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Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad held a virtual meeting Wednesday with members of the Palestinian government operations room, chaired by Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine.The talks reviewed bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Palestine and addressed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.Discussions focused on easing the humanitarian suffering of civilians in Gaza, enhancing partnerships in development and knowledge exchange, and coordinating the entry and distribution of aid, particularly ahead of the winter season.The meeting was part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Representatives from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and around 48 humanitarian organizations and officials took part in the discussions.Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said that Palestinians in Gaza continue to face tremendous hardship, including dire living conditions and insufficient aid one month after the fragile ceasefire went into effect, pointing out that Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control.In a statement issued in Geneva, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza Caroline Seguin said, " Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses, as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to health care is reduced. The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organizations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure," she added.Seguin also noted that thousands of displaced people are living in tents lacking water and electricity, surrounded by accumulated waste and outbreaks of skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases, as winter approaches.The organization called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) hosted the official Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix TV promo launch Tuesday during a reveal event held at its newly installed #QatarGP 360° Experience activation, at the Eastern Square in Souq Waqif. An exclusive first look of the new promotional film for the race was shown at the launch event.During the event, attendees had the opportunity to explore the #QatarGP 360° Experience. This installation allowed invitees to experience the 360° film environment for the first time, placing them right in the center of the action.The film “Where Hearts Are Racing”, is a cinematic journey exploring the timeless human pursuit of speed through the lens of Qatari heritage and culture. The film celebrates speed as a universal force that unites people across generations, bridging Qatar’s centuries-old traditions of camel racing, falconry, and equestrian mastery with the cutting-edge excitement of modern Formula 1.Through poetic narration and striking imagery, it draws a powerful connection between the grace and endurance of the past and the precision, innovation, and daring of today’s motorsport. By honoring these echoes of tradition while showcasing modern performance, the film reflects a shared human spirit: bold, connected, and always in motion, fueled by imagination, excellence, and the relentless drive to push boundaries.Fatima al-Qaedi, Marketing Manager at Lusail International Circuit said: “This promotional film beautifully captures Qatar’s deep-rooted passion for racing and speed through a contemporary cinematic lens, portraying the strong connection between Arab heritage and modernity, showcasing how speed has evolved from being a part of local culture into a universal language of ambition, determination, and excellence.The film comes as part of Lusail International Circuit’s preparations to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for fans and strengthening Qatar’s presence on the global sports stage.”The activation is now open for free to the public at Souq Waqif, welcoming visitors to experience the official F1 QatarGP TV promo launch through the #QatarGP 360° experience daily until November 30.It will be open from 3pm to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and from 3pm to 12am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Fans can also watch the film on LIC’s YouTube channel.The Qatar Grand Prix 2025 will take place at Lusail International Circuit from November 28 to 30. Limited tickets are available, and fans are encouraged to secure theirs quickly by visiting tickets.lcsc.qa.

Slovenian President Dr Natasa Pirc Musar urged nations to move beyond geopolitical divisions and uphold international law, describing her nation’s recognition of Palestine as an important step towards realising a two-state solution and securing lasting peace in the Middle East.“When Slovenia recognised Palestine a year and a half ago, it was not an easy decision. We were one of the first three European countries, alongside Spain and Ireland, to take that step after many years. But it was the right thing to do, to be on the right side of history,” Dr Pirc Musar told the audience during her lecture, “The Realities of Multipolarism vs the Need for Multilateralism”, at Hamad Bin Khalifa University Monday.The lecture formed part of her official visit to Qatar and reflected HBKU’s ongoing commitment to advancing international dialogue on diplomacy and governance. Elected in 2022 as Slovenia’s first woman head of state, Dr Pirc Musar discussed global power dynamics, the erosion of multilateral co-operation, and the moral responsibility of states to act in defence of humanity.Dr Pirc Musar noted that 150 out of 193 United Nations member states now recognise Palestine, calling the move “a necessary first step” towards equality and dialogue. “If you advocate for a two-state solution,” she said, “don’t you think it is hypocrisy to recognise one state and not the other?”She stressed that Slovenia’s support for Palestine stems from both moral conviction and historical experience. Drawing parallels with the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica, she recalled how the tragedy in the Balkans continues to shape her nation’s empathy toward people suffering under conflict.“The sympathy we have for those who suffer is still alive because of Srebrenica. Watching the situation in Palestine brings back those painful memories,” the Slovenian president said.She also condemned political polarisation within Europe, questioning why human rights and humanitarian principles have become issues of left and right.“Are human rights left or right? They are not,” she said, recounting how she was criticised by right-wing parties after describing the situation in Gaza as genocide before the European Parliament.“I am neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israeli. I am for humanity. If we neglect international law, what’s left? Chaos,” Dr Pirc Musar said.Noting that peace requires both justice and equality, she said that recognising Palestinian statehood is not a solution in itself but “a first step” toward building a fair and lasting peace.She pointed out that Israel “deserves to have a state,” but condemned the violations of international law following October 7, questioning Israel’s claims of self-defence on foreign territory.