tag

HE the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, inaugurated Sunday three distinguished art exhibitions at the Qatar's epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech (M7). The distinguished art exhibitions include "Fashion Trust Arabia: Threads of Impact," which celebrates the 7th anniversary of the Fashion Trust Arabia initiative; "Houbara Haven tiara" by Chaumet, featuring Qatari designer Aisha al-Attiyah; and "Amazigh Hair Couture," curated by Moroccan artists Lalla Essaydi and Amina Agueznay, under the creative direction of Ilham Mastour. In her remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Maha al-Sulaiti said that the "Fashion Trust Arabia: Threads of Impact" exhibition includes the works of more than 90 designers supported by the Fashion Trust Arabia initiative, including Fashion Trust Arabia Award winners, finalists, and designers from Qatar. She added that fashion tells stories, connects cultures, and sparks creativity. As a leading centre for innovation in fashion and design, M7 is committed to accelerating the growth of the creative economy, and Fashion Trust Arabia plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. Together, M7 and Fashion Trust Arabia continue to drive impactful transformations in this sector." Al-Sulaiti indicated that M7, in partnership with Chaumet, launched the "Chaumet Tiara Project" in 2024, in light of the momentum generated by the "Chaumet and Nature" exhibition held at M7 in Doha, which celebrated the jewellery designed by the house inspired by nature as part of the legacy of the "Qatar-France 2020" Year of Culture. She pointed out that the "Houbara Haven tiara" exhibition by Chaumet, by Qatari designer Aisha al-Attiyah, chronicles the tiara's journey from dream to reality. It was the winning design from among 80 participants who submitted entries to the competition launched by M7. The exhibition offers visitors behind-the-scenes insights into the collaboration between designer Al-Attiyah and Chaumet. Through sketches, photographs, and archival documents, it reveals how al-Attiyah was able to embody her unique vision and touch in a dialogue that pulsates with the rich heritage of the luxury jewellery house. Al-Attiyah told QNA that creating the tiara took her 740 hours and required precise and dedicated work in the Chaumet luxury jewellery workshop, with a group of craftsmen contributing to the crafting, setting, polishing, and engraving. She added that she is extremely happy to be the winning designer of the Chaumet Tiara project. She said that this event is a turning point in her journey as an emerging jewellery designer. It is a great honor to benefit from the support of M7 during this experience, as she benefits from the knowledge of the designers, craftsmen, and skilled artisans at the Maison Chaumet, who brought her design to life with their valuable expertise. She expressed her pride to share Qatar's rich history with the world through this masterpiece. The exhibition's design takes visitors on a journey inspired by the falcon's hunting patterns, exploring spaces that evoke its search path and the Houbara's haven. Ultimately, the tiara is revealed amidst jewels colored in shades of green, symbolising the "Awsaj" bush. Director of M7, Maha al-Sulaiti said that the 'Amazigh Hair Couture' exhibition celebrates the artistry, heritage, and cultural symbolism of Amazigh hair traditions, specifically from Morocco. She deemed the exhibition, "A powerful celebration of identity and artistic expression, reflecting M7's mission to elevate diverse voices and connect regional talents with global audiences. "We are proud to continue our partnership with Ilham Mestour and provide a platform for Arab and North African designers and artists such as Lalla Essaydi and Amina Agueznay to continue to champion and reclaim authorship over their narratives, sharing traditions in ways that are both contemporary and rooted in culture." In turn, Hair Artist and the Exhibition's Creative Director, Ilham Mestour said that 'Amazigh Hair Couture' is organised across four thematic zones, these are: Roots and Rituals, Body and Soul, Reframing the Gaze, and Crafting Continuity, adding that it explores how hair serves as a vital carrier of memory, beauty, resistance, and identity within matrilineal Amazigh cultures. Mestour pointed out that the exhibition draws from a history stretching back thousands of years and that the works on view span archival material and contemporary practice, highlighing the resilience and creativity embedded in these rituals, and affirming hair as a medium of care, representation, and intergenerational legacy. "Through this exhibition, I honour my Amazigh ancestry by transforming inherited rituals into my work globally, carrying forward the voices of the past," Mestour said, adding, "My collaboration with M7, from teaching in the Mastering Hair masterclass to presenting my work in this exhibition, enables me to continue to share these traditions and ensure they remain alive for future generations of creatives." The exhibition is curated by Rajae El Mouhandiz, an interdisciplinary artist and curator based in Rotterdam, and brings together fine art photography, scent, hair installations, textile works, and ethnographic archival material. "Amazigh Hair Couture" is organised as a legacy of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, which was one of the initiative's most beloved celebrations, with a strong legacy of ongoing partnerships across heritage, creative economies, social and economic development and innovation. The M7 exhibition programme is part of Qatar Museums' 20th anniversary programming which is being celebrated under the banner of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign to honour the nation's cultural journey over the past 50 years. It is also part of the Qatar Creates Fall/Winter 2025 season. (QNA)

