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Lusail International Circuit (LIC) geared up for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, with preparations completed ahead of an exhilarating race weekend.On Thursday, F1 enthusiasts experienced the iconic Pit Lane Walk, offering them an immersive view of the teams' garages, pitstops and opportunities to interact with drivers and teams.**media[387103]**Additionally, with inclusivity and community engagement at the heart of LIC, an accessibility friendly pit lane walk in collaboration with Qatar Foundation also took place. This special session welcomed students (accompanied with chaperones and family members) from Warif Academy, Renad Academy, and Awsaj Academy, including children who have diverse abilities and additional learning needs.**media[387105]**Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton made a special appearance where children had the chance to meet him, ask questions and get their autograph. This once in a lifetime opportunity offered the students an enriching and engaging experience, allowing them to connect closely with one of the sport’s most iconic drivers while creating memorable moments that encouraged confidence, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of the world of Formula 1.**media[387106]**The day progressed with the official F1 drivers' press conference, which featured insights from drivers including Oliver Bearman (Haas), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) and Carlos Sainz (Williams Racing).**media[387107]**On Friday, Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying will be held with Sprint Race and Qualifying scheduled for Saturday, and the main Grand Prix on Sunday under the iconic LIC lights. Adding to the excitement, the weekend's post-race concerts at the Lusail Live Stage will feature Seal on Friday, Cheb Khaled on Saturday, and Metallica on Sunday.**media[387104]**For those attending, the circuit gates open from 12pm to 10pm on Friday, with the fan forum being a favorite among attendees. Beginning in the afternoon, it allows fans to interact directly with F1 drivers. The Lusail Live Stage will light up with performances including Seal’s from 9pm, with gates opening at 8:30pm.**media[387101]**Ticket holders are reminded that complimentary Metro passes are available for redemption at the goldclub office at any Doha Metro station or selected Lusail Tram stations. The Doha Metro will operate extended hours from 9am to 1:30am on Friday, with complimentary shuttle services running from Lusail QNB Station to the circuit. For the latest updates and information, download the official LIC App or visit the official website at lcsc.qa.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani Thursday morning attended the conclusion of the "Watan 2025" exercise.The exercise included preliminary desk-based phases, followed by field exercises simulating realistic scenarios for dealing with security challenges and emergencies.The closing ceremony was attended by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani and HE Minister of Interior and Commandor of Internal Security Forces (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani along with a number of Their Excellencies the ministers; senior officials from participating entities; and security leaders.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also inaugurated the Lekhwiya camp - in Zekreet - which is preparing to host the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise in early 2026, with the participation of security agencies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. 

Qatar Museums (QM) has been recognised with several prestigious distinctions at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025 which was co-organised by Qatar Tourism and the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).In total, QM received four awards at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025, recognising excellence across multiple areas of cultural tourism.The Museum of Islamic Art won the Outstanding Cultural Tourism Experience Award; National Museum of Qatar won the Iconic Local Attraction Award; Qatar Museums (Institutional) won the Tourism Innovation Award; and Director of the Museum of Islamic Art ,Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr won the Emerging Leader in Tourism Award.Qatar Museums CEO, Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihicommented: "The recognition we have received at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2025 is a powerful validation of our vision to place culture at the heart of national development. These achievements reinforce Qatar Museums' position as a global centre for art and culture, delivering world-class, authentic and memorable visitor experiences that continue to elevate our nation's cultural standing on the world stage."QC+, QM's strategic group for creative and commercial growth, was also shortlisted in four areas across its F&B and Hospitality portfolio, recognizing its dedication to cultural expression, and guest experience. This year's awards attracted more than 1,160 submissions, which were evaluated by a distinguished international jury from a shortlist of 195 entries.The 2025 edition also introduced an Alumni Network and new sub-categories like "Hotelier of the Year," reinforcing the event's role in driving continuous innovation and supporting Qatar National Vision 2030.

