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Qatar driver Ghanim al-Madheed made a dominant start to the 2025 QTCC 2K Championship at the Lusail International Circuit, winning both races in Round 1 in his Lotus Elise. In Race 1, he claimed victory over 10 laps with a total time of 27:37.912, setting the fastest lap of 2:23.794 on lap six, while Abdulla Ali al-Khelaifi finished second and Palestine’s Omran Karama claimed third. Al-Madheed was even quicker in Race 2, stopping the clock at 26:24.163 and posting a best lap of 2:22.897 on lap eight to complete a clean sweep, with al-Khelaifi again in second place and Ali Emadadhi securing third. The second round of the championship will take place on September 26-27.

Jake Franklin clinched a commanding victory in Race 2 of the 2025 FIM MiniGP Qatar Round 4 at the Lusail Circuit, setting the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:02.378 on his way to completing the 15 laps in 15 minutes 48.039 seconds.Mohammed Adel al-Mutawa secured the second place, finishing 9.654 seconds behind the race winner, while Anas Boukabache completed the podium in third place. Fadhili Kraemer and Oscar Browne rounded off the top five. The FIM MiniGP action returns for the final round on October 10-11.

QNB Singapore has announced successful participation as a ‘Gold Sponsor’ at the recently concluded GTR Asia 2025 event held in Singapore.This year's gathering proved to be a “remarkable platform” for trade and finance professionals, featuring engaging formats that maximised audience participation and dialogue.Throughout the event, attendees engaged with a variety of highlights, including the dynamic Trade Showcase hosted by GTR Ventures, which highlighted innovative solutions and emerging trends in trade finance.The new boardroom scenario session focused on global trade security provided essential insights into pressing industry challenges, while in-depth discussions, fireside chats, and interactive presentations enriched the experience for all participants.A key feature of the event was the ‘Asia Bank to Bank Forum’, hosted by the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), where leading discussions on banking and finance addressed the unique opportunities and challenges faced in today's economic landscape.“As a Gold Sponsor, QNB Singapore was proud to be part of such a vital event that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, from international banks to fintech firms,” said Silas Lee, CEO, QNB Singapore. “The discussions and exchanges at GTR Asia 2025 have provided valuable insights into the evolving trade finance sector, and we are excited to continue fostering these connections within the industry.”The GTR Asia 2025 event serves as a crucial forum for addressing the rapidly changing dynamics of trade finance, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the region’s trade operations.

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

Qatar will face a formidable challenge on Monday as they go up against world No. 1 and reigning champions Poland in their second group stage match at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, currently underway in the Philippines.Qatar will be aiming for a strong response after a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening Group B fixture. Despite the loss, the team showed resilience by taking a competitive set (28-26) against the Dutch, with the other sets ending 25-18, 25-23, and 25-23 in favor of the Netherlands.Grouped with top-tier teams including Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania, Qatar face one of the toughest pools in the 32-team tournament.The national team will wrap up their group stage campaign on Wednesday with a decisive match against Romania.This year marks Qatar's second appearance at the Volleyball World Championship, following their debut at the 2022 edition hosted by Poland and Slovenia.The tournament format sees the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds. The Round of 16 is scheduled for September 20–23, followed by the quarterfinals on September 24-25, semifinals on September 27, and the medal matches on September 28.

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.

The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025) continues to establish itself as a comprehensive cultural and economic platform, attracting wide local and international participation while offering opportunities for knowledge exchange, trade, and innovation.The exhibition receives daily visits from high-ranking officials, state guests, and a number of ambassadors, who toured specialised displays in hunting, falconry, and camping.“S’hail is no longer just an exhibition specialising in hunting and falcons,” said Malika Mohamed al-Shreim, a member of the Supreme Committee and Secretary of the Exhibition.“It has become an integrated platform that embraces heritage while keeping pace with modern demands,” the official said. “Since its inception, our aim has been to evolve year after year, offering visitors and participants a rich experience that combines authenticity with innovation, reflecting Qatar’s prestigious position in hosting global events.”Al-Shreim noted that what distinguishes S’hail this year is the commitment of local and international companies to continue and expand their participation in future editions, which reflects their confidence in the exhibition’s value as an economic and cultural platform attracting both enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.Among the highlights of the exhibition are the gift and souvenir pavilions in Zone (B), which combine art, heritage, and innovation.The Amber Stone pavilion showcases rare amber creations, including models of Imam Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Mosque, falcon and horse figures, traditional dhows, and the largest sambuk boat made entirely of amber.The Doha Art for Arts and Trade pavilion presents works by visual artist Noura Tawar, along with an exclusive perfume featuring a falcon design created as a distinctive collectible.This year, the exhibition features leading global safari companies.Elite Safari, managed by Hassan al-Malki, offers integrated hunting and safari programmes in destinations across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and New Zealand, providing comprehensive services from reception and accommodation to transport, hunting trips, game meat processing, trophy shipping, and taxidermy.Other participants include Royal Wings Ltd from Budapest and Infinite Safaris Africa, which provide luxury packages with limousine pickups, stays at 5-star hotels, full hunting programmes, celebratory ceremonies, and family-friendly tourism activities.The bird market remains a major attraction for amateurs and professionals, offering a wide variety of high-quality falcons such as hur, gyr, and shaheen.The birds undergo meticulous processes – from breeding and incubation to veterinary care and training – ensuring readiness for hunting.The Tobacco Control Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation highlighted that S’hail 2025 is not merely a heritage hobby fair but also a space for community roles in promoting awareness and protecting public health.Its pavilion reflects its mission to protect society from the dangers of traditional and electronic smoking and shisha, under a creative slogan inspired by the exhibition’s theme: Hunting is an art... Tobacco is a trap: Catch it before it catches you.The centre offers services including awareness campaigns on smoking’s impact on the respiratory system and heart, as well as instant tests to measure carbon monoxide levels in the body, helping smokers realise the direct harm.It also provides comprehensive treatment programmes for those wishing to quit, with continuous medical follow-ups and counselling.