HE the Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem met Sunday with the visiting Syrian Minister of Endowments Mohammad Abu al-Khair Shukri and his accompanying delegation from the Supreme Fatwa Council.The two sides discussed co-operation relations in the fields of endowments and Islamic affairs, and ways to enhance and develop them. They also exchanged views on topics of common interest.

The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has organised the 2025 Person-Centred Care (PCC) Middle East Forum. The event was attended by HE the Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad al-Mahmoud and HE the HMC managing director Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Suwaidi, along with regional and international healthcare leaders, professionals, and innovators committed to advancing person-centred approaches to healthcare transformation. Delivered by the HMC in partnership with US-based Planetree International, the forum has established itself as the region’s premier platform for sharing best practices and innovations that place patients and families at the heart of care. This year’s theme, *Shaping the Future of Care: Innovations in Person-Centered Care, focused on how innovation, integration and inclusivity are reshaping healthcare delivery across systems and communities. The programme featured three key tracks: Person-Centred Digital Transformation, Collaborative Care; Building Partnerships for Better Outcomes, and Care Beyond Boundaries; and Systematic Personalisation Across Networks. Throughout the two-day event, speakers and delegates explored how emerging technologies, collaborative partnerships and co-designed models of care can enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes. The forum highlighted the HMC’s leadership in embedding person-centred care across its network – from pioneering digital tools such as the Lbaih mobile app, which enables patients to access and manage their healthcare information via their mobile devices, to establishing Qatar’s first AI Centre of Excellence driving the development of SMART hospital frameworks. Beyond technology, the HMC’s person-centred approach has established the Person-Centred Care Ambassadors Programme, empowering volunteers from diverse backgrounds, cultures and professions to enrich the hospital experience of patients and families through compassionate service and meaningful interaction. Another example is the HMC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a collaborative group of patients, family members and caregivers who partner with HMC teams to shape programmes, services, and initiatives. Through the PFAC, the perspectives and lived experiences of patients directly influence care delivery, ensuring that services truly reflect their needs and expectations.

HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah affirmed that the launch of the AI-powered building permit issuance system represents a qualitative national achievement that enhances the country's digital transformation process and places it at the forefront of countries employing AI technologies in government services.In a speech marking the Ministry of Municipality's inauguration of the AI-powered permit issuance system, HE al-Attiyah noted that it represents a pioneering step that embodies the country's drive to accelerate digital transformation and enhance the quality and efficiency of government services, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.He explained that the new system represents a qualitative leap in the field of issuing building permits, as it contributes to accelerating procedures, increasing performance efficiency, and enhancing the quality of services provided to beneficiaries. It enables the issuance of building permits in just 120 minutes, instead of 30 days, thanks to its ability to automatically read engineering drawings and verify their compliance with approved technical standards. This contributes to improving the beneficiary experience and facilitating procedures without compromising technical accuracy.The AI-powered building permit issuance system is one of the key projects within the Ministry of Municipality's digital transformation programme, which aims to expedite transactions, standardise technical standards, support the engineering sector and consulting offices, simplify procedures, and enhance the efficiency and accuracy of outputs by processing drawings electronically, with a completion rate of up to 70% in the first phase.