The organizing committee of the Qatar-UAE Super Cup announced Thursday the details of the third edition, which will feature eight teams competing against the top clubs of the season in Qatar and the UAE.The committee has set the dates for the tournament from January 22 to 25, promising fans a packed schedule comprising four competitions, each carrying a special competitive spirit between clubs from both countries.The event will kick off on January 22 with the Super Cup, in which Al Gharafa will face Sharjah at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Doha.The following day, Abu Dhabi will host the Challenge Shield match between Al Wahda and Al Duhail at Al Nahyan Stadium, while Al Sadd will meet Shabab Al Ahli in the third matchup, competing for the Super Shield, at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.The competition concludes on January 25 with the Challenge Cup, which will pit Al Ahli against Al Jazira at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. 

The Qatar Stars League Foundation (QSL) took part in the Annual Meetings and General Assembly of the World Leagues Association, held in Athens, Greece, over three days. Representatives from professional leagues across various continents attended, along with a delegation from FIFA and several international sports figures.CEO, Hani Taleb Ballan and Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development, Dr. Ahmed Khalil Abbasi held a number of meetings and discussions with officials and representatives of participating international leagues. The aim was to exchange experiences and learn about the latest programs related to competitions and football development.In addition, QSL's strategy for developing the league and promoting sustainability and professionalism was presented during a session that discussed the future of Asian championships and cooperation between leagues.The meetings addressed key topics, most notably: the global transfer system, multi-ownership clubs, the tournament calendar, and the development of women's football. An IFAB workshop on the latest video assistant referee (VAR) technology was also held, and several related legal issues were discussed.QSL's regular participation in these meetings reflects its commitment to strengthening relationships with various professional leagues worldwide, exchanging expertise, and staying abreast of the latest developments in football-related matters.

An event on cultural exchange and creativity was held at La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) in Santiago, Chile, with the participation of more than 120 first-grade students, as part of the Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture.This event is jointly organized by the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar National Library (QNL), CCLM, and Trama Cultura Foundation.The event gave students a glimpse into different aspects of Qatari culture through an interactive combination of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration.The book of fables, 'Kalila wa Dimna' played a pivotal role in this event, as it contains a collection of famous tales dating back over a thousand years, recently translated into Spanish, and has been integrated into educational activities in several countries participating in the Years of Culture partnership.The event revived the tales of 'Kalila wa Dimna' through an entertaining performance by a Chilean band, which encouraged children to contemplate the universal human messages that these stories carry.Following the storytelling session, the students participated in an art workshop where they collaborated to paint a mural inspired by the sea that connects the two countries. Through this, the children learned about the concepts of communication and cultural exchange, emphasizing the ability of storytelling to transcend borders between places, languages, and cultures.In this context, QNL's Qatar Reads initiative presented a special art exhibition of Kalila wa Dimna at the Ricardo Guiraldes Library in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The exhibition included twelve original works by the Qatari artist and writer Wadha Al Athba.Commenting on this collaboration, Manager of Qatar Reads initiative Fatema Al Malki highlighted the importance for children to learn that, regardless of how different they may seem, cultures can share the same values, symbols and interests. Throughout the centuries, tales have conveyed lessons about empathy, cooperation and the meaning of humanity, she added.She noted that the inclusion of an influential book like 'Kalila wa Dimna' serves as a reminder that these lessons can resonate in Qatar and around the globe.The style of artworks was inspired by Islamic miniatures, embodying the spirit of humor, wisdom, and cultural depth in the original tales.These artworks appeared in the Spanish version of Kalila wa Dimna, written and illustrated by the artist Wadha Al Athba, and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press.This initiative aims to promote respect between diverse cultures, encourage people to unite, strengthen ties, and promote dialogue. 

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index declined by 6.16 points, or 0.06%, to 10,683 points at the start of trading on Thursday, compared with the previous session's close.Market data showed gains in the Insurance sector by 0.61%, Consumer Goods and Services by 0.41%, Industrials by 0.38%, Real Estate by 0.27%, and Transportation by 0.04%. However, the index was weighed down by losses in Banks and Financial Services by 0.37% and Telecoms by 0.71%.By 10:00 am, QSE reported a turnover of QR 100.171 million from 59.023 million shares traded across 4,114 transactions.

