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The buses from Naples arrive in a steady stream, unloading thousands of people in brightly-coloured ski outfits into the small town nestled in the mountains of central Italy.Every weekend during winter, Roccaraso's streets are filled with day-trippers, its small slopes packed with Neapolitans seeking some snow fun and a little fresh air."We don't ski, but we have fun with sleds. Sometimes I even try with a plastic bag under my bottom!" laughed Anna Lippolis, a 58-year-old hairdresser in a retro pink ski jacket and silver earrings.She took the 30-euro ($36) return bus from Naples on a recent Sunday to "get out of the house, to unwind a bit" after a long week.Far from Italy's high-end sites where the Winter Olympics take place this month, many Italians experience winter sports in more modest resorts like Roccaraso.But the visitors have sparked tensions with locals, reflecting the difficulties of mountain resorts in managing surging numbers at a time of declining snowfall.The only ski slope accessible by foot from Roccaraso, situated at an altitude of 1,200 metres (3,900 feet), has been closed for some time, the run now used by children.But pedestrians can take the chair lift up the mountain to enjoy the view, before walking, sledding or taking the lift down."It's my son's first time seeing snow," said Raimundo Di Bello, 68, in the half-hour queue for the lift. "It's just lovely to be in the mountains."A 10-minute drive away is a real ski resort, Alto Sangro, boasting more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of slopes going up to 2,100 metres, which draw 500,000 people a year.There, many skiiers also complain about day trippers, noting that many seem more interested in sunbathing and drinking spritz on the slopes, where loud music pumps out from nearby speakers."People who don't ski come and ruin the environment, nature and the concept of sport here," said Kikka Misso Gentile, a 41-year-old from Naples who has a holiday home in nearby Rivisondoli.The tensions made global headlines last year when more than 250 buses carrying some 12-13,000 people arrived in one day, after a TikTok influencer, Rita Di Crescenzo, urged fellow Neapolitans to visit.Since then, authorities have imposed limits on the number of buses arriving, with a cap of 50 on a recent Sunday. Wardens have been deployed to manage the crowds.Nicola Pitucci, a 46-year-old electrician with a house in Roccaraso, said he has seen "many more people" in recent years, while the snow is unpredictable."Everyone has the right to have fun in the snow", but "limiting the number is right because the town can't accommodate 50,000 people. It has no facilities, no infrastructure", he said.Many day-trippers told AFP they cannot afford to ski, which can easily cost 200 euros per person per day, taking into account travel, ski hire and the ski pass.Skiing in Italy is traditionally cheaper than in France or Switzerland, but consumer association Altroconsumo warned in December that the price of ski passes were rising by up to 10% in some resorts, putting the sport further out of reach.Yet the industry remains "very resilient", according to Swiss tourism expert Laurent Vanat, with Italy recording its best ever seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-4.This is despite declining snow cover due to climate change, which is shortening the season in resorts across Europe.More than 90% of Italy's ski slopes use artificial snowmaking systems, with Roccaraso's the largest in the country, according to environmental group Legambiente.But "artificial snow is not a solution, it's a stop-gap", and will become more and more difficult as temperatures rise, said Antonio Montani, the president of the Italian Alpine Club.He told AFP that ski resorts must diversify, and argued that lower resorts like Roccaraso, which offer hiking and cycling, are better placed than others high in the Alps."The mountains in the Apennines are beautiful, they're still wild, and at the same time they're very rich in history, culture, and art," he said.Adventurous types can also look to Sicily for a rare experience -- the chance to ski down an active volcano.Mount Etna is growing in popularity, with tourists from around the world drawn to its extraordinary lunar landscape, local guide Mirto Monaco told AFP."Lava, snow and sea... it's a truly unique experience," he said. 