“You have the right to self-defence on your own territory. On foreign territory, the answer is no,” she stressed. Dr Pirc Musar warned that the world today faces more than 65 armed conflicts, the highest number since World War II, and lamented the global community’s inability to stop wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. “That’s where we are today in the 21st century,” she said. Dr Pirc Musar underlined Slovenia’s diplomatic stance as a nation without colonial history and “without hidden agendas.” She called on world leaders to restore faith in multilateralism, pursue dialogue grounded in international law, and commit to peace not as a slogan, but as a shared obligation.“If we want permanent peace and justice, we must offer statehood for Palestine. That is the only way forward,” she said.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation and Nasser al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Premier Padel, in Astana.The meeting focused on the development of padel in Kazakhstan. The country now has a growing community of more than 1,500 active players and 16 regional federations. Seventeen modern courts are already operating, and by 2027, the new ADD Padel Arena in Almaty — featuring 10 world-class courts — will become one of Central Asia’s most advanced venues, capable of hosting Premier Padel tournaments.The Head of State expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation with the International Padel Federation will further strengthen the development and popularization of padel in Kazakhstan.

An organisation representing international media in Israel and the Palestinian territories Monday condemned attacks by Israeli settlers on journalists in the occupied West Bank, urging Israeli authorities to halt the "violence immediately".The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents hundreds of foreign journalists, said it was "appalled" by the recent attacks, especially during this year's olive harvest."Journalists, both local and foreign, have proven to be a clear target as they document an unprecedented level of unchecked violence against Palestinians during this year's olive harvest," the association said, citing two incidents involving journalists from international media outlets.The FPA said that on Saturday two employees of Reuters wearing clearly marked press vests and helmets were assaulted by masked Israeli civilians armed with clubs and rocks near the Palestinian village of Beita."A mob of dozens of settlers beat one of the employees, a female reporter, while she was already on the ground, resulting in severe injuries," the FPA said."They also attacked those who tried to help her. A Reuters security person was hit, and two Palestinian freelance journalists were injured while being chased." On October 10, settlers beat a veteran AFP photographer with sticks when filming the olive harvest in the same area.His car, along with a handful of others parked at a safe distance from the field, was stoned and then set on fire by the assailants."The photographer, who testified it was one of the worst attacks in his 30-year career, reported that Israeli forces at the scene refused to intervene, instead firing rubber bullets and tear gas at olive pickers and activists accompanying them," the FPA said.Several such incidents have occurred in the last few weeks, the FPA added."Israeli forces routinely harass and intimidate journalists, in some cases detaining them and threatening them with deportation," the FPA said."This is all part of a deepening climate of hostility toward the media by Israeli authorities," it added, urging the authorities to investigate the incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable."In particular, we urge central command head Major General Avi Bluth and police commander Moshe Pinchi to uphold their duties to ensure that journalists can work freely and safely," the association said."There cannot be press freedom in an environment in which journalists are threatened and harmed with complete impunity." When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military did not give an immediate response.An AFP journalist serves on the FPA's board of directors.Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and Israeli settlements there are expanding. Some 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the Palestinian territory and some of them have also attacked farmers trying to access their olive trees almost every day this year since the season began in mid-October, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.Almost none of the perpetrators have been held to account by the Israeli authorities. Violence in the West Bank has soared since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023.

Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is thrilled to announce that Algerian music legend Cheb Khaled, in collaboration with Visit Qatar, will take the stage on Saturday, 29 November 2025, for an unforgettable live performance at the Lusail Live Stage (concert area) during the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025. Fans can expect a night full of the legendary rhythms of raï, combining world class live music with the excitement of Formula 1 racing. Known as the “King of Raï,” Cheb Khaled (Khaled Hadj Ibrahim) was born in Oran, Algeria in 1960. At the age of 14, he formed the Cinq Étoiles (Five Stars) band and began performing at various events. Khaled rose to international fame with his 1993 hit “Didi,” which topped charts across Arabic speaking audiences as well as in Europe and Asia. Over his career, he has sold more than 80.5mn albums worldwide, receiving numerous awards, and has become one of the best selling Arabic language artists. His music transcends borders, with performances on stages such as The Tonight Show in 1993, and highlights including the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Elle a dû quitter l’école une heure plus tôt pour un rendez-vous chez le médecin.Africa. His songs convey messages of love, tolerance, and peace, earning him fans across generations and continents. Fans attending the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix can enjoy Cheb Khaled live on Saturday night with single day Saturday tickets available starting at QR500 for General Admission. Three Day Grandstand tickets are also available but limited only to the Turn 3 Grandstand (QR1,000; student price QR800). Access to Cheb Khaled’s performance is included with all ticket types. Hospitality packages offering premium viewing experiences are also available. Tickets are selling fast for Qatar’s premier motorsport and entertainment event. Fans can secure their place by visiting tickets.lcsc.qa.

