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Football fans from across the region are set to be treated to an exciting FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy experience organised by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of the tournament. As part of the tour, a dedicated booth will be set up at the following venues, allowing fans to learn more about the upcoming tournament and take photographs with the prestigious trophy: Saudi Arabia Red Sea Mall (Jeddah) | 15-19 OctoberThe Boulevard (Riyadh) | 12-16 NovemberAl Nakheel Mall (Dammam) | 19 – 23 November BahrainThe Avenues Mall | 15-19 October KuwaitThe Avenues Mall | 29 October – 2 November OmanThe Avenues Mall | 29 October – 2 November UAEDubai Mall (Dubai) | 5-9 November Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi) | 5-9 November The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from 1-18 December across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: 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. All tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.

History, form, and recent head-to-head records will all be against Qatar when they face the United Arab Emirates in a crucial Asian World Cup Qualifiers playoff at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium Tuesday. Despite enjoying home advantage and a six-day break between matches — compared to just three days for the UAE and Oman — the Asian champions find themselves in a must-win situation in their bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Qatar produced an underwhelming performance in their goalless draw with Oman, while the UAE came from behind to defeat the same opponents, putting them firmly in control of Group A. A draw will be enough for the Emiratis to secure qualification, but Qatar — second only on goal difference ahead of Oman — must win to reach their second successive World Cup and the first on merit. A draw would send them into a two-legged playoff against the Group B runners-up, currently Iraq, who face Saudi Arabia Tuesday. The winner of that tie, to be held in November, will advance to an intercontinental playoff for one final chance to qualify. In truth, Qatar have struggled throughout the qualification campaign. What’s more concerning is their recent record against the UAE — having lost both home and away encounters in the previous round. Last September, Al Annabi were beaten 1-3 at the very venue they play Tuesday, and two months later in Abu Dhabi, Brazil-born playmaker Fabio De Lima scored four goals in a 5-0 thrashing. While past results may count for little in a decisive match like this — where a single moment of brilliance or lapse in judgement can settle matters — Qatar’s qualification record does little to inspire confidence. Still, the 15,000-capacity crowd at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium — with UAE fans allocated just eight percent of tickets — will be firmly behind the home side, hoping their support can make the difference. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui has not inspired much confidence either, with the former Spain and Real Madrid manager fielding two debutants — 20-year-old Al Gharafa defender Ayoub Aloui and 25-year-old Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada — in an important clash against Oman. That tactic did not yield the desired result, though the two new faces fared better than some of their more experienced teammates. It will be interesting to see what lineup Lopetegui chooses Tuesday, with the odds in favour of him fielding a stronger side. Almoez Ali — who came on only in the 57th minute against Oman — is set to start, while star forward Akram Afif, who squandered Qatar’s best chance early in the second half, will also need to be at his best. Veteran Hassan al-Haydos, who returned from international retirement specifically for the play-offs, remained unused against Oman and his calming presence might make a difference Tuesday. Ahead of the match, Lopetegui was upbeat about Qatar’s chances and said his side was ready to “make the dream a reality.” “We’ve been working for months to reach this incredible opportunity and to chase a big dream,” said Lopetegui. “Our focus is fully on the moment ahead and we’re preparing to be ready tomorrow to make that dream a reality.” The Spaniard dismissed any notion that two recent losses against the UAE would have any psychological impact on his players. “We know we’ll be facing a very strong national team — full of quality players and led by an excellent coach — but our attention is on our own strength, on our team,” he said. “We’re ready and looking forward to tomorrow. I believe the story of our previous matches against them is already written, but tomorrow’s story is still to be written. That’s why it’s crucial for us to compete at our best and have full confidence in ourselves. We need to trust in our team and our strengths. We must keep pushing to achieve this great dream we’ve been chasing for a long time and