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FIFA has confirmed that the FIFA Series 2026 will take place during the international match window in March and April next year, offering national teams from different continents a unique platform to compete and connect beyond their traditional confederation boundaries.Building on the success of the pilot edition held in March 2024, the FIFA Series 2026 marks the first full-scale implementation of this initiative, featuring more Participating Member Associations (PMAs), more hosts and, for the first time, a dedicated women's iteration. The expanded format is designed to facilitate more meaningful international matches and contribute directly to global football development.The FIFA Series is aligned with FIFA's Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, which focus on creating more opportunities for competitive balance, technical growth and cross-continental exchange.The format provides a pathway for national teams that rarely face opponents from other continents."The FIFA Series is about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football's universality and diversity through meaningful matches. The 2026 edition will further enhance that impact for men's and women's football alike," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino."By connecting nations through competition, the FIFA Series aims to strengthen the game at every level, bringing local communities to the global stage," he added.While interest in participating is growing across the globe, FIFA can already announce the broad structure of the competition and the growing number of confirmed hosts.The men's FIFA Series will feature a series of meaningful matches be hosted in Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan.Discussions are also advancing with other FIFA Member Associations (MAs), which may join as additional host nations in the coming months. The women's FIFA Series will debut with events in Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire and Thailand.The full line-up will be announced in early 2026. Each group in the series will bring together national teams from different confederations in a friendly-match format, designed to create valuable footballing interaction without adding fixtures to the international match calendar.By providing PMAs with the chance to play against teams from other regions, the FIFA Series offers benefits that go beyond the pitch: Technical growth through exposure to new playing styles and tactical identities, Commercial opportunities thanks to increased visibility for emerging football nations and untapped markets in new event locations, and Cultural exchange by fostering global connections through the shared language of football.  

When Paniz Faryoussefi mounts the podium and reaches for her baton, she represents more than just the hope of a thrilling orchestral performance. The eyes turned towards her in Tehran's renowned Vahdat Hall include those of many young women musicians inspired by her taking her place as Iran's first woman philharmonic conductor. Women's professional and cultural lives are still heavily restricted in the nation, particularly in terms of public performance before mixed-gender audiences. Women, for example are not allowed to sing solo in front of men. But, as exemplified by 42-year-old Faryoussefi, they can now conduct an orchestra. "When I stepped onto the stage, I noticed that all eyes were on a woman conducting the orchestra, and I felt an immense responsibility," she said after the performance. Widespread street protests shook Iran for several months following the death in custody in 2022 of a young woman arrested for violating the country's strict dress code for women. In the wake of the disturbances, the government has relaxed certain restrictions and young women have become more prominent in some areas of social and cultural life. And since a 12-day war with Israel earlier this year, Iranians have been pushing social boundaries further still. **media[381980]** Analysts say the authorities have shown greater tolerance, while keeping as close an eye as ever for any signals of political dissent. Several women in the audience at the concert did not wear their scarves. The conductor wore hers, covering her hair as the law demands, but her arrival at the podium was in itself a sign of greater openness. The crowd shared Faryoussefi's enthusiasm, particularly the young women, who seemed aware that they were witnessing a historic moment. In some Iranian cities, women musicians are not allowed to perform on stage, and even in the capital Tehran they cannot raise their voices in song in public. Faryoussefi was born into an artistic family and her mother dreamed of her becoming a cheffe d'orchestre -- but Iranian performing arts academies do not teach conducting. She briefly attended classes in Armenia before returning to build a trailblazing career. "Young women need to persevere and follow their dreams," she said. At the podium, she led the 50-strong orchestra through works by Austria's Franz Schubert, Finland's Jean Sibelius and the Soviet-Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. "I hope this marks a new era for young Iranian women and that they will understand that... they should not be afraid," she said. "It is the only gateway to emancipation. "A friend saw a little girl in the audience mimicking my movements. He thought a dream was already taking root in her, that she was thinking she too could one day achieve the same thing." The concerts took place over two days and attracted large crowds. Said Shourabi, 53, works in metal fabrication and wasn't a big concertgoer until his daughter, who was out of town, bought him the tickets and insisted he go along. "In Iran," he said, "women have always been held back and haven't been able to fully express their talents, even if I'm sure they're just as capable as men." Hairdresser Fariba Aghai, 44, was delighted to see a woman take up the baton at the orchestra, lamenting that women singers still can't perform at concerts or publish their own songs.

