Government

Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar welcomed Mondaythe statements issued by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda on their commitment for de-escalation and reducing tensions in the eastern region of Congo, in regards of the M23 statement on their withdrawal from the Walikale area. Qatar views this as a significant positive step towards achieving stability and peace in the region. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressedthe State of Qatar's full appreciation to both DRC and Rwanda for their commitment to dialogue aimed at calming the situation in Eastern Congo, and commends their positive engagement and efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful initiatives. The Ministry also expresses its hope for the continuation of this constructive approach and positive spirit to ensure the protection of civilians as well as to achieve security and development. The Ministry reiterates Qatar's support of the Nairobi and Luanda process, and it's firm position calling for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means, while respecting the principles of international law, thus promoting stability and reinforcing international peace and security.

Government

Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani took part in the meeting of the ministerial committee assigned by the joint Arab-Islamic extraordinary summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, alongside High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European CommissionHE Kaja Kallas, which convened in Cairo on Sunday. Participating in the meeting were also Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly State of PalestineHEDr. Mohammed Mustafa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of JordanHE Dr. Ayman Al Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaHH Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs of the sisterly Arab Republic of EgyptHE Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of BahrainHE Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Republic of Turkiye HE Hakan Fidan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the sisterly United Arab Emirates (UAE)HE Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, Secretary-General of the Arab LeagueHE Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) HE Hissein Brahim Taha, and the representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The meeting discussed the avenues for returning to the ceasefire deal after the Israeli occupation forces resumed their aggression on the Gaza Strip, ensuring the unhindered and sustainable flow of aid to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip, especially amid the Israeli occupation forces' decision that prevented its entry following the end of the first phase of this deal. Also discussed were the consequences of the Israeli occupation's cut-off of electricity to the Gaza Strip, in addition to the dire escalation in the occupied West Bank, and the joint international efforts to implement the two-state solution, paving the way for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in light of the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international initiatives. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored the State of Qatar's enduring efforts within the framework of its mediation to end the war on the Gaza Strip, expressing its condemnation of the brutal bombardment of civilians and civilian objects by the Israeli occupation forces in the Strip. His Excellency stressed the importance of concerted regional and global efforts to compel the Israeli occupation to implement the ceasefire deal with its three phases, pending the end of the war and addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip.

General

Doha, Qatar: Visit Qatar in collaboration with Qatari Diar announces the Lusail Sky Festival, the largest event of its kind in the region, will take place from April 3 to 5,2025, 4pm -10pm, coinciding with Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. Taking place at Lusail’s iconic Al Saad Plaza, where visitors can enjoy a unique visual experience in an open-air setting, with free activities available to all. The Lusail Sky Festival will showcase an array of aerial performances, including international aerobatics, skydiving, skywriting demonstrations, and high-speed jet displays. Audiences will witness planes creating intricate formations with coloured smoke, laser displays, and aerial pyrotechnics, alongside spectacular drone shows. Adding to the spectacle, the festival will include skydiving demonstrations, nightly laser and fireworks displays synchronised with music and light effects, and an extraordinary drone show featuring over 3,000 illuminated drones and 150 aircraft equipped with pyrotechnics, creating mesmerising imagery in the night sky. Beyond the aerial performances, visitors can enjoy a diverse entertainment programme on the ground, including a food zone with 14 food trucks and carts offering a variety of culinary options, as well as an entertainment theatre featuring live performances and family-friendly activities. More events and attractions during Eid Al-Fitr A variety of music and entertainment events are in store during Eid Al Fitr, featuring both established and emerging talents. U Finio will host a concert on 4thApril, featuring Abdulaziz Al-Dweihi and Hisham Mahrous, while Doha Golf Club will present performances by rising star Too Late, and renowned artist Nick Carter, offering a rich and diverse musical experience. Additionally, the Disney-inspired musical theatre production, The Magic Box, will run from April 3rdto 12th, 2025 at the Qatar National Convention Centre, bringing another dimension of entertainment to the Eid celebrations. Must-visit attractions: The Pearl-Qatar is a key destination with marina views, luxury retail, and fine dining. Nearby, Gewan Island features Qatar’s longest air-conditioned pedestrian walkway and holds two Guinness World Records for the largest outdoor air-conditioned shopping mall and the largest outdoor interactive lighting canopy. In Al Waab, West Walk integrates retail, dining, and year-round events, with a pedestrian promenade featuring innovative cooling technology. For cultural experiences:The Mina District offers waterfront cafés and pastel-coloured buildings in a picturesque setting. Katara Cultural Village remains a key attraction, featuring artistic exhibitions, open-air performances, and scenic beachfront areas. Qatar’s beaches provide a mix of relaxation and adventure:Sealine Beach in Mesaieed offers swimming, camel rides, and desert safaris. Umm Bab Beach on the western coast provides a tranquil camping experience. Doha Beach Club offers luxury amenities and dining, while Doha Sands Beach features a vibrant leisure atmosphere. West Bay Beach combines an urban skyline with a relaxing shoreline and premium services. Residents can take advantage of exclusive offers from Visit Qatar, with discounts across various categories, including food and drink, beauty and spa, health and fitness, leisure and entertainment, hotel stays, and retail services. Click here, to access these exclusive offers.