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In a press conference held today in Doha, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced Qatar’s preparedness to host the second edition of the prestigious regional competition from 1-18 December. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted trophy. Speaking at the press conference were Jassim Al Jassim, LOC CEO; Roberto Grassi, FIFA Representative; Saeed Al Kuwari, Hayya Director at Qatar Tourism; Colonel Dr. Jabr H. J. Al Naimi, Spokesperson of Ministry of Interior; and Fatma Al Nuaimi, LOC Executive Director of Communications and Media. The tournament has garnered wide attention with 700,699 tickets sold so far. In particular, 210,209 of these tickets were purchased by supporters outside of Qatar, reaffirming the competition’s regional appeal. Supporters of Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia led ticket sales for group stage matches. The tournament has also attracted massive interest from regional media, with 3,861 media personnel having submitted applications for accreditation to cover the competition in Qatar. From these, 2,085 of them are from outside of Qatar. A total of 15 regional and international broadcasters will make use of the host country’s studios in Doha, while many other channels have acquired the rights to broadcast matches. Tournament organisers also announced that the use of Doha Metro will be free of charge for all ticketholders on match days, allowing fans to make use of Qatar’s compact nature. All six venues hosting matches during the tournament are connected seamlessly by Qatar’s modern rail network. The opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and Palestine. Gates will open at 2:30pm, with the tournament opening taking place at 5:30pm. The Final will be held on 18 December 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. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities at fan zones located across all six venues. The tournament will provide a platform to celebrate the region’s rich and diverse culture, unity and shared passion for football. Recently, the LOC unveiled the official tournament mascot Juha – a popular character from the history of Arab literature. Earlier this week, tournament organisers announced the release of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 official soundtrack, consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios. The upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game. In the same week, the LOC, in collaboration with FIFA, also launched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy Game that allows fans across the region and beyond to step into the role of football managers and compete in a daily fantasy challenge throughout the tournament. The game is available in the Play Zone tab of the FIFA app and can also be accessed on play.fifa.com. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets are available at: 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. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the final match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Portugal beat Austria 1-0 to be crowned champions for the first time.Following the final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Portuguese team with the gold medals and the championship trophy. Italy claimed third place after defeating Brazil 4–2 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in the third-place playoff.Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar Football Association also took part in the awarding ceremony.

The 11th FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, scheduled from Dec. 1 to 18, 2025, will be exceptional and is poised to break records in attendance and global fan engagement, Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Local Organizing Committee for Football Events, Fatma Al Nuaimi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA).She stated that the committee finalized all preparations for the tournament a long time ago to present the finest edition in terms of organization, fan experience, and coaching dimensions, in line with Qatar's long-established standards when hosting major sporting events and football tournaments.Al Nuaimi stressed that Qatar has become a preferred global hub for sporting events, not only on the Gulf and Arab stages but also on the global stage.Qatar has staged several world-class competitions under FIFA's umbrella, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 10th 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, culminating with the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five consecutive tournaments to be held in Doha through 2029, Al Nuaimi pointed out.She emphasized that the upcoming December 11th FIFA Arab Cup will be completely different from the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which took place under strict COVID-19 preventive measures.Despite those restrictions, the 2021 tournament delivered remarkable success, she noted, and this year's tournament, staged across six FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums, will feature full-capacity crowds, enabling unprecedented attendance and followership.Al Nuaimi elaborated on the extraordinary demand for match tickets, with nearly 500,000 sold so far, underscoring fans' strong appetite to follow a tournament held under FIFA's umbrella for the second time since its official recognition in 2021.The unprecedented