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Sunday, February 01, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Arab Cup" (78 articles)

Jassim al-Jassim at Mutual Dialogue Summit session Tuesday.
Qatar

Hosting major sports events in Qatar has enable young Qataris to realise their full potentials

Qatar plans to host more high-profile sports and football tournaments over the next five years, building on the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the FIFA Arab Cup, the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup, and other major events, according to Jassim al-Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee for Football Events.Al-Jassim was speaking at the third edition of the Mutual Dialogue Summit during a session titled “From Hosting to Legacy: How Gulf Sports Shape a Youth-Led Future,” moderated by Asrar al-Ansari, director of the Youth Department at the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Kuwait).He said the experience gained from hosting global tournaments, coupled with Qatar’s advanced infrastructure, has positioned the country to stage major international sporting events. He noted that many young Qataris discovered and developed their capabilities through hands-on involvement in these tournaments, enabling them to assume senior organisational and management roles without external supervision.Al-Jassim stressed that Qatari professionals have earned FIFA's full confidence to organise events independently, without direct intervention. He added that Hamad International Airport, security agencies, administrative bodies, and other state institutions are now fully equipped to manage large-scale international events, supported by effective contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges.He also highlighted Qatar’s growing reputation as a family-friendly, safe, and welcoming destination for women, noting that the country's sporting events consistently record high ticket sales.While embracing modern technologies and global best practices, al-Jassim said Qatar has remained committed to showcasing its heritage and traditions. He cited Al Bayt Stadium’s architecture and the Gulf bisht presented to Lionel Messi at the 2022 World Cup final as examples of this cultural emphasis.He further noted that Souq Waqif has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for visitors during international tournaments. This outcome was not deliberately planned, but one that reflects the enduring appeal of authentic Gulf heritage. Respect for national traditions, customs, and laws, he said, has remained central to all event-planning efforts.Among the most significant outcomes of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, al-Jassim added, was the importance of investing in local youth by training and engaging them in planning and organisational processes. This approach has paid off, with many trainees now holding senior management and supervisory positions and performing their roles with high efficiency.The third edition of the Mutual Dialogue Summit concluded on Monday. Organised by the QatarDebate Centre, the two-day event was held at Msheireb Museums in Doha and brought together more than 100 young men and women from GCC countries. It was held in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, in co-operation with Msheireb Museums as the cultural partner. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

QRCS pays tributes to volunteers of FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025