A massive winter storm dumped snow and freezing rain on New Mexico and Texas Saturday as it spread across the United States towards the northeast, threatening tens of millions of Americans with blackouts, transportation chaos and bone-chilling cold.Shoppers stripped supermarket shelves as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast huge snowfall in some areas and possibly "catastrophic" ice accumulations from freezing rain.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that up to 240mn Americans could be affected by the storm.At least 16 states and the US capital Washington declared states of emergency."Take this storm seriously, folks," the NWS said on X, predicting an "astonishingly long swath" of snowfall from New Mexico to Maine.More than 3,400 flights in and out of the United States were canceled Saturday alone, and more than 1,100 others were delayed, according to tracker FlightAware.In Dallas, freezing rain pelted the city and temperatures plummeted to 21° Fahrenheit (-6° Celsius).Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged residents of the country's fourth most populous city to hunker down: "Be where you need to be for the next 72 hours."Warming centres were set to open for those in need.State officials vowed that the Texas power grid was in better shape than five years ago, when it failed during a deadly winter storm and left millions without power.Snow also hit Oklahoma and Arkansas, where some spots already recorded 6” (15cm) on the ground, the NWS said.After battering the country's southwest and central areas, the storm system was expected to hit the heavily populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern states before a frigid air mass settles in."The snow/sleet impacts will linger well into next week with rounds of re-freezing that keeps surfaces icy and dangerous to both drive and walk on for the foreseeable future," the weather service said.The US federal government preemptively announced offices would be closed Monday."We will continue to monitor, and stay in touch with all States in the path of this storm. Stay Safe, and Stay Warm!" US President Donald Trump, who was riding out the storm in Washington, said on his Truth Social platform.The brutal storm system is the result of a stretched polar vortex, an Arctic region of cold, low-pressure air that normally forms a relatively compact, circular system but sometimes morphs into a more oval shape, sending cold air spilling across North America.Scientists say the increasing frequency of such disruptions of the polar vortex may be linked to climate change, though the debate is not settled and natural variability plays a role.However, Trump – who scoffs at climate change science and has rolled back green energy policies – questioned how the cold front fit into broader climate shifts."WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???" the Republican leader posted on Truth Social.The NWS warned that heavy ice could cause "long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions", including in many states less accustomed to intense winter weather.In New York state, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul warned residents to stay inside amid frigid conditions: "Five or six minutes outside could literally be dangerous for your health."She stressed precautions like protecting pipes, using heaters safely, and checking on vulnerable neighbours.Professional and collegiate basketball games have been rescheduled as a result of the weather.Brandon Buckingham, a meteorologist with private forecasting company AccuWeather, said snow and sleet had started to fall on Thursday evening in portions of the Central Plains, and warned that there was a danger of ice accumulating on roads, trees and power lines."Dallas could see a half-inch of ice," he said. "This is going to become treacherous very quickly."He said residents should prepare for "power outages lasting at least several days" in areas where ice accumulates, even though the storm is expected to dissipate by early Monday.In Oklahoma City, which could see up to 12” of snow and a glaze of ice before the weekend is over, supervisor Morgan Mayo of the cafe Not Your Average Joe said customers were packing in on Friday morning to get out of the frigid temperatures: a low of 8F on Friday."We're going to do our darnedest to stay open" even during the weekend when the high is expected to be just 10F, Mayo said. "We have several employees who live in walking distance and are willing to brave the storm."The storm represents the first major test for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office just weeks ago.He told local news station NY1 on Friday that the city's sanitation workforce would transform "into the nation’s largest snow-fighting operation" in advance of the heavy snowfall expected Monday, but that the city's schools would be open Monday for either in-person or remote learning.Authorities warned of life-threatening cold that could last a week post-storm, especially in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where wind chill lows were forecast to dip to extremes under -50F (-45C).Such temperatures can cause frostbite within minutes. 

