Visit Qatar has been recognised on the global stage with two wins at The Drum Awards Festival 2025, a leading international platform that celebrates excellence in marketing, media, and content. The ‘Reframing Ramadan’ campaign by Visit Qatar earned a Gold award in the Influencer & Creator Partnerships category and a Bronze award in the Travel and Tourism category, underscoring its impact in delivering culturally rooted storytelling to global audiences.   Developed to showcase Qatar as a destination that embraces the holy month through authentic experiences, creative collaborations, and engaging digital content, ‘Reframing Ramadan’ demonstrates how culturally led narratives can capture interest, deepen understanding, and expand the country’s reach across new global markets. The campaign invites travellers from around the world to discover the festive spirit of Ramadan in Qatar through moments that emphasise community, reflection, and cultural connection.   The Drum Awards are judged by senior marketing professionals and are widely regarded as a benchmark for best-in-class work in digital, social, and content marketing. Visit Qatar’s success reflects the strength of its strategic approach and the growing visibility of Qatar’s cultural narrative in international markets. This recognition places Visit Qatar’s work among top-performing global campaigns and further strengthens its reputation for delivering thoughtful, insight-driven content that supports the organisation’s wider tourism objectives.

Qatar is ready to host the World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 from Dec 26 to 30, this was announced by Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mudahka, President of Qatar Chess Association (QCA) and chairman of the organizing committee of the tournament on Saturday.   Mr Al-Mudahka was joined by Hamad Mohammed Al-Tamimi, Executive Director of QCA and the Tournament Director at a press conference at the Rosewood Hotel in Lusail.   "The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 are taking place in Doha, Qatar from 25 to 30 December, bringing together the world’s elite chess talent for a thrilling end-of-year showdown," Al-Mudahka said on Saturday.   "The tournament will be held at the Sports and Events Complex, Qatar University," he added. "This edition features both Open and Women’s events in Rapid and Blitz formats, with a total prize fund of over €1,000,000. We are feeling proud that Doha returns as host after nine years, underscoring Qatar’s growing stature in the chess world," Al-Mudahka said.   “Doha is now the only city to host the World Rapid & Blitz Championship twice, a milestone for chess and for sports in Qatar. It reflects our deep passion for the game and our commitment to delivering excellence. We are proud to welcome the world’s greatest players back to Doha, where ambition, tradition, and the future of our sport meet,” Al-Mudahka said.   World Champion Gukesh D and Magnus Carlsen will join over 360 players who have confirmed their participation in the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, it was announced earlier by FIDE.   The event, which will take place from December 25 to 30, brings together a field featuring multiple world champions, most of the sport’s highest-rated competitors, and rising stars.   A total of 233 players registered for the Blitz Open and 230 for the Rapid. After missing out on the crown in the Rapid and sharing gold in the Blitz in the previous edition in New York, Magnus Carlsen returns to the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz. He will try to unseat the 2024 World Rapid champion, Volodar Murzin, who has had strong tournament performances throughout the year.   World Champion Gukesh D would also feature at the event. His participation is expected to draw a lot of interest from chess fans. In particular, his superb result in Zagreb earlier this year indicates he will be one of the favorites in Rapid.   Many seasoned elite players such as 2024 World Blitz co-champion Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Wesley So, and Levon Aronian have also confirmed their participation.   Challenging them will be a new generation of contenders seeking to disrupt established hierarchies: Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Praggnanandhaa R, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, and Ediz Gürel to name just a few.   FIDE Women’s Rapid and Blitz will also see the best in the world taking part. Headlined by Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, the competition will see 130 players, including heavyweights Zhu Jiner, Lei Tingjie, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Humpy Koneru and more. Anna Muzychuk, who won both the Women’s Rapid and Blitz in Doha in 2016, will also be there, together with her sister, Mariya.

