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Qatar Sunday kicked off the 2025/26 cruise season at the Old Doha Port, welcoming MSC Euribia, operated by MSC Cruises, carrying 5,000 passengers and a crew of 1,676 members. One of the newest and largest vessels in the MSC fleet, MSC Euribia spans 331m in length and 43m in width, accommodating up to 6,327 guests and powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for cleaner, more sustainable voyages, Mwani Qatar said in its social medial handle X. Throughout the season, which runs until May 2026, the ship will make 22 scheduled calls at The Terminal, managed by Mwani Qatar — reaffirming Qatar's growing prominence as a premier destination on the global cruise tourism map. Last week, a coordination meeting was held as part of the preparations for 2025/26 cruise season, bringing together stakeholders, agents, and tour operators to discuss operational plans and coordination efforts to ensure a successful season and an exceptional visitor experience. Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season. To support the tremendous growth of the industry, Mwani Qatar plays a key role in the redevelopment of the port and its facilities. Doha port provides a wide range of passenger facilities, including seamless immigration, customs, foreign exchange, taxi and bus stands, city bus tours as well as Qatar Duty Free, cafe, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff. It also features various tourist information services offered by Qatar Tourism. Relevant Mwani Qatar marine services within the port are offered to the vessels calling at Doha Port, ensuring safe and efficient arrival and departure. Mwani Qatar works closely with Qatar Tourism and the Ministry of Interior to develop the cruise industry which has seen a remarkable increase in the passenger arrivals over the years. Qatar's 2024/25 cruise season had welcomed more than 396,000 visitors aboard 87 cruise ships, marking a 5% jump in visitors and a 19% rise in vessel calls against the previous season. Doha Port’s cruise terminal is strategically located minutes away from key attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif, optimising the visitor experience by allowing cruise passengers to make the most of their time in the city. Qatar Tourism plans to strengthen its collaborations with more international cruise lines, which is vital for driving further growth in Qatar’s tourism sector and contributing to Qatar’s economic diversification efforts. "Doha has become a prominent cruise destination with varied tourism experiences offered to visitors. From its debut in October 2023 to its grand finale in April 2024, this cruise season has exceeded all expectations breaking the records of visitors and cruise ships from previous seasons. The Grand Cruise Terminal symbolising Qatar's commitment to excellence” Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism had said. Qatar is gaining popularity as a world-class cruise destination in the region as it showcased exceptional tourism capabilities, especially after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In this regard, efforts are currently underway to attract more cruise lines and travelers in the upcoming seasons.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, concluded Sunday evening. The festival ran for six days, filled with activities and events, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area.On this occasion, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatar Photography Center, affirmed the great success of the second edition of the festival, noting that it provided an excellent opportunity for photographers and the public to enjoy the exhibitions, which varied in their themes, topics, and perspectives.He emphasized that the festival was organised by the Ministry of Culture to promote photographic heritage and culture, highlighting the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and showcasing its beauty and rich heritage. It also aimed to promote local photographic art and highlight photography as a tool for documentation and expression.Al-Buainain noted the significant turnout for the specialized workshops presented by international photographers, as well as the lectures and panel discussions, confirming their popularity and the wide range of participants who benefited from them. He also pointed out that the Doha Photography Award had a significant impact and served as a strong incentive for photographers, in addition to the success of the children's events, which attracted a remarkable number of families.Al-Buainain concluded by expressing his delight at the large audience from outside Doha, including photographers from the Gulf and other Arab countries, who visited the festival to benefit from its rich programme. He considered this evidence of the festival's broad international reach, which helped attract such international participation and strengthened its regional standing.The festival witnessed a large turnout of photographers, both local and international, with the participation of eight leading global camera companies, reaffirming its position as a leading platform for photographic art in the region. The festival also presented a rich and diverse programme that included art exhibitions with different themes and perspectives, specialized workshops led by international photographers, and lectures and panel discussions that were well-received by the public and benefited a large number of photography enthusiasts.The festival also saw the announcement of the inaugural Doha Photography Awards, which served as a significant incentive for photographers. With this conclusion, the Doha Photography Festival reinforces its status as a major artistic and cultural event that contributes to enriching the photographic landscape and provides a platform for exchanging expertise and promoting photographic culture across the region.

