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The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs honoured on Tuesday the winners of the top five places for males in the three categories (citizens, elite memorisers, general memorisers) in the full Holy Qur'an catergory of the 30th Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad bin Thani Noble Qur'an Competition, at a ceremony held at the Sheraton Doha Hotel.The ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, a group of scholars, preachers and reciters, a number of officials from state institutions and its scientific and educational sectors, and a group of state guests, including: His Excellency Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Moscow International Holy Qur'an Competition Shaikh Dr. Rushan Abbyasov, Grand Mufti of Slovenia Shaikh Nevzet Poric, Grand Mufti of Croatia Shaikh Aziz Hasanovic.On this occasion, chairperson of the competition's organising committee, Malallah Abdulrahman al-Jaber, said that the competition represents one of the most prominent Qur'anic platforms in the Islamic world, thanks to the continuous support and care of the wise leadership, and the great interest of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. He noted that the competition, which was launched for the first time in 1993, has established its presence during the past three decades as one of the oldest Qur'anic competitions, the most diverse in branches, and the highest in terms of the value of the prizes.HE the Minister of Endowments honoured members of the Supreme Judging Committee, the winners, and the media organisations that covered the event.The top five winners in the citizens' category for full Quran memorisation were Abdulaziz Abdullah Ali al-Hamri securing first place and a prize of QR100,000. Ibrahim Mohammed Hashem al-Mashhadani came in second with an QR85,000 prize, followed by Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahim al-Haram in third place with QR70,000.Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed Buleidah received the fourth-place award of QR60,000, while Hamad Abdullah Tayis al-Jumaili came fifth with QR50,000.In the elite memorisers' category for full Quran memorisation, the United States' Hamza al-Habashi claimed first place with a prize of QR100,000.Yemen's Mohammed Abdu Ahmed Qasim took second place with QR85,000, and Tunisia's Rasheed Abdulrahman al-Alani finished third with a QR70,000 award.The fourth-place prize of QR60,000 went to Mahmoud Suleiman al-Mabruk Idris from Libya, while Egyptian contestant Magdy Abdullah Salem Ahmed earned the fifth-place prize of QR50,000.In the general memorizers' category, Nasser Nahed Deeb from the US achieved first place with a QR100,000 award.Khalid Hafiz Mohammed Fakhrul Huda from Bangladesh followed in second with QR85,000, and his compatriot Saad Abdul-Sattar Abu Saeed secured third place with QR70,000.Abdulaziz Fahad Mohammed al-Hawsali from Yemen placed fourth with QR60,000, while Bangladesh's Ismail Hafiz Mohammed Elias finished fifth with a QR50,000 prize.Al Jaber indicated that the launch of the competition came in commemoration of the approach of the founder of the state, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani and his keenness to spread knowledge and enhance the status of the Holy Quran among members of society. He explained that the closing ceremony comes as a culmination of the efforts of hundreds of participants from citizens and residents in various branches, from memorizing the entire Holy Quran, to the branches of partial memorization, which witnessed this year a wide participation of male and female students.He noted that the number of applicants in the current edition exceeded 2,450 male and female contestants, including about 800 participants from citizens. He pointed out that the competition witnessed this year a number of administrative and organizational amendments, including the complete separation of the male and female judging committees, in addition to allocating five independent centers for the winning female contestants in the three categories with the same value of the prizes allocated to men, in addition to increasing the value of the rewards allocated to the skilled male and female contestants who did not obtain one of the five winning positions in the competition.He added that the 29th edition also witnessed the launch of the "Rattel Branch" dedicated to male and female high school students in public and private schools, which was held in October with the aim of promoting love for the Holy Quran and consolidating moral and religious values ​​in the hearts of students.Al Jaber emphasized that the competition is witnessing increasing global expansion, as the organizing committee contributed during the current year to supporting a number of Quranic competitions outside the country, including the Russian Federation's Holy Quran Competition, the European International Competition in Croatia, and the Holy Quran Competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the framework of the State of Qatar's role in serving the Holy Quran and promoting cultural and religious communication between peoples.The chairperson of the organizing committee noted the great support given by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to this competition, which contributed to enhancing the quality of the competition and developing its mechanisms and outputs.Al Jaber praised the efforts of all parties, members of the judging committees, organizing committees, and media institutions supporting the competition, stressing that the continuation of this effort contributes to preparing a generation that memorizes Quran and is capable of serving society in accordance with the tolerant values ​​of Islam.The ceremony featured a visual presentation, which traced the