Qubaisi by a mere 0.063 seconds. Both races saw Emmanuel Geoffrey of India finishing in third place, while Qatar's Jassim al-Thani consistently placed fourth in each of the 10-lap races which covered a distance of 54.5 km. In the QSTK trophy category which ran concurrently, Nawaf al-Shuaibi won Race 1, followed by Mustafa Husain and Ali Boushehri in second and third places respectively to complete an all-Kuwaiti podium. India’s' Johann Emmanuel won Race 2, while Hungary’s Marton Belleli came second. Boushehri was third.