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Events accompanying the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 continue at Katara, drawing large and diverse crowds.Katara’s Corniche was filled with visitors from various Arab countries who gathered to enjoy a festive atmosphere blending art, heritage, and interactive activities.The Qatari *Ardah performance gave the area a sense of pride and belonging, accompanied by the powerful beating of drums.Folk ensembles from Palestine, Sudan, and Egypt presented captivating shows, mesmerising spectators with their rhythms and expressions rooted in the Arab cultural identity.The Palestinian troupe ignited the atmosphere with their *Dabke, a dance that carries the strength of the land and the charm of tradition, as synchronised footsteps and expressive movements told a story of people and civilisation.The Sudanese performance spread joy and excitement through lively rhythms and harmonious moves.The Egyptian performances came with their unique flavour, where folk music harmonised with the movements of performers in scenes that told stories from Egypt’s ancient history, earning wide interaction from the audience, who responded with applause and rhythmic participation.Reflecting Gulf heritage, the Kuwaiti Jahra troupe added a majestic presence through shows carrying the spirit of the sea and the nostalgia of a beautiful past.The audience enthusiastically engaged with these artistic displays, crowding around the folk groups, taking photos, and capturing unforgettable moments that express the unity of Arab heritage and the deep cultural bonds among peoples participating in the Arab Cup.Among the accompanying events, the Qatar Social Work Pavilion stood out with a range of interactive activities, competitions, and children’s games that attracted families and added an atmosphere of fun and human connection.Senoono Village also drew large numbers of visitors, offering screens to broadcast matches and enjoyable family activities that enhanced participation and engagement.Ehsan (the Centre for Elderly Care) made a notable appearance with interactive social programmes aimed at enhancing intergenerational communication and highlighting the esteemed place of the elderly in society.The classic car show was another eye-catching attraction, with elegant historic vehicles lined up for visitors to admire as they strolled among them, adding a distinctive celebratory dimension to the festivities.The events are held daily along Katara’s Corniche from 3pm to 10pm.

Visit Qatar is set to present one of the world’s most celebrated composers and pianists, Ludovico Einaudi, performing live in Doha on January 9, 2026 at the Katara Amphitheatre.Doors will open at 8pm for an evening promising an extraordinary blend of emotion, artistry, and world-class music.Known for his minimalist yet deeply evocative compositions, Ludovico Einaudi has captured global audiences with performances that seamlessly fuse classical tradition with contemporary sensibilities. His music, featured in internationally acclaimed films such as Nomadland and The Intouchables, has made him one of the most-streamed classical musicians worldwide.As Qatar continues to attract visitors from the region and around the world, the highly anticipated Ludovico Einaudi concert reflects Visit Qatar’s commitment to hosting world-renowned talent and delivering unforgettable experiences that further enhance the country’s appeal as a leading global tourism destination.This event forms part of Qatar Calendar’s activities, which provides residents and visitors with a comprehensive guide to explore a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. 

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee has announced the release of the tournament’s official soundtrack, as excitement builds for the prestigious Arab competition taking place from 1-18 December. Consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios, the upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game.‘Zamani’, which means, ‘My Time’ in Arabic, is sung by Qatari artist, Hamad Al Khazina, with lyrics penned by Mohammad Al Khajah. In a celebratory style befitting the spirit of football, the song focuses on the importance of ambition, the spirit of determination, and the joy of achievement, while declaring that the region’s time to shine has come.‘Makani’ is the second song released, which means ‘My Place’ in Arabic, with eminent Egyptian artist Mohamed Mounir lending his vocals, and lyrics by Mostafa Hadouta. The song examines the concept of home from a human perspective, celebrating the shared identity among Arabs that transcends borders to create a community that provides support, unity, and a sense of true belonging.Both songs are composed by award-winning Moroccan-Swedish record producer Nadir Khayat, also known as RedOne, who has previously worked on the official soundtrack of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, regaling fans with unforgettable hits such as Arhbo and Dreamers.Watch the full videos of ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’ on the @RoadtoQatar YouTube channel.The countdown begins for the Arab world’s biggest football tournament that will see a total of 16 teams competing for the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy.FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticket are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected] opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa on all major social media platforms.