media interest is evident in the 3,500-plus media accreditation requests received from outlets worldwide.Several regional and global broadcasters have secured broadcasting rights while negotiations are ongoing with others, particularly as the Qualification Stage, featuring 14 teams competing for seven spots in the Final Stage, has yet to conclude, said Al Nuaimi.She added that the committee has dedicated two broadcast centers in Souq Waqif from which fourteen daily programs will be aired by Arab channels holding media rights for the tournament.The committee gives foremost priority to the fan experience, aiming to leave an indelible impression on all visitors attending major events in Qatar, including this tournament, both inside and outside stadiums, with partners across the country organizing a broad range of activities in major tourist and cultural hubs, including Katara Cultural Village, Doha Port, Msheireb, Lusail, Souq Waqif, and The Pearl, in collaboration with Visit Qatar to ensure fans enjoy a bountiful blend of cultural and entertainment experiences, Al Nuaimi explained. She added that the committee staged several fan-oriented activations, including the fan parade at Doha Port, showcasing supporters from all 23 participating nations across both the Qualification and Final Stages, including official fan leaders.The parade was designed to reflect the essence of the championship as a platform showcasing Arab unity, shared passion for football, and the power of sport in bringing people together under one banner, she underlined.Additionally, she stated that fan zones will be set up around all six stadiums hosting the Final Stage, offering recreational activities with gates opening early on match days to provide a unique pre-match experience, ensuring memorable moments for supporters.Al Nuaimi further explained that the committee organized a FIFA Arab Cup Trophy Tour across multiple Arab countries, similar to the FIFA World Cup 2022 tours, giving fans the chance to see and photograph the official trophy.The tour generated widespread excitement and directly contributed to increased ticket sales in each country visited, she noted, affirming that engagement continues to rise as the tournament approaches, especially after the launch of the official mascot "Juha" and the official tournament song, both of which significantly boosted fan enthusiasm.This growing momentum reflects the tournament's rising importance, especially now that it carries FIFA ranking value in the monthly FIFA World Ranking, Al Nuaimi said.She praised the committee's approach to engaging with leaders of fan groups from various expatriate communities in Qatar and noted that it has operated a dedicated Fan Engagement Department since 2021, maintaining a comprehensive database of fan groups and communication channels, moving beyond reliance on conventional media and social media platforms.Direct engagement with supporter groups enabled the committee to gather their feedback on accommodation, ticketing, transportation, and other matters.The LOC holds regular consultation meetings to review fan experiences from past tournaments, starting with the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, then the FIFA World Cup 2022, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and now the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to resolve concerns and facilitate fans' needs, thereby consolidating a robust data system that continues to evolve 

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee has announced the release of the tournament’s official soundtrack, as excitement builds for the prestigious Arab competition taking place from 1-18 December. Consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios, the upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game.‘Zamani’, which means, ‘My Time’ in Arabic, is sung by Qatari artist, Hamad Al Khazina, with lyrics penned by Mohammad Al Khajah. In a celebratory style befitting the spirit of football, the song focuses on the importance of ambition, the spirit of determination, and the joy of achievement, while declaring that the region’s time to shine has come.‘Makani’ is the second song released, which means ‘My Place’ in Arabic, with eminent Egyptian artist Mohamed Mounir lending his vocals, and lyrics by Mostafa Hadouta. The song examines the concept of home from a human perspective, celebrating the shared identity among Arabs that transcends borders to create a community that provides support, unity, and a sense of true belonging.Both songs are composed by award-winning Moroccan-Swedish record producer Nadir Khayat, also known as RedOne, who has previously worked on the official soundtrack of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, regaling fans with unforgettable hits such as Arhbo and Dreamers.Watch the full videos of ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’ on the @RoadtoQatar YouTube channel.The countdown begins for the Arab world’s biggest football tournament that will see a total of 16 teams competing for the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy.FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticket are available at: 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. 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. 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 at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December 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.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 Film Committee at Media City Qatar has signed a landmark agreement with Company 3, the award-winning global post-production and visual effects powerhouse, to establish a dedicated post-production and VFX studio in Doha.This agreement - signed during the Doha Film Festival 2025, marks a pivotal milestone in Qatar's creative industries development and underscores Qatar's growing reputation as the Middle East's emerging media capital, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class talent, and a progressive creative ecosystem.HE Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and Chairman of Qatar Film Committee, Hassan Al Thawadi, said that "this partnership embodies Qatar's vision to support the very best creators in Qatar, the region and the Global South.""With Company 3's world-renowned expertise in visual storytelling and our commitment to building advanced creative infrastructure, Doha is poised to become a destination for world-class post-production and visual effects," His Excellency added.As part of the agreement, the Film Committee and Company 3 will jointly research, explore, and evaluate the development of a post-production and visual effects studio operated by Company 3 in Qatar. This will be the first phase of a long-term partnership.Company 3 will provide technical, creative, and operational guidance to shape the foundation for a high-end post-production environment in the region. The Film Committee will support the collaboration through a structured funding and facilitation framework, reflecting Qatar's ambition to become the production and post-production hub for the Middle East and Africa.For his part, CEO of Company 3, Stefan Sonnenfeld, expressed his anticipation for cooperation, saying, "The Film Committee's forward-thinking approach to developing a sustainable creative ecosystem aligns perfectly with our mission to empower storytellers through technology and artistry.""This partnership represents the foundation for a new era of post-production excellence in the Middle East," Sonnenfeld added.Through this collaboration, the company will bring its global expertise and technical excellence to the region, helping to design creative workflows, develop local and regional talent, and provide access to world-leading infrastructure and tools.The Film Committee will coordinate with local stakeholders and government partners to ensure the project contributes to the nation's broader creative economy goals. Responsibilities include logistical coordination, operational support, and a funding framework for the exploration phase - ensuring that the partnership between QFC and Company 3 delivers meaningful outcomes across creative, technological, and training dimensions.The collaboration also includes consultation on the creation of a local production and post-production rebate scheme, part of Qatar's broader ambition to attract leading studios, streamers, and filmmakers to the country.

The State of Qatar participated in the 17th meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Council of Arab Health Ministers, in preparation for the 63rd regular session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers and its Executive Office, scheduled to be held during the period of Dec. 17-18.Qatar's delegation was headed by First Secretary at the Permanent Delegation of Qatar to the League of Arab States Ali Hussein Al Jarhab.The meeting agenda included several important health topics, foremost among them supporting the health sector in the State of Palestine, the successful and pioneering experiences of the Arab member states in the health fields, the follow up on developments regarding Arab strategies concerned with benefiting from the Arab health competencies of migrants in support of the health sectors in the Arab region 2026-2030, developing primary health care and family medicine 2026-2030, and making public health services available in the context of asylum and displacement in the Arab region.The meeting also addressed reports from various bodies of the Council of Arab Ministers of Health, namely: the Arab Authority for Blood Transfusion Services, the Arab Board of Health Specializations, and the Arab Center for Authorship and Translation of Health Science. It also followed up on the resolution issued by the Arab League Summit regarding investment in health human resources, and the resolution issued by the Arab League's Economic and Social Council regarding promoting the right to family planning in Arab countries, and analyzing the challenges and opportunities associated with declining fertility rates.The meeting addressed the unified statement of the Council of Arab Health Ministers before the 79th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2026, which is scheduled to be delivered by the Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to the first Arab Ministerial Forum for Health and Environment, the establishment of a regional Arab center for applied epidemiology, the follow-up on the work of the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction, the unification of Arab efforts to combat drugs, in addition to discussing financial matters related to the Arab Health Development Fund.The committee is scheduled to submit its recommendations on the topics on its agenda to the Executive Office, and then to the 63rd regular session of the Health Ministers' Council, to take the necessary decisions regarding them.

Director of Wildlife Protection Department, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, who also chairs the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, confirmed that the 2025-2026 winter camping season witnessed a significant increase in online registrations, thanks to system updates implemented this year that streamlined the registration process and reduced processing time. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Nuaimi said that the number of registered campsites exceeded 2,800 by the registration deadline, a slight increase compared to last season. This reflects public confidence and the stability of the organization. He anticipates that the number will increase as the season progresses, particularly with the extension of registration periods in high-demand areas. Al Nuaimi said that registration was divided according to geographical regions (central, southern, and northern), which allowed citizens greater flexibility in choosing their preferred locations. He noted that public awareness had increased significantly, with many campers registering early to secure their spots. He also indicated that the ministry had developed a flexible capacity plan this year, with the possibility of opening additional sites as needed. He emphasized that this reflects the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's commitment to meeting the needs of campers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. He noted that Sealine remains one of the most sought-after areas, thanks to its unique combination of sea and sand dunes, along with the northern coastline, which has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among families due to its proximity to residential areas and pleasant climate. Meanwhile, Al-Mazrouah has experienced increasing demand from those who appreciate the natural environment, thanks to its tranquility and spaciousness. Director of Wildlife Protection Department Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi said that the electronic registration system has undergone a comprehensive upgrade this year to be faster, more accurate, and more flexible, offering ease of use for all, including those with limited digital skills. Regarding awareness efforts, he noted that the Ministry implemented extensive media and awareness campaigns across various platforms to promote a culture of sustainable camping and wildlife protection. He pointed out that the messages emphasized respecting regulations, maintaining cleanliness, and responsible waste management. He added that field workshops and educational visits were organized in cooperation with schools and youth centers to encourage sound environmental practices among campers, particularly young people. Al Nuaimi revealed that the Ministry has designated specific areas for family camping, offering appropriate services and a tranquil environment, as well as areas for youth camping that provide larger spaces and opportunities for activities, in addition to sites dedicated to environmental and educational initiatives. He pointed out that the organized camping initiative has contributed to preserving wildlife and preventing encroachment on plants and sand dunes, as campsite locations are determined in advance via an electronic map, which prevents randomness and reduces environmental damage. The Ministry also obliges campers to a number of environmental standards, including the use of tools that are not harmful to plants and not lighting fires outside the designated sites. At the conclusion of his interview with QNA, Director of Wildlife Protection Department and Head of the Winter Camping Committee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hamad Salem Al Nuaimi, called on all campers to adhere to the instructions and preserve the desert environment, stressing that camping is a collective responsibility, and that preserving nature is a guarantee for successful and safe seasons for future generations.

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Djibouti signed two memoranda of understanding on Sunday, one on the establishment of a joint committee for cooperation between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, and another on holding political consultations on issues of mutual interest between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti.The memoranda were signed on behalf of the Qatari side by His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and on behalf of the Djiboutian side by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Djibouti Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.

The 11th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee between Qatar and Turkiye was held on Oct 22, 2025 in Doha, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with participation of the ministers responsible for the areas of co-operation stated in the Joint Accord on the Establishment of the Supreme Strategic Committee dated Dec 19, 2014.The session, held in a spirit of co-operation and brotherhood, reflected once again strong historical bonds, distinguished relations and the common understanding between the two countries as well as the willingness to further enhance their partnership in all fields.The two sides commended the success of the Supreme Strategic Committee as the highest institutional mechanism of co-operation between Qatar and Turkiye and its contributions to the achievement of exceptional relations between two countries. The two sides look forward to holding the first meeting of political consultations between them at a date to be agreed upon during the year 2026.The committee reviewed the progress in areas of co-operation referred to in the outcome documents of the 10th session and expressed their satisfaction with the level of ongoing co-operation.Both sides expressed their satisfaction with over 100 documents of co-operation signed in the framework of the previous 10 sessions. Here are excerpts from the discussion on many areas:Trade, Finance, Investment and EnergyTaking into account the potential of the two countries' economies and reiterating their goal to reach $5bn trade volume in near future; the two sides agreed to explore new opportunities to expand and diversify trade and economic relations.Culture and EducationThe two sides affirmed their desire to strengthen co-operation and exchange experiences in cultural fields at the bilateral level within the framework of relative international organisations. Qatar and Turkiye agreed to activate cultural, artistic and folkloric activities and events that reflect the rich culture and history of the two countries, and expand the horizon of cultural harmony between the peoples of the two sisterly countries.Media and CommunicationsThe two sides underlined their readiness to further develop cooperation in public diplomacy, media, communications and broadcasting between the two countries on the basis of mutual benefit. Furthermore, they emphasised their desire to exchange information and experience; as well as sharing of best practices. They also called for convening meetings, seminars, workshops, trainings and conferences so as to promote the exchange of visits between officials and experts in the aforementioned areas.Public HealthThe two sides affirmed their readiness to strengthen co-operation in the health sector by activating the executive program and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries through the establishment of a joint working group or committee. They also expressed their satisfaction with the co-operation and solidarity in the field of health and in supporting the Palestinian people in the context of the Gaza crisis.Youth and SportsThe two sides expressed their readiness to co-operate in the fields of youth and sports. The Implementation Programme between the governments of Turkiye and Qatar in the fields of youth and sports for the years (2025-2026), constitutes a concrete legal framework for strengthening cooperation in this field.Labour and EmploymentBoth sides expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and coordination in the areas of work and employment, affirming their mutual keenness to strengthen and develop this co-operation in a manner that serves the shared interests of both parties.DefenceThe two sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral co-operation in the area of defence, and expressed their strong will and determination to explore new opportunities in this field. The two countries agreed on developing future co-operation activities through implementing military programmes and initiatives, including joint exercises, training programmes, co-operation in the fields of armament and logistics support, and the follow-up of the progress and implementation of bilateral agreements.Research and InnovationThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation in the field of science and technology development. Building upon existing frameworks of co-operation established during the 10th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee, the two sides aspire to continue working on developing key technologies together and upgrade their production capabilities with integrated production solutions.SecurityBoth sides expressed their will to increase their co-operation in the field of law enforcement training, security and required fields in accordance with the agreement of "Security Co-operation Protocol in Education and Training” signed on 2 December, 2015, and "Agreement of Security Cooperation” signed on 25 December, 2001. Furthermore, the two countries will jointly organise meetings for the purpose of exchanging knowledge, supporting training programmes and projects.Development, Humanitarian and ReliefThe Turkish side, as the host of the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC4) in 2011, commended all efforts made by Qatar in hosting the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which was held in Doha from March 5-9, 2023, and its financial contribution amounting to $60mn, of which $10mn is allocated to support the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action and $50mn to help build resilience in LDC countries. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to discuss and build effective plans and partnerships that would help the least developed countries overcome the challenges they face, meet their needs and priorities, support its efforts in realizing the right to development, and achieving sustainable development goals over the next decade.Qatar and Turkiye, as co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of the LDCs at the UN, renewed their continuous support to the sustainable development efforts of the LDCs.Environment and Climate ChangeThe two sides recognised the critical importance of addressing environmental challenges and combating climate change, prioritising these issues in their national policies. Both sides expressed their will to enhance their co-operation to preserve the environment and to combat climate change especially on a bilateral basis as well as on international platforms, without affecting the rights and obligations from conventions any side is a party of.Regional and International IssuesThe two sides expressed their satisfaction with the high-level dialogue, co-operation and co-ordination on regional and international issues.The two sides expressed mutual appreciation for each country's active mediation efforts in promoting peace and fostering reconciliation in some of the world's persistent and complex conflicts, as well as their effective leadership in other initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives.Qatar and Turkiye looked forward to the international community playing its role in creating the best possible conditions for the return of displaced persons to their lands and in preparing to launch the reconstruction process of Gaza, particularly in light of Egypt's intention to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.The two sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting the independence of the State of Palestine along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in a manner that ensures a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution.Both sides renewed their strong condemnation of Israel's violation of the sovereignty of Qatar through its treacherous attack that targeted a meeting of the Hamas negotiating delegation at the residence of one of its members, located in a residential neighborhood that includes schools and diplomatic missions.Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Qatar and Turkiye stressed the need to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and called for dialogue as the means to resolve the crisis.Qatar and Turkiye agreed to hold the 12th session of the Supreme Strategic Committee in Turkiye, in 2026, on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.President Erdogan expressed his profound appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the sincere welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Qatar.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), on Wednesday attended the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, currently being held in Bahrain until October 31.Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad al-Khalifah, Representative of the King of Bahrain for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, officially declared the Games open during a grand ceremony held at the Exhibition World Bahrain, in the presence of presidents of Asian National Olympic Committees and senior sports officials from across the continent. Also in attendance were Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman al-Kuwari, Second Vice-President of the QOC, and Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the QOC.The Opening Ceremony was a spectacular show that included various segments and artistic performances blending modernity with the rich heritage of Bahrain. It also featured the parade of participating nations, official speeches by the Organising Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and the raising of the Games’ flag.The 3rd Asian Youth Games features 26 sports, with more than 5,000 athletes from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. The Games also serve as qualifiers for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.The state of Qatar is represented by 67 athletes competing in 16 sports, namely: athletics, badminton, 3x3 basketball, equestrian (show jumping), golf, judo, jiu-jitsu, cycling, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, wrestling, volleyball, beach volleyball, and boxing. Female athletes are participating in four of these sports: athletics, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball.On the other hand, Qatar’s youth volleyball team lost to Chinese Taipei on Wednesday in straight sets (0–3), with set scores of 17–25, 17–25, and 16–25.Qatar’s athletes will begin competition Thursday in 3x3 basketball, athletics, golf, boxing, equestrian, and triathlon.Team Qatar aims to make a strong impression at the Games and compete for medals across several sports. This participation is also part of the nation’s long-term preparation for the Doha 2030 Asian Games.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan co-chaired Wednesday the 11th meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee at the Amiri Diwan. At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Turkish president and his accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay in Qatar and wishing the strategic relations between the two countries continued development and growth across all areas of partnership to achieve the interests of the two fraternal peoples. He pointed out that the 11th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries, stressing his keenness to strengthen and develop relations to broader horizons. **media[372048]** For his part, the president of Turkiye voiced his thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, noting that bilateral relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable development in various fields, and looking forward to strengthening them to achieve the supreme interests of the two fraternal peoples. During the meeting, they discussed strategic cooperation relations and ways to enhance and develop them across several areas, especially in defence, trade, investment, energy, and information technology. **media[372045]** They also discussed key regional and international issues and developments, as well as the current situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly those related to consolidating the ceasefire, supporting peace, and the flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, along with a number of ministers and senior offcials attended the meeting. **media[372534]** On Turkiye's side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, along with a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the president. Earlier, His Highness the Amir and the president of Turkiye held a bilateral meeting, where they exchanged views on a number of topics and issues of common concern. **media[372532]** His Highness the Amir held a luncheon banquet in honour of the president of Turkiye and his accompanying delegation. President Erdogan was accorded an official reception ceremony upon arrival to the Amiri Diwan.

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL) discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and developing mechanisms for coordination and integration between both sides.This came during a meeting hosted by the NHRC at its headquarters in Doha, attended by a delegation from the NCIHL, led by its Vice-Chairman Faisal Mohammed Al Emadi, along with several officials from both entities.The meeting discussed the interrelation between international humanitarian law and human rights approaches, in addition to highlighting the efforts of the NHRC in this field, particularly concerning human rights in armed conflicts and support for vulnerable and marginalised groups.Both sides agreed to sign a joint cooperation agreement following a study of shared priorities and annual projects that could be implemented, contributing to the development of coordination mechanisms.They also agreed to form a joint technical team to draft the agreement, which will result in a clear executive agenda for implementing activities and events related to the protection and promotion of human rights.