Joshua Pacio Unifies ONE Strawweight MMA World Title With TKO Victory Over Jarred Brooks
February 21, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, delivered an explosive evening of martial arts at Lusail Sports Arena with ONE 171: Qatar, featuring two massive World Title bouts in MMA and kickboxing. [ONE 171 Event Night Highlights] [ONE 171 Official Scorecards] [Watch ONE 171 Post-Event Press Conference] In the main event, Joshua Pacio returned from a long-term knee injury to successfully unify the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title with a technical knockout victory over interim titleholder Jarred Brooks. The Filipino star fought through adversity in the first round, as Brooks took him to the canvas with an emphatic slam. On the mat, “The Monkey God” showcased impressive grappling, threatening with a myriad of submission attempts to keep Pacio on the defensive. However, “The Passion” made key adjustments in the second round to keep Brooks at bay. A counter right straight dropped the American fighter and Pacio followed him into guard. From there, he unloaded a barrage of left hands with Brooks unable to defend, and the referee was forced to halt the contest. Pacio was awarded a US$50,000 bonus for his electrifying performance. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty put on a virtuoso performance, snapping Wei Rui’s 21-fight winning streak to claim a unanimous decision and retain his gold. Haggerty overcame a slow first round and pushed the pace against the Chinese veteran with unrelenting pressure for the remainder of the match. The Englishman used his elusive style to stay out of range as Wei struggled to find his footing. The final two rounds saw “The General” tag the challenger with a plethora of right hooks and high kicks. Wei fought back valiantly but couldn’t establish his rhythm as Haggerty took home a clear-cut victory on the scorecards. See complete results below. For all remaining bout reports, please visit www.onefc.com. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Official Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Official Blockchain Partner Walrus, and Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena. ONE 171 Results Joshua Pacio def. Jarred Brooks via TKO (ground and pound) at 4:22 of round two to become the undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jonathan Haggerty def. Wei Rui via unanimous decision to retain ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Roberto Soldic def. Dagi Arslanaliev via KO (left hook) at 1:55 of round one (MMA – Welterweight) Shamil Erdogan def. Aung La N Sang via KO (head kick) at 0:28 of round one (MMA – Catchweight 210 lbs) Shamil Gasanov def. Martin Nguyen via unanimous decision (MMA – Featherweight) Bibiano Fernandes def. Kevin Belingon via split decision (MMA – Bantamweight) Kirill Grishenko def. Mauro Cerilli via TKO (leg kick) at 3:28 of round one (MMA – Heavyweight) Jake Peacock def. Shinji Suzuki via TKO (4 knockdowns) at 1:29 of round three (Muay Thai – Bantamweight) Ayaka Miura def. Ritu Phogat via submission (kneebar) at 2:24 of round one (MMA – Atomweight) Kade Ruotolo def. Nicolas Vigna via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:04 of round one (MMA – Catchweight 175 lbs) Zayed Alkatheeri def. Mohammad Aburumuh via submission (armbar) at 2:21 of round one (Submission Grappling – Openweight) Abdullo Khodzhaev def. Wilian Poles via TKO (ground and pound) at 4:56 of round one (MMA – Lightweight) Hussein Salem def. Walter Cogliandro via KO (left hook) at 2:25 of round one (MMA Featherweight) Performance Bonus Winners: – Joshua Pacio (US$50,000)– Roberto Soldic (US$50,000)– Shamil Erdogan (US$50,000)– Ayaka Miura (US$50,000)– Kade Ruotolo (US$50,000)
Doha hosts the debut edition of the Visit Qatar E1 GP for electric powerboats
Doha is set to host the world’s first all-electric race boat series, the UIM E1 World Championship, taking place on February 21st and 22nd, 2025, at The Pearl Island. Titled the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP, it represents a significant highlight on the 2025 race calendar, establishing Qatar as a racing hub in the Middle East. As the Title Partner of the race, Visit Qatar continues to solidify the country’s position as a leading global sports tourism destination. From hosting major football tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ to expanding its portfolio with cutting-edge sporting events such as E1, Qatar remains committed to fostering innovation and excellence in sports tourism. E1 serves as a pioneering platform for advancing sustainable marine mobility, with each race testing and showcasing innovative electric technology on water. Fans will witness high intensity racing while experiencing the future of eco-friendly marine innovation. The tournament will see eight races around the world, with Doha being one of the stops. Spectators can immerse themselves in the excitement at the Acceleration Festival fan zone, offering live DJ performances, children’s entertainment, exclusive E1 merchandise, and opportunities to win special prizes. Free tickets can be booked at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa/sports/28851/visit-qatar-e1-doha-gp-2025 For those seeking a premium experience, MATCH Hospitality Asia is offering exclusive hospitality packages at the Racers’ Lounge, located at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Waterfront Hotel. Guests will enjoy unparalleled race views, gourmet dining, a meet-and-greet with team pilots, and access to an exclusive after-party with VIPs. More details can be found at https://e1.match-asia.com/en/racers-lounge/
