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

Qatar wrapped up its campaign at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh with three medals — a silver in fencing and bronze medals in handball and athletics — bringing its overall tally to 11 (3 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze).The men’s foil team of Khalid al-Yafei, Adham al-Deeb and Abdullah Khalifa won silver after a tight 43-45 loss to Uzbekistan in the final, having beaten the UAE in the semi-finals. The men’s and women’s epee teams were eliminated in the Round of 16.Qatar’s handball team claimed bronze after a 36–28 win over the UAE, overcoming the disappointment of a narrow semi-final defeat to Bahrain. They topped their group with three victories before finishing the tournament with a 4–1 record.In athletics, Abubaker Haydar secured bronze in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:46.26, while Moaz Ibrahim was placed fourth in the discus throw. In camel racing, Hazam Abdullah al-Nadeela finished fourth in the 2km event at Al-Janadriyah.

Qatar sealed their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the Asian qualifying playoffs at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday night.Needing a win to progress, Julen Lopetegui’s side rose to the occasion with goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, while Sultan Adil’s late strike for the UAE set up a frantic finish.Tarek Salman was sent off in the 89th minute after a VAR review for a studs-up tackle, but Qatar held firm through 15 minutes of stoppage time to claim a famous victory in front of a packed house at the home of Al Sadd.The 2022 World Cup hosts, who did not make it out of the group stage three years ago in their first ever appearance at the tournament, were deserving winners on the night.An emotional Akram Afif, who unlocked the UAE defence on both occasions with sublime crosses, was overjoyed after the memorable victory. “It’s a great achievement to qualify for the World Cup. We gave our best and got the result we wanted. The credit goes to our incredible fans, who turned up in large numbers and motivated us in this crucial match,” he said.Veteran forward Hassan al-Haydos echoed the sentiment, saying: “This is a moment we’ve dreamed of for a long time. It was the destiny of this generation to earn a place at the World Cup. This group is capable of achieving great things.”Captain Khoukhi said: “It’s time to celebrate, and I congratulate all Qataris on this historic achievement. We really worked hard for this win — we deserved this victory.”Both sides began cautiously, aware of the high stakes — a draw would have been enough for the visitors to qualify. Qatar dominated the early exchanges, with Afif pulling the strings in attack. Mohammad al-Mannai and Almoez Ali both went close before Nicolas Gimenez tested goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada from distance at the other end.After a goalless first half, Qatar broke through almost immediately after the restart. The two-time Asian Player of the Year Afif delivered a trademark curling cross from the left, and Khoukhi rose highest to head home in the 46th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.Qatar doubled their lead in the 74th minute when Miguel nodded in another pinpoint Afif delivery from a set piece. The UAE threw everything forward in the closing stages, and Adil pulled one back deep into stoppage time, but Abunada’s late saves preserved the win amid rising tension.The result confirmed Qatar’s direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. The UAE will now enter a two-legged playoff against the Group B runners-up in November, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff for one final chance to reach the finals.Qatar became the seventh Asian side to qualify for the global showpiece, joining Uzbekistan, Jordan, Iran, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

Cosmin Olaroiu was proud of the resilience shown by the United Arab Emirates in the 2-1 win against Oman in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 playoffs on Saturday.Trailing to Kouame Kouadio’s first half own goal, UAE turned on the power in the closing minutes of the tie to turn the match around, with Marcus Meloni and Caio Lucas scoring to keep their hopes of a second FIFA World Cup Finals appearance alive.Olaroiu admitted that Oman had made the tie at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium into a slugfest.“The match was very difficult, and I congratulate the players for their determination and resolve to achieve victory, which is a well-deserved and fair result that placed us at the top of the group,” said the Romanian tactician, whose side only have to avoid defeat against Qatar tomorrow to book their ticket to next year’s global showpiece. “I would like to thank our fans for their great support during the match.”Olaroiu, who took charge of UAE after leading Sharjah FC to the AFC Champions League Two 2024-25 title in May, said UAE’s performance before the break forced his hand going into the second half.“I was forced to make a complete technical change at the beginning of the second half to change the players’ mentality and achieve victory,” said Olariu, who sent on Caio Canedo, Yahia Nader and Harib Abdalla to boost his side’s potency.“We played a match with different personalities in the two halves but we did everything necessary to win the match. Now we have the decisive game against Qatar.”While UAE will be bidding for a second appearance at the Finals after having made their debut in 1990, Oman’s dream for their global stage bow now depends on the Qatar-UAE result, with the second-placed team from the group advancing to a playoff against the Group B runners-up, with the winners to bid for one final chance in the FIFA Playoff Tournament.“Our players created many opportunities but failed to capitalise on them but they deserved a better result,” said head coach Carlos Queiroz.“Oman’s chances of qualifying remain, and our fans should be proud of the players’ efforts and high fighting spirit despite all the challenges.”