A winter storm bringing icy temperatures will slam a massive stretch of the United States this week, with more than 175mn people facing the prospect of heavy snowfall, power outages and travel disruption.Winter Storm Fern is forecast to engulf an area stretching from Texas and the Great Plains region to the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states.Forecasters warned it could be 2,000 miles (3,219lm) long – well over half the length of the continental US.The storm, which could impact nearly half the country's population, will bring up to 20” (50.8cm) of snow in the Appalachians and West Virginia mountains, while most people living in the eastern US could face dangerous slick or frozen roads and potential power outages from ice-laden trees and branches falling and snapping power lines, officials said."With the extreme cold in the North and the storm, half of all Americans are under some form of weather advisories," said Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS)’s Weather Prediction Centre in College Park, Maryland.New York City, Boston, Baltimore and Washington, DC could see 4-10” of heavy, wet snow starting Saturday, Hurley said, with temperatures in the low 20s degrees Fahrenheit in DC and Boston seeing a low of 7F (-14° Celsius).Throughout the storm, New York state was expected to be under a "Code Blue", which requires social service providers to extend shelter hours and ensure the homeless have access to them.Chicago will see a "deep freeze", according to Hurley, with a low of -2F Friday and Saturday and dangerous wind chills of -30F.Space heaters have been flying off the shelves all week at JC Licht Ace Hardware River North in Chicago, according to manager James Martin.Chicagoans know how to deal with extreme cold, said Martin, a Chicago native. "We move fast and we dress in layers and layers and more layers. Then we ask, 'Why do we still live here?"In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, activating extra personnel and equipment to help control traffic, monitor power outages, rescue people trapped by the storm, and more.He urged Texans to "remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials”.The storm is expected to clear out of most areas by late Sunday or early on Monday.The extreme cold from an Arctic blast of air from Canada will bring a high temperature of only -5F Saturday in Fargo, North Dakota.Farther south the main storm hazard will be ice, weather forecasters said.From Central Virginia to northern Texas, the southeastern states could see accumulations of up to a half inch of ice.A combination of snow, rain and sleet could make travel almost impossible, local media warned.The Monroe County Road Commission, which covers a large area outside Detroit, Michigan, warned "there is a shortage of salt”."This year we've used more than we have the last four Decembers combined," David Leach, the commission's managing director, told CBS News.In past years, rural areas in the northeast have been entirely cut off as snowploughs struggled to clear roads. 

A sharp winter chill has swept across Qatar, sending nighttime temperatures in Doha down to 11°C and making it feel as cold as between 5°C and 8°C due to strong winds, prompting many residents to bundle up and take extra precautions even as daytime conditions remain inviting.According to the Department of Meteorology (MET), the cooler spell is expected to continue over the coming days, with generally stable weather and no significant rain forecast.Temperatures Thursday are set to reach 19°C during the day before dropping to 12°C at night. Winds may gust to 30 mph, while the chance of rainfall remains low at 5%. Despite the mild temperatures, MET has flagged high ultraviolet (UV) levels, advising the public to seek shade during midday hours, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen.Similar conditions will prevail through the weekend and into early next week. Friday’s forecast mirrors Thursday at 19°C during the day and 13°C at night. Saturday will see a slight warming trend, with temperatures rising to 21°C during the day and 17°C in the evening. Sunday is expected to be the warmest day of the period, with a high of 22°C and a low of 15°C.Temperatures are forecast to dip again on Monday, reaching 20°C during the day and 13°C at night, with stronger winds gusting to 31 mph. On Tuesday, daytime temperatures will climb back to 22°C, with a low of 14°C. Humidity levels are also expected to rise, peaking at around 86% during the day, which may add to the chill in the air despite the sunshine.While the colder nights have caught some off guard, the overall weather remains pleasant by local standards. Many residents are expected to make the most of the winter climate by heading to popular outdoor destinations such as Al Bidda Park, Aspire Zone, the Doha Corniche, and traditional souqs, among other popular outdoor places such as Katara Cultural Village. These areas are likely to see increased activity, particularly in the afternoons and over the weekend, as families and fitness enthusiasts gather for picnics, recreation, and outdoor sports under clear winter skies. 

