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Italy’s ambassador to Qatar Paolo Toschi has said that relations between the two countries are stronger than ever, highlighting expanding co-operation across politics, security, defence, energy and culture, as Qatar marked its National Day Thursday.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the envoy described bilateral ties as witnessing "unprecedented strength", adding that Rome and Doha are looking with confidence towards a future of deeper partnerships and shared ambitions.Toschi noted that both countries are keen to strengthen trade co-operation while supporting regional and international stability, expressing confidence that bilateral co-operation will continue to grow in ways that support sustainable development and mutual prosperity in the years ahead.The envoy praised Qatar's foreign policy approach, saying that the country has consistently demonstrated its ability to act as a mediator and constructive partner during periods of regional and global challenge.From Italy's perspective, he said, Qatar's active, balanced and forward-looking diplomacy has helped consolidate its position as a trusted partner in dialogue, peace efforts and international mediation.Toschi added that Qatar's capacity to engage constructively with a wide range of international actors reflects a clear strategic vision, contributing to regional stability and supporting multilateral solutions to global challenges.On security co-operation, he referred to a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the interior ministers of both countries, which will allow Qatar's Lekhwiya force to provide support during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 2026.He also highlighted close defence co-operation, pointing to recent visits by Italy's Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, as well as the Chief of the Italian Carabinieri, General Salvatore Luongo, and Italy's Chief of Police, Vittorio Pisani.Reflecting on Qatar National Day (QND), Toschi said the occasion represents an opportunity for citizens and residents alike to celebrate the country's wise leadership, resilience and achievements in building the modern State of Qatar.For the Italian embassy and the Italian community, he added, the day is also a chance to reaffirm the strong friendship between the two nations, while recognising Qatar's commitment to progress alongside the preservation of its cultural heritage – values that Italy holds in high regard.The envoy said he had witnessed a significant national transformation during his time in Qatar, particularly in infrastructure, culture, education and innovation.He noted that Qatar National Vision 2030 has translated into tangible achievements that have improved quality of life and created opportunities for future generations.Italy, he said, deeply appreciates the determination and strategic planning behind these successes and looks forward to further strengthening trade and economic co-operation on this basis.Toschi extended his warm congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the people of Qatar on National Day, affirming that Italy stands alongside Qatar as a friend and partner committed to promoting peace, dialogue and shared progress, and wishing the country continued stability, innovation and prosperity.  

The Ministry of Culture has launched the Children’s Story Designer Programme 6 at the Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal Saturday, with the participation of 101 children aged seven to 17.The stories covered Qatari heritage from the north to the south.With professional editing assistance, the young writers were confident while introducing their stories to visitors in a dedicated pavilion for the Children’s Story Designer Programme 6.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ceremony, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, the director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, said: “This is the sixth edition of the Children’s Book Designer Programme, in collaboration with the Children’s Literature Centre.”“This programme engages 101 children who have written stories about Qatari culture and identity, focusing on the country’s regions and their tree habitats,” he said. “Each child has chosen a specific area of Qatar. The programme aims to encourage children to write stories, draw, colour, and design.”“They also received training courses on how to interact and communicate with the public, fostering self-confidence,” al-Buainain continued. “It’s a comprehensive programme designed to cultivate a generation of conscious, literate, and cultured individuals.”“Registration opened in August during the summer, and we received applications, interviewed the students, and administered a required test,” the official said. “The programme then launched in September, and we are now reaping the rewards of this effort.”“These books will be published and showcased at the Doha International Book Fair,” al-Buainain added.The National Day 2025 celebrations continued Saturday at Darb Al Saai, under the theme of With You It Rises and From You It Awaits, organised by the Ministry of Culture from December 10-20. 