The Qatari national team is aiming to secure its first-ever Arab Cup title as it hosts the 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled from Dec. 1-18, marking Al Annabi's fourth appearance since the competition's launch in 1963.In its three previous appearances, Qatar reached the semi-finals each time. Its most notable achievement came in its second appearance, when it finished runner-up in the seventh edition held on home soil in 1998, delivering outstanding performances throughout the tournament.The Qatari national team made its Arab Cup debut in the fourth edition hosted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from July 3-12, 1985. With the draw placing them in Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the Qatari national team began its campaign with a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, before defeating Jordan 2-0 with goals from Ibrahim Khalfan in the 32nd minute and Mansour Muftah in the 66th. The win secured Qatar a place in the semifinals as group runners-up behind Saudi Arabia.In the semi-finals, Qatar faced Bahrain and lost 1-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Mansour Muftah scoring Qatar's goal in the 40th minute. Qatar then played Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff, losing 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time, finishing the tournament in fourth place.Qatar did not take part in the fifth and sixth editions in 1988 (Jordan) and 1992 (Syria), before returning in the seventh edition hosted in Doha from September 22 to October 1, 1998.The 1998 tournament featured the largest number of participating teams at the time, with 12 national sides competing across matches played at Khalifa International Stadium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.The teams were divided into three groups. Qatar was placed at the top of Group A alongside Jordan and Libya. The hosts opened with a 2-1 win over Libya, courtesy of Adel Khamis and Mubarak Mustafa, before beating Jordan 2-0 through goals by Mustafa and Khamis once again, advancing to the semifinals with a perfect record.Al Annabi then faced the UAE, winners of Group C, and claimed a 2-1 victory with goals from Yasser Nazmi and Mubarak Al Kuwari to reach the final.Despite Qatar's strong performances, the team lost the final 3-1 to Saudi Arabia. Obeid Al Dosari scored all three goals for Saudi Arabia, while Mubarak Mustafa scored Qatar's lone goal and later received the tournament's Best Player award, shared with Kuwait's Bader Hajji.The Qatari national team had achieved remarkable results at that time, reaching the final stages of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifications and having previously won its first Gulf Cup title in 1992. They also reached the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Olympics that same year. The squad included standout names such as Mubarak Mustafa, Adel Khamis, Yousef Adam, Abdulaziz Hassan, goalkeeper Ahmed Khalil, Abdulaziz Al Obaidly, Yasser Nazmi, Fahad Al Kuwari and others.Former national team star Adel Khamis, who played in the 1998 tournament, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar delivered strong performances throughout that edition, topping its group before advancing to the final with a squad that blended experienced players with emerging talents.He emphasized that the Qatari team entered the competition with a strong desire to win the title, given their status as hosts, backed by significant fan support that helped drive the team through the group stage and into the final.Khamis pointed out that the seventh edition of the Arab Cup witnessed a significant technical surge with the participation of all teams fielding their top players, which was reflected in the overall level of play. The competition was particularly fierce among the Gulf teams, whose strong presence was notable, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia reaching the final.The seventh Arab Cup, he added, introduced many promising players and served as a launching pad for some, especially given the large crowds that played a major role in creating a competitive atmosphere. For his part, former Qatari national team player and current coach Yousef Adam stated that the 1998 Arab Cup, remains one of the most important participations for Qatari football, as Qatar hosted the tournament for the first time in its history, with the participation of elite Arab teams.He explained that Qatar was not initially considered a title contender, following a period of rebuilding with the introduction of new players. However, the team delivered strong results, topping Group A with wins over Jordan and Libya, then defeating the UAE in the semifinals to reach the final.Adam noted that Qatar lost 3-1 in the final to the Saudi national team that included several players who had competed in the 1998 World Cup in France. He explained that it was a tough match, decided by a few small details, and that Qatar came very close to securing its first Arab Cup title, making the experience an important milestone in the team's history.Qatar's third Arab Cup appearance came during the exceptional tenth edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which marked a major step forward for the competition after it received official recognition from FIFA.The tournament served as a key operational test for the stadiums that later hosted the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Arab Cup achieved resounding success, contributing to FIFA's decision to continue hosting the next three editions under its auspices.The tournament featured a record-breaking 23 teams, with nine qualifying directly and 14 progressing through the preliminary rounds, bringing the total to 16 teams in the finals.The Qatari national team topped Group A, which included Iraq, Oman, and Bahrain. They began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain, courtesy of a goal from Abdulaziz Hatem. They then defeated Oman 2-1, with goals from Akram Afif and an own goal by Omani defender Fahmi Said. Qatar followed this with a 3-0 win against Iraq, with Akram Afif scoring twice and Hassan Al Haydos adding another.In the quarterfinals, Qatar beat the UAE 5-0, with goals from Abdulaziz Hatem, Almoez Ali (two goals), Boualem Khoukhi, and an own goal by UAE defender Ali Salmeen.Qatar narrowly missed out on the final after a 2-1 extra-time loss to Algeria, who went on to win the title by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.Al Annabi secured third place by beating Egypt 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in regular and extra time.Former Qatar star Abdulaziz Hassan told QNA that Qatar delivered strong performances in the 2021 Arab Cup, entering the tournament as a top contender after winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and benefiting from major home support as host nation. He added that the tournament served as a key step in preparing the team for the 2022 World Cup.He added that the team delivered outstanding performances in the group stage, winning all three matches against Oman, Iraq, and Bahrain and topping the group with a perfect record. The team then advanced through the knockout rounds, beating the UAE and battling strongly against Algeria in the semifinal before securing third place.Across the three Arab Cup editions in which Qatar has competed (1985, 1998, and 2021), the national team played 14 matches, winning eight, drawing three, and losing three, scoring 22 goals and conceding 10. 