Kyiv residents huddled against bitter winter cold inside their unheated apartments Saturday as engineers struggled to restore power, water and heat knocked out in the latest salvo of Russian strikes.Russia has regularly conducted intense bombardments of Ukraine's energy system since it invaded its neighbour in 2022.The war's fourth winter could be the coldest and darkest yet, with the accumulated damage to the grid bringing utilities to the brink, and temperatures already below -10° Celsius (14°F) and set to plunge further this week.Saturday Kyiv's heat, power and water, hit hard by a strike two nights earlier, were shut down again as engineers tried to repair the ruined power grid.Galina Turchin, a 71-year-old pensioner living on Kyiv's badly affected eastern bank, had a window covered by plastic sheeting after it was blown out when drone debris hit another part of her building during the last overnight attack.She said she had not cooked food for two days, eating whatever had been left in their kitchen before the power, water and heat went out, and would now try to cook on a gas camping stove."We hope they will give us heat. If not power, then at least heat," she said, standing wrapped in layers of jumpers in her kitchen.The city administration said around noon local time (1000 GMT) Saturday that the state grid operator Ukrenergo had ordered the city's power system to be shut down, and that the water and heating systems, as well as electrified public transport, would also stop working as a result.Less than an hour later, Ukrenergo said engineers had managed to remedy the immediate issue, which had been caused by damage from previous Russian strikes, and that power was coming back online in parts of Kyiv.Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the heating system, which in Ukrainian cities is centralised and pumps hot water to homes in pipes, was also coming back on, and that she expected heat supply to be fully restored.However, she said that the power situation in the capital was still difficult, as the grid was badly damaged and people were using more electric heaters because of the cold.On Friday, with about half of Kyiv's apartment blocks left without heating after the latest Russian missile and drone attack, Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents who had a warm place to go to temporarily leave the city.Turchin, the pensioner in her cold apartment, said she had a village cottage in another region but it was unheated and would take three days to warm up with logs."The neighbour wrote. She said it was already -17° (Celsius) there last night." 

Italian singer and songwriter Laura Pausini will be among the headline performers ‌at the opening ceremony ‌of the ‍Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, organisers said .Pausini, one ⁠of Italy's most internationally acclaimed ‍artists, is credited with helping to bring the country's music to a global audience.She has won a Grammy, five Latin Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe ‌and earned an Oscar nomination during a career spanning more than three ‍decades.The Milano Cortina ⁠Games opening ‌ceremony will take place on February 6 at Milan's San Siro Stadium.Created and produced by Balich Wonder Studio, the event will feature performances by international artists like American pop superstar Mariah Carey alongside elements celebrating Italian culture and ​innovation.Pausini "embodies the ‌concept of Harmony", the central theme of the ⁠ceremony, ‍and her music represents a meeting point between tradition and modernity, between Italian roots and an international outlook, organisers said in a ​statement.The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be staged across northern Italy, with events hosted in Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo and other venues in Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.The Games will run from February ⁠6 to 22. 

