Doha, Qatar – July 20, 2025 – Qatar has officially opened registration for the inaugural Samla International Race, set to take place on January 24, 2026. Known as the country’s most demanding endurance competition, this edition marks a major milestone as the race expands to welcome elite male and female athletes from around the world. Organized in collaboration with Visit Qatar, the international edition elevates Samla into a global sporting event, offering participants the opportunity to experience Qatar’s striking natural landscapes while pushing their physical and mental limits. The 2026 Samla International Race will feature a rigorous, multi-discipline course totaling over 100 kilometers, composed of: 🏊‍♂️ 3 km open-water swim 🏃‍♂️ 49 km cross-country run 🚵‍♀️ 44 km mountain bike trail 🚣‍♂️ 4 km kayaking course Athletes can register via the official race website, where they will also find a complete guide covering eligibility, safety protocols, and race rules. A total prize pool of USD 300,000 will be awarded to top performers in both the male and female categories. 🔔 Registration will remain open from July 20 to August 9, 2025. Submitting a registration form does not guarantee participation, as spots are limited. Selected participants will receive confirmation via email after registration closes. Only confirmed participants will be asked to pay a participation fee. The launch of Samla International underscores Qatar’s commitment to positioning itself as a global sports destination and advancing its vision for sports tourism. The race not only showcases the country’s natural beauty but also promotes cultural exchange, athletic excellence, and international collaboration. 📍For more details and registration: Event Info: Visit Qatar – Samla Registration: samla.com.qa/samla100/2026

Doha, July 16 (QNA) - Qatar Tourism has revealed a distinguished ten-member jury panel of local and international experts for its third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. These eagerly awaited awards honor organizations and individuals known for consistently delivering exceptional tourism experiences in Qatar. The Qatar Tourism Awards is an initiative by Qatar Tourism, developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), aimed at recognising individuals and businesses across the tourism and hospitality sector in Qatar for their remarkable contributions to service excellence. The panel is tasked with carefully evaluating tourism businesses that demonstrate excellence across seven primary categories: Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions and Activities, World-Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership. These categories, along with 37 sub-categories, reflect key dimensions of both the visitor and resident experience. The jury includes the following distinguished members: HE Vice-Chairman of the Education, Culture, Sport and Information Committee of the Shura Council and the Chairman of the External Affairs, Political and National Security Committee of the Arab Parliament Hamad Al Mulla, OBE, Visit England Director Andrew Stokes, Travel Content Creator Aurelie Bouti, Executive Director SME Development at Qatar Development Bank Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Food and Travel Magazine, Publisher and CEO Gregor Rankin, Director- Regional Office for the Middle East UN Tourism Samer Al Kharashi, Deputy Director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department, UN Tourism Marcel Leijzer, CEO of Al Wa’ab City Dr. Abdulla Al Mehshadi, Innovation Expert Ramzan Al Naimi and Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University Prof. Rana Al Sobh. The carefully selected panel of judges will evaluate submissions expected to surpass last year’s total of over 800 entries from across the sector. Winners will receive extensive promotion locally, regionally, and internationally to enhance their visibility. The winners of the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be revealed during a formal ceremony taking place in November 2025. The Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all businesses and individuals in the tourism sector. The Awards is a benchmark for excellence, highlighting the nation’s top tourism offerings, services and innovations and outstanding achievers. It is a chance to help set the standard for the tourism industry and recognize those who elevate Qatar’s tourism reputation on the global stage. Winning the prestigious Qatar Tourism Awards is a demonstration of excellence that strengthens brand equity, shapes businesses or careers and to gain nationally and internationally recognition. Submissions are a simple process where the applicants need to answer 5 unique questions and attach supporting documents. The application portal launched on May 19, and the deadline for applications submission is Aug. 7, 2025.

