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The upcoming 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to be held in Qatar from December 1st to 18th, will mark a historic transformation for the tournament since its 10th edition in Doha in 2021.Despite the noble vision behind the tournament's inception over six decades ago, strenuous efforts have been made to ensure its continued existence as a consistent football competition capable of withstanding challenges. The previous 10th edition proved pivotal, propelling the tournament to new heights after gaining official recognition from FIFA, thus becoming a FIFA-sanctioned event for the first time.FIFA's recognition of the Arab Cup transformed it from a mere regional tournament seeking a place on the calendar into a global competition garnering widespread attention and a tangible impact on the football landscape, propelling it into the mainstream after it had moved beyond the margins of the international schedule.FIFA saw the 2021 Arab Cup as an ideal opportunity to test the operational capabilities of Qatar's stadiums and infrastructure ahead of the global event of the 2022 World Cup. The resounding success of the first two editions of the tournament contributed to this transformation, leading to the inclusion of the Arab Cup in FIFA's calendar for three more editions: 2025, 2029, and 2033. This inclusion is contingent upon all three tournaments being held in Qatar to ensure a replication of the success achieved in the inaugural edition following its recognition.The foundations upon which the resounding success of the 10th edition was built were the solid groundwork laid for maintaining the international umbrella, with ideal infrastructure, iconic stadiums, and excellent accommodation and transportation options. This provided an ideal environment for both players and fans, resulting in record-breaking attendance figures. It seemed as though the Arab Cup had launched a new global spectacle right here in Doha.For the first time in its history, the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, after the organizing committee selected six venues that would later host matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The tournament also witnessed the inauguration of two World Cup stadiums: Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain, and Stadium 974, the first fully demountable stadium in World Cup history.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Former Assistant Secretary General of the Qatar Football Association and former Qatari national team manager Majed Al Khelaifi, said that the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021 witnessed unprecedented success in terms of both fan attendance and technical quality. Consequently, fans are eagerly anticipating the next edition, which is expected to be even more prestigious in terms of both attendance and technical level. This is because the tournament serves as a preparatory event for some of the teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals. Furthermore, the increased prize money will significantly enhance the competition among the participating teams.The previous edition of the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, which greatly boosted fan attendance and positively impacted the overall quality of play. The diverse fan activities also contributed to record attendance, and this number is expected to rise further given the high demand for match tickets for the upcoming edition, he added.Current sports analyst on Qatar's Al-Kass channels Al Khelaifi, said that hosting the Arab Cup before the 2022 World Cup has positively impacted the tournament, elevating it from a regional to a global event. Most importantly, the tournament's schedule has been confirmed for three more editions under FIFA's auspices, ensuring continuity and contributing to the development of Arab football. For his part, journalist Khaled Jassim, in an exclusive interview with QNA, described the Arab Cup as a gathering of Arab nations, exemplified by the strong fan support in Doha. He noted that the resounding success of the previous edition has become a lasting legacy, prompting Qatar, in cooperation with FIFA, to secure the tournament's dates for three more editions.He further said that holding the tournament in World Cup stadiums gives it significant momentum and greatly contributes to increasing the number of fans, who also gather in various fan zones such as Souq Waqif, the Old Port, Lusail, Sealine, and other well-known locations in Doha.He pointed out that the Arab Cup is an opportunity to discover Arab talents, and the upcoming edition is expected to witness fierce competition, regardless of whether the participating teams field their first or second-string squads.It also presents an opportunity for some Arab teams that have qualified for the World Cup finals to prepare optimally for the global tournament, he added.The previous tournament saw a record number of participating teams, with 16 teams appearing in the finals, in addition to those that participated in the qualifiers - a first for the tournament.The tournament was characterized by an exceptional level of play, with intense competition at all stages, from the group stage through the knockout rounds to the final match, which saw Algeria claim the title by defeating Tunisia. The host nation, Qatar, secured third place after overcoming Egypt.The tournament set attendance records, with 571,605 fans attending matches, according to official FIFA statistics, averaging 18,000 fans per match. A total of 631,742 tickets were sold, and attendance at many matches exceeded 80% of stadium capacity.The tournament also set a record for the highest single-match attendance, with 63,439 fans attending the quarter-final match between Qatar and the UAE at Al-Bayt Stadium.A total of 272 million viewers worldwide watched the matches, with hundreds of millions of fans from the region and beyond following the tournament.The highest viewership was recorded for the group stage match between Algeria and Egypt, and the quarter-final match between Morocco and Algeria. 2.5 million fans used Qatar's advanced public transportation system during the tournament. The stadiums were easily accessible via the Doha Metro, and bus services were available between the metro stations and the stadiums.Despite the tournament's significant development and its status as a FIFA-sanctioned international competition, it retained its Arab identity as a sporting and cultural event that unites Arab nations under one banner, contributes to strengthening Arab unity through sports, and presents a positive image of the Arab region and its progress on the world stage.The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will further solidify Qatar's leading role and Doha's position as a global sporting capital, especially as it has just hosted another major international event: the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five editions awarded to Qatar by FIFA.