stay completely focused on the moment ahead,” Lopetegui added. Meanwhile, the UAE, who are seeking to return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1990, are not short on confidence. Cosmin Olaroiu’s second-half adjustments proved decisive against Oman, with substitutes Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader and Harib Abdalla making an immediate impact to spark the turnaround. The Romanian coach can be expected to tinker with his starting lineup against Qatar. Olaroiu was not in charge when the UAE beat Qatar twice in the previous round, as he replaced Paulo Bento only in May. But under him, the UAE have looked no less lethal. Marcos Meloni and Caio Lucas scored for the Emiratis against Oman, with Ali Saleh, Nicolas Gimenez, and Fabio Lima also making crucial contributions. Olaroiu — who guided Sharjah to AFC Champions League triumph before taking charge of the national team — urged his players to give one final push in what he described as their “last battle.” “Tomorrow, we go from two games down to one — the final battle. We have to treat it like a final, and we hope we can achieve this dream for the UAE,” he said. Olaroiu was not too happy with the short turnaround for his side, though he seemed to take it in his stride, insisting his players must focus on their performance. “When you play this kind of game, you find the energy everywhere,” he said. “The players have the will and belief to play with full strength. It’s a short recovery time, but we can’t complain. We have to face it. The players want to play, so they will find the reserves to recover and to play with full energy tomorrow. I’m sure about this. They will try their best, I’m sure. They believe, always, and I expect tomorrow they will do it again.”

The Ministry of Culture organized on Sunday a special international edition of its renowned "Seminar Season" in the French capital, Paris, in partnership with the Arab World Institute. Held for the first time outside the State of Qatar, the event was attended by His Excellency Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani, His Excellency Ambassador of the State of Qatar to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, and the President of the Arab World Institute Jack Lang, alongside a number of ambassadors, academics, and researchers. In his address, HE Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali stressed that this exceptional edition of the Seminar Season reflects the Ministry's commitment to fostering continuous cultural dialogue among intellectual elites, and reaffirms the vital role of culture in promoting understanding between nations.He noted that hosting the Seminar Season at the Arab World Institute opens new horizons for creative exchange between East and West, while strengthening mutual recognition and appreciation of cultural identities. He expressed hope that the Paris edition would mark a new step in advancing cultural cooperation. HE Dr. Al Ali added that the partnership with the Institute embodies this goal, aiming to build bridges of communication with thinkers and intellectuals through cultural diplomacy that mirrors Qatar's standing at both regional and international levels. For his part, HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, affirmed that the Minister of Culture's visit to Paris contributes to deepening cultural dialogue between Qatar and France. He described the Arab World Institute as an ideal platform for building bridges of cultural communication between the two countries, highlighting that hosting the international edition of the Seminar Season reflects the importance of the partnership with this leading global cultural institution.Meanwhile, Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute, underscored the importance of culture in fostering dialogue among civilizations, praising Qatar's role in promoting peace and supporting international mediation. He described the Seminar Season as an exceptional initiative and a creative platform for dialogue and communication between people. The event's first session, titled "The Future of Arab-European Cultural Dialogue," explored several key themes. Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, former President of Qatar University, discussed major challenges facing dialogue between Arab and Western cultures and called for renewing the tools of dialogue to achieve deeper and more balanced engagement. Dr. Benedicte Letellier, Associate Professor at the University of La Réunion in France, highlighted the role of the Arabic language and translation in promoting Arab cultural values and strengthening intercultural understanding. She urged greater involvement of French youth in Arab cultural programs, enhanced teaching of Arabic, and the removal of linguistic and cultural barriers. His Excellency Ali Al Zainal, Qatari diplomat and academic and former Permanent Representative of Qatar to UNESCO, outlined seven key pillars of sustainable Arab-European dialogue, including mutual