Qatar Charity Celebrates International Day for Social Justice
Sustainable Projects Reflecting Its Commitment to Achieving a Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future Doha, Qatar | February 20, 2025: On the International Day for Social Justice, observed on February 20 each year, which aims to promote economic and social justice for all, Qatar Charity highlights its humanitarian and developmental projects implemented in Somalia and Pakistan during 2024. These projects, executed with generous support from philanthropists in Qatar, contribute to achieving a just transition toward a sustainable future by integrating environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities benefit from these initiatives. In this way, they reflect Qatar Charity’s commitment to the principles of “just transition” within the context of sustainable development. A Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future in SomaliaAfter a series of humanitarian crises in Somalia, including severe droughts, sudden floods, and ongoing conflicts, Qatar Charity committed to supporting the Somali people through the implementation of around 300 humanitarian and developmental projects in various regions and provinces of Somalia, with a total cost exceeding 40 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 600,000 people.These projects focused on balancing the needs of both people and the environment, with initiatives in the sectors of water and sanitation, food security, education, health, social welfare, economic empowerment, and social housing. These projects were part of a comprehensive response Qatar Charity adopted to address the humanitarian crises caused by environmental changes and ongoing conflicts. Water and Sanitation ProjectsThe water and sanitation sector has been a priority for Qatar Charity in Somalia, where the projects contributed to addressing the shortage of clean water exacerbated by the ongoing drought. In this context, 78 projects were implemented at a cost of 10.3 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting over 140,000 people. These projects included drilling deep and shallow wells, constructing sewage networks, and building facilities to provide clean water. These initiatives were not only a response to the drinking water crisis but also part of a long-term strategy to improve residents’ lives and reduce waterborne diseases. Food SecurityIn urgent response to the food crisis caused by drought and conflict, Qatar Charity launched 84 projects with a total cost of 8.6 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 300,000 people. The projects included distributing food baskets to affected families, as well as supporting agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing boats, helping rural communities secure sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives contributed to strengthening resilience against environmental and economic crises and made communities more capable of facing future challenges. Searching for Sustainable Solutions in PakistanQatar Charity implemented sustainable projects in Pakistan during 2024, benefiting more than 990,000 people through approximately 1,800 projects in the fields of water and sanitation, education, health, and economic empowerment. These projects were a direct response to the crises facing the country, whether due to harsh weather conditions or ongoing conflicts.Water and sanitation projects in Pakistan included drilling wells, installing solar-powered water pumps, and building comprehensive health facilities. The economic empowerment sector also included establishing craft workshops and commercial shops, as well as supporting small businesses, which helped provide stable sources of income for many families in rural areas. Global Partnerships for Broader ImpactQatar Charity seeks to enhance its collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, with the aim of coordinating efforts and achieving a greater impact in crisis-affected areas. In 2024, several cooperation agreements were signed with these entities in Somalia and Pakistan, reflecting Qatar Charity’s vision of joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice for all sectors of society.