Doha, Qatar – July 16, 2025: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) announced major progress in the National Project to Combat Myna Birds in Qatar, with nearly 36,000 birds trapped since the initiative began, underscoring the success of nationwide control and monitoring efforts. Between January and June 2025, around 9,416 birds were captured using 611 cages across 35 locations, reflecting an increase in surveillance and field operations to mitigate the spread of the Myna, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to Qatar’s biodiversity. The Threat of the Myna Bird Originally from South Asia, the Myna bird is known for rapidly colonizing urban environments, displacing native bird species by taking over their nests and feeding on their eggs and chicks. Its aggressive behavior, high reproduction rate, and ability to thrive in human-dominated environments contribute to competition for resources, disease transmission, and the overall decline of native bird populations. MoECC emphasized that this is not an isolated issue to Qatar; other Gulf and Arab countries are facing similar ecological challenges due to the species. National Efforts and Community Role The national campaign includes an integrated strategy of: Environmental monitoring and surveying Trapping operations in identified hotspots Public awareness and education initiatives The Ministry urged residents to support the campaign by reporting sightings and avoiding behaviors that encourage Myna nesting and feeding, such as: Leaving food waste exposed Not covering garbage bins Failing to prune trees or seal building openings The public is also reminded not to tamper with cages and traps, as these are managed by trained professionals to ensure the safe and humane handling of the birds. MoECC reiterated that raising awareness and community engagement are critical to the long-term success of the campaign.

Doha, Qatar – July 2025: The Ministry of Municipality has officially launched a large-scale initiative to upgrade 18 public beaches across Qatar, aiming to improve accessibility, facilities, and environmental sustainability during the summer season. According to Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi, Director of the Projects Management and Development Department at the Ministry, the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Ashghal, local municipalities, and private sector partners. The effort supports Qatar’s broader strategy to enhance local tourism and improve quality of life for both residents and visitors. First Phase Already in Progress The first phase of the project is already underway, with upgrades focused on eight key beaches: Simaisma Al Wakra Sealine Al Farkia Al Ghariyah Safa Al Touq Al Kharaij Each site is receiving enhancements tailored to meet visitor needs and ensure a safe, enjoyable beach experience. New Features and Additions Highlights of the upgrades include: Installation of 200 wooden umbrellas, including models designed for people with disabilities 300 shaded seating areas for families and individuals New children’s play zones with safe, sandy flooring Food zones designated for restaurants and food carts Beautified walkways and entrances enhanced with trees and landscaping In particular, Al Wakra Beach has seen the addition of several new features this year, further enriching the visitor experience. Cleanliness and Safety at the Forefront To ensure public health and safety, the Ministry has deployed dedicated cleaning teams and contracted specialized companies to maintain key facilities, including restrooms and prayer areas. Trained supervisors will be on-site to monitor operations. Additional safety measures include: Expanded shaded areas to protect against heat First aid services at major beaches Public health guidelines to encourage sunscreen use and avoiding peak sun hours Community Awareness and Sustainability The Ministry’s Public Relations Department is also launching awareness campaigns to promote responsible beach use and highlight events, such as regular programming at Beach 974. Looking ahead, future beach upgrades will include green spaces, solar-powered lighting, and eco-friendly infrastructure, supporting Qatar’s long-term sustainability goals.

14 July 2025:  Samsung Gulf Electronics has announced that its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold7  and Galaxy Z Flip7 , are now open for pre-order across Qatar until 24 July. Combining cutting-edge AI with refined, durable design, these devices set a new benchmark for intelligent mobile experiences. The Galaxy Z Fold7 , Samsung’s thinnest and lightest foldable yet, delivers unmatched multitasking capabilities with its expansive screen and built-in Galaxy AI tools, transforming it into a portable pro studio. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip7  offers a pocket-sized powerhouse featuring an edge-to-edge FlexWindow, advanced camera systems, and new AI-powered features for a fully personalized experience. Fadi Abu Shamat , Vice President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “These new devices mark a major step forward for mobile innovation. The Galaxy Z Flip7 shows that big intelligence can come in a small, flexible form factor, while the Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers ultimate power and creativity in your pocket.” Galaxy Z Fold7: Power, Creativity, and Security The Galaxy Z Fold7 combines portability with powerful performance and pro-grade creative tools, including the first-ever 200MP camera  in the Z Series and AI-powered editing features. It offers robust security with quantum-resistant encryption and Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). Its large immersive display and seamless One UI 8 integration enable effortless multitasking, editing, and streaming anywhere. Galaxy Z Flip7: Compact, Intelligent, and Versatile Redefining the flip phone, the Galaxy Z Flip7 offers an expanded 4.1-inch FlexWindow, enabling users to reply to messages, take selfies, and access apps without opening the device. With its 50MP wide  and 12MP ultra-wide  cameras, AI-enhanced tools, and Samsung DeX compatibility, it transforms into a compact workstation anytime, anywhere. Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE , making foldable technology more accessible while retaining premium Galaxy AI features. Special Offers & Pricing Memory upgrade: Galaxy Z Fold7: 512GB at 256GB price Galaxy Z Flip7: 512GB at 256GB price Samsung Members benefits: Entertainer 2-for-1 dining offers Six months' subscriptions to OSN+, Anghami Plus, and Viu Available colors: Galaxy Z Fold7: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack (Mint exclusive on Samsung.com ) Galaxy Z Flip7: Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Coralred (Mint exclusive on Samsung.com ) Pricing (QAR): Galaxy Z Fold7 (1TB): QAR 8,889 Galaxy Z Fold7 (512GB): QAR 7,769 Galaxy Z Fold7 (256GB): QAR 7,329 Galaxy Z Flip7 (512GB): QAR 4,589 Galaxy Z Flip7 (256GB): QAR 4,139 Pre-orders are available from 9 July to 24 July 2025 . For more information, visit: Samsung Gulf .