Doha Film Festival unveiled the anticipated 'Made in Qatar' programme, which features homegrown creativity and storytelling excellence from the nation's emerging filmmakers.Presented by Doha Film Institute (DFI), this showcase reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing Qatar's vibrant creative community and amplifying authentic voices that capture the essence of the nation's evolving cultural identity.A diverse selection of 10 short films from Qatari and Qatar-based filmmakers, 'Made in Qatar' highlights the depth, diversity, and bold imagination that define the country's cinematic landscape today. The programme is a launchpad for homegrown storytellers whose work gains international recognition and offer a fresh perspective on contemporary life in Qatar-that is imaginative, emotionally resonant, and deeply human.Festival Director and CEO of DFI, Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi said: "Supporting local filmmakers is not only a duty-it is a privilege and a source of great pride for the Institute. Our storytellers open windows to our world, share our unique culture, and connect others to our own narratives. Through the 'Made in Qatar' programme, we celebrate the courage and creativity of filmmakers who are defining our cinematic identity and shaping a cultural legacy that extends far beyond our borders."Underlining the evolution of Qatar's film ecosystem, 'Made in Qatar' includes films supported by the Institute's training programmes, Grants and the Qatari Film Fund.This year's 'Made in Qatar' Jury led by actress, director and producer Afef Ben Mahmoud, who alongside Head of Development at Katara Studios Fahad Al Kuwari and producer and distributor Alaa Alasad, will recognise this exciting new generation of home-grown talent.Films in DFF 2025 Made in Qatar are "Al-Aqiq: Darkness of Virtuality" (Qatar) by Mohammed Al Suwaidi and Kummam Al Maadeed; "Baba is Melting" (Qatar) by Karim Emara; "Fahad the Furious" (Qatar) by Justin Kramer; "Is This A Sign" (Qatar) by Maria Joseph; "Project Aisha" (Qatar) by FahadAl Nahdi; "Qadha' w Qadar" (Qatar) by Maryam Al Mohammed; "A Palm Branch" (Qatar) by Mahdi Al Ali; "Theatre of Dreams" (Qatar) by Fatma Al Ghanim; "Yom El Juma'" (Qatar) by Haya Al Kuwari; and "Villa 187" (Sudan/Qatar) by Eiman Mirghani.Taking place from 20-28 November 2025, Doha Film Festival (DFF) represents the bold next chapter in Doha Film Institute's mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and authentic stories in cinema.Key Partners of Doha Film Festival include Katara, Media City Qatar I Film Committee and Visit Qatar. The festival will transform iconic locations across Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art, into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from every corner of the globe, to reaffirm art's power to inspire, to unite, and to spotlight voices that deepen our shared understanding.Designed to reflect the diversity and ambition of the region through a wide selection of films, inspiring conversations and engaging events, DFF will provide a truly meaningful shared cultural experience in Doha.

President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock stressed that the State of Qatar's support for the the United Nations is a leading example, praising the country's role as an international mediator in conflict resolution and its active contribution to social development.In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the president explained that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha underscores the need to move from promises to implementation through concrete action in areas such as education, employment, and social justice, thus contributing to achieving social benefits and healthcare for all people.She highlighted the importance of promoting social development and achieving global justice, noting significant progress in certain economic and social indicators despite ongoing challenges in other parts of the world.President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly said that the unemployment rate in Qatar stands at around 1 percent, while in some other countries it reaches 30 percent, reflecting the persistent gap among nations in benefiting from the fruits of social development.She stressed that failure to address crises such as hunger exacerbates displacement and migration, emphasizing the need to break this vicious cycle by working on the three main pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, social development, and human rights.She added that the Summit aims to accelerate progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that all goals are interconnected and cannot be achieved in isolation, especially amid global climate challenges that affect food security.She also pointed to the importance of linking the Doha Summit with the Climate Change Conference to be held in the Amazonian city of Belem, Brazil, and the role of nationally determined commitments in reducing carbon emissions. She affirmed that investment in renewable energy benefits strong economies and enhances their competitiveness.The President of the UN General Assembly emphasized the importance of international cooperation to achieve social justice, explaining that global challenges know no borders, and that the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the necessity of international collaboration in providing vaccines and addressing health crises.In conclusion, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock told QNA that supporting UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, is vital to preventing hunger and human suffering in countries such as Sudan, stressing that immediate funding and support are essential to ensuring a dignified life for people around the world.