Bayer Leverkusen found some solace at home Sunday after a Champions League humbling by Paris Saint-Germain with a 2-0 win over Freiburg in the Bundesliga.Dismantled 7-2 by the European champions at the same venue five days ago, Leverkusen got back to winning ways thanks to strikes by Ernest Poku and Edmond Tapsoba either side of the break.The victory took the 2023-24 double winners to fourth spot in the table, two points clear of Stuttgart, who host lowly Mainz in Sunday's final match.Leverkusen midfielder Jonas Hofmann told DAZN his side "shook off the 7-2 defeat" to PSG with Sunday's victory.Leverkusen have now won four in a row in the Bundesliga as part of a seven-match domestic unbeaten run.Coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag two games into the league season, is yet to taste defeat in the Bundesliga.The loss was Freiburg's first in the league since August.These two sides played out a 2-2 draw in May but only three players who started for Leverkusen on Sunday were at the club last season.After 22 minutes, Spain midfielder Aleix Garcia played a clever one-two with Poku, who hit a low shot into the bottom right corner to give the hosts the lead.It was the eighth time in eight league games this season Leverkusen have scored first.The hosts doubled up seven minutes into the second half when Tapsoba muscled through the Freiburg defence to head in an Alejandro Grimaldo cross.With 15 minutes remaining, Freiburg were reduced to 10 men when Philipp Lienhart picked up a second yellow."I feel everything was decided even before the red card. It feels good," Hofmann added of Leverkusen's performance.

Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo – better known as Dell – wears the mantle of comparison with a maturity that belies his age. Dubbed the Hinterland Haaland, or the Haaland of the Sertão, in reference to his backcountry roots in north-eastern Brazil, the teenage sensation is unfazed by being measured against one of the most formidable goalscorers the game has ever seen.In the lead-up to Brazil’s campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Dell spoke exclusively to FIFA and revealed his admiration for his Norwegian counterpart.“Haaland is the player I look up to the most,” he said. “Whenever I can, I make time to watch his matches and videos, observing his behaviour both on and off the pitch. I study his positioning and movement in and around the box.”Though some may have dismissed the comparison, Dell prefers to embrace it, fuelling his inspiration to narrow the gap between himself and his idol.“I like the nickname because he’s someone I admire – I’m used to it now.”It is more than Dell’s physical traits that have drawn comparisons to Haaland – he plays like him too. The Bahia sharpshooter is a natural goalscorer, combining explosive speed with a cool head in front of goal, especially when it matters most. In 2023, he bagged 40 goals in 34 outings for Bahia’s U-17s, paving the way for him to step up to the U-20s and then the senior side.The South American U-17 Championship also bore witness to his brilliance earlier this year. He delivered when the Seleção needed him most, netting the only goal of the game against Chile in the semi-finals. He was then handed the responsibility of taking the decisive spot-kick in the final shootout against Colombia, which he dispatched with trademark composure.“There’s actually no big secret,” he laughed “It’s the result of a lot of hard work, both here at Bahia and with the national team. It’s important to always have faith, ambition and joy. The goals I scored were crucial in helping us reach the final and clinch the title. I’m so grateful, because even when times got tough I never lost faith and always trusted that we’d pull through.”Dell will now have the opportunity to strut his stuff at the on the global stage, having been called up by coach Dudu Patetuci. Brazil kick off their campaign against Honduras on 4 November.“Playing for Brazil is another dream come true," he continued."We won the South American title – now it’s time to go for the World Cup. I’m truly honoured and delighted to be playing for my country.”It is the first time that three Bahia players have been called up to represent the Canarinho at a global showpiece. Dell will be joined in Qatar by fellow forward Ruan Pablo and goalkeeper Arthur Jampa.“It’s also special to be representing the national team alongside two of my club team-mates, Jampa and Ruan Pablo," he stated. "We’ll be going for the title with Brazil after working together every day at Bahia. We trust in the coaching staff and want to make our fans proud by being good ambassadors for Brazilian football and Bahia.”This will be the biggest U-17 World Cup ever, with 48 teams set to compete for the coveted crown, and the final set for Khalifa International Stadium, one of the venues used at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. While keeping his feet on the ground, Dell is dreaming big and hoping to make it all the way to the decider.“(Playing at Khalifa International Stadium) is an added incentive for us – FIFA nailed it with that one," he said. "It’s special to be able to play in a stadium where some of the world’s greatest stars have featured at the World Cup.“We all dream of one day playing for the senior national team. Doing well at this World Cup would bring that dream ever closer. Pulling on the shirt of the world’s greatest national team would undoubtedly be a huge privilege.”