Doha, Qatar – 9 July 2025: Qatar Tourism’s Service Excellence Academy has officially launched ‘The Art of Front Office Hospitality’, a new in-person training initiative dedicated to enhancing service standards in the hospitality sector. The program was unveiled on 9 July 2025 and is specifically designed to train 400 frontline hotel staff working in properties rated four stars and below. The comprehensive two-day course focuses on key areas such as guest relations, cultural sensitivity, and operational efficiency. It aims to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge needed to deliver world-class hospitality experiences. The first group, comprising 84 participants, has successfully completed the program and received their official certifications, marking a significant milestone in the initiative’s rollout. This new training program forms part of Qatar Tourism’s broader Service Excellence strategy, which supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting professional development, fostering a culture of service excellence, and raising overall standards across the tourism sector. Registration for the upcoming sessions of the Hotel Front Office Training is now open. Interested participants can sign up at: Hotel Front Office Training Registration .

Doha, Qatar – 9 July 2025: Visit Qatar has successfully wrapped up its role as Official Tourism Partner of two major UEFA events — the UEFA Nations League Finals 2025™ and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025™ — marking a new milestone in its strategic, multi-year collaboration with UEFA. The UEFA Nations League Finals took place in Germany from 4 to 8 June 2025, bringing together Europe’s top four national teams in a highly anticipated showdown that captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide. Meanwhile, the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, hosted in Slovakia from 11 to 28 June 2025, showcased the continent’s most promising young talent, further strengthening Europe’s football legacy and engaging audiences across the globe. These partnerships form part of Visit Qatar’s ongoing collaboration with UEFA, which also includes upcoming landmark tournaments such as the UEFA European Football Championship 2028™ and the UEFA Futsal Champions League™. Through these global sporting platforms, Visit Qatar aims to elevate the country’s international profile, leveraging the universal appeal of football to foster cultural exchange, strengthen Qatar’s reputation for innovation and hospitality, and position the nation as a leading tourism destination. Visit Qatar’s presence at these events provided a powerful opportunity to engage with fans, promote the country’s diverse offerings, and underscore its commitment to hosting and supporting world-class events.

Doha, Qatar – July 2, 2025: Under the chairmanship of H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, the Cabinet held its regular weekly meeting at the Amiri Diwan and approved the draft general agreement for the highly anticipated Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project. This strategic approval paves the way for Qatar’s active participation in an ambitious regional infrastructure project aimed at connecting all six GCC states through an integrated railway network. The railway, estimated to span approximately 2,117 kilometers, will originate in Kuwait City and run through Saudi Arabia’s Dammam, branching toward Bahrain and Qatar via two dedicated maritime bridges. From Qatar, it will extend to the United Arab Emirates via Abu Dhabi, ultimately reaching Muscat, Oman. The GCC railway network is envisioned as a transformative project that will significantly enhance regional trade, economic integration, and social connectivity among the Gulf states. Once completed, it will provide a modern, sustainable, and efficient mode of transportation for passengers and freight, reducing reliance on road transport and supporting the region’s shared vision for diversified, resilient economies. The project aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes developing advanced infrastructure and strengthening regional ties as part of its broader economic diversification goals. By participating in this landmark initiative, Qatar underscores its commitment to fostering closer cooperation with neighboring countries and reinforcing its position as a regional logistics and transport hub. Key anticipated benefits of the GCC railway project include: Boosting cross-border trade and supply chain efficiency, facilitating smoother movement of goods and services. Promoting tourism and cultural exchange by enabling easier, faster travel across Gulf countries. Creating job opportunities and stimulating local economies through large-scale construction, operations, and related industries. Reducing environmental impact by shifting freight and passenger transport from roads to rail, supporting sustainability efforts. Qatar’s approval of the draft agreement reflects its proactive approach to regional development and cooperation, demonstrating a shared commitment to building a more interconnected and prosperous Gulf region. The next stages of the project will involve detailed engineering studies, financing arrangements, and coordinated implementation plans across member states to ensure timely and efficient delivery.