Doha Film Institute (DFI) unveiled the full programme of Doha Film Festival (DFF) 2025, featuring 97 films from 62 countries and a wide range of creative community events from November 20-28.Key partners of DFF include Katara, Media City Qatar I Film Committee and Visit Qatar. The festival will be hosted across several venues, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Lusail Boulevard and the Museum of Islamic Art.With prizes totalling more than $300,000, DFF features four main competition sections, special screenings, music performances, Geekdom and other community initiatives.The festival’s original theme song is composed by Qatar’s celebrated contemporary composer and songwriter Dana Alfardan, in collaboration with Katara Studios and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.In a press statement, festival director and DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: “This year’s Doha Film Festival reflects Qatar’s growing creative ambitions and our deep belief in the power of cinema to unite and inspire.The festival will open with The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania. A recipient of DFI’s grants programme, the film highlights the power of storytelling to illuminate truth and resist oppression.DFF’s International Feature Film Competition has 13 films, with 12 having their Middle East and North African premieres in Doha including festival favourites, The Presidents Cake; Once Upon a Time in Gaza; Khartoum and Divine Comedy among others.The festival will welcome several special guests this year including filmmakers, artists and activists- whose work has inspired audiences all over the world. They include: Steven Soderbergh, Ramy Youssef, Michaela Coel, Engin Altan Duzyatan, Hazal Kaya, Jassim Al Nabhan; Dorra Zarrouk, Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbas among others.The festival’s dynamic music programme of live performances and discussions feature today’s most exciting regional and global artists, including Saint Levant; Yasiin Bey; Elyanna; Gustavo Santaolalla; Zeyne; Nooriyah; Nemahsis; Aisha al-Zaiani; Dana al-Meer and many more.

The second edition of the Doha Photography Festival, organised by the Qatar Photography Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, kicked off Tuesday evening. This festival affirms the importance of photography as an effective means of expressing Qatari identity and heritage.The festival continues until November 9th, opposite Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area, with the participation of eight international companies specialising in cameras.On this occasion, Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, stated that the second edition of the Doha Photography Festival is witnessing a significant expansion in local and international participation, along with a diverse range of accompanying events targeting all segments of society.He emphasised that this edition is distinguished by the crowning of the winners of the inaugural Doha Photography Award, with the winners in six main competitive categories to be announced Thursday.He explained that one of the festival’s primary objectives is to support and encourage Qatari photographers, dedicating a special category in the award to local photographers, in addition to another category specifically for children and youth.Dr Ghanem al-Ali added that the festival is not limited to exhibitions but also includes a variety of accompanying events, such as specialised workshops and interactive areas designed specifically for children and families, with the aim of engaging all members of the community in the festival’s activities.He revealed the festival’s intention to expand its scope in future editions to include a greater focus on video photography. This trend was evident in the special exhibition organised as part of the current festival, titled “Space Festival,” a rare event featuring two Qatari photographers who participated in Nasa events. This highlights the international level the festival aspires to achieve.On the sidelines of the exhibition, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, director of the Qatar Photography Center, spoke to Gulf Times and said that: “We found a great turnout of photography enthusiasts and photographers at this opening, and everyone is eager for this big event that we are witnessing today. The Ministry of Culture, through the Doha Photography Festival, seeks to provide an ideal platform for showcasing artistic works, giving local photographers the opportunity to connect effectively and directly with the public and exchange experiences with their counterparts from around the world.He noted the participation of leading international companies such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Insta360, in addition to Qatar 4Cam and iBrand Connect. He explained that this broad participation of international companies and local photography equipment retailers will enrich the experience of participants and visitors, allowing them to explore the latest technologies and products in the world of photography.The programme features a large number of exhibitions, including 24 solo exhibitions and one group exhibition. The festival will also host an exhibition dedicated to the Doha Photography Award, another exhibition focused on astrophotography. There will be exhibitions of antique photographs and cameras, as well as a film exhibition area. The festival features a main stage hosting lectures, seminars and workshops by international photographers.The first day’s events featured a lecture titled “Narrative in Photography” presented by Issa Ibrahim, and a workshop titled “Attachment in Seconds: The Art of Creating Attention-Giving Videos” presented by James Arletta.