It only took a matter of minutes after the heavy overnight rain first began to fall for Jamil al-Sharafi's tent in southern Gaza to flood, drenching his food and leaving his blankets sopping wet.The winter rains have made an already precarious life worse for people like Sharafi, who is among the hundreds of thousands in the Palestinian territory displaced by the war, many of whom now survive on aid provided by humanitarian organisations.**media[398766]**"My children are shivering from cold and fear... The tent was completely flooded within minutes," Sharafi, 47, said Sunday."We lost our blankets, and all the food is soaked," added the father of six, who lives in a makeshift shelter with his children in the coastal area of Al-Mawasi.A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place since October 10, following two years of devastating fighting.**media[398770]**But despite the truce, Gazans still face a severe humanitarian crisis, and most of those displaced by the war have been left with little or nothing.Families are crowded into camps of tents hastily erected from tarpaulins, which are often surrounded by mud and standing water when it rains.**media[398761]**"As an elderly woman, I cannot live in tents. Living in tents means we die from the cold in the rain and from the heat in the summer," said Umm Rami Bulbul."We don't want reconstruction right now, just provide us and our children with mobile homes."Nighttime temperatures in Gaza have ranged between eight and 12 degrees Celsius in recent days.**media[398767]**Nearly 80% of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged by the war, according to United Nations data.And about 1.5mn of Gaza's 2.2mn residents have lost their homes, said Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza.Of more than 300,000 tents requested to shelter displaced people, "we have received only 60,000", Shawa told AFP, pointing to Israeli restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid into the territory.**media[398771]**The UN refugee agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, said the harsh weather had compounded the misery of Gazans."People in Gaza are surviving in flimsy, waterlogged tents & among ruins," UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X."There is nothing inevitable about this. Aid supplies are not being allowed in at the scale required."**media[398769]**COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, said in mid-December that "close to 310,000 tents and tarpaulins entered the Gaza Strip recently" as part of an increase in aid under the ceasefire.Earlier this month, Gaza experienced a similar spell of heavy rain and cold.The weather caused at least 18 deaths due to the collapse of war-damaged buildings or exposure to cold, according to Gaza's civil defence agency, which operates under Hamas authority.**media[398762]**On December 18, the UN's humanitarian office said that 17 buildings collapsed during the storm, while 42,000 tents and makeshift shelters were fully or partially damaged."Look at the state of my children and the tent," said Samia Abu Jabba.**media[398768]**"I sleep in the cold, and water floods us and my children's clothes. I have no clothes for them to wear. They are freezing," she said."What did the people of Gaza and their children do to deserve this?"**media[398760]**

Weather inshore until 6:00 pm on Thursday will be hazy to misty at first at places, becoming moderate in temperature daytime with scattered clouds to partly cloudy, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, the weather will see scattered clouds to partly clouds, the Meteorology Department added.Winds along the coast will be mostly southeasterly to southerly at speeds between 5-15 knots, with gusts sometimes reaching 19 knots. At sea, they will be mostly southeasterly to southerly at speeds between 7-17 knots.Sea state inshore will range between 1-3 feet, while offshore it will range between 2-4 feet.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4-9 km/3 km, or less at places at first. Offshore visibility will range between 4-9 km.AreaHigh TideLow TideMin Max------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha09:19-**:**03:01-17:2623 28Mesaieed10:56-**:**19:55-**:**22 26Wakrah09:54-23:0318:29-**:**24 27Al Khor19:36-09:14**:**-03:2217 27Ruwais09:14-22:0403:22-16:1718 28Dukhan02:21-14:2108:17-20:5118 26Abu Samra01:57-14:2107:49-22:1018 28Sunrise: 06:09 LTSunset: 16:45 LT------------------