Qatar’s Saif Mohammed qualified for the men’s pole vault final at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 Saturday, setting a new Qatar, Gulf, Arab and West Asia record for with a clearance of 5.75m.President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, Mohammed Issa Al-Fadala, hailed the achievement, expressing confidence in Saif’s ability to excel in the final.“The historic achievement of champion Saif Mohammed in pole vault and his record is a source of pride for all Qataris and Arabs. He has not only raised the name of Qatar, but also the flag of the Arabs and Asia in the world’s toughest athletics competitions,” Al-Fadala said.Qatar is competing in Tokyo with 11 athletes. Among the standout entries, Abderrahman Samba, bronze medallist in the 400m hurdles at the 2019 Doha Worlds, returns to the event alongside Bassem Hemeida. The 4x400m relay team will feature Ashraf Hussein, Hemeida, Ismail Daoud, and Ammar Ismail.Omar Dawood lines up in the 110m hurdles while Ammar Ismail, Khaled Hussein, Youssef Abdel Aziz, and Ahmed Haroun will race in the 400m, with Ibrahim Zakaria in the 800m.

Qatar's Barzan project has contributed to the Middle East region's natural gas production growth last year, according to International Gas Union in its 2025 Global Gas Report.Commissioned in 2022, the Barzan facility supplies pipeline gas to local industries and Qatar’s power generation sector. It also supplies associated hydrocarbon products to local refineries and petrochemical industries and international markets.According to QatarEnergy, the facility can provide 1.4 BSCFD of sales gas to local power generation and water desalination plants as well as local industries.In addition, Barzan has the production capacity to supply ethane, condensate, LPG and sulphur for local markets and export.Further increases are expected in 2025, with Saudi Arabia’s production projected to rise by 8 bcm, as the first phase of Jafurah field – the country’s largest unconventional natural gas development – is expected to begin operations before the end of the year.The development of Saudi Arabia’s gas resources aligns with national plans to replace up to 1 mmbbl/d of oil with natural gas in the power generation sector and to support the expansion of petrochemicals, blue hydrogen and ammonia production.In the Middle East, natural gas production growth was recorded across all major oil and gas producers in 2024, with the UAE leading the increase with a gain of 7bcm, IGU noted.Natural gas supply grew by 65 bcm (1.6%) y-o-y in 2024, reaching 4,090 bcm, driven by significant production gains in the Middle East (+30 bcm, 4.4%) and Russia (+30 bcm, 5.1%).These increases were supported by marginal growth in Asia (+17 bcm, 2.5%), and North America (+5 bcm, 0.4%), which collectively offset declines in other regions.This growth was supported by a 9bcm increase in global liquefaction capacity. In the US, capacity expanded with the year-end startup of Plaquemines LNG.Congo became an LNG exporter with the commissioning of Congo FLNG, while Mexico – still a net importer – exported its first cargo to Europe from the new Altamira FLNG facility, IGU said.