Toyota’s Juan Cruz Yacopini and Dani Oliveras emerged victorious from a gruelling Qatar International Baja for the first time yesterday. The win was also sufficient for the Argentine and his Spanish navigator to confirm overall victory in the Ultimate category in the FIA World Baja Cup. The X-raid Mini JCW Team duo of Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov began the final day with a lead of 2min 42.4sec but came under pressure from both the FIA World Baja Cup leader Yacopini and Czech veteran Martin Prokop over the last stage. Yacopini and his Spanish navigator Dani Oliveras went on a charge as the stage progressed. The Toyota Hilux crew grabbed the virtual rally lead before the final run through the dunes and sealed victory over Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka after Krotov suffered a broken front differential and then stopped completely and retired on the final push through the southern desert. Yacopini said: “I’m super happy to finish this race. Today’s stage was super tough for us. Yesterday, there was a gap between us and the first car and we knew we had to push really hard. Since the first kilometre we did our best and then we had to manage the race in the dunes at the end. Now we have won the category in the World Cup. We have worked hard for this all year.” Runner-up Prokop added: “It was a very good test. It was very difficult for navigation and driving this new car for me. It was a great two days and two enjoyable stages. We didn’t win but it was close. We slowed down towards the end behind Krotov and thought that was enough. But Yacopini was full gas and he passed us and he won. He did a very good job. Second position, but it was great fun to drive this car in these conditions. Denis was going very slow and we left him there. He had been fast the whole day.” Polish rider Konrad Dabrowski led the motorcycle standings from start-to-finish on his KTM 450 Rally to seal a third victory at the event in four years (2022, 2023 and 2025). He showed an impeccable ability to manage his pace and navigate from the front on the way to a deserved win by 31min 17.0sec. Saudi driver Dania Akeel teamed up with Frenchman Sebastien Delaunay and gave her FIA Middle East Baja Cup title ambitions a major boost by finishing third overall and first in the regional Baja. She also confirmed the Ultimate title with a round to spare. Akeel said: “Really happy for the podium. This is a good place to train for your driving skills. Today was nice but I lost quite a bit of time in the last 70km. I definitely need to work on that. Sébastien was great. It was tough with the navigation. We have a good chance of a shot at the Middle East Cup now in Dubai.” Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah enjoyed a solid stage with Fabian Lurquin in a Taurus T3 Max to finish fourth overall and win the Challenger category. A vital fifth place and points for second in the FIA World Baja Cup for Miroslav Zapletal guarantees that the final places on the Drivers’ Championship podium will be decided at the final round in Dubai in two weeks’ time. The Qatari duo of Nouef al-Sowaidi and Khalifa Saleh al-Attiyah were both registered for the regional Baja Cup in their QMMF Taurus T3s and finished sixth and 11th overall and second and third in the points for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Seventh overall for Nasser Racing Team’s Sergei Remennik enabled him to increase his lead over Emirati rival Khalid al-Jafla in the duel for Challenger honours in the FIA World Baja Cup. Lionel and Lucie Baud were eighth in the second of the X-Raid Minis and Frenchman Ronan Chabot was 10th in his Overdrive Racing Toyota. Young Qatari rookie Mohammed al-Marri delivered a stunning performance with navigator Szymon Gospodarczyk to finish ninth and top the SSV class standings in a Can-Am Maverick R. He finished well clear of Saudi’s Maha al-Hameli and Van den Brink, although Oman’s