His Excellency the President of the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Yousef bin Ali al-Khater, has praised the efforts of volunteers who participated in the organisational measures of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 matches, as well as their dedicated efforts and sincerity toward achieving successes and accomplishments. This came during a QRCS-organised ceremony in honour of a contingent of volunteers and partners, in recognition of their pivotal role in ensuring a successful Arab tournament, following the colossal efforts they undertook in both organisational and field aspects, which contributed to the seamless progress of matches and side events.**media[405760]**Attending the ceremony was Maj Ghanem Mohammed al-Hudaifi, Assistant Commander of the Operations Unit of the Safety & Security Operations Committee (SSOC), who exchanged honours and shields with HE al-Khater in appreciation of the productive collaboration between the two sides. Al-Khater, for his part, expressed hope that this honoured image of volunteerism at QRCS would continue to expand regionally and globally, culminating in a tremendous model and school for preparing volunteers to operate in community and humanitarian fields. He applauded the efforts undertaken by partners from the Ministry of Interior and the security committee for their massive confidence, alongside the concerned officials in the General Secretariat and the Executive Apparatus. Al-Khater further extended his gratitude to the Volunteering Department, noting that the path to achievement was hard and streamlined by ongoing collaboration and intensive communication, emphasising that success genuinely matched the effort. The ceremony showcased a primer that highlighted the role of volunteers in maintaining security and safety on the pitch, exactly according to the training provided under the supervision of the security committee.**media[405762]**This included various functions, such as organising spectators, following security instructions, initial intervention in contingency cases, as well as contributing to the preservation of sanitation and order. During the ceremony, the child Osama Khaled Abu Armilah performed a volunteering anthem, followed by the launch of the “Fursan Volunteering” project, which was announced by Assistant Secretary‑General for Volunteering and Local Development, Hussein Aman al-Ali, alongside Head of the Volunteering Department at QRCS, Sharifa Nasser al-Ruwahi. Al-Ali highlighted that this project is a consequential step to broaden the volunteerism horizons and attract children and students as vital volunteers, noting that Osama was the first volunteer within this initiative. Al-Khater, accompanied by al-Ali, honoured partners and supporters from the Special Security Services Organisation Unit, alongside the leaders of the volunteer teams, the logistics team, and a variety of distinguished volunteers who performed exceptional tasks, as well as the administrative team that oversaw the performance and work of the volunteers. The participation of QRCS in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 underscores the significance of volunteerism in supporting sporting events and key national platforms, promoting a culture of giving and community engagement, while also providing young people with the opportunity to internalise experience and hone skills in the organisation and management of sporting events. The volunteers were co-opted through multiple stages, beginning with the reception of volunteering applications, their screening, and oral examinations, followed by the training and qualification phase, which is still ongoing, culminating in the final list of leaders, supervisors, and field teams, which included 3,700 volunteers, ahead of this key Arab sporting event.An accredited training team from the Special Security Services Organisation Unit supervised the delivery of specialised training programmes, covering essential knowledge and skills related to crowd management, security and safety guidance, enhancing alertness, security awareness, rapid decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork, among other topics.Volunteers receive both theoretical and practical training to ensure effective handling of all aspects of organisation, security, and safety on the pitch and in the spectator areas. 

Soccer Football - CAF Africa Cup of Nations - Morocco 2025 - Semi Final - Nigeria v Morocco - Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco - January 14, 2026
Morocco players celebrate after winning the match in the penalty shootout. REUTERS
Sport

Morocco and Senegal prepare for final showdown but Salah's AFCON dream fades

Hosts Morocco and Senegal will fight it out in a heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations final this weekend after tense last-four victories on Wednesday, but Mohamed Salah is left wondering if his dream of winning the title will forever remain unfulfilled.The tournament has delivered a final showdown for the trophy between Africa's two modern footballing powerhouses, the continent's best sides according to the FIFA rankings. For Morocco, winners on penalties against Nigeria following a 0-0 draw in their semi-final in Rabat, their run to this stage feels like a natural progression after Walid Regragui's side became the first African and Arab team to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.They have not lost since a shock exit from the 2024 AFCON to South Africa in the last 16 and are currently 11th in the world rankings, above Italy. Morocco boast the reigning African player of the year in Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi and are looking to add the AFCON title to a list of recent successes: they won the Under-20 World Cup in October and the Arab Cup last month, as well as Olympic bronze in 2024.They were for a long time African football's big underachievers, with their only Cup of Nations title to date coming in 1976 – since then they have reached just one final, when Regragui was a player in 2004.The Atlas Lions have not always been a scintillating watch in their home tournament and have even been whistled by their own supporters, while Regragui regularly faces criticism despite his success since being appointed in August 2022.But the only goal they have conceded in six matches came from a penalty in a group-stage draw with Mali, while in Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz they have arguably the competition's outstanding player. "Obviously there are higher expectations on us after we got to the World Cup semi-finals and I know I will also be criticised if I lose the final," Regragui accepted as he spoke to media.His team have also qualified for a third straight World Cup and the country is preparing to co-host the 2030 edition with Spain and Portugal. "This is the golden age of Moroccan football but we must not forget where we have come from," Regragui added.It is also a golden age for Senegal, the 2022 African champions who beat Egypt 1-0 in the semis thanks to Sadio Mane's goal in Tangiers. The Lions of Teranga have qualified for a third straight World Cup too, and this is their third final in four editions of AFCON – they lost to Algeria in Cairo in 2019.Senegal, who are 19th in the world rankings, were considered on paper to be the most obvious threat to Morocco's chances of winning the title on home soil and have also constructed their success here on a strong defence that has conceded just two goals.However, unlike Morocco this is an ageing team, with 33-year-old Mane saying on Wednesday that this would be his last AFCON. "Let's hope we still have him for a few more years," insisted Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. "I hope it is not his last final."Salah, meanwhile, may need time to come to terms with falling short at yet another Cup of Nations. He turns 34 this year and came to Morocco hoping desperately for success with his country at a time when his club future at Liverpool is so uncertain.Salah's Cup of Nations record is littered with disappointment, with defeats in the final in 2017 and in 2022, and a last-16 exit when Egypt hosted in 2019. His last AFCON, two years ago in Ivory Coast, ended early with a hamstring injury.Now he has fallen short again, and seven-time champions Egypt are still without a title since 2010. Salah can still look forward to leading the Pharaohs at the World Cup, and he will surely try to rouse himself for at least one more AFCON – the next edition in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is set for next year after all. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Vodafone Qatar delivers seamless connectivity at FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025