The First Vice President of the Republic of Costa Rica and Minister of Health Dr. Mary Munive Angermuller met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Costa Rica Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Dosari.During the meeting, they reviewed relations of cooperation between the two countries. 

The State of Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the shooting incident that occurred near the White House in the United States of America, which resulted in the injury of two National Guard members, affirming its full solidarity with the United States, its government and people.In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar's firm stance rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and reasons.The Ministry also conveyed Qatar's wishes for a swift recovery for the injured. 

The Department of Meteorology has warned of poor horizontal visibility at most places at first in inshore areas.According to the Department's daily weather report, inshore conditions until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be misty to foggy at places at first, moderate in temperature daytime with some clouds, and relatively cold by night.Offshore, the weather will see some clouds at times.Inshore winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 05-15 KT. Offshore, winds will be northwesterly at 08 to 18 KT.Sea state inshore will range from 1-4 FT, while offshore it will range from 2-5 FT.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4-9 km/2 km or less at places at first. Offshore, the visibility is expected to range between 5-10 km.Area High TideLow TideMinMax------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha08:59 - 19:4200:01 - **:**2128Mesaieed10:34 - **:**00:26 - **:**1327Wakrah09:57 - 21:2218:40 - **:**1827Al Khor20:22 - 08:5017:03 - 02:501628Ruwais08:50 - 22:2302:50 - 16:112327Dukhan02:27 - 14:2608:19 - 20:571525Abu Samra14:09 - 06:0010:48 - 09:501327Sunrise: 05:59 LTSunset: 16:43 LT------------------

Motorsport fans and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting one of the most prominent events of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship this weekend when the Lusail International Circuit hosts the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, the 23rd and penultimate round of the world championship, which could crown McLaren's Lando Norris with his first world title.The Qatar Grand Prix will officially begin its three-day event starting tomorrow with the participation of 20 of the best racing drivers in the world in 10 Formula 1 teams for a chance to win the title in the Sprint race on Saturday evening and the main race on Sunday evening.Doha promises to deliver an exceptional round in the world championship, especially since the results of the Qatar Grand Prix may determine the 2025 Formula 1 world champion.Qatar will host the Formula 1 championship for the third year in a row and for the fourth time in its history, the first of which took place in 2021, replacing Australia as it dealt with restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time.Qatar officially entered the Formula 1 World Championship calendar for 10 consecutive years starting from 2023, as part of the partnership between Doha and Formula 1, under which Qatar has become an important annual venue for the world’s biggest motor racing event.This year’s Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will be the fourth race held at the Lusail International Circuit, following the first in the 2021 season, the second in 2023, which marked the official start of the circuit’s inclusion in the international calendar, and in 2024.The first edition of the Qatar Grand Prix in 2021 saw Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), crowned champion after outperforming his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen, four-time world champion (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).In 2023, Verstappen came in first place at the Lusail International Circuit, securing his third world title. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris came in second and third, respectively.In 2024, Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix once again, edging past Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Piastri, who came in second and third.The fourth edition of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will feature a particularly intense competition between 20 drivers representing 10 teams, especially between the top three: Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen.The battle for the World Drivers' Championship title will be fierce between the three drivers. Norris is currently leading with 390 points, whilst Piastri and Verstappen each have 366 points. Norris has a great chance of securing his first ever World Championship title at the Lusail International Circuit.Meanwhile, McLaren have already won the Constructors' Championship by a high margin of 756 points, 325 points clear of its closest rival Mercedes in second place with 431 points. Red Bull currently sits in third with 391 points.With 58 points still up for grabs in the penultimate Qatar (33 points) and final Abu Dhabi (25 points) rounds of the World Championship, Norris has a great chance of winning the title. He needs to win the Qatar Grand Prix and finish with a 26-point lead over his rivals in the overall standings to be officially crowned world champion for the 2025 season, regardless of the results of the final round.The Lusail International Circuit, which, after its redevelopment, has retained its famous 5.380 km (3.343 mi) track, is one of the world's most prominent circuits, especially as it is one of the few circuits in the world that hosts both the Formula 1 and MotoGP World Championships.By hosting the most