Heavy rain caused flooding in the Gaza Strip Tuesday, swamping the tents of thousands of homeless Palestinians facing the prospect of harsh winter storms without sturdy shelter.The large majority of Gaza's 2mn people were forced from their homes during Israel's two-year ground and air war in the small, crowded enclave triggered by Hamas' October 2023 storming of Israel, with many now living in tents and other basic shelters.**media[385952]**A ceasefire has broadly held since mid-October but the war demolished much of heavily built-up Gaza, including basic infrastructure, leaving grim living conditions for most people.**media[385953]**"This suffering, this rain — and the low-pressure weather systems haven’t even started yet. It’s only the beginning of winter, and we’re already flooded and humiliated," Um Ahmed Aowdah said outside her tent as rain pelted down Tuesday. "We haven’t received new tents or tarps. Our tarp is two years old and our tent is two years old — they’re completely worn out."**media[385951]**Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network, said there was an urgent need for at least 300,000 new tents to house the roughly1.5mn people still displaced from their homes.The Palestinian Civil Defence Service said thousands of tents housing displaced families had been inundated by rainwater or damaged by torrential rainstorms over the past week.**media[385954]**Some tents completely washed away as floodwaters rose 40 to 50 centimetres above ground level in some areas of the coastal enclave, while a field hospital had to suspend operations due to flooding, medics and witnesses said.The UN said on Monday that while it was working to bring winter supplies into Gaza, the number of trucks able to enter the enclave was limited by Israeli curbs on aid groups.Hamas-led Gaza authorities say Israel is not letting in as much aid as was promised under the ceasefire deal. Aid agencies say Israel is preventing many essential items from entering.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning of poor horizontal visibility at most places at first in inshore areas, in addition to expected thundery rain at first associated with strong wind and high sea offshore.According to the Department's daily weather report, inshore conditions until 6:00 pm on Monday will be misty to foggy at most places at first and moderate in temperature daytime with scattered clouds to partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rain.Offshore, the weather will see scattered clouds to partly cloudy skies with a chance of scattered rain that maybe thundery at first.Inshore winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 03 to 13 KT. Offshore, winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 05 to 15 KT, gusting to 25 KT with thundery rain.Sea state inshore will range from 1 to 4 feet, while offshore it will range from 2 to 4 feet, rising to 8 feet with thundery rain.Visibility inshore is expected to range between 4 and 9 km/2 km or less at most places at first. Offshore, the visibility is expected to range between 5 and 9 km/3 km or less with thundery rain.Area High TideLow TideMinMax------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doha07:03 - 17:2014:58 - 23:492129Mesaieed08:46 - **:****:** - **:**1528Wakrah08:14 - **:**23:50 - **:**2029Al Khor17:44 - 06:4022:38 - 00:251930Ruwais06:40 - 19:3100:25 - 13:462026Dukhan00:27 - 12:2106:13 - 18:531827Abu Samra01:12 - **:**10:33 - 07:261828Sunrise: 05:57 LTSunset: 16:43 LT------------------ 

Qatar Airways has increased capacity to Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Shanghai, and Singapore this winter season to meet the global demand on these routes. This increase in flight frequency is part of the airline's broader winter schedule enhancements, which have already introduced additional frequencies to more than 15 major destinations, including Cape Town, Dublin, London, Phuket, and Toronto.In a statement, the airline said that the growing demand for Qatar Airways' travel experience resulted in the airline offering nearly 3,000 additional flights this year. Starting 17 December 2025, Qatar Airways flights to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) will increase from 14 to 17 weekly flights. The additional services will offer seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Jeddah, London, and Paris through Doha.Effective 15 December 2025 until 28 March 2026, Qatar Airways' services to Lagos (LOS) will increase from 10 to 14 weekly. The increased frequency enhances connectivity between the Nigeria and Qatar Airways' extensive global network of over 170 destinations, facilitating smoother travel for both business and leisure passengers to Delhi, Guangzhou, and London. Effective 01 January to 28 March 2026, services will rise from 7 to 10 weekly flights to meet growing inbound and outbound demand from China. This frequency increase will further enhance connectivity between Asia and Qatar Airways' key destinations across Algiers, São Paulo, and Warsaw.From 12 January 2026, Qatar Airways will deploy the Airbus A380 on select flights to Singapore, offering enhanced capacity and an elevated premium experience. The airline's global connectivity is supported by its diverse fleet of aircraft that includes a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 equipped with ultra-high-speed Starlink on-board Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the world to fully equip and operate over 100 widebody aircraft with Starlink, and the first carrier in the MENA region to offer the service. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy free, gate-to-gate Wi-Fi, with speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft.

