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A distinctive artwork by Haifa al-Sada, through which she expresses Qatari heritage and folklore in a realistic way. She portrays the face of a girl filled with innocence. Although the artist relies on meticulous attention to detail in the face and traditional elements such as clothing to draw the eye, she also focuses on the details of the face itself. This is particularly true since the human face, with its diverse colours and emotions, as one of al-Sada favourite subjects to express. She meticulously examines facial expressions, and in doing so, she adopts a new style and modern colours that suit her painting technique, showcasing Qatari heritage in an attractive way. Her works convey emotion, not just the visual representation of the scene. 

In this painting by Qatari artist Mariam al-Mulla, we are presented with a meticulous visual recapture of the traditional Qatari kitchen, considered the heart of the home and the centre of its daily warmth, especially during Ramadan.The subject is a woman sitting on the floor in front of a simple stove, preparing food in a traditional steaming pot.Her serene presence and her low posture reflect the simplicity of life and modest means.Stylistically, the artist leans towards an expressionist style with a hint of Cubism, yet simplified, characterised by clear forms, defined lines, and muted colours in shades of grey and warm yellow.The light entering from the left creates a gentle contrast between the interior and exterior, evoking a morning scene or an early moment of preparation.The composition is balanced; the figure occupies the largest visual space on the left, while the utensils, shelves, and cupboard are distributed on the right, lending the painting a visual stability that reflects the tranquility of daily life. 

Katara Cultural Village has opened “Bisht House” – a new heritage space dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional craft of bisht-making. Katara general manager Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti attended the opening, along with officials and heritage enthusiasts. The venue offers visitors an insight into the various stages of producing the bisht, from selecting fabrics to intricate embroidery using gold and silver zari threads. The bisht is a traditional, luxurious men's cloak worn over a thobe in the Arab world, symbolising high status, royalty, and prestige. Bisht House aims to highlight one of the region's most refined traditional crafts, known for its precision and artistic detail, and to reinforce its cultural and historical significance. Founder Sami al-Hawaj said the bisht is not merely a garment but a work of art that reflects Gulf identity, elegance and heritage. He added that the centre also displays historic bishts dating back more than 50 years, alongside traditional Qatari garments.

A Doha-based financial technology solutions provider has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reassess their approach to investors and adopt adaptability as a key survival strategy in today’s fintech-driven economy.Daniel Sansano, the CEO of Daniel Sansano Capitals Inc, noted that many SMEs in the region are facing different challenges due to their dependence on traditional bank loans. He explained that these loans frequently come with high interest rates that can pose many challenges to the financial health and growth potential of these businesses.“As a result, many SMEs find themselves in a difficult position, struggling to access affordable financing options that would enable them to invest in expansion, innovate their products or services, and ultimately enhance their competitiveness in the market,” Sansano addressed a previously held panel discussion.According to Sansano, his firm introduced a simplified funding model that requires only a pitch and identification, thus eliminating the paperwork that usually puts off entrepreneurs. “No matter how great your idea is, if it lacks funds, then that is a problem,” he pointed out.But Sansano was also quick to add that “funding alone is not enough.” He highlighted common misconceptions among SMEs seeking investment, warning against treating investors as charity organisations.He said, “You don’t ask for a huge sum of money and offer only a little equity. When entrepreneurs or startups ask for capital, they are also asking us to take the risk with them.” Sansano urged founders to balance equity offers with realistic funding requests and to be transparent about how capital will be used.“Education and mentorship,” he pointed out, “are critical gaps in the ecosystem.” He further said, “It’s not just about supporting them through money or incubation; we have to go further with mentorship and updating training in finance, compliance, and operations. Fintech is progressive and requires continuous learning.”Sansano also underscored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping fintech services, saying his company operates with fewer human employees and relies heavily on AI for customer service and support.“You cannot have fintech without innovation, and AI is innovation,” stated Sansano, who positioned automation as a key element to scaling SME solutions.On accessing international markets, Sansano also pointed to fintech tools that could forecast profitability, identify target markets, and track product demand in other countries. According to Sansano, “such forecasting capabilities are essential for SMEs seeking to scale globally.”“Adaptability is the key to survival,” explained Sansano, who disagreed with the idea that SMEs should cling to traditional practices. “Doing so risks stagnation. Tradition will only pull you down. Adaptability is a must for SMEs to survive in this ecosystem,” he continued to emphasise. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani led the National Day festivities, attending the traditional parade Thursday at the Doha Corniche. Also in attendance were His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani.**media[395314]**Other dignitaries present included His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, along with a number of sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, heads of diplomatic missions in Qatar and other guests of the country.**media[395316]**