prominent global events in motorsport, the Lusail Circuit has contributed to introducing technology to the sport and changing the history of motorsport culture. It has also changed the FIA's rules, from holding the championship with daytime rules to nighttime rules, after Qatar was the first country to hold a night race for MotoGP.The Lusail International Circuit is also one of the most prominent circuits that hosts a round of the Formula 1 World Championship under floodlights, in addition to five other races held in the circuits of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.The distinctive role played by the circuit since its establishment in 2004 has made it a leader in circuit sports over the years by providing a great addition to motorsports, thanks to the support of officials and their keenness to provide all means to achieve success, which ultimately contributes to Qatar National Vision 2030.The Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix, which includes Formula 2 and the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, kicks off tomorrow, Friday. The race program will have official activities extending over three days, beginning Friday and continuing until the main race on Sunday, which will be held at 7 p.m. Doha time.Friday morning will feature free practice sessions where drivers will familiarize themselves with the circuit. It will begin with the first free practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, followed by the Formula 2 practice session, then the first Formula 1 practice session. After that, it will be followed once again by the second free practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, the Formula 2 qualifying session, and the Formula 1 sprint qualifying session. Press conferences will be held between these sessions.Starting on Saturday, the pressure will increase on the drivers, as the qualifying sessions for the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will take place, followed by the Formula 1 Sprint race at 5 p.m., the last of the season. This will be followed by the Formula 2 Sprint race at 7:20 p.m., with qualifying sessions taking place at 9 p.m. to determine the starting positions for the main race on Sunday. After that, the first main race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will take place, which will last for 11 laps or 25 minutes.On the final Sunday, participants are allowed to do a round of practice and warm-up, followed by the second main race of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East at 1:45 p.m., then the main Formula 2 race consisting of 32 laps or 60 minutes + 1 lap, at 3:00 p.m., after which the round concludes with the main Formula 1 race consisting of 57 laps or 120 minutes, which will start at 7:00 p.m. Doha time, to determine the champion of the Qatar Grand Prix, which constitutes the penultimate round of the World Championship.Last year, the Lusail International Circuit underwent a comprehensive development process to increase the grandstand capacity to 40,000 spectators, with the introduction of state-of-the-art facilities and buildings with world-class specifications. However, no modifications were made to the track itself, which retained its famous design, as it was only repaved and safety measures were provided.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with healthcare institutions across Qatar, recently organised a wide range of important activities and events as part of Qatar Infection Prevention and Control Week 2025.This year’s campaign embraced the theme “Stand UPPP for Infection Prevention” as a unifying call for collective action. The UPPP acronym stands for Unite, Protect, Prevent, Prevail — four fundamental principles which underscore what it takes to stop the spread of infection and build safer, healthier environments for all.The Ministry emphasised that these pillars highlight the importance of collaboration and integration between all healthcare professionals to achieve the shared goal of reducing infections and protecting both patients and staff.As part of the celebrations, the MoPH organised a CPD-accredited virtual symposium that explored crucial topics such as outbreak management, the role of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in infection control, environmental protection, and the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork.The event featured an array of international, regional and local speakers, and attracted over 700 participants from diverse healthcare facilities throughout Qatar — demonstrating the sector’s strong commitment to knowledge sharing and advancing expertise in this vital field.The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Section, Healthcare Quality Department, also hosted a creative competition for designing social media messages and materials. This initiative aimed to foster innovation and effective engagement in spreading infection prevention awareness across the country. Nearly 40 entries were received from over a dozen healthcare institutions, reflecting the dedication and creativity of healthcare workers in promoting the culture of infection control.Throughout the week, healthcare organisations conducted internal events — including educational lectures, awareness exhibitions, and competitions — to further enhance staff awareness, encourage ongoing adherence to IPC practices, and raise standards in healthcare settings.The IPC and AMR team at MoPH also conducted site visits to several health facilities, joining staff in their celebrations and reaffirming the core value of unity in advancing sustainable infection control efforts. These visits served to promote cooperation and integration among various institutions, ensuring the development and implementation of effective infection prevention strategies. 