Palestinian medical sources announced Wednesday that the total number of dead in the Gaza Strip has risen to 68,643, the majority of whom are children and women, since the start of the Israeli occupation offensive on Oct. 7, 2023. The medical sources added that the number of injured has increased to 170,655 since the beginning of the assault. Many victims remain under the rubble, and ambulance and rescue teams are unable to reach them. They indicated that 104 dead (including 46 children and 40 women) and 253 injured (including 78 children and 84 women) arrived at Gaza Strip hospitals. Meanwhile, the total number of dead and injured since the cease-fire agreement on October 11 has reached 211 dead and 597 injured, and 482 bodies have been recovered.

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatari Business Women’s Association (QBWA) to promote collaboration in areas that support women’s advancement, leadership, and health.Through this partnership, both organisations will share best practices, exchange expertise, and collaborate to create opportunities that empower women in business, healthcare, and the broader community.The MoU was signed by Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, and Aisha Hussein Alfardan, vice-chair of QBWA, in the presence of QBWA members and Sidra Medicine’s leadership.Tinubu-Karch said: “We firmly believe that as a healthcare entity that caters to women’s health, our commitment should extend beyond clinical care. This strategic partnership with QBWA reflects our holistic approach to women’s wellbeing and empowerment to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers across all sectors of society.”QBWA is an independent non-profit entity working under the umbrella of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA). QBWA’s mission is to provide a platform to empower business and professional women and to unlock the potential of future generations in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Alfardan said: “We are proud to partner with Sidra Medicine as a Healthcare Partner, whose dedication to women’s health and wellness aligns with our mission to empower women professionally and socially. Together, we aim to inspire new collaborations that strengthen Qatar’s ecosystem for women’s advancement.”Following the MoU ceremony, the QBWA delegation also attended a tour of several clinics and wards related to women’s services. For more details about Sidra Medicine’s women’s services, visit https://www.sidra.org/services/womens-services

The Qatar National Library (QNL) organised a panel discussion on Tuesday that brought together scholars to explore the often overlooked yet vital role women have played in shaping cultural and social ties amid some of the Islamic world’s most significant upheavals.Held under the theme of Women in Al Andalus and Palestine: From Marginalisation to Influence, the panel featured Dr Fadwa al-Haziti, professor of higher education at Hassan II University in Casablanca and an expert in cross-cultural and post-colonial studies, and Dr Basma Dajani, professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Jordan, renowned for her research on women patrons in Arab-Islamic civilisation.The panel explored how women cultivated values of steadfastness and sacrifice, emerging as pillars of resistance and guardians of collective memory despite enduring displacement, marginalisation, and loss."The seminar focuses on Arab and Muslim women throughout history with particular emphasis on the experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women,” said Dr al-Haziti.“Our nation has faced challenges throughout its history similar to those we face today, such as the post-Andalusian period,” she continued. “This discussion aims to highlight the reality of Palestinian women, affirm their right to preserve their memory and identity, and shed light on their suffering under occupation, including violence, siege, famine, and genocide.""Invoking Andalusia in the context of Palestine is not about making comparisons, but about reflection and broadening perspectives,” Dr al-Haziti stressed. “From this perspective, we explore the shared experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women, with a focus on their influence and marginalisation.”"The primary goal of this gathering is to reinforce awareness of the Palestinian cause, not only in terms of supporting the Palestinian people, but also recognizing that Palestine’s struggle is central to the Arab and Islamic world," she added."At a time when moral values are eroding, Gaza, with its women and children, serves as a moral compass, reminding us that belief in truth, commitment to homeland, and preservation of dignity are at the core of our humanity,” said Dr Dajani. “When dignity is stripped away, life itself loses its justification.”"Thus, revisiting pivotal moments in our Arab-Islamic history is not a retreat into the past, but a call for resilience, collective action, and cultural responsibility to confront the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine and to ensure that humanity and dignity remain at the forefront of global consciousness," she added."At the QNL, we are committed to preserving and disseminating our cultural heritage,” said QNL engagement specialist Ikhlas Ahmed. “This panel sheds essential light on the profound contributions of women in bridging cultures and preserving identity across the Arab world. Their central role in the social fabric of our region underscores the vital impact women have on society."

