The initiative aims at encouraging football fans in Qatar to live the tournament in a more energized and interactive way, allowing them to cheer for their preferred teams while getting the chance to win incentive prizes. Doha, Qatar - 23 January 2024: Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) has launched its latest interactive campaign labeled Who’ll Win?, to celebrate the organization of Asia’s biggest and most anticipated football tournament in Qatar. QIC aims through “Who’ll Win?” at encouraging football fans in Qatar to live the tournament in a more energized and interactive way, allowing them to cheer for their preferred teams while getting the chance to win incentive prizes, including iPhone 15 Pro devices, iPad Air tablets, AirPods 3 earbuds, and a MacBook Air throughout the entire duration of the championship. The campaign is running until 11 February 2024, and football fans can join the game by visiting qic.online/win and guessing the results of given tournament games before kickoff. Participants must have at least 1 correct guess to enter the random draw for winning one of the prizes, and winners will be announced on alternate days on QIC’s Instagram page (@qic_online) until the end of the tournament. To join the game and know more on the raffle draws and the winners’ announcement, visit: qic.online/win

Sensory rooms and audio descriptive commentary amongst services available to disabled fans The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) has affirmed its commitment to providing an accessible experience to disabled fans. Several accessibility features have been put in place to ensure a barrier-free user experience for disabled fans throughout the tournament. All nine stadiums of the tournament are equipped with accessible entrances and seating for wheelchair users and fans with limited mobility. The Doha Metro network, Lusail Tram and shuttle services between metro stations and stadiums offer wheelchair access. Lusail, Education City, and Al Bayt stadiums will feature sensory rooms for fans with sensory access requirements, including fans with autism. These spaces allow fans to watch matches in a quieter area, equipped with assistive technology and managed by trained staff. Audio descriptive commentary services for blind and partially sighted fans will also be available. Fans with visual disabilities can access the service from their own mobile device where they will be able to listen to a detailed description of match proceedings, enabling them to be part of the live action in stadiums. Eng. Bodour Al-Meer, LOC Executive Director of Sustainability, highlighted the centrality of inclusivity in Qatar’s hosting of mega sporting events: “We believe that football is for everyone. We have always believed in the power of tournaments like the Asian Cup in bringing about positive social change. Qatar 2022 was recognised for going above and beyond accessibility standards, and we are delighted to carry this legacy forward with the Asian Cup. We look forward to welcoming fans of all abilities to have a wonderful experience.” Qatar is hosting the AFC Asian Cup™ for a record third time after successfully hosting it in 1988 and 2011. Twenty-four of the continent’s best teams will compete for the continent’s most prestigious football title. A total of 51 matches will be played across nine stadiums, with the final set for 10 February 2024. For more information about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, visit http://asiancup2023.qa and follow @Qatar2023 on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Following the immensely successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2022TM tournament in Qatar, which was voted the best this century, Qatar is gearing up to welcome the world once more with the AFC Asian Cup  2023TM from January 12 - February 10, 2024. The AFC Asian Cup 2023TM demonstrates Qatar’s ongoing sporting legacy and showcases Qatar’s ability to host large-scale events and welcome visitors from across the globe with its world-class tourism infrastructure, which includes an award-winning airport  Hamad International Airport and national airline Qatar Airways, metro and tram network (which carried over 18.2 million passengers during the FIFA World Cup2022TM), inviting hotels, and leisure attractions. In addition, Qatar will be abuzz with some of the biggest events of the year during the AFC Asian Cup 2023TM, providing visitors and residents with a packed itinerary of things to do and see pre- and post- matches. On this occasion, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: "We are pleased to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM this year, with its events extending from 12th January to 10th February. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting times and explore many tourist attractions in Qatar. Qatar Tourism will offer a rich array of exciting events and festivals that will amuse both Qatar's residents and its visitors. The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM coincides with the organization of various festivals and events, including Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar Kite Festival, and International Horticultural Doha Expo 2023, which continues until late March. Additionally, there will be a series of musical and entertainment events that together form an unforgettable and exceptional experience." He added, "Over the past years, Qatar has successfully become a distinguished sports tourism destination, due to its advanced infrastructure, sports facilities, and medical facilities. This is in addition to the diversity of sports events it hosts, especially FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Qatar has demonstrated to the world its hospitality, exceptional organization, complemented by the presence of luxurious tourist facilities and the picturesque landscapes that characterize the destination." KEY EVENTS Shop Qatar 2024 Shop Qatar will be running from January 1 to 27, 2024, with incredible discounts in stores, raffle draws, and entertainment spread out in malls. There are a total of 13 malls and shopping districts participating, which residents can explore, with 100s of shops featuring different offers and entertainment. Qatar International Food Festival 2024 The all-time fan favourite, Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), is set to return on February 7 – 17 at Family Zone Expo at Al Bidda Park this time. With one of the broadest ranges of cuisine in one space, QIFF is one of the most popular events in Qatar, with over 100 dishes for people to choose from. Head over to the QIFF after a game to satisfy your cravings and socialise with other food enthusiasts. Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024 DJWE The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024(DJWE) will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from February 5 to 11, 2024, with unique displays and products. Immerse yourself in the highest-quality, most aesthetic and luxurious jewellery at this exhibition. Doha Expo 2023 One of the main events of 2023 continuing into 2024 is the Doha Expo 2023, which will run until March 28. Doha Expo 2023 has been a platform for people in Qatar to engage with local and international agricultural organisations. It is the first ever A1 international horticultural exhibition in the MENA region. Residents can enjoy several other events at the Expo as well, such as immersing themselves in virtual reality, participating in innovative workshops, exploring the botanic garden, or simply sipping on some coffee in the Cultural Zone. Museums and Exhibitions The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is hosting several exhibitions until March 2024, to satiate one’s curiosity of arts and culture. Some of these include Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance, Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism, Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project, and De/Constructed Meanings. Close to Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Samriya. Fans who have some time to spare pre- or post-match can learn about His Excellency Sheikh Faisal, one of the most influential and revolutionary businessmen in Qatar. The museum boasts traditional Syrian craftsmanship, artefacts dating back to the Jurassic age, antique automobiles, and rustic carpets, to name a few. Nature escapes Balancing football cheers with moments of solitude, fans can take respite at the Aspire Park, Qatar’s biggest park with lush green spaces, walking tracks and cozy cafes. In Education City, there is Oxygen Park, which has walking tracks and football fields to practice, and the Qu’aranic Botanic Garden, a unique garden which features plants mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. Alternatively, if you are looking for a nearby place to relax and rejuvenate post-matches, you can also visit the Heenat Salma Farm, which is a 20-minute drive away from the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The farm offers organic products, crafts, creative workshops and vocational training, and wellness spas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend retreat, or simply a visit to stimulate your artistic side. Concerts and Music For those with the appreciation of the art that is music, Qatar is hosting various music artists across three locations in the country. At Hotel Park in West Bay, visitors and residents can enjoy Arab singer Wafeek Habeeb’s music on January 17, electronic music by ‘Swedish House Mafia’ on January 19, performances by the renowned band ‘Backstreet Boys’ on January 26, and internationally-recognised pop band ‘OneRepublic’ on February 1. For tickets, visit: https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa At the Katara Ampitheatre, music lovers can watch performances by Arab singers Modi and Rehab Al Shamrani on January 27, Lebanese artist Najwa Karam on February 1, Moroccan-French performer Amine Boudchar on February 8, and Egyptian singer Amal Maher on February 11.  For tickets visit: https://www.eventat.com/home The Qatar National Convention Centre will be hosting the established artist Nassif Zeytoun on February 3. Hello Asia As the pleasant winter weather sets on the country, the Lusail Boulevard and Plaza is welcoming fans for its  ‘Hello Asia’ festival which will take place on January 10– February 10, 2024. The Boulevard is getting ready to be decked with stunning lighting, cultural flags and décor, and F&B kiosks to entertain and encourage fans to show support for their countries’ teams. There will be 24 country zones, such as Qatar, China, India, South Korea, and Lebanon to name a few. Fans are welcome to enjoy entertainment, and to show support for the national teams through this artistic parade and exhibit at Lusail. Modern Architecture Qatar is no stranger to modern architecture. Fans headed to Education City Stadium will get a close-up look with the Qatar National Library (QNL) which is structured as a shell made by folding two pieces of paper, or the contemporary design of the Education City Mosque, Minaretein. Both QNL and Minartein are worth exploring on the inside with the library’s café, 3D printing, music studio, and reading nooks, and the mosque’s guided-tour. At Al Wakrah is the Abu Manaratain Mosque, with unconventional architecture from the 1940s to appreciate. Attractions The Meryal Waterpark recently opened at Qetaifan Island North, with rides designed to reflect the oil and gas industry’s omnipresence in Qatari culture. One of its rides, the Icon Tower is world’s highest tower of its kind. The annual Winter Wonderland Lusail is now operating on Al Maha Island, near the Lusail Stadium, with 50 rides which encompass 25 family rides, 15 children’s rides, 10 thrill rides, the 395-rollercoaster, and the 150 ft tall Ferris Wheel. Night Markets and Bazaars Within the premise of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium is the Duhail Night Market, Qatar’s pioneering night market, with the finest selection of popular finger foods, coffee, and karak. In Al Waab, there is ‘The Downtown’, a new night market at Aspire Park offering different drive-thru restaurants and cafés, where visitors can snack on delicious finger foods and of course, coffee. During the weekend, residents can explore the Torba Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday, in Education City. The market offers local, artisanal products and fresh food for visitors to enjoy. Near Al Janoub Stadium you will find the Souq Al Wakrah, where you can take a stroll by the sea in the serene winter weather, indulge in a range of cuisine, primarily seafood, and explore shops selling traditional Arabian products. For Animal Lovers A 20-minute drive away from Ahmed bin Ali Stadium is Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, which hosts multiple camel racing events throughout the year. Here, you can enjoy both races and camel training, the latter of which takes place every morning at the centre. Al Shaqab, near Education City Stadium, is also a popular destination for equestrian fans to watch horseback riding events, post-matches. In addition, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will run from February 1 till 11, and will showcase different purebred horses in competition with each other. These horses are known to symbolize strength and pride in Arab culture. Sports The World Aquatics Championships 2024 is taking place from February 2 – 18, 2024 at Aspire Dome, Old Doha Port, and Hamad Aquatic Center. This tournament will be hosting 2, 600 top athletes, from over 190 countries, for 75 medal events, with an opportunity for athletes to quality for Olympic Games Paris 2024. Sports include swimming (including open water and artistic), diving and high diving, and water polo. Residents can witness top-class aquatic performances from athletes from all over the world. For further inspiration, follow Qatar Calendar at https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar. Book your tickets to experience the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM tickets here: https://asiancup2023.qa/en

Open a world of flavours and experiences as Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), the country’s biggest culinary celebration organized by Qatar Tourism, returns on its 13th edition on 7 – 17 February 2024, at Expo Family Zone at Al Bidda Park. The festival this year will witness the participation of over 100 food stalls, including some of the most renowned restaurants from Qatar and the region. Expect live cooking shows, masterclasses, and cooking competitions from prominent local, regional, and international chefs. QIFF will offer families endless entertainment options and food enthusiasts a space to express their mutual passion for different cuisines and serve as a platform for chefs to showcase their talents. Everyone’s Invited! Vendors looking to register for kiosks for QIFF 2024 can register at: https://www.qatartourism.com/en/business-events/calendar-of-business-events/qatar-international-food-festival.

In alignment to the current trends on pursuing health & economic resilience in our current post-pandemic era, the 5th edition of the Philippine Property & Investment Show – Qatar (PPISQ) has themed its com-back event this year as the Philippine Wealth & Wellness Conference Qatar to be held from 19-20 January 2024. This annual gathering for Filipino business community leaders organized by the Association of Filipino Real Estate Executives in Qatar (AFREEQ) is known to be the 2nd largest Philippine Trade Event next to the annual Philippine Independence Day Celebrations has been held every year since 2015 and after a brief hiatus it now returns after a nearly 4-year break due to the recent contagion. This event is dedicated to primarily promote investments both in Qatar and the Philippines to the Filipino & Expat community in Qatar will be highlighting opportunities this year in the financial & well-being sector in addition to its usual promotion of financial literacy, social entrepreneurship, real estate and tourism between the Philippines and Qatar through exhibits and special talks conducted by distinguished business icons and government leaders from both countries. This event will also be complemented by a Trade Fair & Exhibition, a Food Bazaar & some cultural presentations between topics. The honorable Undersecretary Dr.  Enrique Tayag of the Philippine Department of Health has already accepted AFREEQ’s invitation to be the keynote speaker of this prestigious event as the organizers look forward to the confirmation of other visiting guest speakers from the legislative committees of health and finance from the Philippine Congress. Representatives from the Philippine State-owned Overseas Filipino Bank, one of the event’s presenters will also be proving financial education lectures mostly in digital banking. Qatar is home to 260,000 Filipino expats with many of its entrepreneurs contributing to the nation’s economy. The country is known for its aggressive prioritization of well-being initiatives as it has invested at least $ 6 billion in its healthcare industry since 2017 and has greatly liberalized its business establishment rules thus encouraging more start-ups in support to the nation’s 2030 vision of economic sustainability & diversification. According to Joseph Timothy Rivera, AFREEQ’s Chairman Emeritus and co-chairman of the event’s organizing committee, it is imperative for every person to first capitalize on his healthy well-being and basic sound financial standing so that we could easily take advantage of more investment opportunities not just in real estate but through other sustainable income-generating instrument henceforth leading to the strategic generation of wealth. During the sidelines of contract signing ceremonies between AFREEQ and ABESQ Hotel, the appointed hotel venue of the event, Rivera also shared other highlights to the 2-day business conference such as the induction of the incoming officers of AFREEQ led by its 2024 chairperson Ms. Bhem Asperilla of Megaworld International as well as the hosting of the Annual Philippine Gala Night on the evening of the first day 19 January 2024 in partnership with Kulinarya Qatar and the awarding ceremonies of notable Filipino workers in Qatar during the 2nd day 20 January 2024 in collaboration of AKO OFW Inc. All leading medical & wellness establishments as well as most business-oriented & entrepreneurial organizations in Qatar have been invited to attend this event. The PPIS-Q was first held at the SwissBel Hotel in 2015 and in Katara in 2016. The following year, the 3rd PPIS-Q was themed as the Philippine Trade & Tourism Conference held at the former Shangri-La Hotel and as the Philippine Agricultural, Livelihood & Reintegration Conference held at the Intercontinental Hotel The City in 2018.

Visit Qatar announces the return of ‘Shop Qatar,’ the country’s largest shopping festival scheduled to take place from January 1 to January 27, 2024, themed, “Your Shopping Playground.” The near month-long event will see the participation of 13 malls and shopping districts across Qatar, offering a variety of activations, raffle draws, cash prizes, competitions, sales, and entertainment suited to visitors of all ages. Building onto the success of Shop Qatar 2023, the next edition is set to blend new, innovative concepts and technologies such as novel gaming experiences, bringing to you your favourite characters such as Cocomelon, Bluey, Miraculous, Barbie, and much, much more. Speaking on the upcoming festival, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism, said: “Shop Qatar is now in its 8th edition, a testimony to the ongoing success of this important event that has become a staple on our annual social calendar. Timed for the start of the year, Shop Qatar will launch us into a new year of an incredible event line-up suited for the whole family. This success is owed to the continued collaboration and cooperation of our valued stakeholders, and we look forward to a successful edition in 2024.” Opening and closing ceremonies Shop Qatar 2024 will be inaugurated at Place Vendôme with a performance by the popular regional band, Rouh Al Sharq. The performance will take place on a purpose-built stage at Place Vendôme’s dancing fountains. The opening day is planned to be filled with exciting parades, influencers meet and greet, activities, competitions, prizes, and exciting announcements. The closing ceremony will be held at Doha Festival City which will see the last raffle draw and the announcement of the grand prize winner. The ceremony will also hold special shows and surprise hosts that will engage with the audience. In a show of appreciation, Qatar Tourism will recognise malls and their esteemed team members in a curated ‘Mall & Retail Awards’ ceremony that will also take place on the final day of Shop Qatar 2024. Celebrating participation and creativity, the awards will recognise branding, staff, and overall customer experience. Raffles and Prizes During the festival, Qatar’s most popular malls will host various festivities and forms of entertainment while extending notable discounts and bringing to residents thrilling raffle draws and prizes. Raffle draws will take place every week; week one at Mall of Qatar (January 5), week two at Msheireb Galleria (January 12), week three at Place Vendôme (January 19),  and week four at Doha Festival City (January 27). Prizes will include four luxury cars, exciting giveaways distributed by hosts during interactive contests, and cash prizes of varying amounts. There will be four lucky winners taking home 50,000 QAR each, eight winners taking home 20,000 QAR each and twelve winners with 10,000 QAR each. There will also be redemption booths across malls where visitors can redeem invoices and win vouchers, while also enjoying unique gaming experiences and capturing memories with photo opportunities. Fun for the little ones Residents can explore pop-ups of the world’s biggest toy brands at their geographical convenience. For the duration of the festival, Place Vendôme will host the incredible Barbie Dreamhouse and Barney Live Show. At Doha Festival City, kids can enjoy the Miraculous Activity Live Show while City Center Mall will be home to the Emoji Activity Corner. At Hyatt Plaza Mall, families can enjoy the Cocomelon Activity Corner, Bluey at Mall of Qatar, Fruit Ninja at Msheireb Galleria, Dart Zone in UDC and the Scrabble Activity Corner, and at Al Hazm Mall, the LOL Activity Corner. Daily parades, surprise guests, and more activities will be hosted across participating malls in Qatar. Participating Malls Shop Qatar is pleased to partner with 13 malls, including: Place Vendôme, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, Hyatt Plaza, City Center Mall, Landmark Mall, Tawar Mall, Al Hazm Mall, Msheireb Galleria, Gulf Mall, Al Khor Mall, Lagoona Mall, and UDC, The Pearl-Qatar.

At the beginning of this year’s winter season, Qatar Tourism conducted inspection campaign on four-wheel drive bike rental offices in Sealine and Ghariyah.  The campaign ensures adherence to Law No. (20)/2018 which specifies operating guidelines and standards for vehicles used in tourism experiences. Timed with the start of the winter season, Qatar Tourism conducted the annual inspection in collaboration with the South Security Department in Sealine, the North Security Department in Ghariyah, the General Directorate of Traffic, and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ali Al Mohannadi, Head of Tourism Control Section at Qatar Tourism, said: "Providing distinctive tourism experiences is one of our top priorities at Qatar Tourism. As desert excursions are a significant part of Qatari culture and are a popular tourism activity, we work closely with the relevant public and private institutions to improve security and safety during the camping season. We also work jointly with the owners of the rental offices to assist them comply with the licensing requirements, with the focus on delivering service excellence. Our regulations not only prioritise the safety of campers and tourists, but also help to protect the investments of vendors and ensure a quality experience.” As an entity responsible for regulating, supervising and controlling all entities and activities of the tourism and hospitality sector, including issuing licenses, and classifying institutions and activities in the sector, Qatar Tourism focuses on providing safe and secure products and experiences.  With the popularity of camping and associated activities, enforcing regulations is of great importance, helping the sector build more offerings in an ideal and safe environment. Qatar’s famed winter season is captured vividly in the new destination campaign recently launched by Qatar Tourism, ‘Hayyakum Qatar,’ which showcases Qatar’s diverse attractions and events offering. Earlier this month, Qatar Tourism issued the December edition of its monthly Qatar Calendar guide, with events that range from outdoor bazaars to sports championships, art exhibitions, and more. For more information and to stay up to date on events, you can visit www.Qatarcalendar.com and follow @qatarcalendar on Facebook and Instagram.

Qatar Tourism and its strategic partners welcomed the arrival of the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship today, signaling the renowned Norwegian Cruise Line’s first-time arrival to Qatar and the wider Gulf region. The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship arrived at Doha Port with a ceremony by Qatar Tourism, as part of the 2023/24 cruise season that opened in late-October in Qatar. The welcome ceremony featured   a traditional Ardah performance, henna, dhow souvenirs, Arabic calligraphy art, sadu weaving, and net making for disembarking passengers. The cruise ship can accommodate up to 2,340 passengers, and has an operating crew of 1, 032 members. It will be anchored for two nights, allowing passengers to explore nearby sites in Doha which include the Mina District, Souq Waqif, National Museum of Qatar, and more. Speaking on the arrival of the cruise ship, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, stated, “The pioneering arrival of the Norwegian Dawn and its regional debut is a significant milestone for Qatar’s growing cruise tourism sector and marks Qatar’s international appeal as a cruise destination. Qatar Tourism is keen to create new partnerships and agreements with leading cruise lines and extend the opportunity to international passengers to explore Qatar’s abundant events calendar as well as its world-class museums, attractions, and cultural hotspots.” Captain Abdulla Mohamed Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Norwegian Cruise Line maiden voyage to the shores of Qatar and the Gulf region. This important event reflects the growing interest of cruise operators to dock at Doha's Old Port and depart from it to other cruise terminals in the region. Qatar has rapidly evolved within the cruise tourism industry, emerging as a prominent global destination in this expanding sector. Its captivating attractions and ideal geographical location have been strongly recognised and have made Qatar a highly sought-after destination by both cruise operators and passengers. At Mwani Qatar, and in line with the Ministry of Transport's strategic plan, we continue to work with our stakeholders and cruise partners to ensure that Qatar is the most popular travel destination in the region." Qatar Tourism’s 2023/24 cruise season is expected to welcome 79 cruises and 350,000 passengers, surpassing the 2022/23 cruise season which saw 54 cruises and a total of 253,191 visitors. Passengers are welcomed at the new Cruise Terminal which houses an aquarium and is in proximity to the primary tourist attractions.

Mowasalat (Karwa) is excited to confirm its readiness through the completion of its transport plan for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. Emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and exceptional service. We have taken extensive preparations, including daily training for our team and a stress test on December 19th and 20th, 2023, to ensure flawless service delivery during the event. It will function as a real-time simulation to fine-tune all aspects of the transportation plan, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation during the AFC Asian Cup 2023. In addition to the continuous services for a smooth public transport, the specific plan for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 includes a fleet of 900 buses, with 50% electric vehicles, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability in line with the organizers. The operation will be bolstered by a team of 1000 highly trained drivers and 500 support and ground staff with more than 54 nationalities. This diverse team reflects the international spirit of the event, ready to provide top-notch transportation solutions. Special arrangements will be in place for VVIPs and media personnel, ensuring seamless and premium experiences. We will also offer comprehensive transport solutions for staff, organizers, and officials. Furthermore, we will make sure that 24 National Teams will arrive well and in time for exciting tournament matches. Enhancing the fan experience is a core focus of Mowasalat (Karwa). Fans can look forward to dedicated Metro shuttle services to major stadiums, including Al Bayit, Al Janoub, Al Thumama, and Abdula Bin Khalifa, along with park-and-ride options for the Lusail Stadium. "Our goal is to deliver an unparalleled transportation experience for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023," said Mr. Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO. "The extensive preparations, including a significant investment in our fleet and training of our diverse team, highlight our commitment to providing efficient, sustainable, and top-quality service. The test event in December is crucial in showcasing our readiness and dedication to excellence. We are committed to not just facilitating transport but enhancing the overall experience of the AFC Asian Cup for everyone involved."

Asia’s biggest football tournament set to kick off in less than a month in Qatar A third batch of tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will be available to the public as of 20 December, 2023 at 4 PM Doha time. The announcement was made by the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) as fans across the continent gear up for Asia’s biggest football competition to kick off in Qatar. Fans can purchase tickets online through the tournament’s official ticketing website (http://asiancup2023.qa). Prices for group stage match tickets start at 25 QAR. Ticket sales from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and India led the way during the first and second batch of tickets. All match tickets for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ are digital and can be downloaded and presented on any mobile device. Hayya will not be a mandatory prerequisite to enter stadiums. Qatar is set to host the AFC Asian Cup™ for a record third time, which will have Asia’s 24 top teams compete for glory in FIFA World Cup™ stadiums. A total of 51 matches are set to be played across 9 stadiums between 12 January and 10 February, 2024. The iconic Lusail Stadium will host both the opening and final matches. Qatar’s compact tournament means that the farthest distance between stadiums is 75kms. This will enable fans and players alike to stay in one place of accommodation throughout the tournament. All stadiums will be equipped with accessible seating options to ensure that disabled fans can enjoy a barrier-free experience. This includes wheelchair accessible seating as well as seats for people with limited mobility. The LOC has also recruited a total of 6,000 volunteers to provide support across 20 functional areas. For more information about the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, visit http://asiancup2023.qa and follow @Qatar2023 on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

14th December 2023, Doha, Qatar. Corinthia Yacht Club is delighted to host an exclusive art exhibition featuring renowned Qatari artist, Ahmed Almaadheed, who will display more than 20 captivating paintings. The exhibition, titled ‘AHMED ALMAADHEED Art Exhibition 2023’, will commence on December 16th until the 23rd of December. Corinthia Yacht Club's elegant and serene environment makes it the perfect canvas to showcase the beauty and inspiration of Ahmed’s artwork. The inaugural day of the event will be an exclusive exhibition for Corinthia Yacht Club’s members and VIP guests, followed by a week open to visitors & enthusiasts to embrace artistry amidst the exquisite ambiance of the club’s lobby lounge stunning décor. This free-entry event invites art enthusiasts to experience the artist's masterpieces, showcased throughout the yacht club lobby lounge. Ahmed’s exhibition draws inspiration from life and the environment, promising a captivating journey through his unique artistic lens. Visitors can expect a diverse collection of more than 20 paintings, each a reflection of Ahmed’s profound creativity. Following his international acclaim, Ahmed has become a prominent figure in the global art scene, garnering attention from both international and local press. His work, driven by love and patriotism, has been featured in numerous local and international art galleries. Engaging in selective trade collaborations, Ahmed continues to captivate the world with his ongoing creations and surprises. To add an extra layer of excitement, Ahmed will be available throughout the exhibition, offering attendees the opportunity to meet him and gain insights into the inspiration behind his remarkable artworks. Set against the backdrop of Corinthia's picturesque Yacht Club, the exhibition creates a captivating ambiance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic mastery of this renowned talent within the stunning surroundings of Corinthia.

Team Cognizance of M.E.S Indian School has emerged as ‘The Biggest Quidnunc!’ at an open quiz contest, organized recently by Infotainment Factree, a well-known name in Qatar’s literary space, at MIE-Savitribai Phule University campus. Cognizance, represented by Ayaan Sayed Rizwan and Adeeb Yacoob Koiloth, kept the momentum from the very first round, It’s Anyboy’s Fame.  The all-brothers Thinkbots, represented by Rayan Yusuf Attia and Adyan Yusuf Attia of Birla Public School, didn’t disturb the scoreboard in the first two rounds, but went on to pick up 80 of the 90 points scored in the third  round, Sound of Music, getting itself into the lead. Both these teams were tied-up till before the last round. Brute Force, the final round in which teams had to play to their strengths choosing their favorite subjects (from Qatar, Flags, Sports, Science and Words) and points they wanted to play for, worked wonder for Cognizance, giving them enough points to win the title of ‘The Biggest Quidnunc!’. Team Huyvatnven, represented by the father-daughter duo of Geoji Thomas (working with KSB SE & Co) and Ivana Geoji Thomas (studying at Birla Public School), played consistently well throughout, but only to be the second runner-up. The other finalist and the youngest among all, Masterminds was represented by seventh graders, Farhan Salih and Arnav Suhag of Olive International School. ‘The Biggest Quidnunc!’ was conceived by Mr. Shafqat Nabi, a brand and fashion management professional and Project Lead at Infotainment Factree. Mr. Nabi, who took the role of quiz-master, consciously deviated from a “boring question-answer” and introduced innovative fun-filled features, something not often seen in this part of the world. Information on daily-use were well crafted into questions for participants and audience, keeping them thoroughly engrossed. In one question, participants were asked to identify voice of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, delivering speech in French at Elysee Palace. In another, the quizmaster asked the special feature of the 8.45 pm news bulletin on BBC news on April 18, 1930. The BBC’s news announcer had nothing to communicate. “There is no news” was the script of the news bulletin, before piano music was played for the rest of the 15-minute segment. Audience was left amazed by the kind of trivia shared by the quizmaster. By the way the questions were weaved, answers sounded more interesting than questions themselves. The quizmaster spent extra time on various questions, mentoring participants how to work out answers from given clues, especially when they do not have enough information. Audience, especially parents and children appreciated this effort. “We reached out through print, on-air and social media and received registrations from 92 teams, belonging to 8 different nationalities”, shared an ebullient Mr. Hussain Abdul Kadhir, Digital Aladdin at Infotainment Factree. The program started with RJ John of Qabayan Radio 94.3 interacting with participants while others registered for the contest.  His lively session created a great atmosphere for the contest to follow. RJ Gaurav, RJ Aafrin and RJ Anshu of Mirchi One Qatar took stage in between prelims and the final rounds enthralling the huge gathering. The RJ-trio also had bag-full of very interesting questions for the audience, while they relished the refreshment served by Qbake. The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Gopal Balasubramaniam, Partner and Head of Audit at KPMG Qatar, stressed the need of having the “3Hs of honesty, humility and humane in our DNA for a successful life”. The event was also graced by Mr. Iqbal Kaundal, a prominent name in development sector.