Msheireb Properties announced the return of its celebrated Winter Season at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), a citywide programme of entertainment, culture, and family experiences taking place from December 1-January 31.Themed “In Msheireb, there is a vibe for everyone”, this year’s season showcases the best of sport, design, music, cinema, and national celebration in one walkable urban destination.The winter activations will run daily from 4pm-10pm at Barahat Msheireb, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, Msheireb Museums, Sahat Al Nakheel, and Al Kahraba Street. The 2025–2026 winter season kicks off in early December with the Baraha Premium Fan Zone and Sikkat Wadi Msheireb activation, coinciding with the Arab Cup 2025. These opening activations capture the excitement of the tournament through live match screenings, football-themed experiences, vibrant entertainment, and community gatherings that transform the city into a celebration of sport and regional pride.Sweet Sikka at Sahat Al Nakheel returns with the much-loved Candy Zone now in its second year. Barahat Msheireb will once again host Baraha Cinema in the latter part of December, offering outdoor screenings, themed dining experiences, and a relaxed winter setting for families and film enthusiasts. Dr Hafiz Ali Abdulla, senior director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, said: “Each year, we strive to curate experiences that celebrate our culture, creativity, and sense of community”.Festivities continue in mid-December with Qatar National Day celebrations across MDD. The city will host cultural installations, performances, and family-friendly experiences celebrating the nation’s heritage and unity. A special performance by the Al Jazeera Orchestra and Choir (in partnership with U Events) at Barahat Msheireb will serve as a joyful highlight of the celebrations.Msheireb Museums continues to anchor culture in MDD. This season, the “Identities of Perfection” exhibition, in collaboration with Al Markhiya Gallery, showcases the late Egyptian artist Hazem El Mestikawy’s works.Resonant Bodies, developed with Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, highlights how art preserves memory, continuity, and identity through creative expression.The season also features the Positive Impact Leadership Summit, Doha Film Festival Talks, Light-Box Installations, and a series of educational and children’s workshops.Doha Design District will present a rich lineup of design and creative events. Highlights include the Hamad bin Khalifa University’s Sustainable Islamic Urbanism course, and networking events like the FROMM Design Meetup, and JW Anderson Trunk Show.Artistic contributions feature Rashmi and Youssef Ahmed artwork reveals, while workshops such as the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Design Thinking Workshop, InStudio Fashion Pop-up, and Arabic Calligraphy International Day provide hands-on experiences. The winter programme continues into January 2026, with the return of Hosh Msheireb, a boutique glamping concept at the Company House Courtyard within Msheireb Museums.Baraha Musical Concert will take place in mid-January while visitors can enjoy an intimate dinner beneath the open sky, surrounded by the architectural beauty of Barahat Msheireb, as classical and contemporary compositions fill the winter air.M7 is featuring a number of exhibitions, including Threads of Impact, Houbara Haven, and Amazigh Hair Couture, each celebrating contemporary creativity and craft, while in collaboration with the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan, Woven Legacies: Uzbekistan’s Living Heritage provides a captivating exploration of Uzbekistan’s artistic traditions.Visitors to MDD this winter are also invited to discover LifeHub Msheireb, the acclaimed educational initiative by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.The initiative is developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Municipality to support Qatar’s sustainability goals.Winter Activations Calendar:•    21 November: J.W Anderson Trunk Show – Free entry•    23 November: Rashmi Artwork Reveal Event – Free entry•    1–18 December: Baraha Premium Fan Zone (Arab Cup 2025 Activations) – Ticketed•    1–18 December: Sikkat Wadi Msheireb Football Activations – Free entry (select activities ticketed)•    8 December: Arabic Calligraphy International Day Workshop – Ticketed•    December: VCUQ Design Thinking Workshop – Ticketed•    December: Youssef Ahmed Gift Reveal – Free entry•    December: InStudio Fashion Pop-up – Free entry•    Until 3 January: Threads of Impact and Woven Legacies: Uzbekistan’s Living Heritage exhibitions•    Until 12 January: Houbara Haven and Amazigh Hair Couture exhibitions•    18 December: Qatar National Day Celebrations – Free entry•    18–27 December: Sweet Sikka (Candy Zone) – Ticketed•    25 December – 3 January: Baraha Cinema – Ticketed•    December–January: LifeHub Msheireb Educational Experiences – Free entry•    December onwards: “Identities of Perfection” exhibition at Msheireb Museums – Free entry•    January: Baraha Musical Concert – Ticketed•    1–31 January: Hosh Msheireb – Ticketed