The successful trial of Qatar’s inaugural urban flight featuring an unmanned electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft marked a major milestone in the nation’s commitment to embracing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. The event, sponsored and witnessed by His Excellency the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed al-Thani Saturday at the Katara amphitheatre, symbolises Qatar’s forward-thinking approach in leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance transportation systems, ultimately reinforcing its status as a leader in smart urban mobility initiatives. The air taxi demonstration flight comes within a series of tests, supervised by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), on the technical aspects and future applicability of such technologies. **media[382233]** The trial air taxi flight took off at the Old Doha Port and landed safely at the Katara Cultural Village. It was successfully conducted without any direct human interference using a full self-control system enabled by AI and advanced air navigation technologies, demonstrating that the system is capable of using the airspace optimally in a safe operational environment. According to the MoT, it will continue assessing the test results and lay down the regulatory and technical frameworks needed for approving and operating that type of mobility in line with best international standards and in a way that enhances Qatar’s position as a leading global hub in adopting smart and sustainable technologies. The pilotless air taxi project will be carried out in several consecutive phases, considering all relevant technical, operational, and regulatory requirements, including infrastructure readiness, approval of operational systems, and meeting all safety, security and quality standards to ensure the new mobility system can be safely and effectively integrated into the nation’s mobility network. **media[382235]** The minister described the trial operation as “a new milestone” in Qatar’s journey of adopting smart and sustainable mobility solutions and constitutes “an advanced step forward” toward a future enabled by innovation and environmentally friendly technologies. “This emphasises the MoT’s commitment to enhancing Qatar’s regional and international pioneering position in modern transportation and supporting national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life,” the minister emphasised. “This initiative,” he said, “is a true translation of the MoT Strategy 2025-2030 that aims at creating a smart, resilient transportation system where sustainability, innovation, and integration between various transportation modes are front and centre, thereby boosting the efficiency of the country’s transportation system and advancing the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.” **media[382236]** The minister noted that the MoT will continue enhancing Qatar’s global profile in deploying smart and emerging technologies in transportation, in partnership with leading global companies, to develop an integrated infrastructure that is capable of accommodating advanced transportation modes in the coming years. “Saturay’s trial operation was part of the MoT’s initiatives for developing Qatar’s public transportation system by using unmanned eVTOL aircraft as a safe, fast, and eco-friendly urban mobility option that contributes to reducing traffic congestion, and providing smart mobility choices for citizens, residents and visitors, something that says leadership is achieved when technology meets governance,” the minister added.

Katara Cultural Village inaugurated Tuesday the Syrian Corner in the vicinity of the Golden Masjid, with the opening of a model of the 'Minaret of the Bride' inspired by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, designed by the visual artist Zaina Abara.The work embodies one of the most important architectural symbols in Islamic history and Damascene memory, as the Minaret of the Bride is the oldest minaret of the Umayyad Mosque, and constitutes a spiritual and architectural symbol that has been linked to the city's conscience for centuries.The model was executed in a contemporary artistic style that preserved the spirit of Damascene architecture and its decorations, while the presence of jasmine stands out as a symbol of identity and nostalgia, giving the work an emotional dimension that expresses the relationship of Syrians with their history and aesthetic memory.In his remarks, General Manager of Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said that the opening of the Syrian corner falls within Katara's vision to enhance the presence of arts and cultural symbols in the public space of the Cultural Village, and to make human heritage available to the public in an interactive way, which contributes to strengthening bridges of communication and cultural dialogue between peoples.Charge d'Affaires at the Syrian embassy in Doha Dr. Bilal Turkiya emphasised that the artwork embodies a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual value in the history of Syria, as the Minaret of the Bride is not only an architectural landmark that the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus boasts of, but also a symbol of the oldest continuously inhabited capital that has carried throughout its history a message of intellectual and cultural radiance whose impact has extended from Damascus to the capitals of the world.He added that the presence of this model in Katara represents a cultural bridge connecting Damascus and Doha, and allows the public to learn about the depth of Syrian heritage and its authentic aesthetics, expressing his gratitude to Katara for embracing this work that embodies the memory of a people and the identity of a city.In turn, artist Abara said that the Minaret of the Bride is a historical, spiritual, and cultural symbol linked to the city of Damascus for centuries, expressing her hope that the artwork will serve as a bridge between memory, nostalgia, and hope. She noted that reinterpreting the minaret in this artistic form aims to preserve its authenticity and keep it alive in the collective consciousness of future generations.The sculpture represents an artistic restoration of the oldest minarets of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, which were built in the Umayyad era and then witnessed successive architectural touches throughout the ages. The work is based on highlighting the geometric and decorative details that characterize the Damascene architecture, with a contemporary treatment that enhances the symbolic dimension of the minaret as a cultural radiance.Abara, who resides in Qatar, is a member of the Qatar Fine Arts Society. Her work focuses on documenting and reformulating the Arab visual identity in a contemporary aesthetic language. She has participated in local and international exhibitions and held a solo exhibition in Katara in 2018.