Hamed al-Wahaibi won the day’s stage. Italian Amerigo Ventura suffered rear differential issues after hitting a rock in his Yamaha YXZ 1000. A change of engine block and the resultant 20-hour penalty dropped Francesco Barreto out of the top 10 and he retired midway through the stage. There were also serious problems on the final day for the QMMF Team’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom. Both Paul Severn and Eugenio Amos stopped in the dunes and lost chunks of time. **media[379298]** Qatar’s Abdullah al-Rabban held off Saudi rival Majed al-Thunayyan to win the Stock category for series production cross-country machines in his Nissan Patrol. Dabrowski was the class of the motorcycle field for the entire weekend. He won the Prologue, crushed his rivals on the first stage and rode in a masterly way from the front through the final stage, despite one navigational indiscretion in the dunes. The Pole said: “Really happy. Stella made me work for it today in the dunes. The GPS device we use here caught the waypoint from 20km before and, because of that, it wasn’t calibrated to open the arrow for the next one that I was heading to. So, I had no idea where I was. I still won the stage because Alex missed some waypoints. That means I have won all nine stages that I have ever done here. Qatar seems to suit me. It has been good for my navigational skills and opening the track on both days. This is a good confidence boost ahead of Dakar.” British rider Alex McInnes shadowed and caught the Pole and then got lost near the end of the final stage. Missing vital waypoints cost the Husqvarna stage success and second place. He dropped back to seventh. McInnes said: “I missed some waypoints at the end. I threw it away. The GPS picked up a waypoint in advance and I couldn’t go back. That’s where I lost the time.” MX Ride Dubai’s Mohammed al-Balooshi took another giant step towards a fourth FIM Bajas World Cup title with the runner-up spot on the motorcycle podium. A strong run by Frenchman Jean Loup Lepan netted the KTM rider third place. Briton Makis Rees-Stavros and Germany’s Philip Horlemann rounded off the top five. Al-Balooshi’s main FIM World Bajas Cup title rival Rafic Eid finished 12th. Emirati Abdulaziz al-Ahli held off Saudi racer Hani al-Noumesi to win the quad category. Abdulaziz al-Atawi wasn’t classified and Qatar’s Yaghoob Azadi retired with mechanical issues on the last stage. Al-Noumesi won the FIM quad title for the second successive season. The FIA and FIM series both reach a conclusion in Dubai on November 20th-23rd. **media[379297]** Qatar International Baja results Cars (top 10 only) 1. Juan Cruz Yacopini (ARG)/Dani Oliveras (ESP) Toyota Hilux IMT Evo; 4hr 50min 30.6sec* 2. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Viktor Chytka (CZE) Ford Raptor; 4hr 53min 02.6sec 3. Dania Akeel (KSA)/Sébastien Delaunay (FRA) Toyota Hilux; 5hr 07min 14.0sec+ 4. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Fabian Lurquin (BEL) Taurus T3 Max; 5hr 12min 59.3sec 5. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F-150 Evo; 5hr 31min 30.4sec* 6. Nouef Al-Suwaidi (QAT)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU) Taurus T3 Max; 5hr 33min 36.7sec+ 7. Sergei Remennik (UAE)/Aleksei Ignatov (KGZ) Taurus T3 Max; 5hr 42min 02.7sec* 8. Lionel Baud (FRA)/Lucie Baud (FRA) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3.0D; 5hr 42min 18.1sec 9. Mohammed Al-Marri (QAT)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Can-Am Maverick R; 5hr 43min 49.0sec 10. Ronan Chabot (FRA)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Toyota Hilux; 5hr 44min 29.8sec *denotes registered for the FIA World Baja Cup + denotes registered for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup Bikes (Top 20 only) 1. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) KTM 450 Rally; 6hr 37min 11.7sec 2. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (UAE) KTM 450 RR; 7hr 08min 28.7sec 3. Jean Loup Lepan (FRA) KTM 450 Rally; 7hr 18min 30.8sec 4. Makis Rees-Stavros (GBR) KTM EXC 450; 7hr 18min 56.2sec 5. Philip Horlemann (GER) KTM Rally Replica 450; 7hr 24min 10.5sec 6. Michael Anderson (POR) KTM Rally Replica; 7hr 35min 19.6sec 7. Alex McInnes (GBR) Husqvarna Rally Replica; 7hr 42min 47.5sec 8. Harith Noah (IND) Sherco 450 SEF; 7hr 43min 43.4sec 9. Peter Solnor (NOR) Kove Rally 450 EX; 7hr 56min 14.2sec 10. Hans Christian Dovland (NOR) Husqvarna FR450; 7hr 57min 01.8sec 11. Simon Marcic (SLO) Kove Rally EX; 8hr 03min 40.4sec 12. Rafic Eid (LBN) KTM 450 Rally; 8hr 06min 07.1sec 13. Justin Gerlach (GER) KTM 450 FR Replica; 8hr 17min 31.6sec 14. Andrew Houlihan (AUS) Husqvarna FR450 Rally; 8hr 40min 24.4sec 15. Thomas Childs (GBR) KTM 450 Rally; 8hr 42min 44.5sec 16. Badr Al-Hamdan (KSA) Kove EX 450; 8hr 54min 28.2sec 17. Emanuele Gallone (ITA) Husqvarna FE450; 8hr 56min 25.9sec 18. Abdullah Abu Aisheh (JOR) Yamaha WR 450F; 9hr 04min 13.9sec 19. Marcin Talaga (POL) GasGas RX 450F Rally Replica; 9hr 06min 41.2sec 20. Mohammed Al-Kubaisi (QAT) KTM EXC-F 350; 9hr 08min 57.4sec Quads 1. Abdulaziz Ahli (UAE) Yamaha Raptor 700R; 8hr 04min 21.1sec 2. Hani Al-Noumesi (KSA) Yamaha Raptor; 9hr 42min 40.9sec Abdulaziz Al-Atawi (KSA) Yamaha Raptor 700; Retired Yaghoob Azadi (QAT) Yamaha Raptor 700R; Retired

The second day of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show witnessed another round of impressive performances at the Longines Outdoor Arena, as young fillies and colts competed in the qualifying classes for two- and three-year-old categories. Supported by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), day two event featured over 90 horses, including notable participation from studs across Qatar and the region. In the Yearling Colts 4A category, Dandon KL, owned by Kaheel Stud, secured first place. DStoor Al Sraiya, owned by Al Sraiya Stud, placed second, while Shakhat Al Shahania of Al Shahania Stud finished third. Meanwhile, in the Yearling Colts 4B category, first place went to Yazeed Mudhar, owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al-Thani, while Nahar Abher took second and Thayir Al Thamer placed third. In the Junior Fillies 5A category, Shaella Al Wajba, owned by Al Wajba Stud, took first place, followed by Tulan Al Shahania of Al Shahania Stud in second, and ES Dalma, owned by Sons of Mubark Bin Hindi al-Khaldi, in third. In the Junior Fillies 5B category, Sawsan Al Shaqab of Al Shaqab Stud, secured first place. FH Sophia Lorhan, owned by Nayif Nasser M A al-Dosari, finished second, while T A Ndawi, owned by Sons of Mubark Bin Hindi al-Khaldi, placed third. The Junior Fillies 5C category saw Durra Al Khor, owned by Al Khor Stud, claim first place, followed by Roma in second, and Aryana HA in third. The Junior Colts 6A category concluded with Yulib Al Shahania, owned by HE Sheikha Iman Mohamed KH al-Thani, in first place, Santorini in second, and KH Habs in third. The championship, which runs until November 8, is held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab; and under the supervision of the European Conference of Arabian Horse Organisations (ECAHO) as a B-International Show, giving winners the opportunity to advance to major international title shows. Khalid al-Jehani, Director of Breeding and of Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, said: Qatar has become a global voice in shaping the future of Arabian horse championships. At Al Shaqab, we remain committed to preserving the authentic heritage of the Arabian horse, while elevating international standards in event organisation and horse welfare. The model established here is now recognised worldwide, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading reference in the world of equine beauty and tradition.” The final show will take place today, where Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners will be announced across all divisions.

