Qatar Olympic Team to Meet Australia in International Friendly Tournament in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: Qatar Olympic football team will take on their Australian counterpart on Saturday in international friendly tournament due kick off in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Nov. 18 to 21. The match between Qatar and Australia will be held at 7:00 pm after another match between the Saudi and Jordanian teams at 4:00 pm. In their second match in the tournament, Qatar will face Jordan on Nov. 21 and on the same day Saudi Arabia will meet Australia. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Australia will participate in the tournament which its matches will be held at Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Sport City Stadium in Al Khobar. The tournament is within the framework of the four teams' preparations for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup Qatar to be hosted by Qatar from April 15 to May 3, 2024, which qualifies for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.  

Team Qatar defeat Afghanistan in co-qualifiers for 2026 World Cup and 2027 AFC Cup

Doha: Four goals from Almoez Ali helped Qatar cruise 8-1 past Afghanistan in Group A of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday. The reigning Asian champions travel to the Indian state of Odisha where they face the Blue Tigers, while Afghanistan welcome Kuwait in Dammam for their second game of the group. Qatar coach Carlos Queiroz said after the match his team is already focused for the game against India. “It will be a massive game against India. We start tomorrow to prepare. We need to be at our best to defeat them,” the Portuguese said. Almoez added: “India will be a stubborn opponent and they’ve improved a lot. It will be tough playing in front of their fans,” Yesterday, the home team needed just 11 minutes to open their account in the qualifiers through captain Hassan al-Haydos who arrived late in the box, picking up Akarm Afif’s pulled back pass and hammering it low into the back of the net. Within less than 120 seconds, the Afghans restored parity after Mustafa Azadzoy supplied an excellent through pass for Amiruddin Sharifi who beat the offside trap and applied the finish past goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Qatar’s response was even faster as left-back Homam al-Amin whipped a cross from deep that was met by the diving header of Ali, who scored his 43rd international goal, moving clear off Mansour Muftah as Qatar’s all-time top scorer. Al-Amin was again the creator in the 18th minute, this time advancing into the byline and sending a low cross for Mostafa Meshaal who collected it and finished with aplomb to make it 3-1. Before the half-hour mark, al-Amin made it a hat-trick of assists, making an overlapping run and picking up Afif’s pass before finding Ali at the far post and the forward was left with the simplest of finishes for the fourth. Ali completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute, powering in from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Ovays Azizi had brought down Afif inside the box. Just before the break, Ali added his fourth of the night following a second penalty as Qatar went into the dressing rooms with a 6-1 lead. Qatar were awarded a third penalty in the 52nd minute after a challenge on Pedro Miguel. Ahmed Alaeldin stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, adding Qatar’s seventh goal of the game. Young forward Tameem Muftah, who replaced Ali earlier in the game, added his name to the scoresheet, sweeping home from close range following a cross from al-Amin who made it four assists on the night as Qatar wrapped up an 8-1 victory.  

Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show kicks off today

Doha: The Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show will kick off today under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Al Shaqab. The two-day event will unfold at Al Shaqab indoor and outdoor arena, marking a significant milestone for Arabian horse enthusiasts. This equestrian spectacle is poised to be an unforgettable experience, uniting a total of 272 horses, including 70 from outside Qatar. The inaugural edition of the show boasts a panel of judges who will bring their expertise to evaluate and appreciate the prowess of these equestrian teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition: Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Josy Everars (Belgium), Helen Hennekens-van Nes (Belgium), Marek Trela (Poland), Robbie Den Hartog (Netherlands), Terry Holms (USA), Christine Valette (France), Soheil Sanati (Iran), Bassem Badr (KSA), Mohamed Mohsen (Egypt), Barbara Pfisner (Switzerland), Mohamed Hammad (Egypt). Breeding & Show Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director Khalid al-Jehani said that Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show is classified as a B show by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations (ECAHO), allowing winning horses to qualify for international shows of higher classification. This show not only showcases the beauty and grace of purebred Arabian horses but also celebrates the traditional and cultural significance of owning these magnificent creatures, reflecting the deep-seated love for Arabian horses in the community. This show promises not only a world-class competition but also a celebration of the timeless bond between humans and these majestic Arabian horses. The two days of this event will be filled with thrilling competitions, breed presentations, and an opportunity for attendees to witness the grace and beauty of the Arabian horse. Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision has been to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global centre for equine professionals. Al Shaqab’s facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square meters, with a state-of-the-art Main Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators.

Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show attracts 272 entries

DOHA - THE equestrian world eagerly anticipates the inaugural edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, set to make a grand entrance onto the global stageunder the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani. Scheduled to take place from November 17th to 18th, this prestigious event will unfold at the iconic Al Shaqab indoor and outdoor arena, marking a significant milestone for Arabian horse enthusiasts. This equestrian spectacle is poised to be an unforgettable experience, uniting a total of 272 horses, including 70 from outside Qatar.  Hailing from Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, these magnificent creatures will compete for top honors in an exhilarating display of skill and grace. The inaugural edition of the show boasts an esteemed panel of judges who will bring their expertise to evaluate and appreciate the prowess of these equestrian teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition: Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Josy Everars (Belgium), Helen Hennekens-van Nes (Belgium), Marek Trela (Poland), Robbie Den Hartog (Netherlands), Terry Holms (USA), Christine Valette (France), Soheil Sanati (Iran), Bassem Badr (KSA), Mohamed Mohsen (Egypt), Barbara Pfisner (Switzerland), Mohammed Hammad (Egypt). At a press conference on November 15 to officially launch the event, Khalid AL-Jehani, Breeding & Show Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, said: “we believe that, within just a few editions, this show will establish itself as a “not-to-miss” yearly event for Arabian Show Horse owners, both locally and internationally. “We are immensely proud to have the support of  our sponsors who have made this event possible. The Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show has garnered significant attention from equestrian enthusiasts and experts worldwide, and the sponsors have played a vital role in shaping this prestigious event.” Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show is classified as a B show by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), allowing winning horses to qualify for international shows of higher classification. This show not only showcases the beauty and grace of purebred Arabian horses but also celebrates the traditional and cultural significance of owning these magnificent creatures, reflecting the deep-seated love for Arabian horses in the community. By highlighting the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses both locally and internationally, the event underpins Qatar’s rich Arabian heritage, further strengthening its global presence in the equestrian community.  