respect, equality, openness, tolerance, institutional and media support, and a focus on shared human values. He also highlighted the pivotal role of Qatari women and their contribution to cultural life, while criticizing Western media stereotypes of Arabs, particularly during coverage of Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Professor Jean-Baptiste Brinet, a medievalist and professor of Arabic philosophy at the University of Paris, addressed the historical roots of Western misperceptions of Arab culture, stressing that Arab civilization has long been an integral part of Europe's cultural identity. After a lively discussion, participants emphasized the need to adopt practical approaches to advancing cultural dialogue, making use of modern communication tools and empowering youth to participate in shaping intercultural exchange. The second session, titled "Arab Culture in European Capitals" and moderated by journalist Wassim Al Ahmar, featured Dr. Al Anoud Abdullah Al Khalifa, researcher at the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. She noted that the Gulf's cultural presence in France serves as a mechanism for reimagining narratives and dismantling outdated dichotomies, adding that Qatar's cultural engagement in France plays an influential cognitive role in reshaping French cultural awareness through dialogue and institutional collaboration. French playwright Mohammed Qasimi emphasized that despite its historical complexities, civilizational dialogue remains a foundation for cultural exchange and shared creativity, describing the Arab-European literary and artistic legacy as a "rich and inexhaustible cultural mosaic."Researcher Naima Yahya called for greater respect for cultural and linguistic diversity to build an inclusive cultural model capable of integrating diverse identities into a shared global framework.The Seminar Season drew wide participation from French and Arab cultural and media figures, who praised the quality of discussions and the significance of the topics addressed. They stressed the importance of continuing and expanding the initiative to further promote dialogue and cultural exchange between nations.

The first edition of the Arab Moot Court Competition for Human Rights has concluded at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI).The competition was organised by the United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region and hosted by the DI’s School of Social Sciences and Humanities.This pioneering event – the first of its kind in the Arab region – brought together more than 50 law students from Qatar, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Oman, Palestine, and Syria aiming to develop their legal advocacy and argumentation skills through realistic simulations of international and regional court proceedings, with a particular focus on human rights issues.The closing session, which featured the announcement of the winning teams, was attended by prominent academics and human rights experts, representatives from the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre, and DI faculty and students.The competition was launched by the UN Centre in March of this year, and received 53 applications from universities across the Arab world.The applicants then participated in awareness and training sessions organised by the Centre’s Human Rights Education Unit.Participating teams were required to submit written reports addressing the case topic – both for the applicant and respondent sides.Based on the evaluation criteria, 11 teams were selected to take part in the oral rounds hosted at the DI, as part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to foster academic dialogue and promote justice and human rights in the Arab region.These efforts align with the goals of the Human Right master’s programme at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.Following several competitive rounds, the first-place prize was awarded to Sultan Qaboos University, while the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies secured second place.The third place was shared between An-Najah National University (Palestine) and Menoufia University (Egypt).In their closing remarks, the organisers emphasised that this initiative represents a distinctive academic platform for developing students’ legal capacities and strengthening the integration between practical training and academic study in human rights while keeping pace with regional international developments in this vital field.They further noted that the success of this competition underscores its importance as an interactive platform for Arab youth, enabling them to gain the practical skills and experience necessary to advocate for human rights in their professional careers.The high level of engagement and enthusiasm reflected the shared vision of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the DI to continue organising future editions of the competition and foster greater human rights awareness across the region through education and training.

