tag

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. 

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), paid an inspection visit to the Athletics Training Center Project at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence.The project, which is being implemented through an integrated partnership between Aspire Academy, the Qatar Athletics Federation and Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital – aims to develop Qatari athletics and elevate it to new levels.During the visit, Sheikh Joaan toured the project's administrative building and reviewed the ongoing work and coordination between the three entities in training, medical preparation, and administrative support. The collaboration is designed to enhance athletes’ performance and support their aspirations for a successful season.He also met with members of the national athletics team, reviewed their training programs, and encouraged them to give their best and prepare thoroughly for upcoming competitions. His Excellency reaffirmed the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to providing the best development environment for athletes.Accompanying the QOC President on the visit were high jump legend Mutaz Barshim, Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy; Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, Director of the QOC Sports Sector, Mohammed Issa al-Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation; as well as several members of the federation’s board of directors. 

The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) today announced a new partnership with DAS Intellitech, a global leader in smart solutions, to support the establishment of its first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) headquarters in Doha, marking a key milestone in DAS Intellitech's global expansion.The new headquarters will function as a central hub for the company's operations and serve as a base for research and development of advanced solutions tailored to the market. It will also foster collaboration with local SMEs, academic institutions and research centres to drive innovation, digitalisation and sustainable growth in Qatar.Announced during the inaugural edition of MWC Doha, the partnership was commemorated through a signing ceremony by Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar and Claire Liu, Head of Global Business, DAS Intellitech.Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, said: "We are pleased to welcome DAS Intellitech to Qatar, whose presence will strengthen the country's thriving knowledge economy and bolster its position as a centre for technological innovation in the MENA region. Their entry underscores how Qatar's strategic location, digital infrastructure and business-friendly ecosystem make it an ideal gateway for companies looking to enter the thriving MENA market. We are committed to continue attracting investment within the digital technology sector, in line with the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3)."DAS Intellitech Founder and Chairman, Liu Bang, said: "Our Qatar office will operate as a strategic base to serve the broader Middle East region, an important milestone in our global growth strategy. The country's dynamic economy, world-class infrastructure and forward-looking investment policies present the perfect environment for innovation and expansion. Qatar's commitment to fostering technological advancement and sustainable development aligns seamlessly with our vision, making it the ideal location for us to drive smart solutions tailored to the region's needs. Whenever I meet with my friends, I always recommend that they visit the Middle East, especially Qatar, home to some of the most stunning modern cities and landscapes."Recently, Invest Qatar visited the DAS Intellitech's headquarters to explore its cutting-edge technologies and gained deeper insights into its comprehensive capabilities. During discussions, Invest Qatar and DAS Intellitech identified strategic opportunities for collaboration and reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting Qatar National Vision 2030.DAS Intellitech has already established itself as a strategic partner in Qatar's development, with a proven track record of delivering critical projects for key entities such as the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Supreme Judiciary Council, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, all of which directly support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.These initiatives highlight the company's long-standing alignment with the country's priorities in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.DAS Intellitech offers a comprehensive suite of advanced capabilities, including DAS' centralised AIoT Platform, energy-saving expertise especially applied in district cooling stations, the ability to build supercomputing centers at an accelerated pace, and a proven track record in delivering smart IoT systems for high-rise towers, hospitals, and subways. These integrated solutions significantly enhance operational efficiency, energy conservation, and property value across public infrastructures.DAS Intellitech's most competitive edge lies in transforming the control of devices and machines into services for people. For instance, while sophisticated building systems were once managed only by a handful of dedicated operators, DAS Intellitech now enables every occupant inside the building to control facilities within their workspace via mobile application, creating a more convenient, comfortable, and low-carbon living and working environment for everyone. 