DOHA, QATAR – 7 July 2025: beIN MEDIA GROUP (‘beIN’), the global leader in sports, entertainment, and media, has been awarded the prestigious Golden Award for outstanding performance at the National Cyber Drill 2024, organized by Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) under the theme “Zero Hour.” This marks the second consecutive year that beIN has received this top honor, officially ranking first among all media sector participants in Qatar. The National Cyber Drill is a critical annual exercise evaluating the cybersecurity preparedness of government entities, critical infrastructure, and private organizations across Qatar. The 2024 edition focused on high-intensity, real-world cyber threat simulations designed to test detection, response, and recovery capabilities. beIN’s recognition highlights its steadfast commitment to cybersecurity excellence and innovation. Under the leadership of Kenan Begovic, Group Director of Information Security, and with project management by Rashid Al-Obaidli, Head of Information Security Architecture, Planning & Projects, beIN’s Information Security team showcased advanced technical expertise, strategic decision-making, and strong cross-departmental coordination throughout the exercise. Upon receiving the award, Rashid Al-Obaidli stated: “This recognition is a testament to our team’s collective effort, rigorous preparation, and the culture of vigilance that permeates beIN. It underscores our unwavering commitment to Qatar’s national digital security goals and reflects our continuous focus on innovation and collaboration to safeguard our platforms, content, and audiences.” This achievement supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by reinforcing the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure and strengthening the resilience and digital trust of Qatar’s media industry. It further positions beIN as a regional leader in operational security and technological excellence.

Official poster Visit Qatar has announced the return of the Qatar Toy Festival (QTF) for its third edition, running from 6 July to 4 August 2025  at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), with Ooredoo as the telecom partner. A flagship event on Qatar’s summer calendar, this year’s festival introduces exciting new features including live shows, immersive activities, and for the first time, a dedicated QTF Summer Camp  for children and teens. The festival covers over 17,000 sqm  and will feature five themed zones: Fancy Island for girls, Champions Land for boys and teenagers, Cutie Pie Land for pre-schoolers, Hyper Land for inflatables, and a main stage. Families can look forward to 10+ daily shows , musical performances, dance acts, science demonstrations, competitions, and celebrity appearances, including AboFlah and the ALJ Sisters. The event also hosts 10 retail outlets (e.g., Build-A-Bear, Mumuso) and a lively F&B court with brands like Exit55, Juniors, Belgian Fries, and Pizza Box. Hamad Al-Khaja , Manager of Festivals & Events Delivery at Visit Qatar, commented: “We are delighted to announce the return of the Qatar Toy Festival as part of our dynamic summer events. This year marks a new milestone with the launch of the QTF Summer Camp and Back to School programme. From beloved toy brands to immersive shows and hands-on workshops, the festival promises unforgettable moments for families.” New Activations Ultimate Horror House  with Five Nights at Freddy’s theme and exclusive merchandise. PUBG Mobile laser guns real-life experience , including a major competition with a Jetour car as a grand prize. Sherlock Holmes Escape Room  in a Victorian setting. Lilo & Stitch activation , offering island vibes, photos, and interactive play. Special appearances by AboFlah with an animation premiere and by Al Daheeh with a motivational school talk. New retail brands include Labubu and Haribo products. QTF Summer Camp The first-ever QTF Summer Camp  caters to children aged 4–12, running daily from 8:00 to 13:00 (except Fridays). Activities include art, science experiments by Science Street, character interactions, and physical challenges. Fees are QAR 750 per week or QAR 2,000 for the full month, accommodating up to 150 children. Back to School Programme In the final week, the festival will feature a Back to School programme with themed shows, competitions, prize giveaways, and retailer offers. Tickets & Timings Open 14:00–22:00 (weekdays) and 14:00–23:00 (weekends). Tickets: Entry Ticket (QAR 50), Ultimate Fun Ticket (QAR 80), Fast Track Ticket (QAR 300), Family Entry (QAR 200), VVIP Ticket (QAR 1,500). 🎟️ Book via: Virgin Megastore Platinumlist QTickets Fever