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has inaugurated the Career Fair 2025, welcoming participation from over 95 local and international companies representing key industries across Qatar and beyond. The two-day event, organised by the Student Central Services Department, provided over 2,450 opportunities for full-time and part-time employment, sponsorships, internships, and co-operative training. The event has been inaugurated by President of UDST, Dr Salem Al-Naemi, in the presence of HE Chairman of UDST’s Board of Trustees, Dr Mohammed Saleh al-Sada; and Vice-Chair of UDST’s Board of Trustees and Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco), Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla; and attended by UDST students, alumni, and high school students exploring their future career paths. The fair serves as one of UDST’s flagship annual events, offering students and graduates a direct gateway to industry leaders, while helping employers connect with highly skilled and job-ready talent. Throughout the event, attendees engaged in live interviews, networking sessions, and career development activities, reflecting UDST’s applied learning approach that bridges education with real-world experience. In line with its commitment to sustainability, UDST ensured the event remained entirely paperless, with students submitting their CVs and applications through the university’s digital application system. This initiative highlights UDST’s ongoing dedication to adopting eco-friendly and innovative event practices that align with Qatar National Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. Dr Al-Naemi said: “Career Fair represents a pivotal milestone in the university’s ongoing efforts to empower its students and alumni, preparing them for active participation in the job market. Guided by our mission of applied education, we are committed to building strong partnerships with public and private sector institutions, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to contribute to a national economy driven by knowledge and innovation”. With participation from sectors such as energy, construction, banking, finance, healthcare, IT, and public services, the event demonstrated UDST’s growing influence in linking education to real-world careers.

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres affirmed that the Doha Political Declaration serves as a "booster shot" for development and a comprehensive, people-centered roadmap. He stressed that delivering on the declaration requires action in four priority areas: accelerating the fight against poverty and inequality; maintaining a strong focus on job creation and employment opportunities; mobilizing adequate financing; and upholding human rights and inclusivity for all.In his opening address at the Second World Summit for Social Development, His Excellency emphasized that the Doha Political Declaration can be translated into tangible outcomes by ensuring opportunities for all, grounded in the principles of social justice, full employment, and the preservation of human dignity.**media[377290]**He added that the convening of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha comes at a time when the world is witnessing profound challenges, including growing uncertainty, deepening geopolitical divisions, armed conflicts, and widespread human suffering. He stressed that millions of people continue to endure hunger, poverty, and unemployment, while many developing countries remain without the adequate support needed to confront these challenges.He explained that the Doha Political Declaration is, at its core, a people-centered plan to accelerate efforts to combat poverty and reduce inequality. It calls for comprehensive investments in food security, healthcare and education systems, water and sanitation infrastructure, adequate housing, clean and affordable energy, and robust social protection mechanisms, supported by reliable data systems to monitor progress.He called on governments participating in the upcoming 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil to present concrete plans to reduce emissions over the next decade, while simultaneously advancing climate justice for communities on the front lines of the crisis, despite having contributed least to its causes.He also emphasized the need to invest in the future of the planet through concrete plans to reduce emissions and advance climate justice. He urged countries to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support climate action in developing nations, to double adaptation financing to at least $40 billion this year, and to capitalize the Loss and Damage Fund with substantial contributions.