Oman’s only option will be victory when they face the United Arab Emirates in their Asian World Cup Playoffs Group A tie Saturday. Carlos Queiroz’s side battled to a goalless draw with Qatar on Wednesday, giving them hope of a first qualification to the FIFA World Cup should they defeat UAE at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.The steely performance against Qatar, however, did come at a cost with the influential Jameel al-Yahmadi taken off in the 24th minute after a hefty challenge and is now confirmed to be out of contention for the UAE match. Queiroz could opt to provide striker Issam al-Sabhi more support up front with Oman only managing to score in six of their 10 matches in the previous stage of the Qualifiers.The experienced Portuguese tactician is wary of the threat UAE possess but at the same time is bullish on Oman's chances of achieving victory. “It’s an important and decisive match, and our goal is to win as we did in the previous game," said Queiroz."We are aware of the value of this encounter and the opportunity to get closer to the dream of reaching the World Cup. The UAE team is strong and organised, and they will do everything to make their fans happy. We must focus fully and play with great discipline and enthusiasm to achieve victory. We must benefit from the lessons of the past, build on our strengths, and face the match step by step with confidence and great ambition. Winning this match will be an important step on our path towards World Cup qualification.”UAE head coach Cosmin Olaroiu would have picked up plenty of pointers from analysing Oman’s encounter with Qatar. The Romanian is unbeaten in the three matches he has handled since taking over from Paulo Bento, a run that included vital results in the previous phase.Olaroiu oversaw back-to-back draws with Uzbekistan and Kyrgystan in the Asian Qualifiers Group A ties that secured their spot in the Playoffs and the 56-year-old is counting on the shared desire within the team to power them to a win."I am happy that everyone has the same goal and ambition, which is to reach the World Cup," said Olaroiu. "This dream doesn't just belong to the players, but to an entire nation. All members of the UAE football system share the same dream. What we need is confidence and commitment. We have a real chance to reach the World Cup, and we must believe in it and defend it with all our might."Expected to field Sasa Ivkovic in defence with veteran Fabio Lima in attack, UAE can also look to the pace of Ali Saleh and Harib Suhail on the flanks as means to hurt Oman.Iraq and Indonesia clash in JeddahIn Jeddah, Iraq and Indonesia will lock horns in Group B of the Asian Qualifiers Playoffs Saturday with both sides needing victory to keep their FIFA World Cup dreams alive. Iraq are aiming for a long-awaited return to the global stage, while Indonesia know that anything other than a win will end their hopes.Iraq enter the tie determined to secure their second FIFA World Cup appearance, having featured in the 1986 edition in Mexico with head coach Graham Arnold confident of emulating that achievement. Their King Cup’s triumph over Thailand in September was a statement of intent and Arnold will expect Mohanad Ali, Ali Jasim and Aymen Hussein to deliver once again.With Saudi Arabia setting the early pace after their victory against Indonesia, Iraq know they have to make a winning start. “We are very excited about the game tomorrow night. Obviously World Cup qualifiers are very important and it seems like we’ve been waiting a long time. But we’re all ready to go now,” said Arnold.“I think if I have to give the team a rating out of 10 then we’re 10. Discipline from the boys has never been an issue for me, they’ve been fantastic. 100 percent. We have one training session to go and then we’re ready. The biggest positive for me has been all the players are playing a lot of football at their clubs. If I compare their fitness levels to four months ago when I first started this job they look completely different players.”For Indonesia, the fixture carries the weight of needing to end their long wait since first appearing on the global stage in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies and head coach Patrick Kluivert knows this campaign offers a chance to create history.Against Saudi Arabia, Indonesia put up a brave performance which ultimately ended in heartbreak as the hosts walked away 3-2 winners. That leaves victory Saturday as Indonesia’s only option.“The Iraqi team, we have to respect them. In the previous games they had a good result against us but the situation now is different. We need to win, that’s the only thing that we need to do,” said Kluivert.“It’s going to be very difficult, but we are brave people. We have a team that really sticks with each other, behind each other and for each other and we need to show that as well tomorrow. We played well in the game against Saudi Arabia and we will bring it on. We know the fans are standing behind us and we have to be there for them because we are representing a big country.”