The first edition of the Arab Moot Court for Human Rights competition kicked off Tuesday at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI). The event is organised by the United Nations Center for Training and Documentation in the Field of Human Rights for Southwest Asia and the Arab Region of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and hosted by the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the DI. Students from various Arab universities are participating in this competition, which is the first of its kind in the region, and aims to enhance awareness of human rights issues and develop pleading and moot court skills.The opening session, attended by distinguished academic and human rights figures, was opened by Dr. Amal Ghazal, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, welcoming the participants and stressing that this competition reflects the School’s deep interest in promoting the principles and culture of human rights, not only as an academic subject, but also as an ethical and professional commitment. Dr. Ghazal pointed out that the event aligns with the school’s mission to strengthen students' practical abilities in legal analysis, formulating arguments, advocacy, and applying critical thinking towards issues of justice and equality, locally and globally.Dr. Abdelwahab El-Afendi, President of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, highlighted in his speech the importance of experimental legal education in preparing a generation of Arab youth capable of defending human rights at the national, regional and international levels.In her speech, Dr. Abeer Al-Kheraisha, Director of the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre, explained that this competition is a leading interactive educational platform, designed to enable students to gain integrated practical experience in the field of international human rights law. It provides them with a unique opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life cases that mimic contemporary legal and humanitarian challenges, by engaging in in-depth legal research and analysis, formulating legal arguments and pleadings, working in a team spirit, and enhancing communication and defense skills.Al-kheraisha pointed out that the competition contributes to consolidating awareness of the principlesDr. Moataz El-Fujairy, Head of the Human Rights Program at DI and Moderator of the opening session, emphasised that the competition represents a practical step in linking academic knowledge with professional practice. He explained that organising moot court competitions in the field of Human Rights is a well-established tradition in European Universities, and it strengthens students’ capabilities in comparative law, advocacy, and strategic litigation. Dr. El-Fujairy also said that there is an urgent need to institutionalise this tradition in the Arab region to help establish a regional human rights protection system that safeguards individuals’ rights and is based on independent judicial mechanisms. Dr. Ahmed Khalifa, Academic Advisor of the competition, explained that the idea of the moot court was conceived to enhance students’ research and legal analysis skills, and to provide them with hands-on experience in advocacy. He added that this competition is unique as it offers a realistic and interactive learning environment that uses competition to motivate learning through inquiring, analysing, developing an opinion and clearly expressing it orally as well as in writing. Dr. Khalifa clarified that the ultimate objective is to help create a new generation of lawyers capable of defending human rights through a conscious understanding of the protected interests and by applying coherent reasoning based on critical thinking that enables them to analyse legal issues and view them from multiple perspectives. Following the opening session, a panel discussion titled "The Future of the Human Rights System and Regional Guarantees in the Arab World" was held, with the participation of Mr. Sultan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Commission in Qatar, and Hindam Rajoub, Human Rights Officer at the United Nations Training and Documentation Centre. The session was moderated by Bushra Elias, Coordinator of the Education and Awareness Unit at the Centre.This was followed by a second session on "The Future of the Human Rights System and the Changing Reality of International Politics", in which Fadl Abdel Ghani, President of the Syrian Network for Human Rights, participated alongside Dr. Moataz Al-Fujairi, and was moderated by Dr. Abdul Karim Amankai, Professor of Comparative Politics at the DI.After the sessions, the oral competition began with a special session that included an explanation of the rules and evaluation mechanisms, as well as distribution of the participating teams into advocacy rounds. The competition continued for two days, with the first and second rounds being held on Wednesday, followed by the announcement of the teams qualifying for the semi-finals. The final round and the closing ceremony will be held on Thursday, in which the winning team will be announced and certificates of participation will be distributed. The Doha Institute's hosting of this event reflects its academic efforts to consolidate a culture of human rights and promote human rights dialogue in the Arab region, as part of the activities of the master’s program in Human Rights. This initiative supports the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the field of education, through a realistic simulation of international and regional court procedures, offering students a unique practical experience that builds their confidence and ability to defend rights and freedoms.The organisers described the competition as a significant addition to academic and human rights activities in the region, and a clear message about the importance of investing in university youth as opinion leaders and agents of change in their communities.