Nine Palestinian women and children were martyred and others seriously wounded Wednesday night when the Israeli occupation forces bombed a family home east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Local sources reported that the bombing completely destroyed the house, killing seven women and two children from one family. Civil defense and ambulance teams transported their bodies and the wounded to hospitals in central Gaza. In the same context, Israeli occupation forces renewed their artillery and air bombardment of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, while drones dropped explosive bombs on Al-Jalaa Street in Gaza, coinciding with heavy artillery shelling of the Al-Nasr neighborhood in the west. Medical sources said that 85 Palestinians were martyred by Israeli forces in various areas of the Gaza Strip since dawn on Wednesday and were taken to hospitals in Gaza. They explained that the geographical distribution of the martyrs included 53 in northern Gaza, 28 in central Gaza, and four in southern Gaza. The Israeli occupation continues its aggression after violating the ceasefire agreement on March 18, following a two-month hiatus, targeting various areas of the Gaza Strip, which has been facing an unprecedented humanitarian tragedy for nearly two years.

The 13th edition of the Arabian Women Exhibition kicked off Saturday, featuring 200 local and international booths, and will run until October 2 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The exhibition, held under the patronage of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum at Qatar Chamber, features a wide participation of Qatari businesswomen, alongside exhibitors from Gulf states, Morocco, Jordan, Turkiye, and Lebanon. It provides an important platform to showcase the latest fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2025.The opening ceremony was attended by Noura al-Awlan, director of the Research and Studies Department at Qatar Chamber; Tamader al-Marri, director of Vogue Events, the exhibition’s organiser; and a large number of Qatari businesswomen and entrepreneurs.Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, Qatar Chamber board member and chairwoman of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, highlighted the significant development the exhibition has witnessed across its previous editions in terms of organisation, exhibits, and participating entities.She noted that it serves as a distinguished platform to spotlight the creativity and projects of Arab and Qatari businesswomen and reflects the growing role of women in supporting economic development and fostering innovation in society.Al-Ahmadani further stressed Qatar Chamber’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in various economic and commercial activities, enabling them to contribute effectively to driving development. She pointed out that the exhibition reflects the chamber’s dedication to strengthening the role of Qatari and Arab women in entrepreneurship and expanding their regional and international networks.She emphasised that the exhibition represents a valuable opportunity for businesswomen to connect, explore new areas of cooperation and investment partnerships, and enhance women’s contribution to the private sector and economic diversification.Al-Ahmadani urged participants to seize this opportunity not only to showcase their products and services but also to exchange expertise and build partnerships that reinforce Arab women’s presence on the global business map.Al-Marri added: “We are delighted to organise the Arabian Women Exhibition, which serves as a leading platform that brings together Qatari and Arab businesswomen and creatives under one roof, to highlight their achievements and enhance their contribution to economic and social development.”She noted that the exhibition presents the latest designs in fashion, accessories, and women’s supplies, particularly those for Fall/Winter 2025. She praised the support of Qatar Chamber and all partners for this event, which reflects their belief in the pivotal role of women in leading successful projects and contributing to economic diversification.Al-Marri expressed her hope that the exhibition would offer an exceptional experience for participants, enabling them to showcase their innovations and products while opening promising opportunities for visitors and investors to cooperate and expand across various sectors.

The State of Qatar affirmed that, through its various sectoral policies and strategies, it has worked to empower women and provide them with full opportunities in all fields through an integrated approach that works to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls, with an equal focus on social and economic aspects. This came in the statement of the State of Qatar, delivered by First Secretary at the Office of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khalid Saeed Al Muqbil, during his participation in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development, item 3, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He considered that the full and effective participation of women in all aspects of life, on an equal footing, is a fundamental and effective element for achieving development, and explained that while the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, Sustainable Development Goal 5 specifically emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women as a fundamental global goal for achieving sustainable development. He pointed out that Qatari women, at the national level, play a pivotal role in comprehensive development, and enjoy government support that focuses on empowering them in various economic, social, and political sectors, within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable society capable of achieving economic growth and social well-being. He highlighted the State of Qatar's hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in November 2025, expressing hope that this important global event will constitute an opportunity to enhance the full and equal participation of women in efforts to achieve and sustain development. The First Secretary at the Office of the Minister of State thanked the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Surya Deva, for his valuable efforts in carrying out his mandate.