Snap Inc. Steps Up AR Investment in the Region to Empower the Next Generation of Developers at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Middle East, 19 February 2025: In a region eager to embrace emerging technologies, Snap Inc. is stepping up its investment in the region by empowering the next generation of Augmented Reality (AR) developers in MENA and building their AR capabilities at Web Summit Qatar 2025. With over 85% of GCC Snapchatters engaging with AR lenses daily, Snap is ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. At this year’s Web Summit Qatar 2025, guests will walk through an immersive AR journey, showcasing the evolution of Snap’s AR and how the technology has grown beyond entertainment to become a powerful tool for self-expression, discovery, and cultural storytelling. From face Lenses to interactive AR try-ons and real-time utility and now Gen AI, Snap’s AR continues to inspire developers and businesses alike to enhance community engagement and design immersive experiences. Snap will also shine a spotlight on the company’s hardware technology – Snap’s fifth generation of Spectacles – that enable truly groundbreaking software experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to experience first hand the future of communication and see what it is like to interact together in the same shared experience all while being grounded in reality, giving them the chance to experience computing, the world, and one another in totally new ways. For the first time in the region, Snap has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) bringing a new initiative that will empower 50 young creatives from the university’s Foundation year and BFA programs with tools that will help them shape the future of AR and contribute to the region’s digital ecosystem. Titled “Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career”, the educational session led by Joseph Darko, Global Head of AR Developer Relations at Snapchat will showcase the transformative power of AR and allow students to unlock their creative potential. “We’re excited about the opportunity that AR holds, both globally and in our region. Our core priority is to support the ongoing digital transformation across the GCC and help our partners and governments achieve their tech-driven agendas. With AR, we have the power to enable brands to drive business impact, empower developers to create immersive AR experiences, as well as create a positive impact on people’s lives through shared experiences,” said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snapchat in MENA. “Following an incredibly successful event last year, we are delighted to once again be taking center stage at this pioneering Summit. This year we’re excited to showcase how Snapchat’s suite of sophisticated AR tools continue to enrich the way people communicate, learn, and experience the world around them.” added Freijeh. What’s more? Four of Snap’s renowned experts will lead inspiring sessions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, covering a range of topics on AR and its impact on social connectivity. Qi Pan, Snap’s Global Director, Spectacles AR Platform, will walk attendees through a journey of augmented reality, starting with innovation in mobile AR then looking at how Spectacles will foster the next generation of human connection and spatial computing. Valentina Cullati, Director of EMEA Creative Strategy and Global Production, will explore how AR is not just a tool but is a behaviour, seamlessly integrated into daily life. Valentina will delve into the role of creators as cultural architects, building moments of connection that resonate deeply and will share why Snapchat – from its unique position of empowering creativity that drives real results – is the right place to create real impact. Youmna Borghol, Head of Marketing Science, EMEA, will offer an overview on how marketers must adapt to stay ahead in a fast-changing environment with many new challenges. Youmna will explore how comprehensive measurement strategies can provide deeper, more actionable insights, and share how to refine strategies to better quantify and optimize the impact of marketing efforts on business outcomes. Through an inspiring schedule of talking sessions, engaging workshops and informative live demonstrations, Snap intends to drive the conversation around the possibilities created by AR and the opportunities it enables for the community, developers and partners, as stakeholders navigate the exciting future of the digital landscape in the region.
ONE 171 Official Press Conference Highlights & the Best Quotes
February 18, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, today held the official pre-event press conference for ONE 171: Qatar. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Official Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Official Blockchain Partner Walrus, and Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena. BEST QUOTES Chatri Sityodtong – ONE Championship Chairman and CEO: “The world’s largest martial arts organization is coming back to the Middle East to throw the biggest spectacle across all these incredible disciplines, with the world’s greatest athletes, and the greatest martial arts on the planet. We are excited. And I tell you what, the main event and the co-main are absolutely barn-burning, explosive. I think both fights are going to end in a spectacular knockout. But here’s the thing, we have 14 fights. You look around just at this table right here, these are all killers and monsters, the very best of the best on the planet.” Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “The difference this time is, of course, I’m going to win. Yeah, I’m going to win. The last time I won, but it’s not the way that we wanted to. And I don’t look [at the] past, I look forward, and here we are. It will be different. It will be different this time.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I want to be remembered as the true strawweight World Champion. I am very, very grateful for ONE Championship and the things that they have done for me. I promise you, Joshua, and I, we are more than willing and prepared, and I am going to go out and I’m going to finish him on Thursday, whether you like it, or you don’t, I’m going to go out and I’m going to finish him.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “I’d like to say thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here. Thank you for ONE Championship. You know, I’m truly blessed to be doing what I love and traveling to beautiful countries like Qatar. I’m very excited to defend my belt against Wei Rui. You know, he’s a very credible opponent, the number one for a reason. We’ve left no stone unturned. turned. We’ve not overlooked him, and we’re just excited to put on a great performance for everyone.”Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “Yes, this is the first time I come to Doha, and I came here just for this world title belt. I will definitely bring this belt to China. Thank you.”