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani led the National Day festivities by attending the traditional parade at the Doha Corniche as thousands converged at the venue right from early morning Thursday.Citizens, residents, and visitors thronged the place well in advance to have a glimpse of the magnificent parade that lasted about one hour. The atmosphere was rife with festive spirit as people celebrated the occasion with gaiety and pomp. Qatar’s rich culture and heritage was in display at the ceremonial parade and it also highlighted the strength of the country's military and security entities.**media[395289]**Also attending the parade were His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani.Other dignitaries who attended the parade included His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, along with a number of Their Excellencies, sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, heads of diplomatic missions in Qatar and other guests of the country.**media[395290]**As soon as His Highness the Amir arrived at the venue, the national anthem was played followed by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and the firing of 18 artillery salute in celebration of the State's National Day and the anniversary of the founding of Qatar.Thereafter, various segments of the military and security forces took part in the parade. Before the start of the ceremonial parade, there was an aerial display by the Qatar Amiri Air Force, featuring various types of strategic airlift aircraft and helicopters, alongside fighter jets and multi-mission rotorcraft.This was followed by the display by the fleet of the Qatari Amiri Naval Forces, showcasing the latest technologies in defensive maritime industries and the coastal defence battery equipped with the newest defensive and offensive systems.**media[395291]**The parade then commenced with the entry of the State flag and the marching units participating in the parade from the Ministry of Defence, led by infantry from the Qatar Amiri Land Forces, the Qatar Amiri Air Force, the Qatari Amiri Naval Forces, the Qatar Amiri Air Defence Forces, the Military Police, and a number of Qatar Armed Forces units, along with their vehicles, including armoured vehicles, tanks, and air-defence systems. This was followed by the entry of infantry from the Qatar Amiri Guard and the Joint Special Forces specialised in operations and counterterrorism under the Amiri Guard.The parade then saw the entry of the infantry units of officers from the security departments, colleges, centres, and military institutes, as well as riot-control units under the Ministry of Interior alongside a display of columns of modern vehicles, advanced patrol units, support helicopters, and numerous integrated security systems prepared to safeguard the nation's security. This was followed by the entry of contingents from the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and officer detachments from various military entities.**media[395292]**The National Day parade concluded with the entry of international military bands from Oman, Jordan, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom and the United States, in addition to the Amiri Guard Cubs and a group of horsemen and camel riders from the Amiri Guard.After the parade was concluded, His Highness the Amir along with other dignitaries walked through the parade route and greeted and interacted with the crowd. 

Zaid Benjamin, a veteran journalist who shifted from traditional media to become one of the Arab world’s most-watched digital reporters, has long chronicled Qatar’s diplomatic agility and soft-power success. With nearly 400,000 followers relying on his real-time dispatches, he has become an authoritative voice on the country’s mediation efforts and its increasingly refined ability to host global events. His latest stop — the Arab Cup in Doha — offered him a front-row view of how Qatar continues to outgrow expectations.From training grounds to media centres, Benjamin saw a tournament shaped by an unmistakable rise in Qatari organisational talent. “This is not a feeling,” he says in his post on X. “It’s a fact supported by numbers. Qataris now form the backbone of these events — disciplined, open, and anchored in a culture that welcomes all Arabs without exception.”That openness permeates the press tribunes as well. Benjamin’s praise for Qatari sports journalists is effusive: their coverage, he notes, is bolder, richer, and more accessible than ever — data-heavy match reports, wide-ranging analysis, and commentary aimed squarely at the region’s new generation of readers. Their initiative to honour families attending matches, he says, underscores how Qatar has made the Arab Cup feel like a civic festival as much as a sporting competition.The stands tell an equally revealing story. Qatar’s public has rallied behind its national team but has been just as warm toward other Gulf sides, particularly Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the large, passionate turnout of Sudanese supporters has been one of the tournament’s “most beautiful surprises,” offering a reminder of how football in Doha becomes a temporary home for Arab identity at large.Yet the Arab Cup’s significance lies far beyond football. For Qatar, the tournament is another stress test — and another opportunity to prove that few nations in the region can match its event-management muscle. Seamless logistics, efficient transportation, polished fan experience, and an unforced sense of hospitality have become the country’s signature. Each tournament becomes a new baseline from which Qatar pushes itself further.Benjamin believes the lesson for the region is obvious: “There is no shame in learning from Qatar,” he says. “If this is the level today, the next level will be even higher.”This year’s competition also unfolded against a turbulent geopolitical backdrop. Qatar has spent the year navigating one of its most demanding diplomatic roles, particularly in Gaza, while maintaining its international credibility and influence. Yet none of this strained the country’s ability to deliver a smooth, compelling Arab Cup — a fact that has not gone unnoticed among visiting media and fans.For Benjamin, the calm professionalism on display is itself a message: Qatar’s rise is not episodic but structural. “In truth,” he says, “this is another moment of success in Qatar’s history.”As the tournament winds down, his final sentiment is directed at the host nation and its people. Qatar, he argues, has invested deeply in Arab football — but its real contribution lies in elevating what the Arab world believes it can achieve together. 

The Doha Design District (DDD) has successfully hosted a three-day Hoshino trunk show with Master Hoshino himself presenting his brand and offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience traditional Japanese shoemaking.Hoshino, a Japanese luxury house celebrated for its personalised artistry, creates each pair of shoes meticulously from sophisticated materials, tailored to the unique shape of every foot, blending precision, artistry, and timeless elegance. The event, according to an official statement from DDD, was held from September 24–26. It welcomed guests for private consultations at Msheireb Downtown Doha.Director Dana Kazic said DDD is proud to welcome visionary talents like Master Hoshino, whose skill and work bridge tradition and innovation, aligning perfectly with its mission.“This collaboration not only brought the artistry of Japanese shoemaking to Doha but also reflects our commitment to bringing international brands and artists to the district. By connecting cultures and crafts, we continue to reinforce DDD’s role as a dynamic hub for innovation, creativity, and global dialogue,” Dana said.Over the course of three days, guests experienced exclusive, one-hour consultations with Master Hoshino, where every detail of bespoke footwear was thoughtfully explored and designed to reflect each individual’s style and vision. Each session showcased his signature commitment to precision, artistry, and timeless elegance offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness the shoemaking expertise and creativity behind every pair of Hoshino shoes.The event reinforced DDD’s strategic vision as a premier destination for design, innovation, and cultural exchange. By hosting one of Japan’s most celebrated shoemakers, DDD continues to connect international talent with the local creative community, encouraging collaboration, inspiration, and cross-cultural dialogue. This milestone highlights DDD’s ongoing commitment to curating world-class artistic experiences, solidifying its role as a dynamic hub for creativity, design excellence, and the global design ecosystem in the region.

The Cultural Village Foundation - Katara has launched a series of heritage workshops targeting older people as part of its efforts to preserve traditional crafts and pass them on to future generations. The initiative is being organized in collaboration with the Center for Empowerment and Care of Older Persons (Ehsan). The workshops provide a platform to highlight the expertise of older persons and acknowledge their contributions, enabling them to relive experiences while applying their skills in an interactive setting. This not only enhances their sense of giving and improves communication with their peers, but also facilitates the transfer of knowledge to younger generations. Studies show that engaging older people in creative and practical activities has a positive impact on memory and increases satisfaction with daily life. The program covers a range of authentic Qatari crafts. "Sadu" is one of the oldest hand-weaving arts used by Bedouins to produce tents and furnishings. "Naqda" involves embellishing fabrics with metal threads to add a distinctive decorative touch. "Gypsum" carving is a traditional craft used in old houses and mosques, while "Khous" refers to weaving palm fronds into baskets, mats, and other household items. The series began with a Sadu workshop for women and a Naqda workshop, followed by a Gypsum workshop for men scheduled for October 8-9. The program will conclude with a Khous workshop on October 15–16. Katara gives special attention to older people by offering activities tailored to their skills and needs, ensuring they remain active participants in Qatar's cultural scene. The foundation also encourages their involvement in cultural seasons and national celebrations, underscoring their role as bearers of popular memory and guardians of heritage. The collaboration with Ehsan reflects these efforts, as the center works to integrate older persons into community events, promoting values of loyalty and appreciation while giving them opportunities to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.