Qatar to take on Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifiers

DOHA - Qatar will begin their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit for the first time when they kick off their Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 campaign for the 2026 edition and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 against Afghanistan at the Khalifa International Stadium today. Qatar’s inaugural participation as hosts of the global showpiece last year ended in the group stage with the highly experienced Carlos Queiroz now in charge of the squad. The former Iran head coach has been hard at work rebuilding the side and has named a blended squad of young talent and seasoned players for today’s tie against Afghanistan and against India five days later in Bhubaneswar. Queiroz has said his mission is for Qatar to defend the AFC Asian Cup title on home soil in January and also seal qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. That Qatar are in good hands is undeniable with Queiroz having been involved in the last four editions of the FIFA World Cup as head coach, three of them with Iran. The former Real Madrid tactician, however, has warned his team will not to take the Afghanistan side, who advanced to the second round after defeating Mongolia, lightly. “We started preparations a week ago and I am happy with the commitment and discipline the players have reached,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday. “We are motivated to play good football that will live up to expectations and achieve success. We are currently entering a new challenge and we must work towards facing it. Afghanistan will come into the match with all focus and we must respect the opponent and give our best on the field,” the veteran Portuguese added. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s coach Ashley Westwood has urged his players to play for ‘self-esteem’. The Scotsman said: “The preparations for us were not worse than they are. We trained together yesterday here in Doha and we look forward to facing the Qatar national team in a positive manner.” He added: “The players are eager to put on a good show and will give everything they have in the match. The motivation here is the wonderful atmosphere in Qatar, the stadium and the facilities.” The other match in the Group A will see Kuwait hosting India in what promises to be an enticing affair. With Qatar the early favourites in Group, Kuwait and India will be eager to kick off with a win when they square off at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium today. Kuwait, who did not qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, will be driven to deliver in Round 2 of the Preliminary Joint Qualification. AFC Asian Cup winners in 1980 and having made their sole FIFA World Cup appearance in the 1982 edition, Kuwait’s mission is to regain their status as one of Asia’s premier teams. India, however, will not be easy opposition with the South Asian side also bent on making an impact. Head coach Igor Stimac said the target is to kick off their campaign with a victory, with the two sides having met in the 2023 SAFF Championship, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.  

Doha 2024 launches World Aquatics Championships fan travel packages

Doha: The Organising Committee of the World Aquatics Championships and the World Aquatics Masters Championships–Doha 2024 today announced exclusive travel packages for fans from across the world to mark 100 days to go until the start of the Masters Championships. The packages will give fans the opportunity to watch World Aquatics’ flagship competitions, held in the Middle East for the first time, while enjoying Doha’s world-class hospitality and welcoming culture during the events.  The World Aquatics Championships will be held between February 2 and 18 and the Masters Championships between February 23 and March 3 following the successful hosting of a number of aquatics events in Doha, including the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in 2014 and nine legs of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup series between 2012 and 2021. Tickets for the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 went on sale to fans on October 25th through the official Championships' website and Q-tickets platform. In partnership with Discover Qatar, Doha 2024 is thrilled to offer a variety of exceptional ticket options for those planning to travel and witness their favorite aquatic athletes in action in 2024. Fans will be able to choose from an array of three, four and five-star hotel options in the Qatari capital, as well as from a list of exciting and wide-ranging tours and excursions to enjoy away from the action in the water. An optional airport transfer package is also available on the Discover Qatar website.  Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani, Director of Marketing and Communications, Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committee at the World Aquatics Championships and World Masters Aquatics Championships–Doha 2024 said: “We are delighted with the travel packages we are able to offer fans travelling to Doha for the World Aquatics Championships and World Aquatics Masters Championships thanks to our partnership with Discover Qatar. While we know that everyone will enjoy the world-class competitions during their time in Doha, these packages give them the opportunity to maximise their experience away from competition and enjoy all that Qatar’s rich culture has to offer.”   Doha is a truly multicultural city – home to people from nearly 100 different countries – and an established international destination which attracts millions of tourists each year. The city boasts beautiful, family-friendly beach resorts and luxury spas, world-class shopping malls and traditional Arab Souqs and a thriving arts and culture scene with countless museums, galleries and public art installations.  This fusion of cultures and the old and new is a hallmark of Doha and will provide aquatics fans with a new experience as the first time the World Aquatics Championships has been held in the Middle East. It is reflected in the tradition of its harbours set against a backdrop of stunning modern skyscrapers and in the rich diversity of its restaurants and nightlife. From fine-dining to family-style, Doha’s thousands of restaurants and cafes serve local and international cuisines that will cater for the tastes of the whole aquatics family.  Fans can book travel packages here, , and can buy tickets here