Qatar’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Polish rider Konrad Dabrowski topped the times in the car and motorcycle categories on the afternoon’s Prologue stage before the 2025 Qatar International Baja was officially flagged away at the ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark on Doha Corniche in the evening. Forty-three cars, 53 motorcycles and four quads graced the official start lists for the penultimate rounds of the FIA World and Middle East Cups and the FIM Bajas World Cup. While the afternoon’s Prologue to the north-west of Lusail sorted the starting order for today’s opening desert stage, the highlight of the day was the ceremonial start at the ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark with the stunning backdrop of Doha’s spectacular hi-rise West Bay skyline. Cars were flagged away by Abdulrahman al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), and the QMMF’s general secretary Abdulrazzaq al-Kuwari in the presence of distinguished guests and senior officials from both the FIA and FIM. Czech duo of Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka were initially fastest in the FIA category with a run of 6min 46.0sec. That enabled the Ford Raptor driver to win the Prologue by just four-tenths of a second from last year’s event winners Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov (X-Raid Mini). But both drivers were later handed time penalties that dropped them down to 18th and sixth positions, respectively. The QMMF Team’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Khalifa Saleh al-Attiyah eventually finished first and second in the car category after numerous time penalties were imposed on their rivals. Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom was third in a Can-Am and the current FIA World Baja Cup leader Juan Cruz Yacopini finished fourth in his Toyota Hilux with his championship rival Miroslav Zapletal in fifth. **media[378368]** Yacopini said: “We were the first car on the road. It was a tricky Prologue between the flags. We made it properly. We have the chance of a good starting position for this race. We will have a clear road and some lines (to follow). Let’s see what happens.” Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah had been the fastest driver at the mid-stage split before losing time late on with a fuel pump issue on his Taurus T3 Max. The Qatari finished the Prologue down in 25th position. Al-Attiyah said: “We had a good run and then we had a small issue with the fuel pump and we stopped for one minute. We will try to do our best tomorrow. It will be a long day.” A dominant Dabrowski clocked a time of 7min 02.8sec on the Prologue on his KTM 450 Rally to beat British Husqvarna rider Alex McInnes to the win by 39.3 seconds in the motorcycle category. Frenchman Jean Loup Lepan (KTM), Slovenian Simon Marcic (Kove) and regular Indian factory Sherco rider Harith Noah rounded off the top five. The FIM Bajas World Cup’s front-running Mohammed al-Balooshi and Rafic Eid were classified in sixth and ninth. Emirati Abdulaziz al-Ahli was the quickest of the quad riders and faster than all but four of the bikers. **media[378369]** Al-Balooshi said: “Not a good result for us. This is not the way we wanted to start the race. Tomorrow is a new day. I am happy that we are here safe. Hopefully we make the most of tomorrow.” Title rival Eid added: “It was super hot and super rocky. It was a tricky ride with tight corners. Now I am position 10 (including leading quad) and that means I will open the road for everybody. With Qatar’s difficult navigation this will be a good training for me for Dakar 2026!” Qatar’s Mohammed al-Kubaisi and Abdulrahman al-Sheeb finished the Prologue in 43rd and 49th positions in the two-wheel contingent, the latter suffering niggling electrical issues on his Fantic XEF. Jordan’s Eyad Salmirza (Yamaha) was a non-starter and received a 30-minute penalty. On Friday, competitors face a revised opening stage of 220.31km. This will be split into three shorter timed sections. The first bike is scheduled to get the action underway at 07.45hrs. Prologue result: Cars (top 20 only) 1. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Stéphane Duplé (FRA) Taurus T3 Max 6min 50.3sec+ 2. Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Bruno Jacomy (ARG) Taurus T3 Max 6min 51.8sec+ 3. Mattias Ekström (SWE)/Emil Bergkvist (SWE) Can-Am Maverick R 6min 53.6sec 4. Juan Cruz Yacopini (ARG)/Dani Oliveras (ESP) Toyota Hilux IMT Evo 6min 58.7sec* 5. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F-150 Evo 6min 59.8sec* 6. Denis Krotov (KGZ)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (KGZ) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3.0i 7min 01.4sec 7. Mitchel van den Brink (NED)/Bart van Heun (NED) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 02.8sec* 8. Hamed Al-Wahaibi (OMA)/Ilka Minor (AUT) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 06.3sec* 9. Lionel Baud (FRA)/Lucie Baud (FRA) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3.0D 7min 09.1sec 10. Eugenio Amos (ITA)/Paolo Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 12.5sec* 11. Nouef Al-Suwaidi (QAT)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU) Taurus T3 Max 7min 17.5sec+ 12. Sergei Remennik (UAE)/Aleksei Ignatov (KGZ) Taurus T3 Max 7min 17.9sec* 13. Hamza Bakhashab (KSA)/Marcin Pasek (POL) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 20.4sec+ 14. Dania Akeel (KSA)/Sébastien Delaunay (FRA) Toyota Hilux 7min 21.0sec+ 15. Amerigo Ventura (ITA)/Erika Mingozzi (ITA) Yamaha YXZ 1000R Short Shift 7min 21.7sec* 16. Erik van Loon (NED)/Martin van den Brink (NED) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 23.6sec* 17. Ronan Chabot (FRA)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Toyota Hilux 7min 28.9sec 18. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Viktor Chytka (CZE) Ford Raptor 7min 31.0sec 19. Paul Severn (GBR)/Delphine Denfino (FRA) Polaris RZR Pro R Sport 7min 34.7sec* 20. Khalid Al-Feraihi (KSA)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Toyota Hilux IMT Evo 7min 35.6sec *denotes registered for the FIA World Baja Cup + denotes registered for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup Bikes (Top 20 only) 1. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) KTM 450 Rally 7min 02.8sec 2. Alex McInnes (GBR) Husqvarna Rally Replica 7min 42.1sec 3. Jean Loup Lepan (FRA) KTM 450 Rally 7min 50.6sec 4. Simon Marcic (SLO) Kove Rally EX 7min 53.0sec 5. Harith Noah (IND) Sherco 450 SEF 7min 55.2sec 6. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (UAE) KTM 450 RR 8min 19.5sec 7. Abdullah Lanjawi (UAE) Kove 450 Rally 8min 20.0sec 8. Michael Anderson (POR) KTM Rally Replica 8min 23.0sec 9. Rafic Eid (LBN) KTM 450 Rally 8min 25.3sec 10. Abdullah Abu Aisheh (JOR) Yamaha WR 450F 8min 26.2sec 11. Leoncio Sosa (MEX) KTM 350 ECX 8min 29.3sec 12. Andrew Houlihan (AUS) Husqvarna FR450 Rally 8min 30.1sec 13. Ehab Al-Hakeem (LBN) Yamaha WR450 8min 30.6sec 14. Robbie Wallace (GBR) Honda CRF 450R 8min 30.7sec 15. Mauricio Sosa (MEX) Kove 450 Rally 8min 37.8sec 16. Makis Rees-Stavros (GBR) KTM EXC 450 8min 39.3sec 17. Oran O’Kelly (IRL) KTM Rally 450 8min 46.6sec 18. Philip Horlemann (GER) KTM Rally Replica 450 8min 50.1sec 19. Hans Christian Dovland (NOR) Husqvarna FR450 8min 51.1sec 20. Frederic Fontarosa (FRA) Husqvarna FE450 8min 57.0sec Quads 1. Abdulaziz Ahli (UAE) Yamaha Raptor 700R 7min 50.9sec 2. Hani Al-Noumesi (KSA) Yamaha Raptor 8min 52.8sec 3. Yaghoob Azadi (QAT) Yamaha Raptor 700R 45min 00.0sec 4. Abdulaziz Al-Atawi (KSA) Yamaha Raptor 700 45min 00.0sec

The Second World Summit for Social Development opened its second day on Wednesday with a plenary session focused on the main global challenges and opportunities related to social development. During the session, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international solidarity and placing humans at the center of social policies to achieve sustainable well-being among communities.They called for enhanced cooperation between countries and international institutions to develop comprehensive social policies, with a focus on investing in youth, women, and vulnerable groups to ensure sustainable social development and promote equality and justice.In this context, Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas said that development is not measured solely by economic growth indicators, but also by social cohesion, citizens' quality of life, and human dignity.She added that Turkiye is working to achieve a balance between work, education, health, and social life, ensuring women's empowerment, protecting children, promoting active and healthy lives for youth and the elderly, and transforming social assistance from temporary support into a sustainable environment that encourages citizens' active participation in social development.Meanwhile, Minister of Social Development of Oman Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar emphasized that true development begins and ends with humans, and that justice and equality are fundamental pillars for building a modern state.She explained that the Sultanate of Oman follows a comprehensive social strategy that includes combating poverty, promoting social integration, and distributing social benefits fairly, with a focus on supporting families, improving the professional environment for persons with disabilities and the elderly, and using data-driven assessments to enhance social policies.In turn, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Sanni Grahn-Laasonen stressed her country's full support for United Nations reform and its commitment to human rights and gender equality, with an emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights.She noted that Finland is a leader in social innovation, and that its investments in parental care, free education, school meals, and public childcare have contributed to improving quality of life and empowering women to participate in the labor market. She also emphasized the importance of youth and ensuring the rights of future generations to a dignified life and a sustainable future.

At least three people were killed, and 11 others were injured when a UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky. The US Federal Aviation Administration explained that the aircraft, an MD-11 model, crashed after taking off from Louisville en route to Honolulu, noting that the aircraft was carrying three crew members.Emergency services in Louisville reported that they issued an order to stay indoors within a five-mile radius of the airport, due to fires breaking out in industrial buildings adjacent to the crash site and the closure of several roads, while local reports indicated the formation of a large fire and the rising of thick columns of smoke.The airspace at Louisville airport was temporarily closed following the incident, amid expectations of impacts on cargo operations, given that the airport houses UPS's Worldport Center, the company's largest parcel processing facility.