The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition – S’hail 2025 continues to shine in its ninth edition, reaffirming its position as a global platform celebrating the heritage of hunting and falconry, while offering visitors and participants a rich experience that blends authenticity with the spirit of innovation.The exhibition, running until tomorrow at Katara Cultural Village, has been drawing a large number of visitors since it opened on Wednesday.S’hail 2025 director Abdulaziz al-Sayed described the event as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest products in hunting rifles, camping and falconry gear, falcon farms, as well as outfitting and modifying hunting vehicles, caravans, and trailers, in addition to knives and handicrafts.“S’hail represents an exceptional opportunity to connect with a wide audience of enthusiasts and experts, build international networks, and launch pioneering projects in an environment that celebrates heritage while embracing creativity at the same time,” he said.S’hail 2025 has stood out with the diversity of its pavilions and participants, as companies unveiled their latest innovations in hunting, camping, and smart technologies – offering an exceptional experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and aspirations.Among the attractions is the pavilion of Qatar’s Golden Cabin Company, which specialises in manufacturing mobile homes and caravans.It unveiled its Smart Room technology, fully powered by solar energy, enabling caravans to run 24/7.This technology is the first of its kind and the most advanced in the Middle East, with models customisable to client needs, providing camping enthusiasts with a modern, sustainable, and fully integrated experience in the heart of nature.A selection of leading international companies in off-road vehicle outfitting has showcased the latest accessories and technological solutions designed to take desert trips and camping adventures to unprecedented levels of luxury and safety.The exhibition also featured a distinctive programme of events that attracts both visitors and participants, including auctions of rare falcons, competitions for the most beautiful burqa (falcon hood), best pavilion, and best garage, along with workshops and awareness sessions highlighting the sustainability of hunting sports and the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage.As part of national efforts to protect wildlife, the External Reserves Office of the State, affiliated with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), is taking part at S’hail 2025 to raise awareness about the endangered houbara bustard.Four centres are producing more than 21,500 birds annually, with plans to expand production capacity through three additional centres by 2026, located both within Qatar and abroad, in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, China, Kazakhstan, and Iran.This initiative is one of the region’s most significant environmental conservation efforts, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.The exhibition has also showcased the works of 30 artists, presenting around 80 pieces ranging from fine arts to sculpture and various schools of artistic expression, turning S’hail into a vibrant platform of creativity and inspiration for visitors.In addition, live studios on-site broadcast events and interviews in real time.The programme includes a series of lectures aimed at raising awareness and spreading knowledge on hunting, falconry, and the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage.

Qatar will host the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship Qatar 2025 from September 15 to 19, organised by the Qatar Padel Federation at the Padel courts in Aspire.Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday that the tournament will feature competitions in three categories: men's, women's and juniors. The draw is scheduled to be held on September 14.During the conference, the Qatar Padel Federation announced the signing of a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) for the championship. The agreement was signed by Zainal and Qatar Rail’s Director of Communications and Public Relations Abdullah al-Mawlawi.Zainal expressed the Qatari Federation's pride in Qatar Rail's joining as a platinum partner of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, given its significant support for sports, athletes, and community work in Qatar.Zainal emphasised that this partnership reflects the integrated efforts of national institutions and the sports sector, which will give the federation greater momentum to continue developing padel and strengthening its presence in the Gulf, regionally, and internationally.Zainal also welcomed all participating delegations and players, stressing his full readiness to host this Gulf event and organize it according to the highest standards, thus consolidating Qatar's position as a leading sports destination in the region and the world.For his part, al-Mawlawi said: “We are delighted to co-sponsor this important event. Our participation as a platinum sponsor of the Arabian Gulf Padel Championship, hosted by the Qatar Padel Federation, is in line with our corporate social responsibility strategy and our constant commitment to supporting sporting events that contribute to spreading the culture of exercising and promoting a healthy lifestyle among community members.”He added that Qatar Rail believes in the pivotal role sports play in developing communities by improving the quality of life and ensuring the health and safety of its members. Through this sponsorship, "we reaffirm our commitment, particularly to padel, as well as supporting the development of Gulf sporting talents and efforts aimed at consolidating Qatar's position as a leading regional destination for hosting major sporting events."Al-Mawlawi continued, "We, in turn, look forward to contributing to providing the best possible conditions for organizing a successful tournament and enjoying the unique Gulf talent and competitions that the tournament will witness. We wish all the best to the participating teams and players."

The Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) has signed a funding agreement with the Ministry of Sports and Youth to support the seventh edition of the "Samla Race 2025," taking place from 27 to 29 November 2025.Under the agreement, DAAM will provide financial backing for the event and allocate prizes worth over QAR 3 million to participants.The agreement reflects DAAM's leading role in promoting sports activities in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, alongside other companies listed on Qatar Stock Exchange.Samla Race 2025 is a one-of-a-kind 200 km race bringing together five sports: swimming, running, mountain biking, kayaking, and shooting.Chief Executive Officer of DAAM Abdulrahman bin Abdul Latif Al Manaei emphasized the significance of supporting such initiatives: "Events of this kind play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of sports within the community and in developing exceptional athletes. This edition of the race is expected to bring strong competition and record participation. I wish all participants every success."For his part, President of the Qatar Challenge Raceing Club (Samla), and CEO of the Samla Race Organizing Committee Azzam Al Manaei expressed his pride in hosting Samla 2025, stating: "This event serves as a platform to foster the spirit of competition, athletic exchange, and passion for adventure sports. Year after year, participation continues to grow, and the Samla Race has become one of the most thrilling and demanding competitions in the region, requiring exceptional physical and mental endurance to complete all stages and reach the finish line."Since its inception in 2010, DAAM has initiated numerous crucial projects and programs across social, sports, and cultural sectors. Contributions from shareholding companies listed on the QSE are a major financial resource for the Fund, positioning them as crucial partners in advancing sustainable community development in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.