As the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture came to a galloping conclusion during the Polo AlMarsa Years of Culture Championship Trophy, the Years of Culture initiative announced plans for Canada and Mexico as next year's partner countries.  The 2026 Year of Culture with Canada and Mexico carries a special symmetry. The FIFA World Cup 26, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the same tournament that inspired the creation of the Years of Culture initiative when Qatar won the hosting bid.  Echoing the spirit of global unity represented by the games, this collaboration with the next World Cup hosts will highlight football's ability to connect cultures. Additional programmes will be presented as legacy projects of Year of Culture Qatar-USA 2021.   Launched in 2012, Years of Culture builds long-term relationships between Qatar and partner nations through a series of cultural, educational, business and creative exchanges. The initiative reflects Qatar's belief that cultural collaboration supports dialogue, strengthens international ties, and promotes understanding across borders.  Throughout each Year of Culture, Qatar collaborates closely with cultural institutions, embassies, artists, and educators to present a diverse calendar of exhibitions, festivals, trade fairs, residencies, academic exchanges, and public events in both countries.Programming often begins in the lead-up to the official year and continues well beyond, creating long-term legacies and relationships.   Since its founding, Years of Culture has established partnerships with Japan (2012), the United Kingdom (2013), Brazil (2014), Turkiye (2015), China (2016), Germany (2017), Russia (2018), India (2019), France (2020), the United States (2021), the MENASA region (2022), Indonesia (2023), and Morocco (2024). Qatar is currently celebrating a Year of Culture with both Argentina and Chile (2025). 

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 Ministry of Culture is participating in the sixth edition of the Iraq International Book Fair, which is being held from Dec. 3 to Dec. 13.The participation comes as part of the Ministry of Culture's commitment to enhancing the State of Qatar's presence in international cultural forums, reflecting the stature of Qatari culture, its openness to the Arab and global cultural scene, and supporting the country's efforts to build bridges of cultural communication among peoples.The Qatari pavilion features a collection of recent literary and intellectual publications issued by the Ministry of Culture and several Qatari publishing houses, highlighting the diversity of national cultural production and the richness of Qatar's creative movement.Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair, said in a statement that the ministry's participation in the Iraq International Book Fair is a continuation of its presence at major Arab and international cultural exhibitions. He said that the Qatari participation aims to showcase Qatar's cultural landscape and exchange expertise with international cultural institutions.He added that Qatar's presence in such events reflects the ministry's vision to support the book and publishing industry, as well as to encourage Qatari writers and creatives to reach a wider audience in the Arab world and internationally.He noted that through its international participation, the Ministry of Culture is keen to strengthen cultural relations with brotherly and friendly countries, and to introduce Qatari cultural production as part of Qatar's civilizational and human presence on the global stage.This edition of the exhibition features a wide range of local, Arab, and international publishing houses, with the attendance of hundreds of publishers and cultural institutions, reinforcing the fair's position as a prominent platform for new publications and a venue that brings together authors, creators, and those interested in publishing and reading under specialized programs.The exhibition program includes a variety of cultural activities such as book signing sessions, literary evenings, intellectual seminars, and workshops focused on the publishing industry, in addition to events aimed at youth and students, and programs designed to support reading and develop cultural skills among the public.

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. 

In collaboration with Qatar Museums, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Chile's National Centre for World Heritage Sites, and the World Heritage Site Municipal Corporation of Valparaiso, and Trama Cultura, Years of Culture is hosting a regional workshop in Valparaiso, Chile, from November 24 to 28, 2025, dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in safeguarding heritage.As part of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, experts from Qatar Museums' Cultural Heritage Protection Department will work alongside Chilean and international specialists in a five-day program titled "Enhancing the Effectiveness of World Heritage Management." The initiative aims to pass on knowledge, share lived experiences and set up international expert networks between those entrusted with the world's most precious cultural legacies.Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums, said: "This collaboration with Chile reflects our shared responsibility to protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. Through the Years of Culture initiative, we are building meaningful platforms for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration that strengthen the management and resilience of World Heritage sites."Working together allows us to advance expertise and promote a deeper sense of cultural cooperation, preserving the stories and places that shape our shared human legacy," he added.Throughout the week, participants will explore how to sustain the values and authenticity of World Heritage sites through improved governance, legal frameworks, and management planning. The sessions will weave together global best practices with local perspectives, translating the lessons learned in Qatar's desert landscapes into strategies for Chile's coastal heritage.Practical sessions at the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transform the city itself into a living classroom. Participants will engage in fieldwork, risk assessments, and peer-to-peer exchanges that tackle real-world conservation challenges, fostering both technical skills and a spirit of shared stewardship.