Doha, Qatar – June 10, 2025: Simaisma Beach, located approximately 40 kilometres north of Doha, will be closed for five years starting today to pave the way for the development of the highly anticipated Simaisma Tourism Project, as reported by Al Sharq Newspaper. The project is spearheaded by Qatari Diar and represents one of the most ambitious tourism initiatives in Qatar’s development pipeline. Spanning eight million square metres and extending over seven kilometres of pristine eastern coastline, the Simaisma Tourism Project aims to redefine leisure and entertainment in the country. The destination will deliver immersive experiences tailored for both residents and international visitors, offering year-round attractions and a new benchmark in coastal tourism. The mega-development includes 16 tourism investment zones designated for private sector participation. Among these are four resort zones, each boasting distinct architectural styles and themed concepts. Key highlights of the project will include: A large-scale theme park An 18-hole championship golf course Premium residential villas A world-class yacht marina Upscale retail outlets and fine-dining establishments The project is poised to become a major driver of Qatar’s tourism diversification, unlocking significant economic and investment potential while elevating the country’s appeal as a global leisure destination.

As the Eid Al Adha public holidays approach, Hamad International Airport (DOH) is fully prepared to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic. In preparation for the busy travel period, we have enhanced services and facilities to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all travelers during this festive time.   Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey:   Early Check-In:   • We recommend passengers to check-in online in advance and arrive 3 hours before departure. This allows ample time for security clearance and access to airport amenities.   Self-Service Facilities:   • For quicker check-in, Qatar Airways passengers can utilize the self-service kiosks and baggage drop counters at check-in row number 3. • E-Gates are available for eligible residents and citizens, expediting the immigration process (restrictions apply; minimum height is 130cm).   Baggage Guidelines:   • Passengers are reminded that baggage allowances and weight limits are strictly enforced by airlines. Check with your airline for specific guidelines. • Passengers are advised to avoid non-standard baggage such as irregularly shaped, oversized, or loose baggage. All checked baggage must be securely packed, properly shaped (rectangular/square) and compliant with airline baggage specifications. • Passengers who wish to wrap their baggage, are advised not to use home wrap and are requested to use the baggage wrapping facility of EU safety standards at the airport. • A baggage repack area is available in the departure hall with luggage weighing machines to assist passengers.   Parking :   • Use the airport parking for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, and short stays. Avoid leaving vehicles unattended at the curbside. • Enjoy special discounted rates for long stays in our car park (using the pre-book option only), ensuring proximity to the terminal. • Car rental and limousine services are all located close to the arrival hall. • Valet Parking: For the ultimate convenience, drop off your vehicle with our valet service available at both arrivals and departures.   Security Checks:   • Ensure no prohibited items like liquids, aerosols, and gels are in your carry-on. Pack liquids in 100ml containers within a clear, resealable bag. • Remove electronics larger than a mobile phone for X-ray screening. • Small vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, are not allowed.   Stay Connected:   • Download the HIAQatar app for real-time updates on flight statuses, baggage claims, and directions to boarding gates. • QR codes are strategically placed throughout the terminal for easy navigation.   Family-Friendly Services:   • To support families during the busy travel period, dedicated security screening lanes will be available for those traveling with young children. Look for the orange signage and airport security staff wearing orange arm bands at the security screening area, who are ready to assist.   We are dedicated to ensuring your travel experience is as smooth and pleasant as possible during this peak period. If you need assistance, our staff will be happy to help.   We wish all passengers a safe and enjoyable journey this Eid Al Adha.