The upcoming 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to be held in Qatar from December 1st to 18th, will mark a historic transformation for the tournament since its 10th edition in Doha in 2021.Despite the noble vision behind the tournament's inception over six decades ago, strenuous efforts have been made to ensure its continued existence as a consistent football competition capable of withstanding challenges. The previous 10th edition proved pivotal, propelling the tournament to new heights after gaining official recognition from FIFA, thus becoming a FIFA-sanctioned event for the first time.FIFA's recognition of the Arab Cup transformed it from a mere regional tournament seeking a place on the calendar into a global competition garnering widespread attention and a tangible impact on the football landscape, propelling it into the mainstream after it had moved beyond the margins of the international schedule.FIFA saw the 2021 Arab Cup as an ideal opportunity to test the operational capabilities of Qatar's stadiums and infrastructure ahead of the global event of the 2022 World Cup. The resounding success of the first two editions of the tournament contributed to this transformation, leading to the inclusion of the Arab Cup in FIFA's calendar for three more editions: 2025, 2029, and 2033. This inclusion is contingent upon all three tournaments being held in Qatar to ensure a replication of the success achieved in the inaugural edition following its recognition.The foundations upon which the resounding success of the 10th edition was built were the solid groundwork laid for maintaining the international umbrella, with ideal infrastructure, iconic stadiums, and excellent accommodation and transportation options. This provided an ideal environment for both players and fans, resulting in record-breaking attendance figures. It seemed as though the Arab Cup had launched a new global spectacle right here in Doha.For the first time in its history, the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, after the organizing committee selected six venues that would later host matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The tournament also witnessed the inauguration of two World Cup stadiums: Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain, and Stadium 974, the first fully demountable stadium in World Cup history.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Former Assistant Secretary General of the Qatar Football Association and former Qatari national team manager Majed Al Khelaifi, said that the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021 witnessed unprecedented success in terms of both fan attendance and technical quality. Consequently, fans are eagerly anticipating the next edition, which is expected to be even more prestigious in terms of both attendance and technical level. This is because the tournament serves as a preparatory event for some of the teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals. Furthermore, the increased prize money will significantly enhance the competition among the participating teams.The previous edition of the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, which greatly boosted fan attendance and positively impacted the overall quality of play. The diverse fan activities also contributed to record attendance, and this number is expected to rise further given the high demand for match tickets for the upcoming edition, he added.Current sports analyst on Qatar's Al-Kass channels Al Khelaifi, said that hosting the Arab Cup before the 2022 World Cup has positively impacted the tournament, elevating it from a regional to a global event. Most importantly, the tournament's schedule has been confirmed for three more editions under FIFA's auspices, ensuring continuity and contributing to the development of Arab football. For his part, journalist Khaled Jassim, in an exclusive interview with QNA, described the Arab Cup as a gathering of Arab nations, exemplified by the strong fan support in Doha. He noted that the resounding success of the previous edition has become a lasting legacy, prompting Qatar, in cooperation with FIFA, to secure the tournament's dates for three more editions.He further said that holding the tournament in World Cup stadiums gives it significant momentum and greatly contributes to increasing the number of fans, who also gather in various fan zones such as Souq Waqif, the Old Port, Lusail, Sealine, and other well-known locations in Doha.He pointed out that the Arab Cup is an opportunity to discover Arab talents, and the upcoming edition is expected to witness fierce competition, regardless of whether the participating teams field their first or second-string squads.It also presents an opportunity for some Arab teams that have qualified for the World Cup finals to prepare optimally for the global tournament, he added.The previous tournament saw a record number of participating teams, with 16 teams appearing in the finals, in addition to those that participated in the qualifiers - a first for the tournament.The tournament was characterized by an exceptional level of play, with intense competition at all stages, from the group stage through the knockout rounds to the final match, which saw Algeria claim the title by defeating Tunisia. The host nation, Qatar, secured third place after overcoming Egypt.The tournament set attendance records, with 571,605 fans attending matches, according to official FIFA statistics, averaging 18,000 fans per match. A total of 631,742 tickets were sold, and attendance at many matches exceeded 80% of stadium capacity.The tournament also set a record for the highest single-match attendance, with 63,439 fans attending the quarter-final match between Qatar and the UAE at Al-Bayt Stadium.A total of 272 million viewers worldwide watched the matches, with hundreds of millions of fans from the region and beyond following the tournament.The highest viewership was recorded for the group stage match between Algeria and Egypt, and the quarter-final match between Morocco and Algeria. 2.5 million fans used Qatar's advanced public transportation system during the tournament. The stadiums were easily accessible via the Doha Metro, and bus services were available between the metro stations and the stadiums.Despite the tournament's significant development and its status as a FIFA-sanctioned international competition, it retained its Arab identity as a sporting and cultural event that unites Arab nations under one banner, contributes to strengthening Arab unity through sports, and presents a positive image of the Arab region and its progress on the world stage.The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will further solidify Qatar's leading role and Doha's position as a global sporting capital, especially as it has just hosted another major international event: the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five editions awarded to Qatar by FIFA.