The seven Arab innovators on Qatar Foundation's Stars of Science continue their competition in the finals of Season 17, facing challenges that prove that perseverance is the key to transforming innovative ideas into global impact. The program, hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has become a catalyst for innovation in the Arab world since its launch in 2009. Through mentorship, access to state-of-the-art labs, and investor connections, QSTP helps contestants, like Season 16 winner, Yaman Tayyar, transform their ideas into viable startups that create global impact. This season, contestants will be required to exert their utmost effort to keep up with the program's increasingly advanced standards. Broadcast weekly on several regional channels and online platforms, the show challenges participants to build on the experiences of past graduates, an advantage that, coupled with their own vision and determination, could lead them to remarkable success. The Qatar Foundation edutainment show is raising the bar once again. This year's contestants aren't just building from scratch, they're attempting something uniquely challenging: refining what already exists. That kind of progress requires more than creativity. It demands precision, patience, and above all, targeted optimization. In the Arab region, Stars of Science has quietly forged something extraordinary: a generation of innovators who turned setbacks into stepping stones. This perseverance isn't just part of the show's legacy, it's the heartbeat of Season 17. Among the standout projects currently in the running are Razan Salem Bahabri's adaptive rehabilitation gaming system, and Mohamed Kahna's AR-assisted surgical navigation tool. Both push the boundaries of existing methods, and both are driven by a clear understanding of the real-world problems they aim to solve. "To improve what already works, you need more than invention, you need endurance," says Bahabri, a contestant from Saudi Arabia. Her approach is timely. Globally, there are 12.2 million new strokes each year, and rehabilitation centers now incorporate gamified therapy tools to support recovery, a field she is helping localize and adapt. Her project builds on those successes, offering a more engaging and accessible way to support neuroplasticity and user motivation in stroke rehabilitation. "When lives are at stake, you don't start from scratch, you make what's working even safer," says Kahna, her fellow Season 17 contestant. For Kahna, the stakes are high. Each year, more than 310 million major surgeries are performed around the world. The Tunisian's project seeks to improve outcomes by using augmented reality to support surgical decision-making, potentially helping surgeons avoid complications and act with greater clarity under pressure. Another shining example of resilience with long-haul success, when show alumnus, long-standing mentor and now co-host, Anwar Almojarkesh, joined Stars of Science in Season 5, he finished in fifth place. But his story didn't conclude there, it just began. Driven by advanced engineering, Almojarkesh developed a smart assistive pillow for the hearing impaired that detects emergencies such as fire alarms, alerting users through vibration, light, scent, and app notifications. After the show, he took the core of his invention and founded two companies, Innovation Factory in the UK and Sound Genetics in the US, bringing AI-powered technologies to governments, transport authorities, and healthcare providers worldwide. It is worth noting that Stars of Science has aired over 313 episodes since the first season, with the participation of 175 alumni from 18 Arab countries. Its graduates have helped launch more than 55 companies in various vital sectors.

The Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, on Sunday welcomed the steps taken by Hamas regarding US President Donald Trump's proposal to end the war on Gaza, release all hostages, alive or deceased, and the immediate launch of negotiations on implementation mechanisms.In a joint statement, the foreign ministers also welcomed President Trump's call on Israel to immediately stop the bombing and to begin implementation of the exchange agreement and they expressed appreciation for his commitment to establishing peace in the region.They also affirmed that such developments represent a real opportunity to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire, and to address the critical humanitarian conditions facing people in Gaza Strip.The foreign ministers also welcomed the announcement by Hamas of its readiness to hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian Administrative Committee of independent technocrats. They emphasised the need for the immediate launch of negotiations to agree on mechanisms to implement the proposal, and address all of its aspects.The foreign ministers reiterated their joint commitment to support efforts towards the implementation of the proposal, to work for the immediate end of the war on Gaza, and achieve a comprehensive agreement that ensures unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, no displacement of the Palestinian people, and that no measures are taken that threaten the security and safety of civilians, the release of hostages, the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, unifying Gaza and the West Bank, and reaching a security mechanism that guarantees the security of all sides, in a manner that leads to the full Israeli withdrawal, and to the rebuilding of Gaza, and that creates a path for a just peace on the basis of the two-state solution.