**media[377289]**The UN chief emphasized that expanding employment opportunities is a central pillar of the people-centered roadmap. He stressed the need for governments and the private sector to promote decent work and fair wages, facilitate the transition of workers from the informal economy to green, digital, and care-driven sectors, and invest in training, skills development, and lifelong learning. He also highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to digital and artificial-intelligence skills, guaranteeing equal opportunities for women, strengthening care systems, and protecting workers' rights.With regard to financing, he underscored the need to strengthen the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, expand private-sector financing, alleviate debt burdens, and reform the global financial architecture to better represent the priorities of developing countries. He also stressed the importance of increasing the participation of these countries in decision-making processes to ensure inclusive and equitable global economic governance.He emphasized that any people-centered plan must uphold human rights and inclusivity, warning against the continued exclusion of many groups, including women, minorities, migrants, refugees, older persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and youth. He stressed the importance of protecting democratic values, enhancing women's participation, eliminating discrimination and gender-based violence, and building societies resilient to misinformation and hate speech, with human rights serving as a guiding compass for justice and a better future for all.The UN Secretary-General noted that the first World Summit for Social Development, held in Copenhagen in 1995, marked a moment of moral clarity in which the international community affirmed that true development is not about prosperity for a privileged few, but about ensuring opportunities for all. He highlighted that since then, more than one billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, global unemployment has fallen to historic lows, and access to healthcare, education, and social protection has expanded significantly. He added that life expectancy has risen, child and maternal mortality have declined, and the number of girls attending school, along with graduation rates for all students, has increased markedly.In conclusion, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres stressed that the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha represents a critical opportunity to rekindle hope through collective action. He called for translating the Doha Political Declaration into concrete reality through a bold global plan that addresses shared challenges and secures a better future for all.

The Qatar Financial Centre and Doha Bank have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate fintech growth and innovation in the country.The QFC Authority (QFCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Doha Bank, marking a major step towards strengthening Qatar’s financial services landscape through strategic collaborations in fintech development and digital innovation.The MoU outlines a collaborative framework in three strategic areas as driving growth in Qatar’s fintech and digital asset ecosystem through joint research, prototype development, and the introduction of innovative financial solutions.It also outlines supporting fintech companies through technical guidance, facilitating secure banking relationships, and streamlining account opening processes; and establishing a programme for regular engagement, including quarterly meetings, joint workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, to explore new opportunities and ensure the continuous development of the ecosystem."This partnership with Doha Bank is a stride towards positioning Qatar as a leading hub for fintech and digital assets. Together, we will strengthen the foundations for innovation that enable fintech companies to grow with confidence and support the development of technological solutions that will define the future of financial services," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFCA.Highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing innovation, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al- Thani, Group chief executive officer, Doha Bank, said, globally, the banking and financial industry is undergoing major transformations."This highlights the importance of collaboration at the institutional level to drive the development of innovative financial solutions in Qatar and keep pace with these ongoing changes. Our agreement today reflects our shared commitment to advancing financial technologies and innovation within an enabling, inclusive, and comprehensive ecosystem," he said.This collaboration signals a new chapter in financial innovation. As fintech and digital assets reshape global markets, the QFC and Doha Bank are laying the groundwork for creating solutions that will not only serve businesses today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s economy.