As the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 concluded, Vodafone Qatar successfully delivered on its role as the Official Technology Sponsor, supporting the tournament with connectivity solutions that enabled seamless fan experiences and smooth tournament operations.Vodafone Qatar’s advanced network infrastructure supported more than 2mn subscribers, delivering nationwide 5G coverage, high-speed fibre connectivity, and secure communication links across tournament venues. Fans, visitors, and organisers benefited from reliable services that enhanced both match-day experiences and overall tournament operations.During match periods, users made over 17mn minutes of voice calls and consumed more than 1,600TB of data. Despite this high traffic, the network maintained consistently high availability and performance, achieving a 99.9% call setup success rate (CSSR), ensuring uninterrupted access for fans, broadcasters, and organisers.Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani, CEO of Vodafone Qatar, said: “Vodafone Qatar is committed to supporting the country’s efforts in hosting world-class sports events, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Through continued investment in advanced connectivity infrastructure, we continue to foster a healthier society and enhance how people experience and participate in sporting activities.”The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 underscored the country’s commitment to sporting excellence, innovation, and global connectivity. Vodafone Qatar remains dedicated to supporting major sporting events and strengthening community connections through cutting-edge technology.To find out more about Vodafone Qatar’s products, services, and sponsorships, visit www.vodafone.qa 


Dr Mohammed al-Sada
Qatar

QMIC’s Smart Parking Solution a big success during Arab Cup

Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC), a leading national innovation entity established by Qatar University (QU), announced the successful deployment of its Smart Parking Solution for the Supreme Committee during the recently concluded Arab Cup. This accomplishment highlights QMIC’s vital role in transforming innovation into practical solutions that support Qatar’s growing reputation as a global hub for major events.Throughout this deployment, QMIC’s dedicated team executed over 960 hours of comprehensive system monitoring, operational activities, and field support. Its commitment to excellence resulted in zero system downtime, ensuring that the parking operations ran seamlessly and efficiently in high-traffic situations. By utilising cutting-edge technologies, the Smart Parking Solution provided real-time insights into parking availability, empowering event organisers to optimise traffic flow and better manage parking capacity. QMIC noted that its Smart Parking Solution exemplifies the power of homegrown technology in enhancing visitor experiences at large-scale events. The deployment of this system is part of QMIC’s larger mission to enhance mobility and sustainability in Qatar while showcasing the transformative potential of innovation developed within the country. Dr Mohammed Abdulaziz al-Sada, executive director of QMIC, said: “This deployment is a continuation of our legacy of participation in significant events, including the FIFA World Cup 2022. “Our commitment to utilising innovative solutions has been ongoing, and we have plans for the Smart Parking Solution to be deployed in future events as well, reinforcing our dedication to enhancing mobility and connectivity for all. Mohamed Makled, Delivery and Technology Operations manager, added: “We successfully delivered our Smart Parking Solution across six stadiums during the Arab Cup, showcasing our operational efficiency and capability to manage logistics on a large scale”. As Qatar looks to host a range of international sporting and cultural events in the future, QMIC said it remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that foster intelligent connectivity and mobility across the nation. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Doha Design District, Slane House host sport, fashion and lifestyle pop-up

