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The Samla International Race has announced the signing of a series of strategic partnership agreements ahead of its upcoming edition, scheduled for January 24.Sponsorship agreements were signed with several prominent partners and sponsors for this edition, including Katara Hospitality, Qatar Insurance Group, Defender–Alfardan, and Mazzraty, held Thursday at Al Sharq Village.The ceremony also witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between the Samla Race, Visit Qatar, and Asics, which will serve as the official sportswear partner of the race.The agreement was signed in the presence of Azzam al-Mannai, CEO of the Samla Race Organising Committee; Jassim al-Mahmoud, director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Qatar; and Seiji Hori, general manager of Asics Arabia.The official course for the 2026 race features six consecutive, high-challenge stages designed to test competitors’ physical endurance. The course begins with a 3km open-water swim, followed by a 21km run, a 22km mountain biking segment, a 4km kayaking stage, a second 22km cycling segment, and concludes with a 28km run to the finish line.“At Visit Qatar, we take pride in our strategic partnership with the Samla International Race, which represents the values of strength and endurance. Our support for this event aligns with our strategy to promote sports tourism and to highlight events that offer distinctive experiences for visitors and residents alike, while showcasing the natural and cultural assets of the State of Qatar,” al-Mahmoud said.Al-Mannai expressed his appreciation for this collaboration, saying that: “The continued support from Visit Qatar, alongside our sponsors and partners, provides strong momentum to further enhance organisational standards and deliver a world-class competitive experience for both participants and spectators.”In partnership with Visit Qatar, the upcoming edition of the Samla Race is expanding to the global stage, inviting elite male and female athletes from around the world to compete in a uniquely challenging test of strength and stamina across Qatar’s diverse landscapes.With the launch of Samla International, organisers said Qatar continues to strengthen its reputation as a world-class destination for sporting events. 

A two-day cultural event celebrating Qatar's rich heritage and artistic identity kicked off today in Switzerland, offering visitors a curated immersion into Qatari culture, tradition, and creativity. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Katara Hospitality, the event marks the launch of a broader initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Qatar's cultural heritage on the global stage. Through this initiative, Qatari culture becomes an elegant guest within Katara Hospitality's luxury properties worldwide, blending authentic traditions with refined hospitality and contemporary artistic expression. The opening day was dedicated to VIPs and official guests, while the second day will be open to the public, allowing a wider audience to engage with Qatari heritage in an immersive cultural setting. The Ministry of Culture explained that the event provides a multisensory experience, featuring rare manuscripts, traditional books, artworks, cultural artifacts, and fragrances. Visitors can also enjoy live folk performances and sample authentic Qatari cuisine, offering a comprehensive view of Qatar's civilizational depth and its successful fusion of heritage and modernity. Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, expressed pride in the partnership with Katara Hospitality. This collaboration reflects Qatar's belief that culture is a bridge for dialogue and a window to the world, he said. This initiative embodies a living dialogue between Qatar's deep-rooted heritage and contemporary artistic expression. It is a call for intercultural exchange and a celebration of beauty in all its forms, he added. Al Ali emphasized the Ministry's strong commitment to promoting Qatari culture in international forums, thanking the working teams from both sides for creating a holistic cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression. Meanwhile, CEO of Katara Hospitality, Fahad Abdullah Al Mana, echoed this sentiment, expressing honor to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to present this unique cultural event in Switzerland. "Hosting it at Burgenstock, one of our most iconic destinations, reflects the premium value Katara Hospitality places on cultural diplomacy." He added that Katara Hospitality sees its role not merely as a provider of luxury accommodation but as a platform for cultural storytelling. "Our mission is to present Qatari culture to the world as it is — authentic, beautiful, and inclusive. This is not about influencing other cultures, but about offering a genuine encounter that touches the senses and enriches the soul." He noted that the initiative plants cultural seeds that will remain in the hearts of visitors long after they leave, ensuring that Qatar's story continues through human connection and shared memory. His Excellency Qatar's Ambassador to Switzerland, Mohammed bin Jaham Al Kuwari, described the event as more than just a cultural showcase. This is a reflection of Qatar's deep commitment to culture as a bridge between peoples and civilizations, His Excellency said. His Excellency the Ambassador emphasized that for Qatar, development is incomplete without cultural prosperity. Culture is the soul of nations and their living memory, he added, highlighting that Doha has become a global hub for intellectual and cultural dialogue, a beacon of creativity and exchange. Al Kuwari stressed that in a world facing growing challenges, culture remains a powerful unifier. "Qatar rejects the logic of conflict and consistently advocates for dialogue and diversity, believing that culture can achieve what politics often cannot." He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Culture's dedication to spreading authentic Qatari culture globally and noted the many groundbreaking initiatives the ministry has launched over the past years to fulfill this mission.