Katara Cultural Village hosted an event on Tuesday on the culinary culture of Peru, spotlighting the rich culinary heritage of the South American nation. The event featured presentations that highlighted the environmental and natural resources that have shaped Peruvian lifestyles across various historical eras. **media[381056]** Peru's ambassador to Qatar, Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica, praised the collaboration with Katara, describing it as a distinguished platform for cultural exchange and a vital bridge connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian Gulf. He expressed his appreciation for organising the event, which celebrated iconic elements of Peruvian cuisine, most notably Ceviche, a dish inscribed by Unesco in 2023 on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. **media[381057]** The ambassador emphasised that Ceviche is a key cultural symbol, reflecting Peruvians' deep connection to the ocean, rivers, and land. He noted that the dish embodies Peru's geographic and ethnic diversity and its rich cultural fusion, while also representing the intergenerational transmission of knowledge through fishing practices, market traditions, festive rituals, and communal values.

The Cultural Village Katara organised a special event Saturday, featuring a live broadcast of the grand opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, in cooperation with the Embassy of Egypt in Qatar. The event was attended by Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, and Walid Elfiky, Ambassador of Egypt to Qatar, alongside a large diplomatic and public audience, particularly members of the Egyptian community living in Qatar, who enthusiastically engaged with this historic occasion. **media[376315]** Katara’s organisation of this live broadcast reflects its cultural mission to open new windows of interaction with human achievements across diverse fields, and to highlight the shared values that unite peoples through culture, art, and knowledge. It also demonstrates Katara’s commitment to keeping pace with major global cultural events and shining a light on them. In his speech on this occasion, Ambassador Elfiky expressed his delight at Katara’s participation in this world-class event, which he described as a moment of pride for Egypt and for all humanity. He noted that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) represents a civilisational bridge linking Egypt’s glorious past with its present and future, embodying Egypt’s vision of its historic role as a beacon of culture and knowledge throughout the ages. **media[376314]** He added that this monumental cultural project reflects the Egyptian leadership’s deep commitment to heritage and identity, affirming that culture and art are among the noblest bridges that bring nations closer and deepen human understanding. He also praised the strong cooperation between the Egyptian Embassy and Katara, expressing his gratitude to Katara’s General Manager and staff, saying: “Katara continues to enrich the cultural scene in Qatar and the Arab region through its outstanding initiatives and contributions, fostering intercultural exchange among nations.” The Grand Egyptian Museum is located near the Pyramids of Giza, covering an area of approximately 500,000 square meters, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. The building itself spans about 167,000 square meters, housing permanent and temporary exhibition halls, restoration centers, and educational, cultural, and recreational facilities. **media[376316]** The museum contains over 100,000 artifacts from various periods of ancient Egyptian history — from pre-dynastic times, through the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, and up to the Greek and Roman eras. Among its most remarkable treasures is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, comprising more than 5,000 artifacts displayed together for the first time since their discovery. The architectural design of the museum is itself a masterpiece, inspired by the grandeur of its location overlooking the Giza Pyramids. Its majestic façade is composed of large triangular stone forms that symbolize the temporal continuum of Egyptian civilization—from past to future. The exhibition halls are equipped with advanced technical systems, offering visitors an interactive and immersive experience that connects them deeply with Egypt’s rich and enduring history.