Doha Design District (DDD), in collaboration with Slane House, successfully concluded a three-day fashion and sports pop-up at the DDD Atrium.The activation, held during the final week of the Arab Cup, brought together sport, lifestyle, design and culture, positioning the district as a platform for creative exchange and community engagement.In a press statement, DDD director Dana Kazic said: “The pop-up demonstrated how design-led environments can bring people together through shared experiences and conversation. Our collaboration with Slane House and with many other entities, continue to activate spaces that celebrate creativity, support regional talent, and connect local and international perspectives at culturally significant moments for the city.Slane House co-founder Nabil Guedioura said: “As a former professional football player, I’ve seen firsthand how sport shapes culture and brings people together. With Slane House, we’re creating a space where ideas cross disciplines, where sport meets design, and where young talent helps define what the future of lifestyle can look like. Doha Design District shares this vision, and together we’re building something meaningful for the region.”The pop-up opened with an exclusive VIP night, followed by two days open to the public, welcoming a diverse audience of designers, athletes, creatives, media and visitors.A key highlight of the activation was the exclusive pre-launch by FIFA 1904, which added an international sporting dimension and reinforced the event’s role as a meeting point between global brands and regional creative voices.Throughout the three days, Slane House offered a curated environment in DDD that went beyond retail, creating a space for dialogue, discovery and collaboration. Local and regional designers were spotlighted, while panel discussions and informal conversations explored the evolving relationship between sport, culture, and design.Organisers noted that the activation encouraged interaction between brands, creators, and audiences, reflecting a shared commitment to community-centred cultural experiences. This collaboration amplified DDD’s role as a connector between design, retail and lifestyle, providing platforms that support independent brands and emerging talent.Set against the cultural and sporting significance of the Arab Cup, the pop-up became a timely cultural moment in Doha’s calendar. Interactive installations, branded environments and media engagement opportunities enhanced the visitor experience, reinforcing DDD’s position as a hub for design-led activations that encourage conversation, creativity and connection. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

More than 44,000 visitors celebrate Arab Cup 2025 festivities at UDC’s destinations

The United Development Company (UDC) has concluded its sports, cultural, and entertainment activities held in celebration of the 2025 Arab Cup, attracting more than 44,000 visitors to The Pearl Island and Gewan Island.The “exceptional season” transformed both islands into vibrant destinations alive with colour, music, and enthusiastic crowds over 18 days.The visitors enjoyed an atmosphere that redefined the concept of open-air public events in Qatar.Throughout the festivities, the islands witnessed continuous activity from families exploring various entertainment zones to passionate fans gathering to support their favourite Arab teams.**media[396903]**Visitors immersed themselves in cultural and heritage performances that blended authenticity with modern creativity.These elements came together to create a dynamic scene that showcased the islands’ readiness to host large-scale events that meet the expectations of diverse audiences.The celebration featured a mix of daily live shows, musical performances, traditional cultural performances, and an array of Arabic cuisine offerings, in addition to designated fan areas broadcasting the tournament’s matches in energetic and competitive settings.Gewan Island also offered a dedicated lineup of interactive children’s activities, including live theatre, creative workshops, and mini sports competitions.The UDC ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for all guests by providing high standards of comfort, safety, and organisation, allowing visitors to spend memorable days filled with sports, culture, art, and community engagement.Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the event’s organisation and the impressive capabilities of the islands.The company emphasised that the success of this year’s festivities reflects its continuous commitment to supporting Qatar’s cultural and sports landscape, while strengthening the positioning of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island as leading destinations for diverse urban and community experiences.The company also highlighted that these efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030 in fostering a vibrant society enriched with cultural and recreational opportunities.The UDC concluded its festivities by reaffirming its dedication to introducing fresh, innovative experiences in the coming years, further enhancing the visitor journey through new programmes that elevate the appeal of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island as premier hubs for entertainment, celebration, and memorable shared moments.The UDC is one of Qatar’s leading real estate development companies and the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, creating integrated communities that combine modern living, quality, and sustainability in line with Qatar’s future aspirations. 

