The much-anticipated Qatar International Food Festival returns with its 11th edition, along with the 18th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, amid a winter season with exciting sporting events and family-friendly activities. Qatar Tourism announced a packed winter calendar for visitors and residents. As restrictions on public gatherings ease and borders open, the country is ready to stage in-person events. These include Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar's biggest multicultural festival, fine dining experiences with Michelin-Star World Class Chefs, Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, and Qatar Live, a series of entertainment shows. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, "This year's winter season is indicative of a restart for Qatar's unparalleled tourism experiences. With 85% of the population successfully vaccinated and stringent health and safety measures in place, Qatar offers its visitors and residents safe experiences to enjoy with the whole family. It is our immense pleasure to welcome regional visitors as the country prepares to host mega sporting events like FIFA Arab Cup 2021 along with an exciting line-up of festivals and entertainment shows." He added, "With our new global promotional campaign 'Experience a World Beyond' targeting 17 global markets and the collaborative efforts of Qatar's ever-growing public and private sector partners. Along with initiatives like Qatar Clean and Service Excellence, we are confident that this will be a memorable winter season for all." Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) The first in the impressive line-up of events is Qatar's longest-running food and beverage festival, Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), which runs from 26 November to 17 December, in its longest edition to date. Taking place at Al Bidda Park, it combines culinary arts with a range of activations, including a live cooking theatre by globally renowned chefs and exciting festivities providing family entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages. Over 140 vendors will serve at the festival. QIFF stages a cooking theatre every day with three to five demonstrations by renowned chefs. During the opening week of the festival, several World Class Chefs including: Frederic Jaunault, Heinz Beck, Kei Kobayashi, Jannis Brevet, Jean Thomas Schneider, David Kinch, Christian le Squer, and Gilles Goujon will participate. The cooking theatre will feature celebrity chefs from the region including Dani García, , Aisha Al Tamimi, Shams Al-Qassabi, William Dissen & Saif Rahman, Hervé Courtot, Hassan Al Ibrahim, Grenal Godinho, Aleksandre Ugrekhelidze, Arturo Mendez, Roberto Reatini, Aaj Fernando, Sergio Galaz, Hari Wahyudin and Santiago Guerrero. The festival additionally hosts food trucks at a stretch of Corniche Road for nine days, starting 26 November. There is also a fireworks display at 9 p.m. every weekend i.e., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the course of the festival. While general admission to QIFF is free of cost, multiple VIP areas are set up around the festival that can be reserved for 350 QAR per booking. Over the last decade, QIFF has grown as a festival, supporting local businesses and contributing to the country's thriving dining scene by attracting international chefs to open local outlets. World Class Chefs Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, Qatar Aircraft Catering company (QACC) and Kings of Kitchen, has launched "World Class Chefs." The two-year long initiative hosts high-profile Michelin-Star chefs from around the world, with the purpose of introducing the destination to the world's top culinary talent and showcase Doha – an emerging gastronomy hub in the Middle East. The project has already hosted Michelin-Star Chefs such as Chef Julien Roucheteau, Chef Wolfgang Becker, and Chef Aquiles Chavez. Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition The 18th Edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition will open on 12 December and run until 17 December at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The exhibition is a leading platform for modest and contemporary Arabian fashion. Heya is expected to host more than 130 exhibitors including designers from 10 countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco, Indonesia, India and Turkey, alongside a sizeable presence of home-grown talent. The exhibition brings together local, regional, and international talent, offering opportunities to learn from industry leaders, educate and entertain audiences in Qatar, while contributing to the economy. This year, Heya will feature eight fashion shows, four workshops, four master classes and nine discussions on topics related to the world of fashion and sustainable fashion, with the participation of a group of the most famous fashion experts in Qatar, the region and the world. Qatar Live Shortly after the launch of QIFF, the country will stage Qatar Live. 10 renowned artists from the Arab world will perform at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from 5th December to 17 December. Tickets can be purchased via Virgin Megastore (link available on Visit Qatar) and are priced at 190 QAR for Silver, 290 QAR for Gold, 375 QAR for Platinum, and 750 QAR for VIP. Thursday, 5 December: Majida El Roumi Thursday, 9 December: Mutref Al Mutref, Assala and Abdallah Al Rowaished Thursday, 16 December: Myriam Fares, Assi El Hallani and Salah Al Zadjali Friday, 17 December: Aedh Yousef, Asma Lamnawar and Fahad Al-Kubaisi Family Entertainment To provide an inclusive experience to families, Qatar Live will also host a Hot Wheels® Monster Trucks Experience. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Experience will take place from 8 December to 11 December at Lusail Arena. The event will provide an exclusive opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys. Tickets for the shows are available online at Virgin Megastore (link available on Visit Qatar). Prices start at 75 QAR for Bronze tickets. Ajyal Film Festival and Drive- in Cinema Qatar Tourism was the Strategic Partner of Ajyal Film Festival which took place until 13 November across multiple venues including Katara Cultural Village, Sikket Al Wadi Msheireb and the drive-in cinema at Lusail. The festival brought together people of all ages through screenings and events that inspired creative interaction and stimulated cinematic dialogues. The drive-in cinema will continue to run until March 2022. Qatar Balloon Festival Qatar Tourism is the Exclusive Strategic partner of the Qatar Balloon Festival which is set to return from 9 - 18 December at Aspire Park. The second edition of the festival is expected to have 35 hot air balloons from around the world participating. Aspire Lake Festival: Qatar Tourism is the Strategic partner of the Aspire Lake Festival taking place in January 2022. The festival will be a masterpiece for all ages to enjoy, featuring musical and artistic entertainment performed in boats on the Aspire Lake. Sports Events The sporting highlights of the winter season revolve around the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ and the recently concluded Formula 1. Qatar hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix from November 19 to November 21, for the first time ever. Meanwhile, the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ will bring 16 teams from across the Arab world to compete in Doha. Between November 30 and December 18, the event will provide an opportunity to both competitors and spectators to experience the iconic stadiums that will host FIFA World Cup 2022™. Business Events Business events make up one of the most important tourism sub-sectors and enrich Qatar's calendar of local events. This winter, Qatar is hosting a slew of trade events. In November, DECC hosted major events related to the tourism sector. These included the 6th edition of Hospitality Qatar and the first edition of Qatar Travel Mart (QTM). WORLDCOB BIZZ Awards staged from November 23 to November 26 at St. Regis hotel. The event aims to recognize business excellence and support businesses of all sizes. In December, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) will return from 7 December to 9 December at QNCC. Cruise Season Following a gap of over a year, Qatar is resuming its cruise activities with its biggest season to date. During the 2021-22 season, Doha Port will receive 76 confirmed calls. Eleven cruise liners will make their maiden calls to Doha with the same number of turnaround calls and ten ships docking overnight, giving passengers two days to explore the destination's offerings.

The jury comprises of leaders from tourism, sports, transportation and art & design. As Qatar Tourism’s Iconic Limousine Design contest reaches the final voting stage, the entity announced the jury which will assess shortlisted designs. The panel consists of H.E Akbar Al Baker, President, Qatar Tourism and Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways; H.E Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mowasalat (Karwa); Amir Berbić, Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCU-Q); and Aisha Nasser Al Sowaidi, Director, Liwan, Design Studios and Labs at Qatar Museums. As the country heads into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Tourism and its partners continue to work towards developing unique experiences for visitors. Through this design contest, Qatar Tourism has engaged the community to help create an experience - celebrating the country’s cultural diversity and heritage. Providing a visual representation of the country, the Iconic Limousine is part of QT’s strategy to introduce novel offerings rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism’s first ever design contest garnered over 450 submissions, with a committee at Qatar Tourism reviewing each entry to select 20 designs for a shortlist. This shortlist is being presented to the jury panel and to a public vote. To view the designs and cast a vote, visit https://www.qatartourism.com/en/campaigns/iconic-limousineThe design which garners the most public votes will receive the "People’s Design Choice" award. The jury panel will evaluate the designs, selecting one which best reflects the competition’s themes: Qatar’s culture and heritage, progressive future, as well as sustainability and eco-friendly vision. The winning design will be featured on Qatar’s Iconic Limousines, adding another dimension to the visitor experience. Qatar Tourism works closely with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to develop products and services to enhance the visitor experience. The Iconic Limousine initiative is part of the entity’s Service Excellence program, which ensures high quality standard across visitor touchpoints.

Doha (29/11/2021): The Ministry of Interior called on the expatriates residing in the State violating the provisions of Law No. (21) for the year 2015 regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, to utilize the grace period announced by the Ministry to correct their legal status inside the country and allow them to leave the country with exempting them from all consequences of legal responsibility. The grace period started from October 10, 2021 will end on December 31, 2021. Interacting with the community leaders, who visited the headquarters of the Search and Follow up Department (SFD) yesterday evening to witness the facilities and the arrangements made by the SFD for receiving the applications from the violators of the law No. 21/2015 for their status correction during the grace period, Capt. Kamal Tahir Al Tairi, officer at the SFD explained about the target groups and the proceedings followed in their regards. He said that the target groups include those expats who stay in the country violating the law, without obtaining a residence permit or without renewing it and exceeded 90 days from the validity date; and no absconding complaint has been filed against them by the employer, as well as those who stay in the country violating the law and an absconding complaint (Leaving the work – Violation of the purpose) has been filed against them by their employers, but 30 days have not completed from the date of filing the complaint. In such cases, their departure will be ensured by the SFD and they will be exempted from all consequences of legal responsibility, while their return to Qatar on another visa will be possible. In case of those who entered Qatar on family residence permits or as visitors and have violated the period of stay or the expatriates who have violated the law and an absconding complaint (Leaving the work – Violation of the purpose) has been filed against them by their employer and more than 30 days have been passed from the date of filing the complaint, the SFD will ensure their departure and they can return to Qatar if they leave the country after accepting the legally prescribed reconciliation, Capt. Al Tairi added. In addition to this, an expatriate whose residence permit has been cancelled and has passed 90 days from its cancellation can also return to Qatar if he leaves the country after accepting the legally prescribed reconciliation, he pointed out. In all cases, the deportation of the minors under the age of 18 will be without a ban to return to Qatar, regardless of their violation of the provisions of the law, and they are exempted from any legal consequences, Capt. Al Tairi said. From his part, Capt. Muhammed Al Rashid, officer from the Unified Services Department explained the services provided by the Unified Services Department through the Ministry of Interior's Services Centers for expatriates who violate Law No. (21) for the year 2015, regulating the entry, exit and residence of expatriates during the status correction period. He said that the Unified Services Department provides its services during the correction period to the expatriates violating Law No. (21) for the year 2015 that regulates the entry, exit and residence of expatriates who wish to stay inside the country after correcting their status through the five service centers of the Ministry of Interior such as Umm Sulal Services Center, Umm Sunaim Services Center (Previously Industrial Area Services Center), Musaimeer Services Center, Al Wakra Services Center and Al Rayyan Services Center. Among the residence permit holders, the target groups are those who have violated the Law No. (21) of 2015 that regulates the entry, exit and residence of expatriates and have passed 90 days from the expiry date of the residence permit or those against whom a ‘leaving work’ complaint has been filed and they wish to move to another employer, said Capt. Al Rashid. He also added that the target groups from the Work Visa holders are those who have violated the Law No. (21) of 2015 that regulates the entry, exit and residence of expatriates, who have exceeded 90 days from entering the country without issuing a residence permit or against whom a ‘Leaving Work’ complaint has been filed and wish to stay in the country after correcting their status, provided that the approval should be obtained from the Labor Department for the same nationality on the new recruiter VP). No application will be accepted from the violator or the person against whom a ‘Leaving Work’ complaint has been filed after announcing the grace period starting from 10/10/2021, he added. Explaining about the mechanism of the procedures at MoI Services Centers, he said that the applicant has to submit the concerned filled form in any one of the 5 Services Centers of the Ministry of Interior and after verifying the application to ensure compliance with the conditions, the Service Center staff will transfer it to the Labor Department for its decision. The whole process at the MoI Services Center will take only 2 minutes and in normal cases, the Labor Department will take its decision on the application within 5 working days if the application meets all the conditions specified by the concerned authorities. Submission of the filled designated form for status correction, which is available on the website of the Ministry of Interior and a copy of the establishment's registration card for the new employer are the requirements for application for correcting the status inside Qatar, said Capt. Muhammed Ali Al Rashid. First Lt. Ahmed Ghurab Al Marri, technical affairs officer from the Search and Follow up Department welcomed the community leaders and introduced them the services of the SFD rendered to its inmates and explained the work procedures at Search and Follow up Department during the correction period. He said that the violating person has to approach the Search and Follow-up Department (the main reception hall) along with his passport and an open travel ticket. The concerned staff will verify the data and complete all the necessary procedures within 3 minutes in normal cases and upon completion of them, a travel permit is issued to the violating person and hands it over to him to go to the airport as per the schedule mentioned in the ticket as an ordinary passenger, while adhering to the Covid-19 precautionary measures followed in the country. The working hours of the offices at Search and Follow Up Department and 5 MoI Services Centers are from 1 pm - 6 pm from Sunday – Thursday.

For the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners – Qatar Chapter, 2021 will be an extraordinary year. It does not only have one or two but multitudes of reasons to celebrate. Members of the chapter, previously known as environmental planners in Qatar before being granted Full Chapter status in 2019 worked smart as a young group in the environmental planning Profession to equip themselves and serve as an inspiration to other planners. PIEP Qatar celebrated its second anniversary last October 22 – the very first hybrid celebration during the pandemic. It boasts of its 34 members to date with a number of them residing in the Philippines. Even miles apart, it didn’t hinder the members from participating actively in the chapter's activities. Unlike regular celebrations, the chapter introduced new ways to make the year memorable. A panel discussion was moderated with panelists representing various sectors and organizations on the planning community namely: EnP Maria Ana Pulido, with her consultancy company: represented the private sector; EnP Felicisimo Tejuco, Jr, from the University of Sto. Thomas College of Architecture represented the academe; EnP Benita Regala, represented the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Housing (EAROPH); and EnP Eleanor Mohammad, President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) represented the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP). Another highlight is the PIEPQx presentation wherein some of the chapter’s members shared a TED style presentation about their planning careers and future plans. EnP Mohaliden Mohammad who is currently working as a planner in the Philippines; EnP Dennis Mota from Doha and Engr. Mandy Vicente their insights, current undertakings and future plans in the planning profession. To cap the celebration, a raffle draw ensued which gave away ten free registration passes to the PIEP National Convention 2021 held on Nov 5-7 and one EAROPH conference on Nov 26. Truly, PIEP Qatar stood tall and continues to be at the forefront as “Planners as Inspirational and Empowered Professionals through Quintessential Exchange of Information and Collaboration”.

Shorter quarantine and testing periods await international arriving passengers, especially fully-vaccinated individuals coming from Green and Yellow list countries, territories, and jurisdictions with the approved interim testing and quarantine protocols for international arriving passengers that will take effect on November 22, 2021. This was after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in its November 18 meeting approved the recommended updated protocols for travelers coming from abroad. In his press briefing on Friday, Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced that fully vaccinated Filipinos coming from nations in the Green List, “must undergo facility-based quarantine with on-arrival RT-PCR testing until the release of their negative results. After which, the individual is enjoined to self-monitor until the 14th day of their arrival with the date of arrival being the first day.” If the fully-vaccinated Filipino traveler from a Green List country arrives with a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test is required, per Secretary Nograles. The Cabinet Secretary and Acting Spokesperson, who was recently designated as IATF spokesperson, added that for fully-vaccinated foreign individuals coming from Green List, a negative RT-PCR test shall be required to be taken within 72 hours prior to departure from country of origin. Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test shall be further required, but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the 14th day from date of arrival. Meanwhile, for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and those whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, and those vaccinated but failed to comply with the test-before-travel requirements, they shall have to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, after which they can do self-monitoring until the 14th day from the date of their arrival. For passengers coming from nations in the Yellow List, fully-vaccinated individuals shall be required to present a negative RT-PCR test done within 72 hours prior to departure from country of origin. They shall then undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on the third day, after which they may be discharged if they tested negative and are enjoined to self-monitor up to the 14th day. “On the other hand, fully-vaccinated individuals from Yellow List nations without a negative pre-departure test shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine with a fifth day RT-PCR test, with the date of arrival considered the first day,” added Sec. Nograles. Upon the release of a negative RT-PCR test, fully-vaccinated travelers from Yellow List countries without pre-departure test may be discharged from facility quarantine, after which they shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 10th day from date of their arrival from a Yellow List country. For the unvaccinated, partially-vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, who came from a Yellow list area, they are to undergo facility-based quarantine with RT-PCR test done on the seventh day, then upon release of a negative result, they shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day. In the case of minors, Nograles said the IATF’s decision is for minors to follow the testing and quarantine protocols of the parent or guardian travelling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin.

Celebration in Doha will be streamed live to a global audience. Football fans worldwide are invited to virtually ‘Join the Beat’ on 21 November 2021 and celebrate the milestone of exactly one year to go until the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The official countdown clock, powered by Hublot, will be revealed during a special celebration that will be streamed live on YouTube.com/FIFATV and Qatar2022.qa at 20:30 Qatar time (18:30 CET) from the picturesque Corniche Fishing Spot in Doha. Followers of the beautiful game can ‘Join the Beat’ that will reverberate across the globe as the hour, minute and second hands on the official countdown clock begin to tick down to the big kick-off at the stunning Al Bayt Stadium in a year’s time. Fans will also be able to share their own dance moves to the rhythmical beat on social media using #WorldCup. The 30-minute launch ceremony will also feature a drone show, special guests and other surprises, ramping up the anticipation as the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and Arab world edges over the horizon. “The excitement will become more real when the official countdown clock shows the world that we are getting closer to the greatest football show on earth,” said Hublot Friend of the Brand and 1998 FIFA World Cup™ winner Marcel Desailly of France. “This celebration is a chance for every football fan to sample the buzz, wherever they are. It is a fantastic opportunity for fans to tune in live from across the planet and share a memorable experience at the start of a momentous one-year journey to the FIFA World Cup.” Join the Beat: watch the live stream of the official countdown clock reveal and the one year to go celebration on YouTube.com/FIFATV or Qatar2022.qa. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will take place from 21 November to 18 December in eight magnificent stadiums across Qatar. For the latest tournament news, visit FIFA.com/WorldCup.

On the occasion of the Qatar Human Rights Day and the International Day for Tolerance, the Human Rights Department of the Ministry of Interior held a ceremony to honour the heads of the Arab and non-Arab communities residing in the country, on Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Officers Club of the General Directorate of Civil Defence. The honoring ceremony was attended by Col. Saad Salem Al-Dosari, Assistant Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior, Abdullah Mahdi Al-Yami, representative of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Capt. Dr. Abdul Latif Hussein Al-Ali from the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior, a number of officers and community representatives. Speaking at the ceremony, Col. Saad Salem Al-Dosari affirmed the keenness of the Ministry of Interior to participate in these celebrations, as an embodiment of its contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights through its security and service work, as well as within the framework of its social responsibilities. This necessitated that the communication with communities should have an existing organizational framework in the Ministry of the Interior, namely, the Community Reach out Office at the Public Relations Department and similar lines of action in the departments concerned, which resulted in many of the Ministry's awareness-raising and cultural activities in the community. The Assistant Director of the Human Rights Department at the Ministry of Interior pointed out that the main objectives of communicating with the communities are to educate the communities about their rights and obligations under national laws and the legislative tools of the Ministry of Interior emphasizing their clear role in construction and development. He stressed the respect for the cultural identity of the communities and their freedom to worship and practice their religious rites in the appropriate manner established by law, the respect of the members of the communities for the national value system and the Qatari cultural heritage, and the identification of the actual and fundamental needs and problems of the members of the communities in their relationship with the Ministry’s agencies and work to overcome and solve them. The community partnership in maintaining security is achieved on the basis that combating crime and achieving security is the responsibility of everyone, citizens and residents, and achieving these goals will contribute in an effective way to enhancing the social and cultural integration of the population, he added. For his part, Mr. Abdullah Mahdi Al-Yami thanked the Ministry of Interior represented by the Human Rights Department for organizing this ceremony, and denoted the concerted efforts of the human rights authorities in the country and their continuous cooperation to achieve common interests. He stressed the commitment of the State Qatar to the human rights conventions, noting that the State of Qatar is one of the countries that are well known in this field at the international level. He added that all communities in Qatar are respected and valued as partners in society and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is entrusted with the commitment to international agreements and they are in continuous communication, coordination and meetings with the concerned authorities in the country to fulfill these obligations. At the ceremony, Mr. Zain Mohsen Muhammad Al-Marqab, head of the Yemeni community in the State of Qatar, gave a speech on behalf of the Arab and foreign communities, in which he expressed his happiness to participate in this occasion and said: "We in the Arab region are the first people to be tolerant and to defend human rights, as a religious duty before it is a moral and humane act. Our religion, Islam and other religions guarantee each individual the right to life, the right to education, the right to health, the right to freedom, the right to dignity, and other rights. He thanked the State of Qatar for the efforts made and the services provided to all those on the land of Qatar and the provision of all means of decent living such as educational, health and security services, as well as the laws that give people their rights and preserve their dignity.

What you need to know about the latest tournament-ready venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ The stunning Al Bayt Stadium will be inaugurated on 30 November when it hosts the FIFA Arab Cup™ group stage match between hosts Qatar and Bahrain. It will become the sixth FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ tournament venue to be inaugurated after Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Thumama. The 60,000-capacity stadium features a design inspired by the tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the region. It will host five matches during the FIFA Arab Cup™, including the final on 18 December, and nine matches during Qatar 2022 up to the semi-finals stage. Here are five facts about Al Bayt Stadium: Uniquely Qatari design Located in Al Khor, 46km north of Doha, Al Bayt’s design is inspired by the ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – which were tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf region. The design honours Qatar’s past and present, while keeping one eye on the future of the community. As well as being incredibly eye-catching, the tent design is deeply practical. The shade provided by the tent structure and its retractable roof system will complement the stadium's cooling technologies, helping maintain a comfortable temperature inside the venue without using any extra power. Semi-final venue during Qatar 2022 Al Bayt will be the second busiest venue during Qatar 2022, with nine matches up to the semi-finals stage taking place at the stadium. This includes the opening match of the FIFA World Cup™ on 21 November 2022. After Qatar 2022, the modular upper tier will be removed, reducing the stadium’s capacity to 32,000. The removed seats will then be re-purposed to create sporting facilities in Qatar and overseas. Serving the Al Khor community Once it has helped stage Qatar 2022, Al Bayt and the surrounding precinct will serve the needs of the Al Khor community and provide a legacy of healthy living. The stadium’s upper concourse will be converted into various facilities, with the sky box level turned into a five-star hotel. A shopping centre, food court, gym and multipurpose hall will be incorporated into the stadium building, as will a branch of the sports medicine hospital Aspetar. The surrounding precinct contains 400,000m² of green space, which is equivalent to more than 30 football pitches. Al Bayt Park, which opened in February 2020, features running and cycling tracks, play areas, coffee shops and restaurants. A benchmark in sustainability A symbol of Qatar 2022’s commitment to staging a sustainable World Cup, Al Bayt received top marks for its design and construction from the Global Sustainability Assessment System. Al Bayt was awarded five stars for design and construction respectively, along with a Class A* rating for its construction process and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio Compliance certificate. Team effort A number of companies played a key role in delivering Al Bayt. Qatari contractor Galfar Al Misnad, in collaboration with Italian companies Salini Impregilo Group and Cimolai, oversaw construction of the stadium and energy centre. Landscaping and underground utility works were carried out by Qatari contractors Bin Omran Trading and Contracting and Al Sulaiteen Agricultural & Industrial Complex. KEO International Consultants served as the construction supervisors, Dar Al-Handasah delivered the design, while Projacs were responsible for project management in the initial phase. Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ are now available on a first-come, first-served basis at FIFA.com/tickets. Currently, tickets for all 32 matches are available. This includes a selection of affordable category 4 tickets costing QAR 25 each (Qatar residents only) for all matches, except the semi-finals and final.

Six venues to host pan-Arab international tournament from 30 November. Matches during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ will be played at six stadiums, with two venues set to be inaugurated during the tournament. This is the first pan-Arab international tournament to be held under the FIFA umbrella and will involve the best 16 teams from the region. The tournament is seen as a golden opportunity to test preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022™, which will take place in a similar timeslot next year. The two venues to be unveiled during the event will be Al Bayt Stadium and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. Both will be inaugurated on 30 November – the opening day of the tournament. The FIFA Arab Cup™ will take place over 19 days, with the final taking place on 18 December. There will be 32 matches and fans will have the opportunity to attend more than one match per day – just like during the FIFA World Cup™. Tickets for all matches are available here. Here are more details about the six FIFA Arab Cup™ stadiums. Al Bayt Stadium Capacity: 60,000 Inauguration date: 30 November 2021 Designed to replicate a giant tent structure historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the region, the stunning Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening match, where it will be inaugurated with a special opening ceremony. The venue, which will be the largest stadium used during the FIFA Arab Cup™, will also stage the final on 18 December. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium Capacity: 40,000 Inauguration date: 30 November 2021 Constructed using shipping containers and modular blocks, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will set a new standard in terms of sustainability for mega-event hosts. The venue will stage six matches during the FIFA Arab Cup™, including the first game of the tournament and the third-place play-off. It is the first fully-demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup™ history. After 2022, its parts will be repurposed into sporting facilities in Qatar and overseas. Al Thumama Stadium Capacity: 40,000 Inauguration date: 22 October 2021 Inaugurated during this year’s Amir Cup final, Al Thumama Stadium will host matches up to the semi-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup™. Its design is inspired by the ‘gahfiya’ – a traditional headpiece worn by men across the region. The 40,000-capacity stadium is the first FIFA World Cup™ venue to be designed by a Qatari architect – Ibrahim M. Jaidah. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Capacity: 40,000 Inauguration date: 18 December 2020 Home to Al Rayyan Sports Club, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is located adjacent to the Mall of Qatar. It was inaugurated last year, when it hosted the 2020 Amir Cup final. The 40,000-capacity venue will host group stage matches during the FIFA Arab Cup™. Education City Stadium Capacity: 40,000 Inauguration date: 15 June 2020 Surrounded by the region’s top universities, Education City Stadium will benefit the needs of students and faculty as part of its legacy plan. The venue will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup™. Earlier this year, the stadium hosted the FIFA Club World Cup™ final between Bayern Munich and Tigres UANL. Al Janoub Stadium Capacity: 40,000 Inauguration date: 16 May 2019 Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, Al Janoub Stadium’s façade was inspired by traditional dhow boats, which were traditionally used for pearl diving, a former cornerstone of the Qatari economy. Located in Al Wakrah, this architectural gem will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup™.

Featured films will be screened in late October, in partnership with Qatar Museums and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar. Doha, Qatar 19 October 2021: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is launching two film series to celebrate the best of independent U.S. cinema this month as part of the 2021 Qatar-USA Year of Culture. The ‘Indie Hits’ programme will be screened on 21st and 22nd October and will feature a selection of popular, independent films from the international film festival circuit. The ‘Year of Culture Series’ will run from 26th - 30th October and showcases five films that have helped shape the trajectory of U.S. independent cinema. Both series will be held at Building 16, Katara Drama Theatre. The 2021 Qatar-USA Year of Culture is the latest in Qatar Museums' (QM) annual cultural exchange initiative, which was established in 2011 to deepen ties with countries around the world through events such as festivals, exhibitions, screenings, competitions, workshops and talks. Through these activities, QM aims to bring people together using different creative mediums to explore their similarities and celebrate their differences. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI, said: “Beyond typical associations of U.S. films with Hollywood blockbusters and studio titles, America and Qatar share an important past and present culture of independent cinema where unheard voices are amplified and celebrated. By screening classic genre-defining films alongside ground-breaking recent productions, we take audiences on a journey through the evolution of U.S. independent film, demonstrating the crucial role that it has played in raising awareness of social and cultural topics, and emphasizing the unifying power of cinema across borders and cultures.” Samantha Jackson, U.S. Embassy Doha’s Public Diplomacy Officer said: “The Qatar-U.S. Year of Culture encourages dialogue on our bilateral relationship and shared ideals of tolerance and diversity. These discourses via film promote cultural engagement and authentically allows for creatives to comment on contemporary issues, while allowing a global audience to reflect on their own heritage and lives. Filmmaking is an important medium celebrating freedom of artistic expression.” The ‘Indie Hits’ programme features eight films released over the past five years that have played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of independent cinema. It includes two feature films, kicking off on 21 October at 5PM with Nine Days (2020) by Edson Oda, a supernatural drama that presents a heartfelt and meditative vision of human souls in limbo (also to be screened on 22 October at 8PM). This will be followed by Minari (2020) on 22 October at 8PM by Lee Isaac Chung, a tender and sweeping story about what roots us by following a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. On 22 October at 5PM, the ‘Indie Hits’ series presents a specially curated selection of short films including: Feeling Through (2019) by Doug Roland which tells the story of late-night encounter on a New York City street between a teen in need and a man with physical disability ; A Concerto is a Conversation (2021) by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, charting virtuoso pianist and film composer Kris Bowers’ journey as he tracks his family’s lineage through his 91-year-old grandfather; Dear Philadelphia (2021) by Renee Maria Osubu explores three fathers’ stories as they unravel the incomparable partnership of forgiveness and community in North Philadelphia; Two Balloons (2017) by Mark C. Smith, charts the adventures of two lemurs as they navigate their airships to meet each other but are suddenly disrupted by an approaching storm; The Elephant’s Song (2018) by Lynn Tomlinson, narrates the true and tragic tale of the first circus elephant in America; and Radiance (2017) by Chialing Yang, is a semi-autobiographical animation of a young girl who is coping with the loss of her grandmother. The ‘Year of Culture Series’ complements the ‘Indie Hits’ programme by providing audiences with the opportunity to view five of the most iconic films, dating from 1973 to 2017, enabling them to track the progression of indie film over the past five decades. It commences on 26 October at 7PM with Badlands (1973) by Terrence Malick – often cited by critics as one of the most influential films of all time. This tale of crime and love documents how a teenage girl and her older rebellious boyfriend embark on a crime spree through the Midwest after murdering her father over his disapproval of their relationship. Elephant Man (1980) by David Lynch will be screened on 27 October at 7PM and follows the story of Joseph (John) Merrick, who uses his congenital disfigurement to earn a living in a circus sideshow, until he is helped to become the toast of London by a caring doctor. On 28 October at 7PM, Jared Hess’ Napoleon Dynamite (2004) will tell the tale of an awkward teen who, after a troubled family life, befriends the new kid in school and how together the two launch a campaign to run for class president. Amreeka (2009) by Charien Dabis screens on 29 October at 7PM, documenting how a vivacious Palestinian woman and her teenage son cope with culture clash as they try to build a new life in rural Illinois.The ‘Year of Culture’ series comes to a close on 30 October at 7PM with The Rider (2017) by Oscar Award-winning filmmaker Chloe Zhao, is a contemporary Western film that shares the story of a young cowboy who is forced to look for a new purpose, after a riding accident leaves him unable to compete in the rodeo circuit. All films will be screened at the Katara Drama Theatre. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance via the DFI website www.dohafilminstitute.com.

Series of activities held during build-up to Amir Cup Final with many more awaiting fans on match day. Fans attending the Amir Cup Final on Friday, 22 October at Al Thumama Stadium can expect a series of activations when they approach the venue. A number of performances from different community groups will welcome supporters during the build-up to the big game between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd, which will mark the inauguration of Qatar’s sixth FIFA World Cup™ tournament venue. Many of the match day activations will celebrate the stadium’s design, which was inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a head cap worn by men and boys across the region. These will include a head wear exhibition, which will showcase different traditions from around the world, and a crowdsourced public art installation which will see fans pin their own gahfiya, inscribed with a personal message. What awaits fans at the stadium will be the culmination of a series of events organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in the build-up to the match. These have included majlis visits to Al Thumama residents, along with activities organised in partnership with the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Friends of the Environment Center. In partnership with the national museum, members of the community took part in a printmaking and knitting session, where participants were encouraged to create various gahfiya patterns in a series of art workshops. This included a family day, where visitors were given the opportunity to print symbols inspired by the stadium’s design on shirts and bags. The museum, which has had the Amir Cup logo projected on its façade, also hosted a seminar by Al Thumama Stadium architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, where he discussed the venue’s design in detail. Another event saw families invited to an awareness session about the ‘Thumam’, an indigenous plant renamed in honour of the stadium. The activity was organised in collaboration with Friends of the Environment Center and involved numerous participants, including school children and community members from the Al Thumama area. Khaled Al Suwaidi, the SC’s Stakeholder Relations Senior Manager, said: “We are proud to have involved many members of the Al Thumama community and beyond during the lead-up to the inauguration. Thanks to strong collaboration with a range of stakeholders, we have been able to create an exciting and culturally enriching experience for people throughout the country.” Al Suwaidi added: “Community engagement has been at the heart of our preparations from the moment Qatar won the right to host the World Cup. The involvement of residents from our many community groups has always been key to the success of the tournament and thanks to their support we will ensure Qatar 2022 is a truly memorable event for everyone in the country.” The 40,000-capacity Al Thumama is set to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during Qatar 2022. It will also be a key venue during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™, which will take place from 30 November to 18 December. There is still time to book your seat for the Amir Cup Final on Friday, 22 October. Visit tickets.qfa.qa to book your seat before applying for mandatory Fan ID from https://ac21.qa/.

The two-year initiative in collaboration with Qatar Airways, Qatar Aircraft Catering company (QACC) and Kings of Kitchen, will bring world's top chefs to Qatar. The project aims to further enrich the country's thriving culinary scene and explore investment opportunities Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, Qatar Aircraft Catering company (QACC) and Kings of Kitchen, is all set to kick off the "World Class Chefs" initiative later this month. The two-year initiative aims to host high-profile and award-winning international chefs from all over the world in Qatar, with the purpose to further enrich the country's thriving culinary scene and explore investment opportunities. Through the "World Class Chefs" project, Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with its partners, will diversify the country's tourism offerings for domestic audiences and international visitors by introducing new gastronomic experiences. Qatar Tourism facilitates investment opportunities in various tourism sub-sectors, particularly the hospitality sector, strengthening Qatar's position as a tourist destination featuring restaurants by high-profile international chefs. Qatar currently boasts an eclectic dining scene with restaurants by many globally celebrated chefs, as well as a strong and diversified multi-award-winning hospitality sector, which makes the country a promising destination to introduce new concepts in fine dining. Berthold Trenkel, COO Qatar Tourism commented: "The food & beverage sector in Qatar is reflective of the country's patchwork of residents and is a key element of our tourism offering. Food-related events are extremely popular in the country, and we are excited to introduce the 'World Class Chefs' project, along with the return of beloved events such as Qatar International Food Festival, in the coming months. With a multitude of food experiences, such initiatives help showcase the country's offerings in the sector to more varied audiences." The "World Class Chefs" project will kick off in end of October, with the visit of the French Chef Julien Roucheteau, who is a Michelin Star Chef and has many international awards to his credit. Qatar Tourism has launched several initiatives and festivals to support the hospitality, retail, and food & beverage sectors. These include the "Qatar Clean" program in collaboration with Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), as well as the "Chefs of Qatar" virtual food festival and the country's most celebrated Qatar International Food Festival. With the borders now open for international visitors, Qatar Tourism is maintaining a strong focus on improving the visitor experience to ensure the country is ready to welcome guests to enjoy the country's tourism products and offerings.