The first edition of the White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 concluded with fanfare at Al Rayyan Sports Club stadiums on Thursday. From Oct 25 to 30, the tournament brought together an elite group of emerging talents from around the world.The six-day tournament witnessed strong competition among international teams from three continents and ten countries.Egyptian academy ‘Right to Dream’ was crowned champions of the first edition after defeating Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 in the final match of the U-14 category. The third place went to the Belgian team Royal Antwerp, completing the podium. Ajax player Noud Coopmans won the “Best Player” award for his remarkable performance throughout the competition.With this distinguished conclusion, the White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 has established its position as a global platform for discovering and developing rising stars, reinforcing Qatar’s status as a leading destination for hosting and organising international age-group tournaments.Sheikh Saud bin Khalid al-Thani affirmed that the White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 represented a qualitative step and a distinguished initiative in supporting Qatari football, especially in the youth category. He praised the ambitious vision behind organising this first-of-its-kind tournament and its strategic goals aimed at developing and honing talents, providing them with the opportunity to compete against diverse global footballing schools.On the sidelines of the White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 closing ceremony, Sheikh Saud stated that the tournament, in its first edition, was a unique experience by all standards. It included renowned teams from Europe and the Arab world and contributed to creating an exciting competitive atmosphere that combined skill and passion with a high sporting spirit. He added that the success achieved by the tournament since its inception confirms the validity of the idea and the sincerity of the commitment to investing in future generations of players.Sheikh Saud likened the tournament in its early stages to “a seed that needs care and follow-up to grow and flourish,” stressing that beginnings are always difficult, but they carry the promise of a fruitful future.He said: “What has been achieved today is the foundation upon which the future of the tournament will be built. We are confident that the upcoming editions will witness greater development and wider reach, both in terms of organisation and the scale of international and regional participation.”He added: “I sent a message to the youth and the organisers of the tournament that this initiative deserves support and encouragement, and we stand behind them firmly because we believe that hard work and passion make the real difference.”Sheikh Saud revealed that the next edition of the tournament will be more comprehensive in terms of participation. He noted that some teams apologised at the last minute for not participating in the first edition, but the expected turnout next year will be much larger. It is planned that the tournament will include teams from GCC countries, in addition to other Arab teams from Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco, giving it a broader Arab and international character.Sheikh Saud continued: “We aspire for the upcoming editions to carry the distinctive character of prestigious academies worldwide and for the tournament to become a leading platform that combines global expertise with local ambition, contributing to enhancing Qatar’s position as a preferred sports destination that attracts talents and football institutions from various countries.”In his discussion about the White Oryx Academy, Sheikh Saud praised the academy’s role in supporting young talents, considering it an important tributary for Qatari football and a promising source for discovering a new generation of players capable of representing Qatar in regional and international forums.He said: “What distinguishes this academy is that it represents a bold and unique model in the local sports scene. It operates with self-funding and limited support from some institutions, yet it has succeeded in imposing its presence and forging its path with confidence, whereas such initiatives are often the responsibility of major, officially state-supported academies.”Sheikh Saud expressed his deep appreciation for those in charge of the academy, asserting that they possess the will, vision, and passion to achieve success.He said: “We believe that the academy will become a true beacon for Qatari football and a cornerstone for talent development in the near future, God willing.”Sheikh Saud concluded his speech by emphasising that such tournaments and initiatives are an extension of Qatar’s approach to investing in human potential, especially in the sports sector.He pointed out that what White Oryx offers now is a living example of faith in the capabilities and ambitions of Qatari youth to carve out a place for themselves among the greats in the world of football.Ahmed al-Mughaisib, CEO of “The Different League” company, said that the first edition of the White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 became an important milestone in the journey of developing Qatari football.He noted that the tournament reflects Qatar’s distinguished position on the global sports map.The first edition of the White Oryx Cup Doha 2025 embodied a unique model for age-group tournaments, gathering 16 clubs and academies from Europe, Africa, and Asia under one umbrella.It transformed into a global platform for discovering and honing emerging football talents in the U-14 category. The list of participants included an elite group of prestigious clubs and reputable academies, among them: Southampton, Norwich City, and City Select Academy from England; Girona from Spain; Royal Antwerp and Club Brugge from Belgium; Sporting Lisbon from Portugal; Stade Brestois and OGC Nice from France; Red Bull Salzburg from Austria; Dinamo Zagreb from Croatia; Juventus from Italy; Ajax Amsterdam from the Netherlands; and Right to Dream Academy from Egypt; alongside Al Rayyan Sports Club and White Oryx Academy from Qatar.

Shutter Social, a multicultural photography community, partnered with Doha Wireless Warriors, a dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors, to organise ‘Frames of Strength’, an awareness photo shoot at Katara Beach. Both groups aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of community and creative collaboration. Doha Wireless Warriors is described as Qatar’s first breast cancer dragon boat team, part of a global movement that began in Canada three decades ago. The team provides survivors with strength, motivation, and a supportive environment to stay active and positive through paddling. Ahmed Naazim, founder of Shutter Social, said: “Frames of Strength was not just a photo shoot, but a heartfelt collaboration that reminded us of the power of community and the strength that lies within each survivor’s story. We are proud to have joined hands with Doha Wireless Warriors in creating something truly meaningful.” Sandee Thompson, founder of the Doha Wireless Warriors and Justyna Lane made the event possible with their continuous support and co-ordination, a statement added.