evolution of the Sheikh Jassim Holy Quran Competition, regarded today as one of the largest and most diversified Quranic contests worldwide.Over three decades rich with achievements, the competition has steadily expanded its branches to include a wide array of national and international categories, accompanied by continuous enhancements to its technical and administrative systems.This long journey has transformed the competition into a significant platform for nurturing Qatari youth in the memorization of the Holy Quran and has produced distinguished examples of proficient memorizers, preachers, and imams who now lead prayers and sermons across the country's mosques.The competition has embraced participants from all age groups and backgrounds, males and females, beginners and advanced memorizers, specialists and the general public, those who have memorized the entire Quran or portions of it, Arabic speakers and non-Arabic speakers, and even new converts to Islam. It has also welcomed participation from schools, institutions, public bodies, and the private sector.The presentation further highlighted the launch of the encyclopedia of Quranic readings and sciences by Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Aissa El Masarawi, former Grand Sheikh of the Egyptian Qira'at and Chairman of the Supreme Judging Committee.The encyclopedia was released electronically through IslamWeb and the competition's website, in recognition of Dr. El Masarawi's longstanding role in judging the competition since its early years and his efforts in establishing precise and rigorous standards that elevated the competition into a model of excellence.The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has given remarkable attention to the spread of Quranic learning circles across the country.These circles have continued to bear fruit, with thousands of students of various ages and nationalities joining them, helping shape a Quranic generation that the State hopes will serve as a source of strength for Qatar and the wider Muslim community.The presentation also detailed the organizing committee's careful selection of the judging panels, choosing distinguished imams with proven expertise in Quranic evaluation.These judges assessed contestants thoroughly through the first and second stages in terms of memorization, performance, and tajwid. Winners received substantial financial rewards, while those who passed the second stage without advancing to the final round were granted encouragement prizes. Additional financial awards were dedicated to participants known for their beautiful recitation voices. 

M7 hosted the Franca Fund Gala on Nov 23 at the Museum of Islamic Art, honouring the life and legacy of the late Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, by raising funds to drive research in preventative genomics.The event, in partnership with The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics, took place as Qatar marks its cultural journey over the past 50 years with Evolution Nation, a celebration highlighting both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.The gala was co-hosted by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar Museums Chairperson and Fashion Trust Arabia Co-Chair; Francesco Carrozzini, Co-Founder, Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics and Sozzani’s son; and global editorial director at Vogue and chief content officer for Condé Nast and longtime friend of Sozzani, Anna Wintour. Among the VIPS in attendance includes Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan.“This evening, we have come together to honour the vision of Franca Sozzani, who used fashion to disrupt, to talk about difficult topics, and to give the voiceless a voice. In the presence of her family, we celebrate her courage and resilience, as we join to advance the work of The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics,”“Tonight’s gala underscores our commitment to reimagine healthcare through cutting-edge science, combined with the highest ethical standards, global advocacy, and compassionate care. These vital goals are the core of Franca Fund as well as our other beneficiaries this evening: the Qatar Cancer Society and the Xana Foundation in Barcelona,” said HE Sheikha Al Mayassa.The event raised more than $4mn, which will directly support the work of The Franca Fund and its visionary goal: to support ongoing research programs in preventive genomics at Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, led by internationally acclaimed physician-scientist and Harvard Professor of Medicine (Genetics) Dr Robert Green. He is considered a pioneer in the responsible use of DNA analysis to detect and provide early treatment or prevention of inherited conditions that affect millions of children and adults worldwide.In a statement, Carrozzini said: “My mother believed that ideas should never sit still. She once told me, ‘If it’s not daring, it’s not new. And if it’s not new, it won’t matter.’ That was Franca – fearless, restless, always pushing everyone, including herself, to see what others haven’t yet seen”.Advancing equity in access to medical care, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa announced a donation to the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS), founded and chaired since 1997 by Dr Khalid bin Jabor al-Thani. Serving as a voice of awareness and a platform of support for all those facing the journey of cancer treatment, QCS offers every patient a renewed sense of hope, providing financial assistance to more than 10,770 cancer patients.HE Sheikha Al Mayassa also announced a contribution to the Xana Foundation in support of the launch La Casa De Las Xanas. The Xana Foundation was born to offer warm support and steadfast companionship to families whose children face serious illnesses. 