Huawei to Showcase Cutting-Edge Cloud and AI Innovations at Web Summit Qatar 2025
AI Pioneer Accelerates Intelligence with Everything as a Service Doha, Qatar – February 18, 2025 – Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, is set to showcase its latest Cloud and AI solutions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, taking place from February 23 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Under the theme “Accelerate Intelligence with Everything as a Service,” Huawei will demonstrate how its advanced technologies enable businesses and industries to harness the power of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to drive unprecedented innovation and efficiency. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, Web Summit Qatar returns for its second year, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global technology and innovation hub. The event brings together world-leading technology companies, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, fostering discussions on the future of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. As an AI pioneer in industry applications, Huawei Cloud is driving industry intelligence by providing full-stack AI capabilities, including infrastructure, computing power, algorithms, development frameworks, and its advanced Pangu Large Models. Leveraging its CloudMatrix AI-native infrastructure, Huawei Cloud Stack, and Ascend AI cloud services, Huawei delivers massive AI computing power with unparalleled efficiency, offering flexible deployment options tailored to diverse enterprise needs. Huawei Cloud Stack provides an on-premise deployment mode for enterprises or governments that prefer to save data locally and develop foundation models independently. Meanwhile, Ascend AI cloud services offer a public cloud alternative for organizations that want to avoid the complexities of building and maintaining their data centers. The newly launched Pangu Large Model 5.0 offers advancements in multimodal capabilities, reasoning, and real-world applications across sectors such as autonomous driving, intelligent cities, robotics, industrial design, and drug R&D, solidifying Huawei Cloud’s position as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation. Building on these technical strengths, Huawei is redefining innovation through its “Everything as a Service” strategy, which offers fully digital, cloud-based, and AI-powered solutions across three key pillars: Infrastructure as a Service, Technology as a Service, and Expertise as a Service. At Web Summit Qatar, the company will showcase how this approach enables scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of governments, enterprises, and industries, empowering them to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Rico Lin, President of Huawei Gulf North Region, stated: “At Huawei, we are committed to accelerating intelligence and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital era. Our participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 underscores our dedication to providing innovative Cloud and AI solutions that empower industries to operate smarter, scale faster, and drive greater efficiency. As Qatar moves toward a knowledge-based economy, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, government stakeholders, and technology pioneers to support the country’s digital ambitions and shape the future of AI-driven innovation.” Under Infrastructure as a Service, Huawei Cloud’s KooVerse, which consists of 96 availability zones (AZs) in 33 regions, provides a unified architecture serving customers in more than 170 countries and regions to meet their diverse application scenarios through different modes of public cloud, private cloud, and edge cloud. Technology as a Service solutions enable businesses to innovate easily and modernize applications through Huawei’s R&D advances, delivered to customers, partners, and developers through cloud services. Huawei Cloud has built development production lines designed to accelerate enterprise application modernization. These include ModelArts, a one-stop AI platform that empowers developers and data scientists to rapidly develop and deploy models, driving intelligent upgrades across industries. DataArts, on the other hand, is a comprehensive data lifecycle management platform that provides end-to-end governance of databases, warehouses, data lakes, and AI, unlocking the full value of data. CodeArts is an all-in-one DevSecOps platform offering out-of-the-box cloud services for requirement delivery, code commit, testing, building, verification, deployment, and release throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Meanwhile, MetaStudio delivers cutting-edge tools for virtual avatar video production, livestreaming, and intelligent interaction, revolutionizing content creation across industries. Beyond technology, Huawei Cloud’s Expertise as a Service will highlight shared excellence and cloud-enabled industries. Huawei Cloud MacroVerse aPaaS opens up Huawei’s years of innovation and digitalization experience so that industry developers no longer need to reinvent the wheel, enabling industry scenario-based innovation in more than 10 vertical industries, such as government, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and meteorology. A key focus of Huawei’s participation will be introducing industry-specific AI applications, demonstrating real-world scenarios where AI and cloud technologies drive innovation. From AI-powered diagnostics in healthcare that improve accuracy