The second of the Ski Ladies GP1, Ski Division GP1 and Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Championship Motos and the first of the Runabout GP1 Motos for the Old Doha Port Grand Prix of Qatar were held in punishing heat Friday afternoon. A flying Benedicte Drange stormed through the Ski Ladies GP1 field to snatch a vital victory in the second of the Motos. But second-placed Estelle Poret heads into the final heat Saturday with a 15-point lead in the World Championship over defending champion Jasmiin Ypraus. Drange said: “In Moto 1, I had the lead and then my fuel pump broke. I was full speed on the stretch and it broke. I did not finish and it was a heartbreak because I was going for a title. I thought to myself, I will start as nine or 10 in Moto 2 and the championship is not on the line anymore. I needed to bring back my joy of racing. When I had a championship, it was too much pressure. I don’t enjoy it. I went out had fun, did the best I could and had a brilliant start. I swept past half the field and passed Jasmiin on the first lap. Then I took Estelle and Jessica (Chavanne). It was probably the best race I have done in my career. I am super happy and dedicate this victory to my team and my mechanics.” Veteran Kevin Reiterer stormed through to earn Moto 2 success in Ski GP1 after pole-sitter and Moto 1 winner Quinten Bossche shut down on the opening lap and was later disqualified for a course infringement. Third place for Denmark’s Oliver Koch Hansen gave him an 18-point lead over Jéremy Poret to take into the final Mototoday. Reiterer said: “This morning I thought it was going to be easier than Friday but it was up and down like crazy. We had rollers coming in from boats that we weren’t expecting on the straights. We were just taking off. It was really rough, one of the roughest and hardest Motos I have ever done. I got off to an okay start and then Quinten’s boat shut off and he fell back. I tried to pace myself, save some energy and put in some good laps if there was a fight later. Five to seven seconds was a good gap so that you don’t have to worry in the splits.” François Medori headed into the opening Runabout GP1 Moto with a 16-point World Championship advantage over Jeremy Perez but engine issues sidelined the Corsican after he had passed Yousef al-Abdulrazzaq to take the Moto lead. The Kuwaiti regained the advantage to win the Moto only to lose out to Perez near the finish. The Frenchman now takes a nine-point lead over Medori into the final Moto. Triumphant Perez said: “I feel really good. It was a really difficult race. I push and push and György passed me and I passed him again on the last corner. I am happy to win. François was faster than me but we will see. The strategy now will be to get a good start in Moto 2 and try to push and not to lose places. I know that I need to finish four or five so I will manage my race.” Emirati Amer Hawair clinched a lights-to flag second victory in the Runabout GP2 category to put him in a strong position to seal the title at the final race Saturday. Drange flies to Ski Ladies GP1 Moto 2 successMoto 1 winner Estelle Poret knew that a top finish would put her in a superb position to claim the world title on Saturday. She lined up on pole ahead of Naomi Benini, Jasmiin Ypraus, Jessica Chavanne, River Varner and Virginie Morlaes. The cruel engine problem in Moto 1 had pushed title contender Benedicte Drange to the rear of the 10-boat field. Chavanne stormed through to get the hole shot and took the outside split ahead of Poret, Varner, Drange, Ypraus, Benini, Morlaes, Sofie Borgström, Emy Garcia and Janina Johansson. Chavanne maintained her lead through the opening lap but Drange managed to pass Poret and take second position, although, as long as Poret finished the two remaining Motos, Drange was helpless in her quest for the title. Drange then overhauled Chavanne on the second lap and began to edge clear, as Varner managed to overhaul a subdued Ypraus to take fifth. Garcia climbed to seventh at the expense of a struggling Morlaes. Ypraus regained fifth and