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani witnessed Sunday the inauguration of the Ministry of Municipality's AI-powered building permit issuance system, in a move that embodies the nation's pivot towards accelerating digital transformation and fostering the quality and efficiency of public services.The inauguration ceremony was attended by ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials from state agencies, alongside representatives from consulting offices, urban development companies, and the engineering sector.This system is among the flagship projects within the ministry's digital transformation programme, which aims to accelerate transaction completion and unify technical standards.It also seeks to support the engineering sector and consulting offices, while streamlining procedures and boosting the efficiency and precision of outputs through online processing of plans, achieving up to 70 % completion in the first phase.

Rohit Sharma hit a century and Virat Kohli a bright 74 to drive India to a nine-wicket win in the third one day international Saturday, sending fans home happy after what are likely to be their final appearances in Australia in their country’s colours.Australia secured series honours with victories in the first two matches in Perth and Adelaide but India’s bowlers skittled the home side for 236 and the two former skippers got the tourists over the line with a partnership of 168 runs.“I’ve always loved coming here... and a nice way to finish getting that knock and getting that win as well,” said Rohit.“I don’t know if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but it was fun all these years that we played here. A lot of good memories, bad memories. But all in all, I’ll take the cricket that I played here.”Kohli, the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs behind Sachin Tendulkar, came out to join Sharma at the crease to a frenzied ovation from a big crowd that made the Sydney Cricket Ground feel more like it was located in New Delhi than New South Wales.Rohit had already combined with current skipper Shubman Gill (24) to cut 69 runs out of the chase but this was the “Ro-Ko” partnership the massed ranks of fans in blue shirts waving tricolour flags had come to see.The two thirtysomethings, who both now only play the 50-over game for India, duly delivered with assured shots and mature decision-making that frustrated then dispirited the Australian bowlers.Rohit smashed 13 fours and three sixes in his 33rd century in the format, reaching the milestone for the ninth time against Australia with a pushed drive down the ground for a single.Kohli, who had been dismissed for ducks in the previous two matches, brought up his 75th half-century to a huge roar with a single on one ball and Rohit locked in a 19th ODI century stand between the pair with another solitary run on the next delivery.“When we bat together ... even back in the day, we used to think, if we have a big partnership, the kind of strokes we can play, we can really take the game away from the opposition,” said Kohli.“The opposition also knew that if these guys are in for 20 overs together, any total is chaseable.”Rohit should have been caught on 108 after spooning a shot high into the night sky but was reprieved when Josh Hazlewood failed to get under it and finished 121 not out.Kohli got the winning runs by clipping a short ball off the face of his bat for a four down to third man.Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first at a venue where that decision had led to victory for the team concerned in the last nine ODIs.All of Australia’s top order got a start but only Matt Renshaw (56) managed to convert his innings into a half century, giving another boost to his hopes of reviving his long-stalled Test career in time for the Ashes.All-rounder Harshit Rana took 4-39 mopping up the Australian tail, curtailing the innings with the wickets of Cooper Connolly and Josh Hazlewood in the space of three balls.Kohli took the catch at long off to send back Connolly, having earlier whipped the crowd into another frenzy with a sharp hold at forward square to dismiss Matthew Short for 30 off the bowling of Washington Sundar.“We want to say thank you,” Kohli concluded.“We’ve loved coming to this country and playing in front of such big crowds. And we’ve played some of our best cricket here as well.”BRIEF SCORE:SIndia 237 for 1 (Rohit 121*, Kohli 74*) beat Australia 236 (Renshaw 56, Rana 4-39) by 9 wickets