Youth ambassadors from Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Akhlaquna initiative took part in a panel discussion at the WISE 12 Summit, which explored the impact of non-classroom learning experiences on shaping students’ character and ethical values.The summit – held every two years by QF’s global education initiative WISE – saw the students share their personal journeys and key moments from their experiences both inside and outside the classroom, emphasising the role of non-classroom activities in building skills, strengthening confidence, and reinforcing ethical values, and how these experiences contribute to making a meaningful difference in learners’ lives.Moza Abdulla al-Fakhroo, 19 , spoke about her experience in the session, saying: “I’ve learned that real education isn’t limited to what we receive in the classroom, it’s shaped by every experience we live outside of it.“Being part of the WISE Summit came with a strong sense of responsibility, as it gave us students, a platform to share our experiences. Over the course of my journey, I realized that what truly shaped my character wasn’t grades or assessments, but the initiatives and volunteer work I pursued out of personal motivation and without any reward. These experiences refined me, strengthened my confidence, and gave me the courage to take bigger steps in my path.”“I also realised that values and ethics are not lessons we simply learn from books, they are daily practices that reflect who we are and shape our impact on society. I hope everyone understands that a student is shaped by ethics, experiences, and opportunities just as much as by academics, and that true learning is what helps us discover ourselves and create positive change around us.”Fatima Saad al-Muhannadi, 18, said: “What distinguishes this edition of the conference is its focus on human values, values that are not secondary elements of society, but the foundation upon which we build our relationships, decisions, and daily responsibilities.”During the session, al-Muhannadi highlighted the practical role of ethics in everyday life, beyond theoretical concepts, saying: “Many of the behaviours we practice, whether at home, in school, or in our daily interactions, carry ethical values that influence us and those around us more than we realise.“Through the stories and experiences we shared, it became clear that even simple actions can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the wider community.”Al-Muhannadi emphasised that successful societal policies must be built on a strong ethical foundation, saying: “Young people are capable of contributing to and even leading the shaping of policies. When ethics form the basis of these decisions, their impact becomes far more positive and sustainable.”Abdulla Mohammad al-Biri, 14, spoke about the impact of student participation on building confidence and responsibility, saying: “I believe that initiatives and activities outside the classroom are not a luxury, but an essential part of a student’s development.“They provide us with skills we cannot gain from classroom learning alone, and introduce us to values such as commitment, respect, and responsibility.”Registration for the 2026 edition of the Akhlaquna initiative is open until January 11. More information is available at www.akhlaquna.qa 

When Portugal take on Austria in the final of the inaugural 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium today, it will mark the first time in 34 years that a final has featured two sides contesting their maiden final. Ghana’s 1-0 win over Spain in 1991 was the last time a pair of final debutants battled for the title. History will be made no matter who comes out on top in the all-European showdown. Portugal are hunting their first-ever U-17 global crown, while Austria are aiming to win their maiden FIFA World Cup in any category. Portugal came into the tournament as European champions and have displayed their elite quality throughout the competition. Their attacking flair has been on show in thumping wins over the likes of Morocco and Mexico, while they demonstrated their defensive grit and resilience to dig deep and see off Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals. While the Portuguese have suffered one defeat in the competition – against Japan in the group stage – Austria have triumphed in each of their seven matches so far. Hermann Stadler’s team have been exceptional, scoring 17 times and conceding just once on their way to the final. Powerhouse nations England and Italy are among the sides they have left in their wake. Speaking ahead of the final, Portugal coach Bino Macaes said: “We’re up against an Austria side that deserves a lot of credit. They’re a very difficult team to beat, having conceded only one goal in the competition. That tells you how difficult it is to score against Austria. We have to prepare well for this match.” Hermann Stadler, Austria coach, said: “It’s the first time the Austrian team is in the final. It’s fantastic. It’s a dream come true. What an incredible story! When we arrived at the World Cup, our goal was to get through the group stage, but we’ve been getting better with every match.” Portugal captain Rafael Quintas combines tenacity, technical ability and outstanding football intelligence in the middle of the park. Teammate Jose Neto hailed him as “the brains of the team”. He added: “Rafael is the one who gets us into the right mindset when things aren’t going well and keeps us fired up.” Portugal’s leading goalscorer is Anisio Cabral with six strikes at Qatar 2025. Cabral has spearheaded his team’s charge to the final. Athletic, focused and clinical, he looks up to both Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo. Coach Bino has saluted Cabral’s desire for self-improvement. “He’s evolving,” said Bino. “He’s a boy who loves to listen and to learn, and that’s what is helping him to keep progressing and get stronger and stronger.” For Austria, Jakub Pokorny is rock at the heart of a mean, superbly-organised defence, captain Pokorny’s inspiring leadership has drove his team on at the U-17 World Cup. His stirring pre-match speeches have earned praise from team-mate Johannes Moser while Pokorny explained: “I just say what comes into my head. I normally always give a speech before the games to push the guys, and it usually works! We are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.” Moser, Austria’s talisman has lit up the U-17 World Cup, delivering a series of exhilarating performances. The leader of the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals, his tally includes the winner in the quarter-final against Japan and two wonderful goals in their 2-0 semi-final victory over Italy. The attacking midfielder blends power, grace and ruthlessness in the final third. He will be out to finish a remarkable individual campaign on the biggest high imaginable. 

The FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar will conclude Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium, where either Portugal or Austria will create history by lifting the trophy in their maiden final. But the 20th edition has already secured its own place in history over the past 25 days at the state-of-the-art competition complex in Aspire Zone. This is the first FIFA event of any kind to feature 48 teams and marks the beginning of an annual cycle, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions. It is also the first U-17 World Cup staged in a centralised “football festival” and “grand-slam style” setting, and it has proved a resounding success. The group stage featured 72 consecutive matches in nine days – eight matches per day – a first for any FIFA event. By contrast, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 staged 64 matches over 29 days. Thousands of fans passed through the competition complex each day, with an innovative ticketing system including Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches. According to FIFA, daily crowd figures averaged between 7,000 and 9,000. Arsenal’s legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, lauded the quality of the pitches, Qatar’s flawless organisation and the significance of having 48 nations compete at the World Cup. After a media briefing by tournament’s FIFA’s Technical Study Group Wednesday, Wenger said: “We have now played 102 games, and when you look at the quality of the pitches, they are still in a marvellous state. Secondly, the overall structure of the organisation was perfect. You see that Qatar has the knowledge now to organise competition, and what I like as well is they always have the desire for quality in what they do, and I have a big respect for that.” Wenger expressed strong optimism about the tournament’s impact on global youth development. He highlighted the progress made by lesser-known teams, including Uganda, who reached the round of 16 in their first-ever FIFA tournament. They were among five debutants at this level along with El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia – with Ireland and Zambia also advancing from their groups to the knockout stage. “I would say this tournament will change football in the world,” the 76-year-old Wenger said. “I’m very optimistic about that, that every country will do more effort to develop their youth to come here and to compete, and so overall the impact will be very positive and much bigger than people expected it to be, because even the smaller countries can realise they have a chance to compete if they work well and develop their youth system, and we know if you want to make results at the top level, you need to develop your youth system.” He added that media and broadcast coverage exceeded expectations, showing the tournament’s growing global appeal. “Well, you know, we know that at that level, what was the most important for us is to have the 48 countries together for the first edition and overall to have a good organisation. The media coverage has been bigger than we expected it to be. The TV coverage, of course, you cannot have the same sophistication on the smaller pitches that you have in big stadiums and we have to accept that, and I still think I watched some games when I had to move back to Europe on my iPad and it still was enjoyable to watch,” the Frenchman said. Wenger said he plans to return to Qatar for the Arab Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, noting the passion the tournament evokes in the region. “I find it very interesting to watch the Arab Cup because it’s a special motivation. You feel the pride between the different Arab countries is very high and the commitment is absolutely total, so I’m very excited to watch that.”

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) at Qatar University (QU)’s College of Education organised its annual festival in celebration of World Children’s Day 2025 under the theme 'Reflections on the Child’s Hundred Languages.'The event brought together around 200 children from the ECC, as well as from public, private, and international kindergartens, parents and representatives from educational, cultural, and community organisations within the university and beyond.The festival’s theme reflects QU’s mission as a beacon of thought and creativity rooted in an Arab–Islamic identity with a global horizon. Inspired by global early childhood philosophies, the ECC adopted the concept of the 'Hundred Languages of Children' and translated it into practices that align with the rich cultural context of Qatar.**media[386894]**This year’s festival aimed to raise community awareness about the importance of encouraging children to express themselves through multiple forms of communication, nurturing their potential, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting values of diversity, respect, and teamwork.The opening ceremony featured a performance of the Amiri Anthem by the Qatar Armed Forces Music Band, followed by remarks from Prof Diala Hamidi, director of the ECC, who highlighted the festival’s purpose, theme, and objectives. The programme also included an educational video showcasing classroom practices inspired by the 'Hundred Languages' approach, in addition to a theatrical performance presented by the children of the ECC.Prof Asma al-Attiyah, dean of the College of Education at QU, honoured the participating organisations that contributed a variety of interactive activities. These included a group parade led by the Armed Forces Music Band, followed by the distribution of children across multiple learning stations offering art, drama, gardening, physical activities, and hands-on scientific experiments designed to spark curiosity and enrich children's learning experiences.This year’s celebration reflects the ECC’s commitment to providing a quality learning environment that nurtures children’s diverse modes of expression and celebrates their individuality, in alignment with QU’s vision of delivering impactful education and supporting sustainable community development, a statement added. 