and speed to predictive maintenance in manufacturing that reduces downtime and enhances productivity, Huawei’s solutions are transforming industries. The financial sector also benefits from Huawei’s AI-driven risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities, while the transportation industry is leveraging AI-powered logistics and fleet management to optimize routes and enhance efficiency. Huawei’s AI for Industries initiative is set to redefine the future of business operations by embedding AI into core decision-making processes. By integrating AI-driven automation across sectors, enterprises can increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and unlock new growth opportunities. Whether through smart urban planning, intelligent infrastructure, or AI-powered governance models, Huawei is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to shape the future of digital economies. This aligns with Qatar’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to harness AI, big data, and cloud computing to enhance public services, drive economic competitiveness, and build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. As Qatar strengthens its role as a digital powerhouse, Huawei remains committed to working alongside local enterprises, government entities, and global partners to build an ecosystem where cloud and AI technologies drive meaningful transformation. Huawei’s presence at Web Summit Qatar reinforces its commitment to supporting Qatar’s national digital agenda, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, digital innovation, and smart infrastructure as key pillars for sustainable growth. Huawei invites attendees to its booth number E503 to experience live demonstrations, engage with industry experts, and explore how Cloud and AI technologies can transform businesses and industries.
Qatar Charity’s Projects Support 736,400 People Affected by the War in Sudan
The year 2024 marked a pivotal chapter in Qatar Charity’s over thirty-year humanitarian and developmental success story in Sudan. Throughout the year, Qatar Charity launched a series of impactful humanitarian projects, significantly aiding displaced families and communities affected by the war. These projects focused on alleviating the severity of the ongoing crisis, particularly in areas like food security, health sector support, and assistance to the most vulnerable groups in Sudan. Below are the key highlights showcasing the performance and accomplishments of Qatar Charity’s Sudan office in 2024. Food Security Initiatives In 2024, Qatar Charity launched one of its largest food security projects to date, distributing 50,000 food baskets to families affected by the war. Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development, this project was aimed at providing urgent relief to people impacted by the ongoing war and displacement. The baskets were distributed across multiple Sudanese states most severely affected by the conflict. In addition to the areas suffering directly from the war, the project also provided aid to states hosting large numbers of displaced people, particularly Khartoum and Al Jazirah. The initiative made a significant impact in easing the suffering of war-affected communities by improving their food security, providing essential food items of adequate quality and culturally appropriate for local diets. 300,000 Beneficiaries in War-affected States Qatar Charity’s field teams successfully delivered food assistance to the most impacted states, such as Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Sennar, Gedaref, Kassala, the Red Sea, Nile, White Nile, and Northern States. Approximately 300,000 people, including displaced persons and host communities, benefited from this food security project in 2024. The food baskets, distributed to 50,000 families, contained critical items such as flour, oil, rice, lentils, sugar, and milk. These provisions brought much-needed relief and comfort to the displaced families. Providing Essential Medications for Kidney and Cancer Patients As part of its emergency medical supplies project, Qatar Charity provided essential medications for kidney dialysis patients, cancer patients, and blood bank services. Supported by the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity successfully distributed 70% of the received medical aid to regions in dire need of these supplies. This initiative focused on Northern, Nile, and Sennar States, where there was a severe shortage of medicines and medical consumables. It marked the first shipment of vital medication for kidney transplant and cancer patients following the outbreak of the war and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Improving Environmental Conditions for Displaced People In response to the urgent need for support in Kassala state in eastern Sudan, which received nearly 52,593 displaced families, including vulnerable groups like children and women, Qatar Charity implemented a project in 2024 aimed at improving environmental conditions for displaced people in shelters. The project provided essential healthcare services such as nutrition, vaccinations, and reproductive and mental health care in selected shelters. Five health centers were chosen for this initiative, which was recognized by local health and humanitarian authorities in Kassala as a model for responding to the needs of displaced communities. Environmental Sanitation Campaigns and Health Support The project to improve living conditions in the shelters also included essential interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene. This included providing safe drinking water, maintaining health centers and facilities, distributing medical supplies, and conducting environmental sanitation campaigns. Over 7,000 people directly and indirectly benefited from the project in shelters such as Al-Mirganiya, Al-Suraybah, Al-Karmata, Biryay, and Tarawa. The project included waste management campaigns, training for shelter staff on water chlorination, and workshops on disease prevention for displaced families. Supporting Health Workers and Patients Qatar Charity continued its dedicated efforts to support Sudan’s healthcare sector in multiple ways. In addition to providing 60 tons of medicines, laboratory consumables, and blood bags, the organization also supported health workers, administrative staff, and patients at hospitals such as Al-Jikeeka in the Nile State and Bar Al-Walideen in the Karri locality of Khartoum state. This support was crucial in ensuring that healthcare services could continue amidst the ongoing crisis. Emergency Response to Floods and Heat Waves In collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Qatar Charity also launched an emergency response project to address the devastating impacts of floods and extreme heat in eastern Sudan. The project provided tents and shelter materials to displaced families affected by both the war and the climate crisis. This initiative was focused on providing shelter in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea state, and in surrounding areas such as Sinkat. The partnership between Qatar Charity and IOM led to the provision of essential shelter materials to both displaced communities and host populations in the area. The support included blankets, mattresses, kitchen kits, solar-powered lighting, plastic water storage bags, personal item bags, and mosquito nets, helping thousands of displaced people cope with the harsh conditions. In summary, Qatar Charity’s efforts in 2024 were crucial in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs in Sudan, providing vital assistance in food security, healthcare, and emergency relief to those most affected by the ongoing crisis.
ONE 171: Qatar Open Workout And Meet And Greet Highlights
February 17, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, held the ONE 171: Qatar Open Workout and Meet and Greet at the iconic Place Vendôme, featuring athletes competing at the event including Joshua Pacio, Jarred Brooks, Jonathan Haggerty, Wei Rui, Jake Peacock and Ritu Phogat. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Gloabl Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Global Blockchain Partner Walrus, Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena as well all supporting partners of ONE 171: Qatar. Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I love the people here, and I call this my home away from home because there are a lot of Filipinos here. I’m just so excited. Filipino Kabayans – I’m so happy to see you again! This is a new Joshua Pacio. I’m calm, and I’m collected. We will deliver on Thursday night.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “It’s amazing to be in Doha again. Everything in Doha is perfect. I love this country, I love the people in this country, and I love the Pinoys in the country. Thank you so much for your support. I am going to be the person who puts Joshua ‘The Passion’ Pacio out. I want to be ONE’s World Champion. I want to be the best in the world. I have the utmost respect for Joshua. He is a great man. But we are going inside the ring, and we are going to show you guys the energy.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “It’s a pleasure to be here again in Doha, and I’m excited to put on a performance for everyone here. Everyone I face is going to be the best version of themselves, so it’s up to me to be my best version. Come Thursday, I’m ready. I am going in there for a demolition job. I understand he is number one for a reason. He’s a great opponent, so let’s see.” Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “I’m well prepared, and this is my first time in Doha. I hope everyone will like my performance, as I’ve been waiting to win the ONE title belt for 20 years. I am really, really motivated; this is my third time striving for the word title and this time I am sure I will take it back to China”. Jake Peacock – ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Contender: “I am thrilled that ONE Championship is coming to Qatar for the second time. The first event was amazing. I’m going to have a spectacular performance. Training is going fantastically, and I’m really excited to give an incredible performance to the fans in Qatar. ONE Championship is the biggest and the best promotion in the world. And I’m excited to showcase that to everyone here in Qatar. I’ve been here for a bit, and I might move here. We never know… People are amazing. They’re just lovely people. I’m going in there to take him out, and we’re shutting down and shutting him out right from the get-go. Two rounds max. That’s going to be great. Absolutely…there will be a finish.” Ritu Phogat – ONE Atomweight MMA Contender: “Qatar is a fantastic place and I am thrilled to be back here, doing what I love in ONE Championship. It has been a long time, but I’m ready. I want to prove I still belong among the best and that I have a lot left to offer in my career. This is only the beginning of the second chapter of ‘The Indian Tigress.’ I came here to represent all mothers and fight for all women out there to prove we are strong!”