Following the release of his latest novel, The Carnation Seller, and his preparation to share his novel in a European cultural meeting in Brussels, researcher and novelist Abdulaziz al-Buhashim al-Sayed emphasised in comments to Arabic daily Arrayah that the novel represents the soft power that preserves society’s memory and conveys its history and heritage into contemporary language.He explained that the shift from historical documentation to narrative fiction allows for the presentation of events in a literary language capable of reaching the reader’s conscience.He pointed out that The Carnation Seller in particular documents an important phase in the history of Gulf trade and its transformation from pearls to oil, through real-life characters and events reframed in artistic language.Al-Sayed said: “When you work in the field of heritage and history, you rely on real facts and accurate figures, but when you turn to fiction, you transfer this history to the world of imagination and narrative. I believe that our Arab history and heritage require the language of the times, and the novel is the language capable of conveying our values and history to new generations. It represents a soft power that can be transformed into drama and remain in the memory of society and the future.He explained: “In The Carnation Seller, I addressed the period of 1931 AD, documenting the lives of Gulf families living in India and the shift in trade in the Gulf from pearls to oil. I tried to embody this phase through a symbolic character, but one with a historical origin. I even used characters by their real names, reflecting the sentiment of Qatari society and its merchants.”On his participation with his new novel The Carnation Seller in a European cultural meeting in Brussels, al-Sayed emphasised that his novel was chosen to represent Qatari literature at this event because it is the first work to document a complete commercial phase in Gulf history. “Through it, I sought to highlight authentic Arab and Gulf values and portray the image of Qatar as a country that combines heritage and modernity. This cultural presence also reflects Qatar’s growing role in the field of soft power, through literature and thought.”He added: “The novel conveys many values, including patience, perseverance, and honesty in business. My hero is a fifteen-year-old boy who learns from leading merchants and embarks on adventures until he becomes one of the most prominent merchants in the Gulf. I wanted to document a real historical era through a dramatic journey. These locations were active trading centres connecting the Gulf to the world. Travelling between these cities was not merely a spatial scene; it documented the trade activity and the economic and social transformations experienced by the Gulf people during that period. A novel can easily be transformed into a dramatic work, as it combines history, drama, and human emotion.”Concerning his view on the literary and novel scene in Qatar today, al-Sayed stated: “The scene is clearly growing. There is an active literary movement supported by institutions like Katara and the Ministry of Culture, and I have been struck by the diversity of new novelists’ voices. Young Qataris possess a distinct mindset and a fresh approach, and Qatari publishing houses provide significant support to new talents, whether through awards or publishing facilities. The Katara Prize for the Arabic Novel is a vivid example of this support. There are also many initiatives to encourage young people,” al-Sayed concluded.

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar’s 3rd Qatar Proteomics Conference brought together world-renowned academic scientists, researchers and scholars for a dynamic exchange of the latest findings, technologies and innovations in proteomics and bioinformatics.This year’s conference featured engaging sessions, focused on groundbreaking technologies and the critical health challenges of our time, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, infectious diseases, and more.Proteomics is the comprehensive study of proteins, focusing on their structure, function, and interactions within an organism. Key topics included mass spectrometry-based technologies, affinity-based platforms, and their applications to investigation of complex health conditions. Additional sessions explored the transformative role of proteomics in population health, showcased insights from the Human Proteome Organisation and highlighted regional developments shaping the field of proteomics in the Gulf region.Leading national, regional and international scientists appeared as expert speakers at the conference, sharing their latest findings and experiences in proteomics and highlighting new developments in the field. The conference was co-ordinated by WCM-Q’s Dr Frank Schmidt, director of the proteomics core and associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics; and Dr Karsten Suhre, professor of physiology and biophysics, assistant dean for intercampus research partnerships, and director of the bioinformatics core, along with members of their team, including instrumentation supervisor Dr Sunkyu Choi, and laboratory supervisor Muna al-Noubi. Dr Schmidt and Dr Suhre were both among the expert speakers at the conference, as was Dr Khaled Machaca, WCM-Q professor of systems & computational biomedicine and vice dean for research, innovation and commercialisation.Dr Schmidt said: “We were very pleased to welcome so many world-class proteomics researchers to Qatar to share their expertise, discuss the latest developments in the field, and explore future collaborative projects. The potential for combining proteomics with other -omics technologies to increase our understanding of complex diseases is vast, and this can pave the way for improved diagnostic techniques and more effective treatment strategies.”The conference also featured poster presentations and networking opportunities, creating a collaborative environment designed to bridge disciplines and accelerate discovery. The Qatar Proteomics Conference has become a landmark regional event at the forefront of global proteomics and cross-omics research, fostering collaboration, innovation and impactful scientific exchange.Dr Suhre said: “We are very happy that the conference has helped to build upon Qatar’s leading role in proteomics research, drawing attention to the country’s growing position as a regional and global hub for very high-quality science in this rapidly developing field. Bringing world-class experts in proteomics together here in Qatar to share their experiences is a very effective way to foster collaboration and drive advances in discovery.”