Students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have launched the college’s very first student-led magazine.The Mawj Science Magazine was founded to provide a voice for the student body, foster a spirit of enquiry and scientific interest among students, and share news of groundbreaking innovation in biomedical science and education, a statement said.The inaugural edition of Mawj, which means 'wave' in Arabic, features dozens of articles written by WCM-Q students on a wide range of topics, including the mental health of medical professionals, paediatric epilepsy, how technological advances are redefining medical education, the link between gut-brain health and autism, student research projects investigating the effectiveness of traditional remedies, and accounts of student contributions to medical conferences, among other stories. The online magazine also features articles by WCM-Q faculty.Second-year medical student Ubaida al-Aani is the founder and editor-in-chief of Mawj. Student contributors Sama Ayoub, Noor Numan, Amani Benamor, Batoul Arabi, Sama al-Saffar, and Nisarga Natesha Kumuda penned articles for the launch edition.Faculty member Christine Gaskell, senior teaching specialist in pre-medical education and a PhD student, contributed an article on her research, which explores the biological nexus between obesity and cancer through lifestyle and microbiome pathways.Dr Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, hoped that Mawj will be a great success and provide an extremely valuable platform for collaboration among the thriving community of student researchers, supporting their ambitions to pursue excellence in medicine by continuously advancing the boundaries of research in clinical care, biomedical research and medical education. Mawj Science Magazine can be read at https://mawjmagazine.org/ 

Qatar University (QU) celebrated the graduation of the 14th cohort of the Empower Generations Consortium, a national initiative dedicated to investing in Qatari talent in the fields of life sciences, health sciences, and scientific research.Established in support of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Consortium is a collaborative ecosystem led by QU, bringing together more than 13 partners from the health and education sectors, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), the official sponsor; Qatar Precision Health Institute; Qatar Foundation; Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC); the Ministry of Public Health; the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC); Sidra Medicine; Gannas Qatari Society; the Qatar Falcon Genome Project; and the Veterinary Medicine Center, along with two international partners: Fractal Up Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and the Africa Research Project (ARP).**media[386933]**The ceremony was attended by Prof Asma al-Thani, vice president for Medical Sciences and director of the Biomedical Research Center at QU, along with several university vice presidents, deans of health and medical sciences colleges, and representatives from the MoEHE. In her remarks, Fatima al-Obaidli, assistant director at the MoEHE, praised QU’s efforts and the Empowering Generations Consortium programmes for their role in enhancing students’ skills and preparing them for the future.**media[386934]**The 14th cycle of the Consortium began in November 2025 and continued for two weeks of separate training programmes for male and female students. A total of 23 high schools and 150 Qatari students participated in three projects: Health, the Genomics and Precision Medicine Project, and Qatar Scientists of Biodiversity. The programme concluded with separate recognition ceremonies for the female and male participants.**media[386935]**During the ceremony, Dr Abdulla al-Yafei, president's executive assistant for administrative operations at QU, delivered a speech highlighting the success of the 14th cycle. He noted that the programme received 620 applications, of which 150 were selected to join the specialised training across various fields. He recalled that the Consortium was established in 2013 to support Qatar National Vision 2030 and comprises 13 partners across the health, research, and education sectors.He added that the Consortium has significantly contributed to raising the number of Qatari students in the health and medical programmes at QU from 6% in 2013 to 43% in 2025. He also noted the Consortium ’s achievements, including published research in peer-reviewed journals, documented effectiveness through comprehensive databases, and multiple international awards. Dr al-Yafie reiterated QU’s commitment to empowering students through comprehensive hands-on training environments and expressed gratitude to all partners for their continued support.The event concluded with the presentation of honorary certificates to participating schools across Qatar and to the students, awarded by the MoEHE.