Gulf Times
Album

4.92 Million Passengers Used Metro and Tram During Arab Cup, Intercontinental Cup : Qatar Rail

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) announced that the total number of passengers who used the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, from Dec. 1 to 18, 2025 reached 4,924,919 passengers, with 4,712,758 passengers travelling by Metro and 212,161 passengers using the Tram, with a daily average of 273,606 passengers across the Metro and Tram networks.The metro and tram played a key role in facilitating the movement of fans and visitors to and from the stadiums of both tournaments, as well as various event zones and key destinations across the country. This was achieved through delivering world-class transportation services and ensuring a safe, reliable, and seamless travel experience throughout the period.The Arab Cup Qatar 2025 was hosted across six stadiums: Lusail Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, and Stadium 974. Five of these stadiums were located within a short walking distance of metro stations, while fans were able to access Al Bayt Stadium via dedicated shuttle bus services from Lusail QNB Metro Station.Meanwhile, the three final matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, the Americas Derby, the Challenge Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup Final, were all held at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, which is directly connected to Al Riffa Mall of Qatar Station, on Dec. 10, 13, and 17, respectively.In terms of operational performance, a total of 48,422 train-trips were completed across the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks during the period from 1 to 18 December, comprising 41,843 metro trips and 6,579 tram trips.During the tournament, 34% of spectators used the metro to attend matches, while metro usage increased to 50% for the 5 stadiums directly connected to metro stations.On Dec. 18, which coincided with Qatar National Day celebrations, the Arab Cup Final and third-place playoff match, the highest daily ridership of the tournament was recorded, reaching 357,287 passengers, with 347,987 travelling by metro and 9,300 by tram.DECC, Lusail QNB and Msheireb stations were the busiest across the entire metro network. Within the Lusail Tram network, Legtaifiya Station was the busiest.Qatar Rail played a prominent role in supporting the successful hosting of the Arab Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, through the effective operation of its networks, which delivered a successful model for transporting fans and visitors throughout the tournament period. This was achieved through the dedicated efforts of its teams, advance planning, high operational readiness, as well as close coordination with all relevant stakeholders, with the aim of delivering a world-class travel experience.Throughout the Arab Cup period, Qatar Rail continued its efforts to strengthen the role and expertise of engineers and young national cadres across various sectors of the company, reinforcing their contribution to delivering a successful transport operations model through several operational locations. (QNA).   

Gulf Times
Qatar

4.9mn passengers used Metro, Tram

Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) announced that the total number of passengers who used the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, from December 1 to 18, 2025 reached 4,924,919 passengers, with 4,712,758 passengers travelling by Metro and 212,161 passengers using the Tram, with a daily average of 273,606 passengers across the Metro and Tram networks.The metro and tram played a key role in facilitating the movement of fans and visitors to and from the stadiums of both tournaments, as well as various event zones and key destinations across the country. This was achieved through delivering world-class transportation services and ensuring a safe, reliable, and seamless travel experience throughout the period.The Arab Cup Qatar 2025 was hosted across six stadiums: Lusail Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, and Stadium 974. Five of these stadiums were located within a short walking distance of metro stations, while fans were able to access Al Bayt Stadium via dedicated shuttle bus services from Lusail QNB Metro Station.Meanwhile, the three final matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, the Americas Derby, the Challenge Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup Final, were all held at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, which is directly connected to Al Riffa Mall of Qatar Station, on Dec. 10, 13, and 17, respectively.In terms of operational performance, a total of 48,422 train-trips were completed across the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks during the period from 1 to 18 December, comprising 41,843 metro trips and 6,579 tram trips.During the tournament, 34% of spectators used the metro to attend matches, while metro usage increased to 50% for the 5 stadiums directly connected to metro stations.On December 18, which coincided with Qatar National Day celebrations, the Arab Cup Final and third-place playoff match, the highest daily ridership of the tournament was recorded, reaching 357,287 passengers, with 347,987 travelling by metro and 9,300 by tram.DECC, Lusail QNB and Msheireb stations were the busiest across the entire metro network. Within the Lusail Tram network, Legtaifiya Station was the busiest.Qatar Rail played a prominent role in supporting the successful hosting of the Arab Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, through the effective operation of its networks, which delivered a successful model for transporting fans and visitors throughout the tournament period. This was achieved through the dedicated efforts of its teams, advance planning, high operational readiness, as well as close coordination with all relevant stakeholders, with the aim of delivering a world-class travel experience.Throughout the Arab Cup period, Qatar Rail continued its efforts to strengthen the role and expertise of engineers and young national cadres across various sectors of the company, reinforcing their contribution to delivering a successful transport operations model through several operational locations.  