The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has put the finishing touches to this weekend’s Qatar International Baja and competitors have now set up their equipment in the expansive Baja service park, adjacent to the Lusail International Circuit, north of Doha.Forty-three cars, 54 motorcycles and four quads are expected to tackle the penultimate rounds of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups and the FIM Bajas World Cup.Rally officials have also made minor tweaks to the route in the days building up to the event. The Prologue to determine the starting order for the first stage will now run for 10.59km Thursday afternoon. This precedes a slightly revised opening stage of 220.31km on Friday and the final run through the dunes of southern Qatar on Saturday that has been slightly lengthened to 234.19km.Five-time Dakar Rally winner Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah proved last December that it is possible to beat the Ultimate category cars and take an outright victory in a round of the FIA World Baja Cup (he and Pablo Moreno won the Dubai round in a Taurus T3 Max) in a Challenger class machine.The Qatari has a busy weekend ahead offering support vehicles to the QMMF Team. As he explained in the service park Tuesday: “We tried hard in Dubai last year and we won. It was really nice. Now, we have made a lot of development with the car (Taurus) in South Africa also. We have worked on the cooling and the power of the engine.”He added: “It is very nice to have the Nasser Racing and QMMF teams for our region and to help the people. It is amazing. We try to improve every time. It’s also a good chance for me to keep focused before the Dakar with Dacia. That’s another reason we are here. I am also with Fabian (Lurquin), my co-driver for Dakar, and we are here to learn more together. I didn’t want to miss this race.”One of the entrants in the SSV category at the wheel of an RX-Sport-supplied Can-Am Maverick XRS Turbo RR is Nora Al-Jassasi. The first Emirati female to be licenced by the FIA as a driver is teaming up with navigator Egor Okhotnikov. After starting out in equestrian endurance racing, Nora switched to motorcycling and has also taken part in the Jameel Rally in Saudi Arabia on a couple of occasions.“I’m excited to be a part of the Qatar Baja,” said Nora. “I know Qatar’s terrain will be challenging but that’s what pushes you to improve. I will also compete in Dubai as preparation for the 2026 FIA Middle East Baja Cup. I took part in the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge at the end of October and was third in T4 and second in the Ladies Cup.”Rashid al-Ketbi is a former rally driver himself and would often give Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Abdullah Bakhashab a run for their money on rounds of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. He is now running Dubai-based RX-Sport and overseeing the exploits of Oman’s Hamed al-Wahaibi in this year’s FIA World Baja Cup.Al-Wahaibi is currently tied third in the SSV standings with Briton Paul Severn and behind runaway series leader Mitchel van den Brink and Italy’s Amerigo Ventura. Al-Ketbi said: “I am very excited to be here and to see so many old friends again. We have been managing Hamed all season in the World Championship and we are aiming for the podium. We reach a certain time in our motorsport careers as we get older and we decide to support each other as best we can. It is becoming a motorsport family more than just a motorsport challenge.”Al-Attiyah’s brother Khalifa Saleh is in pole position to win the FIA Middle East Baja Cup outright. The QMMF Team Taurus driver takes an 11-point lead over Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel into the weekend in the overall Drivers’ Championship. He leads team-mate Abdulaziz al-Kuwari by 32 points in the SSV standings. “I need to be cautious, not take risks, find a fast pace and make sure that I score points,” said Khalifa Saleh.Rival Akeel kept in match practice last weekend by finishing second overall at the Qassim Rally in Saudi Arabia. She will run an Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux this weekend.Last year, Akeel was on the verge of history by becoming the first woman ever to win a Baja-type event in the Middle East. She led at the start of the final stage in Qatar and then stopped shortly before the finish with a broken steering arm. Desperate emergency repairs enabled her to reach the finish in fifth place.Juan Cruz Yacopini arrives in Doha trying to defend a 22-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship in the FIA World Bajas Cup. The Argentine’s closest rival is Czech veteran Miroslav Zapletal. Yacopini has only scored points on four rounds so far this year. He finished second to Yazeed al-Rajhi at the Saudi Baja and scored maximum points in Jordan, Italy and Spain.Mohammed al-Balooshi starts as the favourite in the FIM Bajas World Cup category and is also the leader of the local Qatar Baja series. Michael Anderson has a growing reputation in the area for his speed, while this year’s Saudi Baja winner Alex McInnes has changed the engine on his bike in the bivouac after last weekend’s Qassim Rally.Both Barry Howe and Hamdan al-Ali will be absent from the start list because of injury but Qatari riders Mohammed al-Kubaisi and Abdulrahman al-Sheeb will be raring to go. Meanwhile, Briton Ben Harvey-Grounds will line-up full of confidence after his win on a Kove in the prestigious 24-hour Dawn to Dusk Enduro in Wales.On Wednesday, competitors go through their administration and scrutineering checks at the Lusail International Circuit before a dozen of the leading drivers and riders attend the pre-event press conference in the circuit’s media centre 6pm.