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also QatarEnergy president and chief executive, joined the Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) community for a special edition of the Dean’s Lecture Series.In a departure from the traditional lecture format, the event was a conversation between the minister and CMU-Q dean Michael Trick, followed by a question-and-answer session with students.The dialogue covered the most pressing topics at the intersection of energy, technology, and the environment.HE al-Kaabi shared his perspective on the evolution of Qatar’s energy sector, the nation’s role in the global energy transition, and the critical importance of technologies in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG).He said that QatarEnergy’s approach to the energy transition is to grow responsibly, emphasising that gas remains the lowest-emission fossil fuel and, when it replaces coal, emissions are immediately reduced.The minister said that QatarEnergy is pairing its LNG expansion with best-in-class emissions practices, large-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, and significant solar power developments to deliver the energy the world needs in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.CMU-Q dean Trick emphasised the importance of the minister engaging with students.“The purpose of this series has always been to bridge education and real-world challenges and opportunities that await our graduates,” he said.“Today’s event is exactly in that tradition, offering our students a rare opportunity to engage directly with a pivotal figure in the global energy landscape,” Trick added.A significant portion of the event was dedicated to student questions, a format that HE al-Kaabi specifically requested to foster a genuine dialogue with the next generation of leaders.Students from across CMU-Q’s programmes engaged the minister on a wide range of subjects.A key topic was the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing sustainability and efficiency within the energy sector.Building national capacity through education remains fundamental to Qatar’s sustainable future, HE al-Kaabi noted.He said that education is paramount and that building national capability starts with equipping youth with the skills and knowledge to deliver across disciplines.By investing in their development and giving them real opportunities to grow, the minister said, QatarEnergy is empowering the next generation of leaders to drive Qatar’s sustainable future.The conversation provided students with firsthand insight into the strategic decisions that are shaping the future of energy in Qatar and around the world.

Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Ability Friendly programme, under Pre-University Education, organised a two-day swimming competition aimed at promoting inclusion through sport and empowering people with disabilities.The competition brought together around 70 participants and their families as part of an initiative that reflects Ability Friendly programme and its commitment to providing sports and recreational activities that offer participants equal opportunities to showcase their skills and build self-confidence.The event was sponsored by Sasol, reaffirming its commitment to empowering people with disabilities.The partnership with the QF aims to promote sports as a platform for rehabilitation, empowerment, and community inclusion.“At Sasol, we believe that true progress is measured not only by innovation and growth, but by how inclusive and equitable our communities become,” said Sasol vice-president (Qatar Country Management) Lourens Jacobs.“Through our long-standing collaboration with Qatar Foundation and our Accessible Qatar initiative, we continue to champion opportunities that empower every individual to participate fully and equally in society,” he said. “This Ability Friendly Swimming Competition reflects a shared belief that when barriers are removed, talent, courage, and determination shine through.”Jacobs emphasised that sport serves as a universal language, one that celebrates ability, strengthens communities, and inspires change.He highlighted that the athletes competing in the event demonstrate that inclusion is not about accommodation, but about creating environments where everyone can excel.Aisha Jassim al-Ali, the mother of Jassim al-Sulaiti, one of the participants with autism, said: “For Jassim, swimming has become a source of confidence and independence. He joined the Ability Friendly programme eight years ago, and since then, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in his personality, one that has had a positive impact on his daily life, behaviour, and self-confidence.”“The Ability Friendly programme is a true outlet for our children,” she said. “It’s no longer just about playing sports for recreation, but about preparing champions who can compete in local tournaments.”“Today, I see Jassim competing alongside his peers with confidence and pride,” al-Ali added.