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the National Museum of Korea (NMK) are presenting the ‘Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour’, which opened Saturday in Seoul, South Korea. The landmark collaboration marks the first comprehensive presentation of MIA’s world-renowned collection in South Korea, taking audiences on an extraordinary journey into the history of Islamic art and culture as it evolved in regions stretching from Spain to China.A press preview was recently held with the attendance of dignitaries and the directors and representatives of the MIA and NMK, including Qatar’s ambassador to Korea Khalid Ebrahim al-Hamar, MIA director Shaika Nasser al-Nassr, NMK director You Hong June, and Dr Mounia Chekhab Abudaya, deputy director of Curatorial Affairs at the MIA.On view through October 11, 2026, in the NMK’s World Art Gallery, the exhibition brings together more than 80 masterpieces spanning 1,400 years, including exquisite Quranic manuscripts, ceramics, glassware, textiles, scientific instruments, and objects from royal courts.It celebrates exceptional craftsmanship and creativity and the evolution of Islamic art across continents through trade, scholarship, and artistic innovation. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Museum of Korea for the partnership and warm collaboration that have brought this exhibition to life. Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour reflects our commitment to nurturing cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation through the universal language of art.**media[384926]**“As we mark the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums, this exhibition stands as a testament to our ongoing dedication to strengthening global exchange and understanding. Together, we celebrate the power of art to connect people and inspire understanding across borders,” said Shaika Nasser. The exhibition unfolds across three thematic sections that guide visitors through the spiritual, cultural, and artistic expressions of the Islamic world.It explores ‘Islam and Religious Art of Islamic World’, ‘The Embrace and Expansion of Islamic Culture’, and ‘The Islamic Courtly Culture and Manuscripts’. At the conclusion of the exhibition, visitors can experience a digitally reconstructed version of an 1817 Damascene reception room, recreated by MIA. Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour will underscore the significance of Islamic art beyond its traditional geographic and cultural spheres, highlighting the shared values of craftsmanship, calligraphy, and heritage that resonate throughout the Islamic world and Korea.June said, “This exhibition is a meaningful opportunity to introduce Islamic art through our collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. I hope that visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the Islamic culture that flourished brilliantly across eras and regions, and that the exhibition will inspire reflection on the diversity of human cultures and the value of coexistence.” Curated by Abudaya and curator Kangmi Kwon, associate curator Hyeeun Kwon, and associate curator Youngwoo Kwon of NMK, the exhibition represents a rich collaboration between Qatar and Korea-based experts.**media[384927]**Abudaya delivered a lecture Saturday titled ‘A Journey of Splendour– Presenting Islamic Art from Doha to Seoul’ at the Education and Training Room of the NMK, and offered audiences a deeper understanding of the themes and highlights presented in Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour. Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendour signals Qatar Museums’ ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and international collaboration through initiatives like Years of Culture, which connect Qatar with partner nations for ongoing exchange.It is also presented as part of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar, and 20 years since the founding of Qatar Museums.Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future. For more information, visit https://mia.org.qa/en/calendar/islamic-art-a-journey-of-splendor/.

Qatar wrapped up its campaign at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh with three medals — a silver in fencing and bronze medals in handball and athletics — bringing its overall tally to 11 (3 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze).The men’s foil team of Khalid al-Yafei, Adham al-Deeb and Abdullah Khalifa won silver after a tight 43-45 loss to Uzbekistan in the final, having beaten the UAE in the semi-finals. The men’s and women’s epee teams were eliminated in the Round of 16.Qatar’s handball team claimed bronze after a 36–28 win over the UAE, overcoming the disappointment of a narrow semi-final defeat to Bahrain. They topped their group with three victories before finishing the tournament with a 4–1 record.In athletics, Abubaker Haydar secured bronze in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:46.26, while Moaz Ibrahim was placed fourth in the discus throw. In camel racing, Hazam Abdullah al-Nadeela finished fourth in the 2km event at Al-Janadriyah.