Iraqi football legend Nashat Akram looks forward to Qatar hosting the FIFA Arab Cup for the second time as tickets go on sale With the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 set to take place from December 1-18 in Qatar, Iraqi football legend Nashat Akram spoke about the tournament’s ability to showcase the region’s passion for football, in particular for fans of the Lions of Mesopotamia. Speaking to the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), the former Qatar Stars League player, said: “Iraqi fans will be the life of the Arab Cup. Fans in Qatar witnessed the fervour and passion that Iraqi supporters brought to the stadiums and beyond in previous tournaments. This time will be no different. Our Lions of Mesopotamia will hear the roar of fans at every match, they will have our full support.”Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QR25. 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. All tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.For Akram, who famously led Iraq to AFC Asian Cup glory in 2007, the FIFA Arab Cup has become the pinnacle of Arab football and a tribute to the rich culture of the region: “Qatar has been successful in celebrating Arab and Islamic identity through all the tournaments it has organised. It is a matter of pride to see our culture celebrated on such a global stage.”Known as “The Maestro” for his exceptional vision and excellent passing ability throughout his career, Akram looks to the new generation of Iraqi players to make their country proud. “The Arab Cup will be a huge opportunity for participating teams and players. It's an honour to play for your country, for your national team,” said the former playmaker, who is recognised as one of Iraq’s best all-time players.In the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup, Iraq has been placed in Group D, alongside defending champions Algeria, and will be joined by the winners of Bahrain v Djibouti and Sudan v Lebanon.“Our players are going to play in World Cup stadiums in Qatar, and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities that are not available even in some of the most football-developed countries. Qatar has truly set a benchmark in football infrastructure,” said Akram.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 November 25-26 in Qatar. The opening match will take place on December 1, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974. 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 FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 10, 13, and 17.In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033.

Khalil bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, President of the Qatar, Arab and Asian Table Tennis Federations and First Vice-President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), has officially filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, to contest the ITTF presidential elections.Al-Mohannadi described the case as one of “fraud and violation of democratic legitimacy”, echoing media reports that labelled the election outcome the “steal of the century”.The elections, held in Doha in May, ended with al-Mohannadi leading 98–87 in votes cast by national federation representatives present in the hall. However, Swedish candidate Petra Sorling gained an unexpected 17-4 advantage through remote electronic voting, tipping the final result. Al-Mohannadi rejected the validity of the 21 electronic ballots, noting that the number had originally been set at 16. The sudden increase, he said, shocked the General Assembly.In a statement released by the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) Tuesday, al-Mohannadi emphasised that the 2022 General Assembly in Doha — where 185 federations voted in person — reflected the true will of the membership. He stressed that administrative decisions or internal ITTF procedures should not override the democratic mandate, calling any such move “a violation of the essence of the electoral process and its credibility before the international sports community.”Responding to ITTF President Sorling’s recent remarks that “the file has been closed” and “the elections have been decided”, al-Mohannadi called the statements “misleading and inaccurate”. He pointed out that the ITTF’s internal arbitration decision is not final and remains under review by CAS.Al-Mohannadi underlined that the legal process will remain open until the ITTF General Assembly in London in 2026, where federations will again have the chance to vote. He pledged to pursue all available legal avenues “to defend transparency and protect the rights of member federations”, stressing that the dispute is not personal but “a legal and moral duty toward the global table tennis family”.He also warned against attempts to mislead federations into believing the case is settled, calling such claims a “deliberate distortion of legal reality”. He reaffirmed that the QTTA, alongside allied federations, will continue efforts until CAS delivers its final ruling.“Table tennis is bigger than any administrative or political dispute,” al-Mohannadi concluded, adding that safeguarding democratic legitimacy within the ITTF is “a collective responsibility to protect the future of the sport and its global reputation”.

Ticket sales for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will begin today, 3pm, Doha time, at www.roadtoqatar.qa.Fans can purchase tickets in three categories, 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. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased at one time. 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, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, 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. 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, with ticket prices starting from QAR 15.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.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.