Katara Cultural Village has honoured the top three winners of the inaugural Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites 2024 at a ceremony attended by scholars and cultural figures.The first prize was awarded to Syrian researcher Walid al-Suraqbi, while Egyptian researchers Ahmed Abdelbaset and Ahmed Abdelsattar shared second place. The third prize went to Noha Hussein al-Hefnawi, also from Egypt. The event also recognised members of the award’s judging panel — Dr Omar al-Ajli, Dr Mohammed al-Rahawi and Dr Samir Qaddouri — as well as Abdullah Mohammed Bilal, head of Mauritania’s manuscript house association, for his efforts in preserving Arab manuscript heritage.Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Katara’s General Manager, said the award reflects Katara’s commitment to reviving Arab and Islamic manuscript heritage as an essential part of cultural identity and intellectual history. He added that the initiative complements Katara’s other major literary awards, including those for the novel, Arabic poetry, and the Prophet’s Poet.

Katara Cultural Village has organised a Turkish cultural evening in collaboration with Katara-chaired Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), the Turkish embassy in Doha, and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre.A number of ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, an audience from the Turkish community, and lovers of oriental music in Qatar were in attendance.The evening, marking the Turkish Republic Day commemoration, featured interaction from the public, rejoicing to the cultural atmosphere, with Turkish singer Zehra Ozgelik performing heritage and contemporary song compositions that ranged from *muwashshahs to patriotic songs, reflecting the cultural identity of Turkiye and its artistic richness.Addressing the event, Turkish ambassador Dr Mehmet Mustafa Goksu said that everyone celebrates this day as Turkiye approaches its second centennial, at an event elevated by the distinguished presence and patriotic spirit of attendees, creating an unforgettable occasion.Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre (Doha) director Anwar Cidek highlighted that music is a global language that unifies peoples and brings cultures together.He noted that through its programmes, the centre strives to promote cultural exchange between Turkiye and Qatar.The evening is part of a series of joint cultural events that Katara holds with the Turkish embassy and the centre in Doha, manifesting the depth of historic and humanitarian ties between the Qatari and Turkish peoples, aiming to shore up bilateral cultural dialogue through arts and innovation. – QNA

The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) announced that it will hold an award ceremony to honor the winners of the first edition of the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites for 2024. The ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 30, in Hall 15.The ceremony will include the unveiling of the winning research papers, which will be published by Katara Publishing House. President of the Mauritanian Association for the Preservation of Arabic Heritage and the Environment and Combating Extremism, Abdullah Mohammed Bilal, will also be honored in recognition of his organization's exhibition of Arabic Manuscripts. The exhibition featured a distinguished collection of literary and historical manuscripts and was held in conjunction with the 10th Katara Festival for Arabic Novels, which ran from October 13–20, 2024.The award committee selected three winners: Syrian researcher Walid Al Saraqbi, who won in first place with a cash prize of USD 20,000 for his verified manuscript titled "Tadhkirat Al Nahhat by Abu Hayyan." Second place went to Egyptian researchers Ahmed Abdel Basset and Ahmed Abdel Sattar with their verified manuscript entitled "Ma Wasala Min Al-Jami' Al-Mustaqsa Fi Fadhail Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa by Ibn Asakir (600 AH)." The two researchers will receive a cash prize of USD 15,000.In third place was Egyptian researcher Nuha Hussein Al Hafnawi for her verified manuscript entitled "Tuhfat Al-Adab Fi Al-Rihlah Min Damietta Ila Al-Sham Wa Halab by Ahmed Al Adhami (1159 AH)," with a cash prize of USD 10,000.The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) launched the first edition of the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites on March 11, 2024. The award comprises two categories: the first for an investigation of an original, previously unpublished manuscript, and the second for the best research study on archaeological sites or landmarks in the Arab region, subject to specific conditions.This award aims to encourage manuscript owners, experts, and specialists in manuscript editing to share and widely disseminate their collections and research efforts, thereby enhancing Arab and Islamic culture. It also contributes to encouraging Arabic publishing and urging publishers to contribute to the advancement of the Arab mind and enrich Arab culture with new and distinctive content, keeping pace with contemporary issues.