Qatar won two bronze medals in fencing and wrestling at the Islamic Solidarity Games, currently being held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, until Nov. 21.More than 3,000 athletes representing 57 countries are participating in the Games.The Qatari delegation's two medals were won by Khalid Al Yafei, who took bronze in the men's foil fencing competition, and Shaheen Mohammad, who won bronze in the 77 kg wrestling category.Qatar's medal tally now stands at seven, including three gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.In handball, the Qatari national team defeated the Maldives 44-6, finishing the first stage at the top of Group A with a perfect record. They will face Bahrain, the runner-up in Group B, in the semifinals. The other semifinal match will see Saudi Arabia, the top team in Group B, take on the UAE, the runner-up in Group A.The Qatari national team had won its previous two matches against Iran (39-23) and the UAE (41-24), and aims to retain the gold medal it won in the previous edition of the Games, held in Konya, Turkiye in 2022.In camel racing, Hazem Abdullah Al Nudailah qualified for the men's 2000-meter final after finishing second in the second heat held at the Al-Janadriyah Racecourse. The final will take place on Wednesday.In athletics, Qatari runner Abubaker Haidar qualified for the 800-meter final after finishing first in the first heat with a time of 1:50.09. Meanwhile, Qatari shot putter Ahmed Jibril finished fourth in the men's shot put with a throw of 18.51 meters.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has been recognised with three prestigious awards at The Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards 2025.The bank was awarded ‘Best Islamic Bank for Digital Innovation’, ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution for Car Financing’, and ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution for Financial Inclusion’, reaffirming its continued leadership in digital banking.With over 83% of QIB’s retail customers now actively using the bank’s digital channels, and 99% of financial transactions completed digitally, the Bank continues to lead the industry in digital adoption.Recognised as the ‘Best Islamic Bank for Digital Innovation’, QIB has set a benchmark in digital banking through its mobile-first strategy and continuous enhancements to the award-winning QIB Mobile App.Now offering more than 320 integrated features, the QIB Mobile App enables customers to access a wide range of retail banking services, including real-time onboarding, instant personal finance, credit card issuance, and more.Additionally, this recognition highlights QIB’s customer-centric approach and commitment to enabling the bank’s corporate customers. Through a suite of tailored, Shariah-compliant digital solutions, including digital onboarding, Corporate Internet Banking, the QIB Corporate App, and co-branded credit cards with Ooredoo, QIB has simplified business banking.The bank also offers a comprehensive range of payment services, such as POS terminals, Payment Gateway, and QIB SoftPOS App, empowering SMEs to manage finances, improve liquidity, and scale sustainably.The ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution for Car Financing’ award recognises the QIB Auto Marketplace, the first fully integrated, in-app car purchase and financing platform in Qatar. Accessible exclusively through the QIB Mobile App, the Marketplace features a diverse and growing selection of renowned automotive brands through an expanding network of dealer partners, enabling customers to browse vehicles, compare options, book test drives and complete financing applications digitally, delivering a fast, transparent and truly branchless journey from selection to ownership.The award for ‘Best Islamic Digital Banking Solution – Financial Inclusion’ acknowledges the QIB Lite App, Qatar’s first simplified, multilingual mobile banking experience tailored to underserved communities. Available in eight languages, QIB Lite offers a seamless, branch-free journey and enables quick self-registration, instant payments, affordable transfers, bill settlement, and intuitive account and card management. With an instant Salary Advance available for eligible customers, QIB Lite reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive innovation and empowering every customer to manage their finances with ease and confidence.Constantinos Constantinides, QIB Chief Strategy & Digital officer, said: “We are pleased to receive these awards from the Asset, which reaffirm our leadership in digital innovation and our commitment to inclusive, customer-centric banking.“Building on the trust of our customers and the dedication of our team, we continue to expand access and deliver secure, smarter ways to bank through the QIB Mobile App, Corporate App and QIB Lite App, inviting our customers to expect more from QIB as we continually elevate their digital banking experience.”Marking its 25th anniversary, the Asset Triple A Islamic Finance Awards is highly regarded within the financial sector as one of the most prestigious recognition programmes, celebrating institutions that exemplify outstanding performance in Islamic banking.For further information, visit www.qib.com.qa

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), in collaboration with American Hospital Clinics, organised a staff awareness initiative to mark ‘World Diabetes Day’ at QIB’s head office, reinforcing the bank’s ongoing commitment to employees’ well-being and community health.Throughout the day, medical professionals from American Hospital Clinics provided blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, and on-the-spot consultations with specialised doctors to help employees understand risk factors and adopt healthier lifestyle choices. Participants received practical guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and preventive measures to support long-term health.Mashaal Abdulaziz al-Derham, assistant general manager – head of Corporate Communications & Quality Assurance at QIB, said: “At QIB, we are committed to creating a supportive and healthy workplace while contributing to the well-being of our colleagues and the wider community.“Our ‘World Diabetes Day’ awareness initiative provided employees with practical tools for early detection and prevention, and we thank American Hospital Clinics for their valuable partnership in delivering expert screenings and guidance.”QIB regularly partners with leading healthcare institutions to deliver evidence-based health activations for employees, including screening days, awareness sessions, and expert talks that support early detection and prevention. These efforts form part of QIB’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and align with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainable human development across the community.