Doha will host the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1 to 18, offering a renewed opportunity to deepen ties among Arab nations and reaffirming that the tournament's significance extends far beyond the football pitch.Bringing together 16 Arab national teams in the finals and 14 in the preliminary qualifiers, the event stands as a vibrant platform for strengthening cultural and historical connections among Arab peoples. It underscores sport's role as a unifying force that reinforces shared identity, values, and traditions, and reflects the organizing committee’s commitment to cultural and sporting cooperation that nurtures a deeper sense of belonging to a unified Arab world.Since hosting the previous edition in 2021, Qatar has positioned the Arab Cup as a meaningful space for renewing inter-Arab bonds and building bridges of friendship and cultural understanding.The tournament has gained added significance under Qatar's hosting, as the country has become a model for staging major global events. Qatar offers an environment that celebrates Arab identity, honors heritage and history, and provides world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating an event of this scale -- uniting nations bound by a shared past and a common future.Notably, Qatar succeeded in bringing the Arab Cup under the official FIFA umbrella for the first time in 2021, transforming it from a traditional regional competition into a comprehensive Arab gathering. The tournament brings together fans from across the region not only to support their national teams but also to celebrate the richness of Arab culture -- through language, dress, music, customs, and traditions. These scenes of unity, vividly reflected in Qatari stadiums, highlight the strong bonds shared by the peoples of the region despite geographical and social differences.The 2025 edition will further reinforce Arab identity through a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Planned events include musical and artistic performances, fan zones showcasing diverse elements of Arab culture, and interactive spaces that bring communities together.The organizing committee said fans across the country will enjoy a rich program of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the tournament, supported by seamless transportation services ensuring easy access to all stadiums and venues.One of the tournament's most distinctive features is its enthusiastic fan engagement. Stadiums and fan zones become vibrant meeting points where Arabs interact, wear traditional attire, exchange chants and songs, and share their national and cultural expressions. This festive atmosphere has become as central to the event as the matches themselves.This unique cultural exchange strengthens social bonds among Arab fans and adds a profound human dimension to the tournament. The experience extends beyond football, creating shared memories that will endure in the collective Arab consciousness for years to come.The State of Qatar is always keen to utilize its capabilities to deliver impressive organizational standards. Following the 2022 World Cup and, before that, the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021, Qatar is set to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, to be held from Dec.1-18.Qatar's commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties among Arab peoples has been evident in the upcoming edition of the Arab Cup and was reflected in statments made by HE Minister of Sports and Youth and President of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani who emphasized that the tournament holds a special place in the region and carries significance that extends beyond football matches.In his remarks about the tournament, His Excellency said that the tournament, "celebrates the positive values of Arab football and once again highlights sport's ability to bring people together and build bridges of communication."His Excellency added that the Arab Cup is a platform that brings together players and fans alike, a forum for entrenching the values of unity and solidarity, and enhancing feelings of belonging and a shared identity. It also reflects the Arab youth's passion for sport.HE Minister of Sports and Youth said the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 carries a message calling for Arab unity and represents a window for introducing our authentic culture and ancient heritage. It is also a platform to highlight the unlimited potential of Arab youth in sports and various other fields.For his part, Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, a player for Al-Shamal SC, affirmed that the significance of the Arab Cup extends beyond competition on the pitch. He stressed the tournament's value in introducing the world's people to Arab and Islamic culture and in promoting Arab identity on the global sports stage.Bounedjah said in statements published by the tournament's organizing committee the Arab Cup is a grand celebration that reflects the unity of the Arab peoples and their passion for football, while also highlighting the region's capabilities and its ability to host world-class sporting events.For his part, Jordan national team star Yazan Al Naimat praised the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as a gathering that celebrates Arab talent.The Al-Arabi SC player said the event contributes to the development of football in the Arab world and introduces nations to the region's passion for the sport. He also commended the remarkable success of the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which provided a major opportunity for Arab players to appear on the global stage.The Arab Cup has not only attracted regional attention. It is also followed by audiences from around the world. Hosting the tournament in Doha reaffirms Qatar's pivotal role in uniting the Arab world both athletically and culturally, and its ability to present an honorable Arab model in tournament organization, one that reflects the civilized image of the Arab world before the international community.For Arab fans, the Arab Cup is no longer just a sporting competition. It is a message of unity, solidarity, peace, and connection. It affirms the shared heritage and deep-rooted history of all Arab peoples and offers an opportunity to strengthen historical bonds across generations, highlighting the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation to leave a positive impact on the cultural, sporting, and social levels across the Arab world.