Katara Cultural Village, in collaboration with the embassy of Uruguay, has inaugurated an art exhibition titled “South Wind” by Uruguayan artist Emilio Mederos, marking the bicentennial of Uruguay's independence.The exhibition in Building 47 showcases 17 paintings that oscillate between geometric and abstract expressions, epitomising the artist's distinctive idiom that fuses geometry, art, and creative intuition into a seamless visual harmony.Mederos's works encapsulate his vision of cultural exchange and artistic confluence between South America and the Arab world, employing vibrant hues and intricate compositions laden with shared civilisational and human symbols that transcend geographic boundaries and evoke a profound aesthetic dialogue.Speaking on the occasion, Uruguayan ambassador Marcelo Gerona stressed that the showcase represents an artistic bridge connecting Uruguay and Qatar, manifesting the shared human values between the two nations through the language of art and innovation.The exhibition is part of Katara's persistent efforts to forge people-to-people connections in the realm of arts and to elevate creative dialogue among artists from a wide swath of nations to new heights.

Katara Cultural Village, in co-operation with the Business Forum, held the 25th edition of the Katara Tech Forum under the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Education: Opportunities and Challenges."The forum brought together a distinguished group of experts and specialists, including Dr Anas Bouhlal, Regional Programme Specialist for Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Kholoud al-Mannai, Director of E-Learning and Digital Solutions at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE); Dr Shaker Ahmed al-Ashwal, Executive Director of the Global Institute for Studies in partnership with Arkansas State University (USA); and Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim al-Ishaq, CEO of AI Qatar.The session was moderated by writer and media personality Issa bin Mohammed al-Ishaq.In his opening remarks, Thamer Al-Qadi, Director of the Information Technology Department at Katara and Chair of the Katara Tech Forum, emphasised that the current technological revolution imposes a shared responsibility on all stakeholders.He pointed out that AI is no longer merely a supportive tool, but a genuine partner in shaping the future of education.He added that AI offers opportunities such as curriculum development, innovative personalised learning methods, and empowering teachers to focus on creativity.However, these opportunities come with challenges related to privacy, ethical use, and human capacity building.Al-Qadi noted that Katara's co-operation with the Business Forum reflects the close link between education, technology, and the economy, stressing that investing in knowledge and technology is an investment in humanity and the future.He underlined that the forum serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, and for turning challenges into opportunities.For his part, Chairman of the Business Forum Saad Mohammed al-Dabbagh said the event's theme aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on human and knowledge-based development.He affirmed that AI has become a national necessity for serving the future, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to harness modern technologies in developing education.Kholoud al-Mannai stated that MoEHE was among the first ministries globally to begin training its teachers on the use of AI since 2022. She stressed that the purpose of the technology is not to replace teachers but to empower them and ease their workloads.She added that the ministry has developed a digital competency framework for both teachers and students tailored to the local context and is currently working on an e-learning governance framework to ensure the safe and responsible use of digital tools in schools.Dr al-Ashwal praised the higher education environment in Qatar, noting that around 60% of universities in the country offer specialised programmes in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.He emphasised the importance of identifying real educational needs and directing AI use toward achieving educational goals.Meanwhile, Dr Bouhlal highlighted Unesco's role in promoting AI ethics, explaining that it is the only international organisation that has developed a comprehensive framework for this field. He also pointed out the cultural specificities of the Arab world, which require a unique approach to dealing with artificial intelligence, emphasising that AI is not a substitute for human intelligence but a tool that broadens educational horizons and enhances inclusivity.Concluding the discussion, Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim al-Ishaq stressed that education is undergoing a fundamental transformation thanks to AI, calling for the preservation of values and ethics as the true challenge in this domain.He noted that the issue does not lie in the use of technology itself, but in its outcomes and direction.In closing, participants exchanged views and ideas on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing education and addressing challenges while preserving the cultural and intellectual identity of Arab societies. (QNA)