Visit Qatar has announced the return of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), set to take place from January 14 to January 24, 2026, at the 974 Stadium Precinct. Marking its 15 th  edition, QIFF continues to serve as one of Qatar’s flagship cultural and culinary festivals, welcoming visitors from across the region and abroad. The 15 th  edition of QIFF will offer an expanded programme featuring local and international restaurants, live cooking showcases led by renowned chefs, family-friendly activities, dedicated cultural zones, and daily entertainment. The festival’s creative direction remains focused on enhancing Qatar’s global positioning as a leading culinary destination, celebrating both home-grown talent and international excellence in gastronomy.  Speaking on the upcoming edition, Mr. Ahmed Binali Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar said: “Qatar International Food Festival has become an important platform that brings together the culinary community, families, and visitors from around the world. Each edition reflects Qatar’s growing reputation as a destination that blends creativity, hospitality, and cultural expression. For next year’s milestone 15 th  edition, we look forward to offering an elevated experience in partnership with celebrated chefs, leading restaurants, and community partners, ensuring that QIFF remains a memorable highlight in the national events calendar.” QIFF 2026 will present a line-up of standout attractions and immersive experiences across the festival grounds. Visitors can enjoy daily fireworks displays, the return of Dinner in the Sky and the ever-popular Market experience. The programme will also feature captivating drone shows, interactive sessions at the Cooking Studio, evolving showcases from emerging restaurants, and engaging installations such as the QIFF Ring, featuring exiting competitions and an enticing Padel of Minds game, ensuring an atmosphere of excitement and discovery throughout the festival. The festival will operate on weekdays from 16:00 to 23:00 and on weekends from 15:00 to 01:00. Further programme details, featured chefs, and entertainment schedules will be announced in due course. For more information and updates, visit ( https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar/qatar-international-food-festival ) or follow @ qiff.qa on social media.

At just a young age, Johann Sebastien Garcia has already traveled a remarkable journey, one defined by discipline, faith, leadership, and an unrelenting love for ice hockey. Today, that journey reaches a historic milestone as Johann has been selected to represent the Philippines in the Senior Men’s category of the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team  at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand . For the Garcia family, the announcement is both a moment of pride and deep gratitude. For the Filipino community, at home and abroad, it is a powerful reminder that talent, perseverance, and national pride know no borders. Johann Sebastian Garcia A Global Education Grounded in Purpose Johann’s development has never been confined to the rink alone. He was homeschooled for nearly seven years under WCFS Maryland (Homeschool Global & VCIS) , an experience that allowed him to balance rigorous academics with elite athletic training. He is currently completing Grade 11 at Beta Cambridge in Qatar , laying the groundwork for his future university studies. Beyond academics, Johann is also an active member of Every Nation Campus (ENC) , an international organization dedicated to shaping young leaders through values of integrity, excellence, faith, and service. This holistic foundation has played a vital role in shaping not just the athlete Johann has become, but the leader he continues to grow into. A Passion for Hockey, Forged Early Johann first laced up his skates at the age of six, and he has never looked back. His ice hockey journey spans continents, leagues, and competitive levels, reflecting both versatility and resilience. Since 2018 , he has been part of the Qatar National Ice Hockey Team Program , gaining exposure to high-level competition and international play. His career highlights include competing in the United States, UAE, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines , earning multiple podium finishes, MVP awards, and leadership roles, including alternate captaincies and team captain honors . The Player: Smart, Fast, and Relentless A center/left wing  who shoots right, Johann is widely regarded as a high-IQ, two-way forward . Coaches value him for his: Exceptional faceoff ability Strong puck protection Consistently high compete level Calm execution under pressure An all-situations player, Johann is trusted on the power play, penalty kill , and in crucial late-game defensive zone faceoffs . His vision, playmaking ability, and leadership on the ice make him a cornerstone wherever he plays. A Growing List of International Achievements From youth leagues to senior men’s tournaments, Johann’s resume reflects steady growth and excellence. Among his notable achievements are multiple Queen’s Cup appearances , international league medals , MVP recognitions , and serving as team captain for the Philippine U16 team  in 2025. Now, stepping into the Senior Men’s National Team at the SEA Games , Johann reaches a new level, competing on one of Southeast Asia’s biggest sporting stages. Skating with Purpose, Playing for Country More than medals or titles, Johann’s journey is driven by a deeper mission: to bring honor to the Philippines, uplift fellow Filipinos, and inspire the next generation of young athletes , especially those growing up far from home. Johann's Family - parents and siblings As his family humbly shares, this achievement is ultimately a testament to faith, perseverance, and gratitude. “We give thanks and glory to God for this journey,” they say, a sentiment echoed by every stride Johann takes on the ice. As the 2025 SEA Games kicks off, one thing is certain: when Johann Sebastien Garcia skates onto the ice in Bangkok, he carries not just a jersey, but the pride of a nation and the dreams of many who believe that with dedication and heart, anything is possible.

Doha, Qatar — Filipino students from Philippine School Doha (PSD) and Beta Cambridge School (BCS) have achieved a historic milestone for both Qatar and the Philippines after qualifying to represent Qatar at the Oxford Schools Debating Competition Finals Day, set to take place on 14 March 2026 at the world-renowned Oxford Union in the United Kingdom. The students secured Qatar’s top two teams during the Oxford Schools Debating Competition Qatar, hosted on 1 November 2025 by Vocara Institute, in partnership with the Oxford Union and Qatar University. From BCS, the team of Abbey Catalan who emerged as Top 1 Best Speaker and Top 16 th  Best Speaker Lauren Tansio claimed the championship position. Meanwhile, the team from PSD, composed of Timothy Jeremiah Rivera awarded Top 3 Best Speaker and Nathaniel Angelo Ruiz being awarded as Top 18 th  Best Speaker, finished as strong runner-ups. They triumphed among 110 participants, representing 29 teams from 16 schools across Qatar. A First for Qatar and a Breakthrough for Filipino Schools This year marks the first time in history that any school from Qatar has qualified to attend the Oxford Schools Debating Competition Finals Day in Oxford. Notably, Philippine School Doha is now the first Philippine school outside the Philippines to qualify for the UK Finals Day. It also becomes the second Filipino school ever to reach this level, following Ateneo de Manila Senior High School, which competed at the Oxford Schools Finals Day in 2022 and 2023 after advancing through the Hong Kong regional rounds. This dual achievement highlights both Qatar’s growing debate excellence and the outstanding global calibre of Filipino students in international academic competition. About the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition The Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition features international regional rounds for schools outside the UK, where top-performing teams advance to the prestigious Finals Day at the historic Oxford Union, one of the world’s most distinguished debating societies. For more than 202 years since 1823, the Oxford Union has welcomed many of the most influential voices in global politics, culture, and public thought. Competing in its hallowed chamber connects students with a legacy of intellectual exchange spanning continents and generations.   The competition is run with the support of Cherwell College Oxford, which provides the necessary venues that help nurture the next generation of public speakers. Each year, over a thousand students join the competition, with more than 350 schools participating last year alone. Filipinos at the Oxford Union Several Filipino figures have previously delivered speeches at the Oxford Union, including Former Senator and world champion Manny Pacquiao, 2013 Miss International Megan Young & the late former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos A Milestone for Youth Excellence This unprecedented achievement by PSD and BCS reflects the growing strength of Qatar’s debate community, the increasing visibility of Filipino academic excellence abroad, and the powerful impact of cross-national educational collaboration. Both schools will proudly carry the flag of Qatar and the Filipino community on one of the most prestigious debating stages in the world this March 2026. For Verification & more information, you contact: Mr. Mubarat of Vocara/Oxford: 5557 2656 Mr. Rivera for PSD: 33858021 Mr. Catalan for BCS: 5011 9593

Doha, Qatar, 18 November 2025:  The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced MBDA, a world leader in the field of complex weapon systems, as the Gold Sponsor for the ninth edition of the exhibition, taking place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).   Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, Head of State and Supreme Commander of Qatar Armed Forces, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, DIMDEX stands as one of the world’s foremost defence and security exhibitions. The event continues to serve as a global platform for expertise exchange, technological innovation, and strategic collaboration among defence industry leaders, industry stakeholders, international investors, and senior military officials.   MBDA’s Gold Sponsorship of DIMDEX 2026 highlights the event’s leading global position and the enduring relationship between the two parties, with DIMDEX serving as a key platform for the company to showcase its latest innovations. It also underscores the significance of international cooperation in the field of advanced defence systems.   The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence, in the presence of HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces. The agreement was signed by Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee and Toby Broughton, General Manager, MBDA Qatar.   HE Lt Gen (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al Mannai , Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces , stated: “Today’s security environment is defined by complexity, interdependence, and rapid transformation. In such times, collaboration and shared purpose are essential to addressing challenges that transcend borders. The pursuit of stability is best achieved through dialogue, innovation, and enduring partnerships that strengthen our collective capabilities. We welcome these international collaborations that reinforce the foundations of security and prosperity.”   Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al-Ansari, Chairman of the DIMDEX Organising Committee , said: “We are honoured to welcome MBDA once again as a Gold Sponsor of DIMDEX 2026, reflecting our strategic relationship and mutual trust. MBDA’s continued participation demonstrates the long-standing collaboration that underpins DIMDEX’s role as a platform for advancing international defence cooperation, while offering a valuable opportunity to showcase their latest innovations and technologies directly to key decision-makers. This reflects DIMDEX crucial role in facilitating global partnerships, expanding investment opportunities, and securing unparalleled commercial and business opportunities”.   Toby Broughton , General Manager, MBDA Qatar  added: “MBDA is delighted to once again be a Gold Sponsor for the ninth edition of DIMDEX, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to the Qatar Armed Forces. For over 50 years, MBDA has been a trusted and proud partner to Qatar and is privileged to have supported the Qatar Armed Forces with our world-leading missile system capabilities. We look forward to another successful exhibition, and to our continued support for this strategic partner”.   MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapon systems for all three-armed forces: land, sea, and air. The company plays a vital role in securing national defence requirements and promoting technological excellence through collaboration and innovation.   DIMDEX is a premier international event on the global maritime defence and security calendar. Beyond its role as an exhibition, it serves as a strategic platform for showcasing innovation, forging partnerships, and facilitating high-level dialogue, which is vital to strengthening defence cooperation at both national and international levels. By promoting investment, innovation and sustainable collaboration, DIMDEX continues to underline Qatar’s pivotal role in advancing global security and shaping the future of maritime defence.   DIMDEX 2026 has also garnered strong support and sponsorship from renowned companies: Estithmar Holding, Vodafone, Boeing, and CAE. Their participation highlights the event’s significance within various business sectors and underscores the value of DIMDEX as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and engagement.

Key details unveiled about the first 48-team tournament one week ahead of kick-off. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) has reaffirmed Qatar's readiness to host the historic youth tournament, taking place 3-27 November 2025. During a press conference held today, LOC officials unveiled key tournament details, operational preparations and comprehensive measures to deliver an exceptional experience for the 48 participating teams and fans expected to attend the event. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is the first tournament of its kind to feature 48 teams, with as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. The tournament will be contested across eight pitches at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, with the Final set to take place at Khalifa International Stadium. Organisers announced that the tournament has already attracted wide international attention, with over 500 media organisations from 65 nations confirmed to cover the event. In addition, a dedicated Fan Zone will feature football competitions, e-gaming zones, live entertainment and cultural performances that reflect Qatari heritage and the diversity of the participating teams, creating a festive atmosphere on match days. In keeping with the LOC’s commitment to sustainability, organisers announced that the tournament will operate under proven environmental practices from the FIFA World Cup 2022™, including comprehensive waste management and recycling programmes. Disabled fans can avail a number of accessibility services including audio descriptive commentary for select matches, as well as sensory rooms in the Fan Zone. Qatar’s modern transportation network will ensure barrier-free access for all spectators. The Sports City metro station on the Golden Line provides immediate access to Aspire Zone, while dedicated ride-sharing and taxi drop-off zones are also available for maximum convenience. Spectators opting for private vehicles can take advantage of expansive parking facilities, with clearly marked accessibility spaces for visitors with mobility requirements. Wheelchair-accessible taxis will also be available through the Karwa app. Around 500 volunteers will support operations across multiple functional areas, embodying the community spirit that define Qatar's approach to hosting major international events. Fans can purchase FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets at: www.roadtoqatar.qa . Tickets will be available as a Day Pass for QAR 20, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities in the Fan Zones. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. Disabled fans can request accessible tickets by emailing: accessibility.u17fw@sc.qa The 2025 edition marks the first of five consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cups that Qatar will host through 2029, reflecting the nation's long-term commitment to developing youth football globally and cementing its status as a leading sports destination. For tournament updates, follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms. For the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa . Download the RoadtoQatar app to view, manage and transfer purchased tickets. The app, now available on iOS and Android, is mandatory for venue entry during the tournament.

Qatar Tourism announced performance results for the first three quarters of 2025, confirming sustained growth in arrivals and accommodation demand as the country prepares for a full schedule of events in the final quarter and early 2026. International visitors reached over 3.5 million by the end of September, recording a 2.2 percent increase compared with the same period in 2024. The GCC remained the largest contributor at 36 percent of total visitors, followed by Europe with 25 percent and Asia and Oceania with 22 percent. Of all arrivals, 60 percent entered by air, 33 percent by land and 7 percent by sea, reflecting consistent movement across all entry points. Q3 has also witnessed exponential increase in visitor numbers from China that saw 37% and Australia that saw 31% growth. Hotel and hotel apartment capacity reached 41,733 room keys. Average occupancy across all accommodation categories YTD Q3 stood at 68 percent, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from last year. Total room nights sold rose to 7.7 million, showing an 8% year-on-year demand growth. As Qatar enters the final quarter of the year, Visit Qatar is preparing to activate a full programme of events confirmed under the Qatar Calendar 2025–2026. The fourth quarter marks the start of a series of international sports tournaments, cultural programmes and entertainment events expected to attract residents, regional travellers and international visitors. Visit Qatar, in cooperation with national entities and event organisers, will host the Doha International Military Music Festival (Doha Tattoo), welcoming international military bands and ceremonial ensembles. Preparations are ongoing for the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, taking place in Lusail City as part of the global T100 series. Lusail International Circuit will host the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, supported by transport, hospitality and fan management coordinated with Visit Qatar and relevant partners. The inaugural Doha Film Festival organised by the Doha Film Institute will also take place this season. In coordination with the Local Organising Committee for Football Events, Visit Qatar is supporting operational planning for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 TM . These tournaments will be held across stadiums in Doha, Lusail and Al Rayyan, with operational readiness including stadium services, fan arrivals, accommodation, ticketing and international media logistics. With consistent performance across the first three quarters of the year and a unified national events calendar, the tourism sector remains aligned with the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) by contributing to economic diversification and expanding access to cultural, sporting and leisure activities for residents and visitors. The winter season extends into 2026 with a line-up of cultural and lifestyle experiences across Qatar. On the cultural front, key highlights include the second editions of “Sealine Season” in Sealine and “Brouq Season” in Ras Abrouq, preparations for Art Basel Qatar at the National Museum of Qatar. Food and cultural programming under Visit Qatar will include the Qatar International Food Festival and the Throwback Food Festival. These are complemented by ongoing events at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif and Al Bidda, where regular heritage, cultural and family activities continue to take place. For the full schedule of upcoming events and experiences, visit https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-calendar for updates and dates.

DOMASCO GAC Qatar made a powerful impression at the Qatar Racing Club on October 15, 2025, with the unveiling of the new GS8 Traveller and the high-performance EMPOW R. The launch, marking GAC’s 10 years of presence in Qatar, was an unforgettable day filled with live drifting sessions, off-road test drives, and a deep dive into the vehicles' cutting-edge features. The highlight of the event was the thrilling drag show with the EMPOW R, which showcased the car's raw power and speed. With 265 horsepower and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the EMPOW R dominated the track, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, leaving the crowd in awe of its performance. Meanwhile, the GS8 Traveller, designed with families in mind, took center stage with its off-road test drive experience. Attendees had the opportunity to test the vehicle's off-road capabilities, as it effortlessly handled challenging terrain, proving its durability and versatility. Powered by a 248-horsepower engine and offering 12.5 km/L fuel efficiency, the GS8 Traveller combines power, comfort, and efficiency with its 7-seat capacity. This event was much more than just a car launch; it was an immersive, interactive experience where attendees could feel the power of both vehicles firsthand. From the excitement of the drag show to the rugged off-road test drive, the event was designed to offer a full spectrum of automotive thrills. The GAC Showroom on East Industrial Road is now open for those eager to check out the bold GS8 Traveller and the sporty EMPOW R. GAC Qatar – DOMASCO continues to innovate and elevate the automotive experience in Qatar.

Visit Qatar has announced a landmark entertainment partnership with MELT Live, formalised in Doha by H.E. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, alongside the Chairman of Melt Live Events and the global entertainment icon Mr. Steve Harvey. The multi-year agreement will bring internationally recognised events to Qatar, further establishing the country as a premier hub for culture, lifestyle, and entertainment. Under the new partnership, two flagship events are set to debut in 2026: FuelFest Qatar, a high-energy festival combining car culture and live music that unites automotive enthusiasts with international talent, and The Golf Classic by Steve Harvey, a lifestyle and sporting event blending golf, entertainment, and celebrity participation, will showcase a unique platform for global exposure. Commenting on this occasion, HE. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji said: “This strategic collaboration with MELT Live reflects our ambition to strengthen Qatar’s position as a global destination for major cultural and lifestyle events. By introducing distinctive international platforms such as FuelFest and the Golf Classic, we are diversifying Qatar’s events calendar, creating new opportunities for engagement, and showcasing the country’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.” Commenting on the partnership, Steve Harvey said: “It’s an honor to be in Qatar to witness this exciting new chapter with Visit Qatar and MELT Live. These events are about more than entertainment - they’re about building connections, celebrating culture, and creating unforgettable experiences.” The signing marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with a diverse calendar of additional events currently being planned by MELT Live and Visit Qatar. More information will be announced in the coming months. This partnership underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to expanding the nation’s events portfolio, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, and attracting global audiences to experience Qatar’s unique blend of hospitality and world-class entertainment.

DOHA, Qatar –  The 17-day countdown to the highly anticipated SB19 Simula at Wakas World Tour Doha officially began on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with a kickoff event at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. From left to right: RJ Carl Mc Fly; Mr. Arvinder Singh, Senior Head of Operations at Dairy Queen; Ms. Diana Vsivcova, Marketing Communications Manager at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa; Mr. Joseph Joseph, General Manager of Papa John’s; Mr. Salim Kainikkara, Managing Director of Qabayan Radio; Dr. Franz Pekson, HR Manager of Al Safa Polyclinic; and RJ Icee. Photo Credit: Maria Imelda Enrile The launch, attended by sponsors’ representatives, members of the media, and prominent Filipino social media influencers in Qatar, marked the start of the final stretch leading to the group’s October 17 performance at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). The event was organized by Qabayan Radio, presented by Qatar Calendar, and powered by Papa John’s.   Rising Anticipation SB19, the Philippines’ most celebrated pop group and trailblazer of the P-Pop movement, will bring their world tour to Doha for the first time. Known for their dynamic performances and chart-topping hits, the group has consistently sold out shows across Asia, North America and Europe. Their Qatar stop is expected to draw thousands of fans from the Filipino community and beyond. Tickets have been selling fast since their release, organizers said, reflecting not only the group’s immense popularity but also the country’s growing appetite for global entertainment events.   Qabayan Radio’s Role On the sidelines of the launch, Salim Kainikkara , Managing Director of Qabayan Radio, reaffirmed the station’s readiness to stage the concert. He said Qabayan Radio’s goal since organizing its first live shows has always been to bring world-class entertainment to the Filipino diaspora and other communities in Qatar. “Our mission is to position Qatar as a true global hub for international acts,” he said. According to John Martin, Event Manager of Qabayan Radio, “ SB19 is ‘not just a group, but hope in motion.’ As the first Pinoy pop act to showcase Filipino talent on the global stage, SB19 has become the sound of dreams rising, and now they are set to bring that same energy to Doha. The response from fans has been remarkable, with overwhelming demand on the first day of ticket sales causing the ticketing website to crash. VVIP and VIP tickets were sold out in less than 24 hours, a clear sign that for many, this event is more than just a concert – it is a movement .” Photo Credit: Leo Bautista Photo Credit: Pau Paule Cultural Milestone The countdown kickoff, described as simple but meaningful, underscored the organizers’ confidence and preparedness for what is seen as a landmark event for Qatar’s Filipino community. It also highlighted the Qatar’s rising stature as a stage for international music, cultural and sporting events. For many Filipinos in Qatar, who make up one of the largest expatriate communities in the country, the concert is more than a musical spectacle. It is also a celebration of cultural identity and pride, offering a rare chance to see their homegrown idols perform live on one of Qatar’s biggest stages. With momentum building, organizers say the coming days will feature community-driven promotions and media activities designed to fuel excitement until show night.   Acknowledgments Organizers expressed their appreciation to the event’s partners and sponsors, with the concert presented by Qatar Calendar  and powered by Papa John’s . Other partners include Baladna  as Refreshment Partner, Dairy Queen  as Grill & Chill Partner, Mall of Qatar  as Mall Partner, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa  as Hotel Partner, Ford  as Transport Partner, and Al Safa Medical Polyclinic  as Medical Partner. Ticketing support is provided by Q-Tickets and S City . The organizers also extended their gratitude to members of the media and Filipino social media influencers in Qatar for their presence and support during the countdown launch.

Qatar Tourism, in partnerships with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), announces the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) – Stage 1 for the West Bay Beaches and Al Safliya Island Development Project. Issued under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and structured as a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) scheme, the project will transform Doha’s West Bay beaches and Al Safliya Island into a cohesive waterfront destination with eco-tourism initiatives, waterfront leisure spaces, dining, and recreational offerings. Through RFP Stage 1, Qatar Tourism and Ashghal invite qualified Qatari, regional, and international developers and consortia with proven expertise to submit proposals. The objective of this stage is to gather design ideas and pre-qualify bidders capable of delivering the project to international standards. Pre-qualified companies will subsequently be invited to participate in RFP Stage 2. The West Bay Waterfront Project is an integral part of Qatar Tourism’s Asset Masterplan, which is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Qatar into a world-class tourist destination by investing in infrastructure, cultural attractions, and leisure experiences aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. By investing and delivering world-class infrastructure and tourism facilities, the project will enhance the visitor experience and position Qatar as a leading global destination for cultural, leisure, and family-friendly tourism. Ashghal has published the RFP Stage 1 documentation, which includes detailing the full scope of design, construction, financing, operations and subsequent handover transfer to the contracting Authority. Proposals must be submitted no later than Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 13:00 (Doha local time). Interested parties are required to download the RFP Stage 1 documents via the secure SFTP platform. During the bidding period, bidders are encouraged to visit Ashghal’s website regularly for updates, circulars, and addenda. For further information, bidders may visit the Ashghal website.