The Arab region’s renewable energy sector attracted some 360 FDI projects with investments of $351bn in 22 years up to 2024, a report by Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) has shown.This, the report noted, provided more than 83,000 jobs during the period from January 2003-December 2024.According to Dhaman, Qatar is among countries that lead investment and business attraction in power and energy.In its second report for 2025 on the Arab power and renewable energy sector, the Kuwait-based Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation noted five countries - Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, Mauritania and Jordan, made up approximately 69% of the number of projects (248 projects), around 83% of the Capex ($291bn), and 82% of the new jobs (approximately 68,000 jobs).It added that the top 10 companies investing in the power sector in each index accounted for around 25% of the number of implemented projects, 40% of Capex, and 38% of the total new jobs.Five Arab countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt, invested in 90 inter-Arab renewable energy projects, accounting for roughly 25% of the sector’s foreign projects over 22 years. These projects were implemented with Capex of approximately $113bn, or more than 32% of the total Capex of the FDI projects in the sector, providing approximately 22,000 jobs.Based on Fitch Ratings’ assessment of investment and business risks and rewards in the electricity and energy sector in 14 Arab countries, by monitoring and measuring two main indicators, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman topped the Arab rankings as the best and most attractive Arab countries for investment in the power and energy sector in 2025. They were followed by Morocco, Egypt and Algeria respectively.Generated electricity in the Arab region (15 countries) is likely to surge by 4.2% to exceed 1,500 terawatt-hours by the end of 2025 and is even projected to keep rising to 1,754 terawatt-hours by 2030. Electricity generation is largely concentrated geographically, with five countries - Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iraq and Algeria – making up 74% of the region’s total electricity generation by the end of 2025, it said. The report noted that electricity consumption in Arab countries is forecast to edge up by 3.5% to 1,296 terawatt-hours by the end of 2025, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Algeria and Kuwait accounting for 74% of the region’s total electricity consumption: around 958 terawatt-hours.It added that average per capita electricity generated in Arab countries is forecast to go up by 3.1% to 8.6 thousand kilowatt-hours by the end of 2025, amid forecasts of a hike to roughly 9.6 thousand kilowatt-hours by 2030.Arab foreign trade in power generation equipment and electric current shot up by 8% to approximately $39.2bn in 2024, with five countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq and Qatar – making up 81% of the total.This is the result of a surge in power generation equipment and electric current exports of Arab countries by 9% to roughly $7.6bn and its imports by 7.8% to more than $31.5bn in 2024. The list of the region’s top 10 exporting countries made up around 78% of total Arab electricity and power generation equipment imports, valued at $24.7bn.Turkiye topped the list as the region’s top electricity exporter, with a value of $446mn, while the United States came as the largest power generation equipment exporter, with a value of $6.6bn, according to the report.It noted that the list of the region’s top 10 importing countries represented 58% of total Arab electricity and power generation equipment exports worth $4.4bn. Libya topped the list as the region’s largest importer of electricity, with a value of $59mn, while France ranked as the region’s largest power generation equipment importer with a value of $593mn.

Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ are set to go on sale this week, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced today.Starting from 30 September, 3pm Doha time, tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available. Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will go on sale exclusively to Visa cardholders starting 2 October, 3PM. All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.Hassan Rabia Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, said: “The launch of our ticket sales marks an important milestone for us, as Qatar getsready to welcome the world once again. Fans will be treated to an exciting football season, where they will be able to experience the country’s signature hospitality and be part of awonderful cultural exchange that will showcase our shared passion for football.”FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets in three categories, 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. All stadiums will provide a number of accessible seating options for disabled fans.The opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974. All venues will feature a robust fan zone, where fans can enjoy a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.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.This is the second time that Qatar will be hosting the prestigious tournament. In 2021, the country successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the FIFA Arab Cup™, which was the first time the competition was played under the auspices of FIFA.In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup™ again in 2029 and 2033.FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™Tickets for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ will be available as a number of Day Pass options, with prices starting from QAR 20. The Day Pass will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as a number of cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see eight matches a day taking place during its various stages, for a total of 104 matches.Fans can also purchase a Prime Match Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All pitches will provide wheelchair-accessible seating for disabled fans. Tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues.Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The young Maroons will look to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament.The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets are available in two categories,with prices starting from QAR 15, and also includes accessible seating options.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting and is the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams.For tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa, @u17worldcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms