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The quarterfinal stage of the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 delivered a thrilling blend of technical brilliance and fierce competition, but its most striking achievement was off the pitch: the four matches pushed total tournament attendance past the one-million mark, a historic milestone that underscores the tournament's growing global stature.The matches, which concluded Friday, were tightly contested, with razor-thin margins deciding the semifinalists.The level of parity among teams echoed the intensity of the group stage, reinforcing this edition's reputation as one of the most competitive in the tournament's history, rivaling even continental events in Asia and Africa. The atmosphere evoked memories of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with similar energy and spectacle.Morocco became the first team to book a semifinal spot after edging past a resilient Syria 1-0.The underdog Syrians, who had stunned hosts Qatar and Tunisia in the group stage, held firm for 80 minutes before Walid Azaro's late strike sealed Morocco's progression.The North Africans now face UAE, who ousted defending champions Algeria in a dramatic penalty shootout (7-6) after a 1-1 draw.The match was a tactical rollercoaster, culminating in a nerve-wracking finale that saw Cosmin Olăroiu's men prevail, ending the title defense of Yacine Brahimi's side.On the other side of the bracket, Jordan continued their impressive run with a narrow 1-0 win over Iraq. After dominating the first half, the Jordanians withstood a second-half onslaught, with goalkeeper Yazid Abu Layla emerging as the standout performer.Their semifinal opponent will be Saudi Arabia, who ended Palestine's fairytale journey in extra time.The Palestinians, who had shocked Qatar and Tunisia to reach the last eight, fought back from a goal down to force extra time. However, a late header from veteran midfielder Mohamed Kanno sealed a 2-1 win for the Saudis, sending Palestine out with heads held high.The quarterfinals not only delivered drama on the field but also elevated the tournament's profile, with cumulative attendance surpassing one million, a testament to the event's magnetic appeal and Qatar's world-class hosting. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 continues to redefine regional football prestige, breaking new ground with a historic surge in fan attendance.Following the quarterfinals, total turnout soared to 1,022,592 spectators, a milestone that elevates the tournament into the ranks of the world's most followed competitions.As only the second edition held under FIFA's umbrella, the event reflects a remarkable leap from regional to global relevance, echoing the transformative success of its 2021 predecessor in Doha.The six World Cup-standard stadiums hosting the matches have become vibrant arenas of celebration, with fans from across the Arab world turning each fixture into a festival of color and culture.Beyond the pitch, Qatar's fan zones and cultural hubs, from Katara and Msheireb to Souq Waqif, Lusail, and The Pearl, have offered immersive experiences blending entertainment and heritage.The group stage alone drew a record-breaking 812,318 fans across 24 matches, far surpassing the 571,605 total from the 2021 edition.That previous benchmark was already eclipsed by Match 18, when attendance hit 598,290. The quarterfinals added another 210,274 fans, and when factoring in the seven preliminary matches (44,625 attendees), the cumulative total reached an impressive 1,067,217.The most attended single match was the Morocco vs. Saudi Arabia group-stage clash, drawing 78,131 fans, a new all-time high, eclipsing the 2021 record of 63,439 set during Qatar vs. UAE. The Saudi-Palestine quarterfinal also came close, with 77,197 spectators packing Lusail Stadium.Group A, led by host nation Qatar, recorded the highest group-stage attendance with 263,178 fans. Group B followed with 189,568, Group C with 198,638, and Group D with 160,934.From a sporting perspective, 28 matches have been played so far, producing 20 wins and 8 draws (3 goalless). A total of 68 goals have been scored, averaging 2.43 per match. Twelve penalties were awarded, nine converted. The tournament has seen 72 yellow cards and 10 reds, a testament to the intensity of competition.Jordan's Ali Alwan leads the scoring chart with 4 goals, followed by Algeria's Adel Boulbina and Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Kanno with 3 each. A host of players have netted twice, including Bruno Oliveira (UAE), Ridouane Barkane (Algeria), Omar Kharbin (Syria), Karim El Berkaoui (Morocco), Issam Al-Sabhi (Oman), Fahad Al-Hajri (Kuwait), Yahya Al-Ghassani (UAE), Mohanad Ali (Iraq), Mahdi Abduljabbar (Bahrain), and Firas Al-Buraikan (Saudi Arabia).In assists, Saudi star Salem Al-Dawsari tops the list with six, ahead of Ridouane Barkane (Algeria) and Ali Madan (Bahrain), each with three.These numbers not only reflect a tournament of high caliber but also signal a broader shift, positioning the Arab Cup as a rising force in the global football calendar. 

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation “Kahramaa”, in collaboration with the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM), has announced the implementation of the GCC technical regulation for water conservation devices in Qatar. The corporation confirmed that compliance will be mandatory for all products covered by the regulation starting from February 24, 2026, ensuring alignment with national sustainability goals and enhancing water efficiency in Qatar under the unified GCC framework.The regulation encompasses a wide range of devices and products, including showerheads, shower faucets and mixers, public and private restrooms faucets and mixers, ablution area faucets and mixers, kitchen faucets and mixers, bidet faucets and mixers, flow regulators attached to sanitary fixtures, squat toilet flushing tanks, and single-flush or dual-flush toilets. All these products must meet stringent technical requirements to ensure water efficiency and compliance with GCC standards.The regulation also mandates the placement of the GCC Green Label on every covered product. This label provides essential information such as water consumption rate (in liters per minute or per flush), the GCC conformity mark with a traceability code (GCTS) for electronic verification of product registration data, and a star rating (4 or 5 stars) indicating the level of water efficiency. This system aims to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and select the most efficient products, thereby reducing water wastage and supporting sustainability objectives.Kahramaa urges all suppliers to prepare early and complete conformity procedures in accordance with international standards under Article 20 of the regulation. Manufacturers are required to implement conformity assessment procedures based on ISO/IEC 17067 through an accredited third party chosen by the manufacturer to issue the conformity certificate and green label after reviewing technical documentation and testing representative samples. This process must be repeated every three years. The regulation specifies that the responsibility for conformity lies with the manufacturer, not the importer, while linking importer data at the national level across GCC countries.Through its national program for conservation and energy efficiency “Tarsheed”, Kahramaa continues to conduct awareness campaigns targeting suppliers about technical requirements and necessary documentation, including the use of the green label and GCTS code at points of sale. A comprehensive workshop will be held on December 16, 2025, bringing together suppliers and all relevant stakeholders to explain implementation mechanisms and address technical inquiries. Kahramaa and QGOSM call on all suppliers and stakeholders to ensure early preparation and full compliance with the regulation, verify product readiness and technical files, and complete conformity procedures to obtain the green label before market launch.This initiative is part of “Tarsheed” program launched by Kahramaa in 2012, which has achieved significant milestones in improving electricity and water efficiency and promoting a culture of sustainability. The corporation continues its efforts, in collaboration with regulatory bodies and market partners, to raise awareness on electricity and water conservation, update information on water-related devices, and streamline GCC conformity procedures, ensuring product quality and preserving national resources for future generations.

Qatar Chamber and QNB Group recently signed a sponsorship agreement for the Commercial and Industrial Directory 2025, under which QNB will support the directory as ‘Strategic Partner’.The partnership is part of the bank’s firm commitment to supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector and economic diversification to achieve sustainable growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.It also reflects the successful partnership between both organisations to drive digitalisation and enhance transparency and efficiency in the markets, in accordance with best practices.The directory aims to support Qatar’s business community by enhancing communication between business owners and companies operating across various commercial and industrial sectors. It provides comprehensive contact information and includes updated data for companies registered with Qatar Chamber.The publication is expected to be released next month in both Arabic and English. It will be made available to the local and international business community through a printed edition, as well as the directory’s website.Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri thanked QNB for supporting the directory, noting that this reflects the bank’s vital role in promoting economic development and supporting the private sector.He said the co-operation highlights the commitment of both sides to improving the business environment and providing updated tools and reliable information that help identify investment opportunities and enable companies to reach new partners locally and internationally.Al-Mansouri added that the directory serves as an important reference for companies and investors, showcasing Qatar’s diverse economic sectors. He stressed that QNB’s support demonstrates its strong commitment to fostering investment, enhancing transparency, and facilitating access to information.The directory is one of the chamber’s most important publications supporting the private sector, as it provides updated data on the commercial and industrial companies registered with the Chamber, offering a comprehensive reference for all business owners and investors.QNB Group stands among the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa region and is recognised as one of the most valuable banking brands in the market. The group operates in 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, offering tailored products and services powered by innovation. Supported by a dedicated team of over 31,000 professionals, QNB Group continues to drive banking excellence worldwide. 

Romania’s ambassador to Qatar Daniel Tanase has said that Qatar National Day (QND) is an occasion of profound national pride, unity, and reflection, honouring the country's history and culture, while looking toward the future.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy said that the National Day represents a moment of patriotic gratitude, marking Qatar's remarkable journey toward prosperity and global influence.He noted that the occasion celebrates national unity, visionary leadership, and the values of loyalty, solidarity, and resilience that define the Qatari identity.It also serves, Tanase added, as a reminder of the sacrifices of past generations and the vision that continues to guide the nation's development.He praised Qatar's diplomatic and political approach, describing it as highly effective at both regional and international levels, driven by a firm commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, adding that the State has positioned itself as a genuine bridge-builder by maintaining direct and open channels of communication with a wide range of parties.On Qatar-Romania relations, Tanase stressed that bilateral ties have witnessed strong momentum in recent years, supported by regular consultations, a well-developed legal framework in many areas of mutual interest, and a strong will to further develop and enhance the bilateral cooperation in sectors like economy, education and culture, health, agriculture, energy, transport, infrastructure, tourism, sports and many more.He noted that the two countries are marking 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. 

The Qatar National Day (QND) is an important occasion that highlights the country's history and development since its founding, and a time for both citizens and residents to reflect on Qatar's progress and achievements, as well as its ongoing efforts to meet the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030), Australia’s ambassador to Qatar Shane Flanagan told the Qatar News Agency (QNA).The day brings people together in recognition of the country's growth, stability, and contributions to the wider region, the envoy underlined, noting that Australia continues to stand with Qatar and supports its efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.Flanagan further added that Qatar plays an influential role on the international stage, and that its commitment to dialogue and mediation has contributed to progress in a number of regional and global challenges.He noted the efforts Qatar is undertaking to help mediate the Israel-Hamas conflict, which demonstrates its continued commitment to promoting peace and achieving humanitarian outcomes.The development of Qatar, guided by QNV2030, reflects careful planning and investment aimed at building a diversified and sustainable economy.Regarding the Qatar-Australia relationship, Flanagan elaborated that the two countries continue to build a strong and forward-looking partnership, with co-operation spanning areas such as food security, industry, renewable energy, and education.He cited the recently concluded partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and Barzan University College will allow Qatari students to obtain Australian qualifications in fields such as cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence (AI), and engineering.These programmes, the envoy said, support Qatar's focus on developing skills needed for the future and align closely with QNV2030 objectives.  

France’s ambassador to Qatar Arnaud Pescheux has stressed that Qatar National Day (QND) is a meaningful occasion to celebrate the nation’s identity and the spirit of unity that brings its people together.In his statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy pointed out that Qatar has become a key player for dialogue and mediation, noting that Doha is now a world capital of international diplomacy due its active foreign policy and peace initiatives.Pescheux also noted that Qatar has spared no effort in many different crises such as Ukraine, Afghanistan or Sudan and foremost Gaza.France and Qatar are both strongly committed to peace, he added, describing both countries as balancing powers that are committed to respecting international law and upholding the international order in every crisis.He also noted that Qatar is witnessing a wide-ranging renaissance across various sectors."I am impressed by its ability to translate ambition into concrete progress, guided by the long-term strategy of the Qatar National Vision 2030," the envoy stated.On the trajectory of the bilateral relations, he said that ties between France and Qatar are historically-rooted in all areas, including diplomacy, economy, defense and security, culture, and sport.The strategic partnership between the two countries has grown considerably in recent years, Pescheux added, especially after His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit in February 2024."Qatar is home for more than 6000 French citizens and I know they share a deep sense of belonging," he said, emphasising that relations between the two peoples are based on mutual respect and joint co-operation."Three words could encapsulate the French-Qatari ties: strategic partnership, trust, and friendship,” the envoy said. “You can count on me to strengthen our ties even further in the near future."  

Central Municipal Council (CMC) chairman Mohammed bin Ali al-Athba has affirmed that Qatar National Day (QND) represents one of the enduring milestones in the history of Qatar, as it embodies the values of loyalty, belonging, and adherence to the principles established by founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, which continues its steady journey under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, and His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Athba said that the National Day celebration carries profound connotations and renews feelings of pride and honor in the nation and its leadership.He pointed out that the role of society in the development process is not less important than the role of official institutions, highlighting the importance of continuing collective work to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 and build a strong and sustainable economy and a prosperous society.The CMC chairman added that National Day contributes to consolidating the values of loyalty, belonging, and love of the homeland, embodies the people's support for their wise leadership, and strengthens the spirit of national unity, in line with this year's National Day slogan, “With You It Rises, From You It Awaits”.He cited the CMC's key achievements in several areas this year, including strengthening co-ordination with government agencies to develop infrastructure projects and municipal services, adopting initiatives to improve institutional performance and apply quality and excellence standards, hosting officials of service agencies to discuss municipal and agricultural issues and make appropriate recommendations, and launching programmes that facilitate communication with citizens and receive their feedback.He noted that digitisation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have become essential elements in the development of municipal services, with the CMC's efforts including recommendations to develop electronic systems and databases and activate smart systems to improve the quality of services and facilitate citizens' access to them.Regarding future projects, al-Athba said that the CMC is working on expanding digital services and enhancing citizens' access to them, in addition to introducing AI and data analytics technologies to proactively monitor community needs and improve the decision-making process.The CMC, he continued, is also working to support sustainable urban transport plans, develop internal roads and main entrances and exits, enhance communication channels with citizens through modern interactive platforms, implement awareness campaigns to preserve the environment and public facilities, expand environmental initiatives such as the creation of smart gardens and sustainable irrigation systems, and enhance co-operation with the private sector in infrastructure projects and digital services.  

The Qatar National Day 2025 celebrations at Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area continue to attract a large turnout, with families making up the most prominent presence. Held under the slogan “With you we rise, and from you we anticipate” and organised by the Ministry of Culture until December 20, the event features heritage and entertainment shows, competitions, and arts, among other cultural activations.**media[392623]**The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is taking part with a specially designed pavilion shaped as a comprehensive “security village.” It showcases the Ministry’s modern security ecosystem and its broad community engagement, with the participation of around 15 specialised departments and units.**media[392621]**The pavilion offers a unique blend of security education, direct public services, and innovative interactive activities tailoured for all age groups. MoI aims to strengthen community partnership, foster direct communication with the public, highlight its vital role in maintaining national security and stability, and introduce younger generations to Qatar’s heritage and values that underpin security and community work.The General Directorate of Civil Defence presents live demonstrations and simulations of firefighting and rescue operations, along with essential educational materials on public safety and fire prevention.**media[392624]**Qatar Archives is also participating this year with a distinctive pavilion at Darb Al Saai aimed at introducing the public to its mission. Mohammed Hassan al-Shahrani, head of the Private Archives Department, said that this year’s participation features a renewed approach, with the pavilion designed to align with the identity of the State of Qatar’s emblem and highlight its historical evolution in a simple, audience-friendly way.The “Al Bidaa” activity at Darb Al Saai 2025 presents an advanced model of maritime heritage showcasing, through a specially designed space that reintroduces Qatar’s maritime professions with a modern vision rooted in live documentation and interactive experiences.**media[392626]**Nayef Malallah Al-Muhannadi, head of Al-Maha Folk Arts Group, said their participation adds significant value to the maritime arts segment. This is the first year the group participates with a large number of Qatari nahham performers (maritime chanters), giving the performance a distinct presence.**media[392622]**The Maritime Museum at Darb Al Saai is one of the most popular stops, offering an immersive experience that showcases Qatar’s maritime history and its role in shaping national identity. The museum includes original heritage items such as diving and pearling tools, old navigation maps and routes, and models of traditional vessels used by ancestors. It documents maritime professions and their evolution across eras.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Observation Programme is underway in Qatar, bringing together 55 representatives from football associations from across the world for five days of knowledge sharing and hands-on experience. The initiative is organised by the tournament Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Qatar Football Association, as part of ongoing efforts to share key learnings and insights from Qatar’s extensive experience in hosting mega-sporting events.Participants in the programme will gain first-hand learnings from LOC operational teams across multiple functional areas, ranging from ticketing to medical, security and marketing rights delivery. This will include visits to key tournament sites, including stadiums, training sites, the Main Media Centre and accreditation centre.**media[392267]**"We created this programme because federations worldwide have been eager to learn from Qatar's success in hosting world-class events. Our achievements in sports and entertainment have made us a global reference point, and we're proud of that. Qatar consistently pushes boundaries to deliver exceptional experiences for fans and athletes alike. Sharing our expertise with industry partners is central to our commitment to building a legacy that extends far beyond any single event, creating sustainable impact across sectors,” said Jassim al-Jassim, CEO, LOC.Since hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which was regarded as the best edition of the tournament in its history, Qatar has hosted a number of major sporting events including the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.**media[392268]**Most recently, Qatar hosted the first 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, introducing a unique centralised hosting format that saw 104 matches played at a single venue. In addition, Qatar is hosting the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 during the rest days of the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, showcasing the country’s exceptional organisational capabilities and the international football community's trust in its ability to deliver world-class football tournaments.Taking part in the programme is Natasha al-Naber, Competitions Officer, West Asian Football Federation: “It’s great to be in Qatar and be part of this knowledge-sharing opportunity. Qatar has successfully hosted a number of tournaments, especially the World Cup in 2022, which is one of the most impressive editions to date. By working with the organising committee in Qatar, we are able to better understand the various operational aspects involved in tournaments and how multiple stakeholders work together to deliver the event. This is valuable knowledge that I will be taking back to our federation to help us host competitions in the future.” **media[392270]**For Norman Gwangwadza, Head of Finance and Administration, Zimbabwe Football Association, Qatar’s capabilities in hosting multiple sporting events at the same time have made it a leading global sports destination: “Qatar has proven to be excellent hosts yet again, with the delivery of the U-17 World Cup and the Arab Cup. Through this programme, I have learned that planning is key for delivering major tournaments, especially in areas of procurement, transportation and resource management. I hope I will be able to apply all these lessons learned during the programme in organising future tournaments.”Edna Nisola, Media and Marketing Committee Member, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, says the programme has provided her with a fresh perspective on strategies to enhancing fan experiences: “It is an exciting time to be in Qatar. We are in the middle of a busy football season in the country. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about what goes on behind the scenes when delivering a mega-sporting event. I am keen on learning more about enhancing fan experiences through the LOC’s comprehensive marketing and event strategies that have been successful for every tournament.”In the past few weeks, the LOC also welcomed members from the FIFA World Cup Saudi Arabia 2034 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 for a similar programme, where tournament organisers were able to learn from the tremendous success achieved by Qatar in hosting the first ever FIFA World Cup in the Arab world and the Middle East.For all tournament updates, follow @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms.

His Excellency Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie participated on Thursday in the high-level segment of the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). The session will be held during the period of Dec. 11-12 at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme 'Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,' with a wide participation from representatives of countries and international organizations.HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change delivered the State of Qatar's statement before the Assembly, during which he discussed several draft resolutions related to climate change, pollution reduction, waste management, biodiversity protection and the sustainability of natural resources. The medium-term plan of UNEP was adopted.The State of Qatar's participation in UNEA-7 comes within the framework of its keenness to enhance international cooperation in confronting escalating environmental challenges, and to support UN efforts aimed at protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development, as well as to strengthen its effective commitment to multilateral action on global environmental issues.Ministry of Environment and Climate Change indicated that the outcomes of this session should contribute to guiding the course of international environmental action in the coming years, by supporting international partnerships and boosting joint efforts to achieve sustainability and protect ecosystems. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to the King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco over the victims of the collapse of two residential buildings in the city of Fez, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The State of Qatar participated in the 47th meeting of the Supreme Council of Islamic Financial Services Board, which was held in Marrakesh, Morocco, reports QNA. Qatar was represented at the meeting by Deputy Governor of the Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan al-Thani. The meeting discussed a number of topics on the agenda and made appropriate decisions regarding them.