With one month remaining before submissions close, Visit Qatar is calling on content creators across the country to participate in ‘Qatar Through Your Lens’, a competition celebrating the nation’s culture, lifestyle, and unique character. The initiative invites locals and residents to share their creative interpretation of Qatar, with entries accepted until December 20.Participants are invited to submit either a short video of 30–60 seconds or a single photograph that captures one of the competition’s themes, which include Qatar by Night, Beach and Coastal, Arts and Culture, Heritage, Sports Events, and Culinary. All entries must be original, culturally appropriate, and shared on Instagram using the hashtags #QatarThroughYourLens and #ViewQatar, while tagging the official Visit Qatar account.Winners will be announced during the first week of January 2026. Prizes across the video and photo categories total up to QR600,000, with additional rewards including staycations, exclusive access to Visit Qatar events, and opportunities for future creative collaborations.

The Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Media Affairs Committee held a meeting Sunday under the chairmanship of His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan.The committee discussed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal on the cultural legacy project associated with Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The committee decided to submit its report on the matter to the Shura Council.

The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Traffic, has launched a public awareness campaign in the Sealine area to promote traffic safety culture among car and motorcycle sports enthusiasts. The campaign included a visit to the Sealine Car Track and meetings with supervisors, participants and spectators to highlight safety procedures and the importance of following them. It also featured awareness activities, interactive competitions and the distribution of educational materials to help raise awareness among young people and reduce risks. **media[382254]** Lt. Col. Hadi Mohammed al-Hajri, media and communications officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, said during the campaign that the directorate is committed to the safety of visitors to the Sealine area and to promoting traffic awareness across all segments of the community. He noted that the awareness messages rely on being physically present among the target audience to ensure clarity and impact. Lt. Col. al-Hajri stressed the importance of protecting the lives of racers and motorsport enthusiasts by adhering to safety rules and requirements, adding that they should set an example for other young people. He also praised the efforts of the Qatar Traffic Safety Society and the organisers of the Sealine track, commending their co-operation in providing a safe environment that enables young people to pursue their interests within well-regulated guidelines.

Years of Culture is joining 'From the Homeland,' an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), to present a cross-cultural exchange celebrating family heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.As part of the upcoming Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, the initiative introduces a series of interactive experiences connecting Qatari traditions with Latin American artistry and shared community values.Taking place from November 12–15 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Hall 03, this year’s exhibition explores the power of family and community as the foundation of creativity.The Years of Culture booth highlights how Qatari craftsmanship and cultural heritage intersect with Argentinian and Chilean artistry, promoting mutual understanding and exchange.Key experiences at the exhibition include the Coffee and Mate Exchange corner. This cultural ritual blends Qatari Arabic coffee and Yerba Mate, symbolising hospitality and friendship. Hosted by Norma Rolón, the daily experience features Arabic coffee provided by MSDF alongside Yerba Mate prepared by Argentinian guests.Another highlight is the Makers Meet – Witral Weaving Exchange, led by Chilean artist Lisbeth Pino Westermayer. This experience celebrates Qatari Al Sadu and Chilean Chilean Witral weaving as parallel expressions of native creativity. Visitors can explore visual panels, maps, and materials that highlight each loom’s origin and symbolism while learning about traditional craftsmanship and its cultural significance.Visitors will also be treated to musical performances, including a special instrumental set today, November 14, at 4pm, featuring four violinists and cellists from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.The exhibition opening hours are: November 14, from 2pm to 9pm; and November 15, from 9am to 9pm.