The UAE has welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump on the agreement of a first-phase ceasefire framework in the Gaza Strip, highlighting his important role in supporting the process and urging the parties to reach urgent understandings to halt the tragic conflict and restore peace and stability in the enclave. In a statement today, the Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended President Trump's efforts in leading these initiatives and also commended the persistent efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in facilitating the discussions that led to the agreement. The ministry expressed hope that the agreement would be a positive step towards ending the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and paving the way for a fair and lasting resolution that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people while restoring security and stability to the region. It emphasised the importance of building on this progress through all parties' commitment to the agreement's terms, restraint, and a renewed focus on a comprehensive political process leading to a two-state solution, ensuring peace, security, and prosperity for all peoples in the region. Earlier today, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) had signed the first phase of the peace plan, expressing his gratitude to the mediators from the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Turkey. (QNA) The UAE reiterated its steadfast support for regional and international efforts to end the escalation, achieve just and comprehensive peace, and ensure the urgent, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Haseef (Al Mourtajez x Ghazwa), carrying the Wathnan Racing’s silks, won the UAE President Cup - Central European Derby (Gr3 PA), run over 2000m at Sluzewiec, Poland, on Sunday, 28 September. Ridden by FalehBughenaim, the four-year-old colt scored for trainer Damien de Watrigant, decisively pulling clear in the closing stages of the race reserved for four-your-old and up Purebred Arabians. Katrain de Ghazal (Gazwan), trained by Élisabeth Bernard for Helal Alalawi and ridden by Mickaël Forest, managed to hold off Power Bolt (Al Mourtajez) for second place. Haseef had previously finished second in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint (Gr3 PA), narrowly beaten by the smart Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas), owned by Al Shaqab Racing. Before that, he had recorded a commanding success in the Prix Damas (Gr3 PA). Damien de Watrigant said: “The fast ground and strong pace suited him. Under these conditions, he remained calm and was able to see out the 2,000 meters. As for the next stage of his campaign, we’ll need to discuss it with the Wathnan team, but today he showed us that traveling does not unsettle him. He could therefore travel abroad this winter. I am pleased to see their colours shine. He keeps on improving. Last time, he was beaten because the 1,400 meters were too short.”

Qatar secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Oman at the Under-17 Gulf Cup Wednesday to seal their place in the semi-finals. In a tense encounter at the Grand Hamad Stadium, Faisal Saeed struck the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd. The result lifted Al Annabi to six points from two matches, ensuring qualification, while Oman remain without a point. In the group’s other fixture, the UAE came from behind to defeat Yemen 2-1 in a thrilling contest at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Yemen took the lead in the 30th minute through an own goal by Emirati defender Butti al-Junaibi. But the same player made amends with the equaliser in the 74th minute before Mohammed Battar struck the winner in the final minute of regular time. The victory also lifted the UAE to six points, confirming their progress to the semi-finals alongside hosts Qatar. Yemen, like Oman, remain pointless and are out of contention. The group stage continues this week, but with two rounds completed, the identity of Group A’s semi-finalists is already decided, setting up a strong run-in to the knockout phase.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy summoned Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Abu Dhabi David Ahad Horsandi, and conveyed the UAE's strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant and cowardly Israeli aggression that targeted the State of Qatar, as well as the aggressive statements made by the Israeli occupation Prime Minister.The UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation affirmed that this reckless attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter, and an irresponsible escalation that threatens regional and international security and stability.She stressed that the security and stability of the State of Qatar is an integral part of the security and stability of the GCC states, and that any aggression against a Gulf state represents an aggression against the collective Gulf security system.She affirmed that the continuation of this aggressive and provocative approach undermines the chances of achieving stability, pushes the region towards extremely dangerous paths, and entrenches a reality that cannot be ignored or accepted.

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday condemned, in the strongest terms, the blatant and cowardly Israeli attack that targeted the State of Qatar, stressing that this reckless attack represents an egregious breach of the State of Qatar's sovereignty and a dangerous encroachment upon international law and the United Nations Charter, as well as an irresponsible escalation that imperils regional and global security and stability.In a statement, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed the United Arab Emirates' full solidarity with the State of Qatar and its unwavering support for all efforts to protect its security and the safety of its citizens and residents, stressing the need for an immediate end to the military escalation.He warned that the continuation of these kinds of escalatory acts would undermine regional security and drag the region into perilous paths that would have calamitous consequences for global peace and security.The statement called upon the international community, particularly the Security Council, to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to deter Israel and halt its barbaric assaults.In addition, the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the persistence of such aggressive acts demonstrates reckless behavior that pulls the region toward further tension and escalation, eroding the opportunities to achieve security and stability.He warned that persisting in such reckless attacks, amid the absence of a resolute and deterrent international position, will have dire consequences for both regional and global peace and security, consolidating a reality that cannot be tolerated or accepted.