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) has called on all Muslims in Qatar to perform a rain-prayer (Salat al-Istisqa), on Thursday as the nation faces a spell of dry weather. The prayer, a practice deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, will take place at 6:04am in 124 mosques and prayer grounds across the country. It dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who led such prayers to seek divine relief during dry seasons. The ritual is a spiritual means of invoking rain and is often performed collectively when rainfall is delayed, reflecting a broader cultural and religious approach to coping with environmental hardship. An Awqaf statement Wednesday urged Muslims to approach the prayer with humility and reminded them of several acts believed to bring about divine acceptance of prayer including sincere repentance, restitution of rights, fasting and giving charity. The statement cited Qur'anic verses and a hadith that emphasise the virtue of fasting and charity, advising participants to avoid adornment, wear simple clothing, and demonstrate modesty and spiritual need before God.

Swimmer Ali Tamer earned Qatar’s first medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, winning silver in the 100m freestyle at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex. Tamer clocked 49.63 seconds, narrowly missing gold to Saudi Arabia’s Zaid Al-Sarraj (49.62). Another Saudi swimmer, Emad al-Zaben, took bronze in 50.40 seconds. **media[380620]** The Qatari swimmer had reached the final after posting 50.44 seconds in the heats and 50.53 seconds in the semifinals on Monday. “The race was tough, but I entered it with great motivation to swim for my country,” Tamer said after his podium finish. “I am extremely proud to have won Qatar’s first medal at these Games. This result is the fruit of teamwork between the swimmers and the coaching staff, and I dedicate it to everyone who supported me during the preparation period.” He added: “This medal gives me even more motivation to continue training and improve my times in future championships.” Meanwhile, Mohammed Mahmoud advanced to the 50m breaststroke final, clocking 28.68 seconds in the semifinals. His team-mate Hamza al-Shaalan fell short of qualification in the same event, while Mohammed Aziz Ismail missed out in the 100m butterfly. **media[380622]** In table tennis, both Mohammed Abdel Wahab and Abdullah Abdel Wahab exited in the round of 16, losing 4–1 to Algeria’s Milan Amine Djellouli and Mehdi Bouloussa, respectively. The Qatari duo will face Ibrogimovich Sultanov and Jamshid Hasanov of Tajikistan in the doubles round of 16 today. **media[380621]** In women’s karate, Mona Al-Kharafi was eliminated in the round of 16 of the under-50kg category, losing to Ivory Coast’s Abene Adéatou Adebayo. Today, Qatar’s volleyball team will take on Bahrain as they aim to secure qualification for the bronze medal match. The volleyball competition is being played in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the final.

Syria is joining the global coalition against the Islamic State group, a US official said Monday hours after President Donald Trump welcomed his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa for historic White House talks.Sharaa, whose forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year, was the first Syrian leader to visit the White House since the Middle Eastern country's independence in 1946.But the 43-year-old's landmark visit to the Oval Office came just days after Washington removed him from its terrorism list."During the visit, Syria announced that it is joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS," becoming the 90th member of the alliance and "partnering with the US to eliminate ISIS remnants and halt foreign fighter flows," a senior administration official said.According to the official, Syria will also be allowed to resume diplomatic relations with Washington "to further counterterrorism, security, and economic co-ordination." Trump said he wanted Syria to become "very successful" after more than a decade of civil war and added that he believed Sharaa "can do it, I really do." "He's a very strong leader. He comes from a very tough place, and he's a tough guy," Trump told reporters after the meeting, which was closed to press."People said he's had a rough past, we've all had rough pasts... And I think, frankly, if you didn't have a rough past, you wouldn't have a chance." Trump said Syria was a "big part" of his plan for a wider Middle East peace plan, which the US president is hoping will prop up the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza."Having a stable and successful Syria is very important to all countries in the Region," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after the meeting.Despite this, Trump would not confirm reports that Syria would sign any non-aggression pact with Israel.Afterwards Sharaa was interviewed by broadcaster Fox News, saying Syria's ongoing dispute with Israel over the Golan Heights territory would make entering peace talks difficult now. But he suggested talks facilitated by Trump and Washington could help