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar smashes attendance record at Arab Cup

More than a million fans went through the turnstiles during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, Jassim al-Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee of the hugely popular tournament, has said.Just two days after Morocco beat Jordan 3-2 in extra time in front of 84,517 fans at the iconic Lusail Stadium, Qatar drew wholesome praise from regional leaders on 'organising a high level' tournament that was held from December 1 to 18."The tournament witnessed record breaking numbers in spectator attendance. More than 1.2mn fans attended the matches in the stadiums during the course of 32 scheduled games,” al-Jassim revealed."Qatar organising top level football events regularly reflects FIFA's confidence in Qatar as a reputable global sports host. We are proud to say we have become qualified to host global events thanks to the legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup," al-Jassim said in his interview with Al Kass Sports Channel.In his post-tournament comments, al-Jassim revealed Qatar has pulled off a rare feat of staging a staggering 176 matches in just 78 days.The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al- Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on ‘organising a highly successful FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025’.Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud also sent a cable of congratulations to the Amir, on the country's success in organising the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.The Crown Prince said: "On the occasion of the State of Qatar's success in organising the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, I am pleased to express to Your Highness my sincerest congratulations and best wishes for further progress and success for your brotherly people and country."In a separate note Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman congratulated His Highness the Amir on the 'remarkable success achieved by the State of Qatar in organising the FIFA Arab Cup football tournament'. He added in his message: “I wish Qatar continued success in hosting major events and achieving all accomplishments and aspirations in all sectors."The congratulatory cables were also received from the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah.FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted how the tournament showcased top-level football while uniting the Arab world, as he praised Qatar’s hosting and reflected on the conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, saying:“My sincere thanks to Qatar, to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and to the Qatari people for once again uniting the Arab world through football on Qatar National Day. This competition is here to stay and will continue to grow as one of FIFA’s great tournaments.”Thanks largely to world-class stadiums — that were built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup — Qatar put together flawless football tournaments within just seven weeks. Doha first hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 3 to 27 followed by the FIFA Arab Cup from Dec 1 to 18. In between, Qatar also hosted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the GCC U-23 Football Tournament.

PICTURE: Shemeer Rasheed
Qatar

Fireworks display

Fireworks illuminated the sky above Lusail Stadium on Thursday as celebrations followed the Arab Cup finals 2025, turning it into a centrepiece of national pride on Qatar National Day. 

Gulf Times
Sport

HH the Amir crowns Morocco FIFA Arab Cup winners

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani crowned Morocco as the winners of FIFA Arab Cup 2025 here at the Lusail Stadium last night.**media[395421]**Morocco clinched the title with a 3-2 win over Jordan after extra time in the final witnessed by a record crowd.The closing ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Personal Representative of the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani.**media[395422]**Also present were His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, Chairman of the Shura Council, and a number of Their Excellencies, the Sheikhs and ministers.**media[395424]**The closing ceremony was also attended by Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, HE Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al-Saud, Saudi minister of sports, and president of the Arab Football Federation, a number of senior officials from brotherly and friendly countries, heads of delegations, heads of Olympic committees and Arab and international federations, Their Excellencies, the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country, and a large audience.