Garcia moved into sixth with Varner dropping back to seventh heading into lap four. Drange held on to nail the Moto win by 2.398 seconds and picked up 25 invaluable championship points. Poret passed Chavanne to finish second and a resurgent Ypraus snatched third from Chavanne to finish ahead of Benini, Garcia, Varner, Morlaes and Borgström. Varner then incurred a two-lap penalty for course cutting and Benini was docked 40 seconds for lane indiscipline. Benini finished fifth ahead of Morlaes, Borgström and Varner. Moto 2 success in Ski GP1 for Reiterer World champion Quinten Bossche had controlled Moto 1 in the morning and his rewards was pole for Moto 2. He lined up omn the start pontoon ahead of championship leader Oliver Koch Hansen, Jéremy Poret, Kevin Reiterer, Toshi O’Hara, Valentin Dardillat, Morgan Poret, Anthony Beernaut, Alex Barret and Matteo Benini. Poret snatched the hole shot from Reiterer, O’Hara, Koch Hansen and Beernaut after Bossche took a tumble and lost valuable ground on his rivals. He found himself down in 17th of the 19th riders and was faced with another fight back from the rest of the field. Morgan Poret was a non-starter. Reiterer then snatched the lead from Poret and O’Hara but Bossche made another mistake and lost all his momentum. By lap three, Reiterer led from O’Hara, Poret, Koch Hansen and young Yoni Hamelin. Bossche was disqualified for rising in the wrong direction to cap another disastrous Moto for the current champion. Reiterer held on to take the victory by 14.999 seconds from O’Hara and Koch Hansen, who closed in on the world title with 20 precious championship points. His closest title rival Jéremy Poret eventually finished sixth behind Dardillat and the impressive Benjamin Scharff. Beernaut, Matteo Benini, Alex Barret and Ander-Hubert Lauri rounded off the top 10. Perez takes opening Runabout GP1 Moto win after Medori and al-Abdulrazzaq retire Only six of the 23 Runabout GP1 entrants had turned out for the morning’s second free practice with the remaining riders persevering their skis for the opening Moto. Multiple former champion Yousef al-Abdulrazzaq lined up on pole position ahead of series leader François Medori, Jéremy Perez, György Kasza and the high-flying Khalifa Belselah. The Kuwaiti earned the hole shot to stay ahead of Medori, Belselah, Perez, Kasza, Andrzej Wisniewski and Ruben Jimenez Riquelme. Egidijus Kirilevicius and Robin Laforge were non-starters. Al-Abdulrazzaq continued to fend off Medori and actually increased his advantage to over three seconds heading into lap three. Medori was also watchful of his title push. With 15 minutes of the race to run, al-Abdulrazzaq led Medori by just over two seconds with Belselah, Kasza and Perez in the top five. Kasza and Perez then passed the Emirati, who plummeted out of contention and retired on lap five. Linus Lindberg climbed to fifth ahead of Qatar’s Waleed al-Sharshani and Wisniewski with 11 minutes on the clock. Medori snatched the lead on lap eight bur then the Frenchman stuttered to a halt with engine issues and al-Abdulrazzaq regained the lead. The Corsican’s demise threw the title race wide open with Kasza and new virtual championship leader Perez in third. Second successive Asian Runabout GP2 victory for Amer Hawair Emirati Amer Hawair took full advantage of pole position for winning Moto 1. He claimed the hole shot from Qatar’s Mahmoud and Mohamed Abumaali with Saudi Arabia’s Daoud Kaloti holding fourth ahead of Khalaf al-Kuwari and Khalid al-Maazmi at the start of the second Runabout GP2 Asian Continental Moto. Hawair began to pull clear of his rivals and was over six seconds to the good through lap two with the pursuing quintet holding their positions. Kaloti managed to pass Mohamed Abumaali and snatch third place, as Mahmoud Abumaali began to apply the pressure on the leading Emirati. Kaloti managed to pass Mahmoud Abumaali in the closing minutes as well to seal second place, albeit 3.837 seconds behind the triumphant Emirati. Mahmoud Abumaali rounded off the podium positions from al-Maazmi, al-Kuwari and Mohamed Abumaali.