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC), in collaboration with FIFA, has launched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy Game, a game that allows fans across the region and beyond to step into the role of football managers and compete in a daily fantasy challenge throughout the tournament. The game is available in the Play Zone tab of the FIFA app and can also be accessed on play.fifa.com. Daily Fantasy invites users to build a team of seven players from the nations competing on each match day. Points are awarded based on real-life performances, giving fans the chance to test their football knowledge and tactical skills. Additional points can be collected through clean sheets, assists, key passes and successful tackles according to each player’s performance on the pitch. Building on the success of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, which generated hundreds of millions of views across the region and benefited from high mobile connectivity, the new Daily Fantasy game is expected to become a major fan-favourite throughout the tournament. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy is completely free of charge and offers fans an accessible, interactive way to deepen their engagement with the tournament. Fans need to login or create a FIFA account to save and submit their team selections. The app is available in all FIFA languages, including Arabic, ensuring ease of access for users worldwide. To further elevate the experience, the LOC will award daily prizes to the top-scoring users at the end of each match day, including tickets. Fans can also create private mini-leagues to compete with friends, colleagues, or community groups. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from 1–18 December across six venues used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. All venues are connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on 10, 13, and 17 December. In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033. For all information related to the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, follow @arabcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets, starting from QAR 25, and match schedule, are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa.

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), in collaboration with the Qatar Cancer Society, successfully hosted the Technological Innovations for Cancer Risk Reduction and Detection conference, bringing together leading national and international experts to explore the integration of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing cancer prevention, early detection, and community well-being.With keynote presentations from experts at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO-IARC) and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO-EMRO), the conference served as a platform to advance applied research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and support national and global health priorities.The conference highlighted innovations in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for cancer risk reduction and detection, while strengthening collaboration among key institutions, including WHO-IARC, WHO-EMRO, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), and leading healthcare and academic entities. The event also promoted community awareness and wellness were further promoted through the dissemination of the latest scientific evidence, national priorities, and practical strategies for cancer prevention and early detection, showcased through a dedicated poster exhibit.Students actively participated through research presentations, innovation showcases, and interactive sessions designed to cultivate future leaders in healthcare technology.President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi said: "It was inspiring to see so many experts, students, and community partners come together for this conference. Events like these allow us to turn innovative research into real-world solutions that can make a difference in people’s lives. At UDST, we are committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in healthcare technology and contributing to Qatar National Vision 2030 for a healthier future."Commenting on the occasion, Founder and Chairman of the Qatar Cancer Society Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al-Thani said: "This conference represents an important model of institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening cancer prevention and supporting early detection efforts. The Qatar Cancer Society commends the national and international partnerships that contribute to the exchange of expertise and the development of evidence-based strategies. We reaffirm our commitment to continuing our work with our partners to advance community health and enhance awareness, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. This commitment stems from the Society’s vision of fostering a cancer-aware community and ensuring a better quality of life for those affected.”International keynote speakers included Head of the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Program Dr. Beatrice Lauby-Secretan, who presented global research efforts and evidence-based strategies for reducing cancer risk. Dr. Lamia Mahmoud, Regional Advisor for Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention at the WHO- EMRO, discussed regional approaches to integrating technology and public health initiatives to enhance early detection and prevention of noncommunicable diseases, including cancer.

The State of Qatar participated in the 177th session of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, with the participation of representatives from member states, to discuss key reports and the latest developments related to upcoming international exhibitions.The delegation of the State of Qatar participating in the meeting was headed by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic and Permanent Representative to the Bureau International des Expositions Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania Mahmoud Thabit Kombo met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tanzania Fahad Rashid Al Muraikhi.The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee has announced the release of the tournament’s official soundtrack, as excitement builds for the prestigious Arab competition taking place from 1-18 December. Consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios, the upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game.‘Zamani’, which means, ‘My Time’ in Arabic, is sung by Qatari artist, Hamad Al Khazina, with lyrics penned by Mohammad Al Khajah. In a celebratory style befitting the spirit of football, the song focuses on the importance of ambition, the spirit of determination, and the joy of achievement, while declaring that the region’s time to shine has come.‘Makani’ is the second song released, which means ‘My Place’ in Arabic, with eminent Egyptian artist Mohamed Mounir lending his vocals, and lyrics by Mostafa Hadouta. The song examines the concept of home from a human perspective, celebrating the shared identity among Arabs that transcends borders to create a community that provides support, unity, and a sense of true belonging.Both songs are composed by award-winning Moroccan-Swedish record producer Nadir Khayat, also known as RedOne, who has previously worked on the official soundtrack of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, regaling fans with unforgettable hits such as Arhbo and Dreamers.Watch the full videos of ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’ on the @RoadtoQatar YouTube channel.The countdown begins for the Arab world’s biggest football tournament that will see a total of 16 teams competing for the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy.FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticket are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected] opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa on all major social media platforms.