start negotiations.The Syrian president's visit capped a remarkable turnaround for a former fighter who once had a US bounty on his head.In dramatic scenes as he left his meeting with Trump, he climbed out of his motorcade to greet crowds of supporters outside the White House, surrounded on all sides by bodyguards.Syria's presidency said on X that Sharaa and Trump discussed the bilateral relationship, "the ways to strengthen and develop it, as well as a number of regional and international issues of common interest." It published photos of Trump standing and shaking hands with a smiling Sharaa beside the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.Other pictures showed the Syrian leader sitting opposite Trump with top US officials including Vice President JD Vance, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and top US military officer Dan Caine.Since taking power, Syria's new leaders have sought to break from their violent past and present a more moderate image to ordinary Syrians and foreign powers.Sharaa's White House visit is "a hugely symbolic moment for the country's new leader, who thus marks another step in his astonishing transformation from fighter to global statesman," said Michael Hanna, US programme director at the International Crisis Group.The Syrian met Trump for the first time in Saudi Arabia during the US leader's regional tour in May. At the time the 79-year-old Trump dubbed Sharaa, 43, as "a young, attractive guy." Sharaa was expected to seek US funds for Syria, which faces significant challenges in rebuilding after 13 years of devastating civil war.After his arrival in Washington, Sharaa over the weekend met with International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva over possible aid.Sharaa's past has caused controversy in some quarters but the State Department's decision Friday to remove him from the blacklist was widely expected.The Syrian president has also been making diplomatic outreach towards Washington's rivals. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin in October in their first meeting since the removal of Assad, a key Kremlin ally.

The Qatari men’s volleyball team secured a crucial victory on Monday, defeating hosts Saudi Arabia 3–1 in an exciting encounter at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh until November 21.Qatar recovered well after dropping the opening set 21–25, taking control of the match with confident attacking play and solid defense to claim the next three sets 25–16, 25–20, and 25–21 in front of a large crowd at Riyadh Boulevard.With this result, Qatar moved a step closer to advancing to the medal rounds. They will face Bahrain Wednesday in a decisive fixture that could confirm their qualification to the knockout stages.Tamer qualifies for 100m Freestyle FinalQatar’s swimmer Ali Tamer qualified for the final of the men’s 100m freestyle, to be held today at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex. Tamer clocked 50.44 seconds in the heats and 50.53 seconds in the semi-finals.Meanwhile, teammate Mohammed Aziz Ismail narrowly missed out on the 200m butterfly final after finishing fourth in his heat with a time of 2:12.26. Hamza al-Shaalan withdrew from the 200m breaststroke final after sustaining an injury during warm-up. He had earlier qualified with a time of 2:23.35 in the heats.Today, Ismail will compete in the 100m butterfly, while al-Shaalan and Mohammed Mahmoud will contest the 50m breaststroke.Elsewhere, Qatar’s table tennis players begin their individual campaigns today, while Mona Al-Kharafi will represent the nation in the women’s under-50kg karate category.Turkey tops medal tableTurkey continues to lead the medal standings at the Games with 58 medals — 37 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze. Egypt sits second with 18 medals (6 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze), followed by Nigeria in third with 10 medals (5 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze). Indonesia ranks fourth with 18 medals (4 gold, 11 silver, 3 bronze), and Uzbekistan is fifth with 21 medals (4 gold, 10 silver, 7 bronze).

Qatar’s swimmers continued their strong form at the Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025, with Mohammed Mahmoud narrowly missing a podium finish in the men’s 200m individual medley, placing fourth in 2:05.69, just 0.62 seconds behind third. Mahmoud also finished seventh in the 100m breaststroke while teammate Ali Tamer clocked 22.72s to claim fourth in the 50m freestyle, only 0.15s off the bronze.The Al Annabi swimmers remain in action today, with Tamer contesting the 100m freestyle, Hamza Shaalan in the 200m breaststroke and Aziz al-Jilani in the 200m butterfly. Elsewhere, Qatar’s men’s table tennis team exited in the quarter-finals after a loss to Kazakhstan, while judoka Haya al-Kuwari bowed out in the repechage round of the under-70kg category.The men’s volleyball team faces hosts Saudi Arabia today before wrapping up their group stage against Bahrain on Wednesday. More than 3,000 athletes from 57 nations are competing across 23 sports in Riyadh. Qatar has sent 82 athletes participating in 16 disciplines.