The First Vice President of the Republic of Costa Rica and Minister of Health Dr. Mary Munive Angermuller met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Costa Rica Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Dosari.During the meeting, they reviewed relations of cooperation between the two countries. 

The State of Qatar has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the shooting incident that occurred near the White House in the United States of America, which resulted in the injury of two National Guard members, affirming its full solidarity with the United States, its government and people.In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar's firm stance rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and reasons.The Ministry also conveyed Qatar's wishes for a swift recovery for the injured. 

The Department of Meteorology has warned of poor horizontal visibility at most places at first in inshore areas.According to the Department's daily weather report, inshore conditions until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be misty to foggy at places at first, moderate in temperature daytime with some clouds, and relatively cold by night.Offshore, the weather will see some clouds at times.Inshore winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 05-15 KT. Offshore, winds will be northwesterly at 08 to 18 KT.Sea state inshore will range from 1-4 FT, while offshore it will range from 2-5 FT.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4-9 km/2 km or less at places at first. Offshore, the visibility is expected to range between 5-10 km.Area High TideLow TideMinMax------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha08:59 - 19:4200:01 - **:**2128Mesaieed10:34 - **:**00:26 - **:**1327Wakrah09:57 - 21:2218:40 - **:**1827Al Khor20:22 - 08:5017:03 - 02:501628Ruwais08:50 - 22:2302:50 - 16:112327Dukhan02:27 - 14:2608:19 - 20:571525Abu Samra14:09 - 06:0010:48 - 09:501327Sunrise: 05:59 LTSunset: 16:43 LT------------------