RB Mary Lylah, fresh from her breakthrough at the top level in the Gr.1 (PA) Liwa International Stakes at La Teste, confirmed her excellent form by winning the Gr.3 (PA) UAE President Cup at Istanbul Veliefendi in Turkey on Sunday. The race, run over 2000m, was the 12th leg of the Arabian Purebred Classic Series.Trained by Alban de Mieulle, ridden by Daniel Tudhope, and carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing, the 5-year-old mare showed once more her consistency and toughness, securing the 12th win of her career.In a race led by Kocek, RB Mary Lylah travelled in fifth, racing two wide. Positions remained unchanged until the final bend, where she began to improve. Turning for home, she was carried out wide by Tuncer, who drifted left, but she was still travelling easily, her jockey yet to ask for any effort. Once given the signal, she quickly surged to the front inside the final 300m and went clear under a hands-and-heels ride, scoring by a dazzling seven lengths margin. Kati Zamani finished second, while Kralkarinka took third.Bred by Diane Waldron (USA), RB Mary Lylah comes from a rich family. She is out of Rich Kinkga, a triple winner in the United States including the Gr.3 (PA) Arabian Stallion Stakes and twice runner-up in the Gr.2 CRE Run Oaks Arabian Distaff Stakes. She is a half-sister to RB Kindle, an eight-time winner in the USA including the Gr.3 (PA) Delaware Park Arabian Juvenile Filly Championship and runner-up in the Gr.1 (PA) Buzz Brauninger Arabian Distaff Handicap, and to RB Kinetic, a dual Gr.3 (PA) winner in the USA. She is also a half-sister to RB Kinkie, a triple winner in the USA including the Gr.3 Arabian Stallion Stakes.

Portugal’s Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) held off Danish race leader Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) at the top of the brutal summit finish of Angliru to win stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espana Friday.The top two in the general classification battled it out for the stage win, leaving the rest behind in the final five km.Almeida did all the work on the climb and stayed ahead of Vingegaard in the sprint to the line.“This is a special one, I still don’t believe it,” Almeida said after the stage.“I just put my pace from the bottom and I just did my bit the best I could.“Jonas was always on my wheel, we were both on the limit and I was waiting for his attack anytime.”Thanks to the bonus seconds for the stage win, Almeida closed the gap to the red jersey to 46 seconds, with Britain’s Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) losing time but holding onto third overall, two minutes and 18 seconds off the leader.Australian Jai Hindley (Red Bull-BORA Hansgrohe) finished third on the 202.7km ride from Cabezon de la Sal to Alto de L’Angliru, 28 seconds behind the leading pair, just ahead of Vingegaard’s teammate Sepp Kuss.Kuss, Vuelta winner in 2023, almost lost his red jersey on Angliru that year when teammates Vingegaard and Primoz Roglic left him behind, with Roglic edging out the Dane at the finish.‘HARDEST CLIMB IN THE WORLD’Vingegaard suffered a similar fate this time around, despite looking like he was just biding his time, tucked in behind Almeida as they suffered on the final twists and turns of the infamous climb, but his attack never came.“I thought he was going to pass me on the finish line,” Almeida said. “I took the last corner and then it’s hard to pass. I think this is the hardest climb in the world, its crazy, I’m really sore.”Almeida’s pain gained him his first individual Vuelta stage win along with four seconds in the GC, and topping Angliru ahead of the race favourite may just give him the confidence he needs to go for the title.“I still have a lot of time to make up,” Almeida said.“He’s looking phenomenal so it’s gonna be a hard task but we never give up.”Pidcock also never gave up, despite getting dropped by the leaders, and came in seventh, but the race does look set to be a fight between Vingegaard and Almeida.Bob Jungels of Luxembourg (Ineos Grenadiers) put in a brave battle, part of a large breakaway group early in the stage, and the last man to be caught.At the foot of Angliru, with Nicolya Vinokurov still alongside him, pro-Palestinian protesters delayed the pair’s progress before police cleared the small group from the road.Junegles was left behind in the final seven km by the main GC contenders, and then it became a race between the top two.Today’s stage 14 is a shorter 135.9km ride from Aviles with another summit finish at Alto de La Farrapona.