Qatar Participates in the Third AI Action Summit in Paris
Doha, Qatar – 12 February 2025: The state of Qatar participated in the third AI Action summit, held from February 10 – 11 in Paris. The Qatari delegation to the summit was led by His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai, Minister of Communication and Information Technology. The Summit attracted widespread international participation, bringing together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, corporate executives, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on societies, economies, and governance structures. Qatar’s participation reaffirms its commitment to fostering international collaboration on AI governance and development, underscoring the importance of establishing a comprehensive global framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI solutions. Commenting on Qatar’s involvement, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai stated: “The Summit offers a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to build a harmonized AI ecosystem. By uniting governments, industry, and civil society, we can ensure that AI innovation is not only a driver of economic growth but also a force for social good, cultural preservation, and global well-being.” The AI Action Summit focuses on five key pillars that frame the challenges and opportunities presented by AI: Public Interest in AI, Future of Work, Innovation and Culture, Trust in AI, and Global AI Governance. The Summit concluded with a shared commitment to develop international strategies and partnerships that foster responsible AI innovation. Qatar’s leadership and active engagement in these discussions highlight the nation’s vision for inclusive digital transformation and a future in which AI benefits all. Underscoring Qatar’s position as a hub for digital and technological innovation in the region, Qatar is hosting the World Summit AI for five consecutive years, following the successful conclusion of its first edition last December. Qatar is also preparing to host the second edition of the Web Summit at the end of February. These high-profile global events reflect the State’s efforts to build a supportive environment for technology development and AI advancements.
Air Arabia Reports Record AED 1.6 Billion Profit Before Tax in 2024
February 13, 2025: Air Arabia (PJSC), the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced its financial and operational results for the full year ending December 31, 2024. The airline posted a record pre-tax net profit of AED 1.6 billion, reflecting a 4% increase compared to AED 1.5 billion in 2023. Total turnover for the year surpassed AED 6.63 billion, marking an 11% growth from AED 6 billion in 2023. In 2024, Air Arabia reinforced its commitment to expansion and operational excellence by growing its network across six hubs and adding 31 new routes. This strategic expansion led to a 13% increase in operational capacity and a 12% rise in total passengers carried, reaching 18.8 million across the group. The airline also reported a 2% increase in average seat load factor, reaching 82%, further underscoring the sustained strong demand for Air Arabia’s value-driven, low-cost services. Full Year 2024 Performance: AED FY 2024 FY 2023 % Revenue AED 6.63 billion AED 6 billion 11% Passenger Numbers*all hubs* 18.8 million 16.7 million 12% Seat Load Factor 82% 80% 2% Net Profit Before Tax AED 1.6 billion AED 1.54 billion 4% Net Profit After Tax AED 1.46 billion – – Air Arabia’s Board of Directors has proposed a dividend distribution of 25% of share capital, equivalent to 25 fils per share. This proposal was made during a recent board meeting and is subject to approval by Air Arabia’s shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: “2024 has been a record-breaking year for Air Arabia Group, marked by significant expansion and an increased footprint across all key markets. Building on our strong foundation, we have continued to achieve remarkable financial and operational growth, reaffirming the strength of our business model, the resilience of our management team, and the effectiveness of our strategic vision.” He continued: “Despite the geopolitical tensions and economic challenges impacting the region, Air Arabia Group has successfully sustained its strong growth trajectory in 2024. This was driven by increased operating capacity, the launch of new routes, and continued network expansion from all our hubs. We take great pride in our ability to deliver a value-driven travel experience to a growing customer base, strengthening our presence across global markets while maintaining operational excellence.” In the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2024, Air Arabia reported a record net profit of AED 351 million, marking a 56% increase compared to AED 225 million in the same quarter last year. Total turnover for the fourth quarter of 2024 rose 7% to AED 1.65 billion, driven by an 11% increase in passenger numbers, as the airline carried over 4.7 million passengers across all hubs during the quarter. Meanwhile, the seat load factor increased by 2% reaching a strong 83%, reflecting sustained demand for Air Arabia’s services. Fourth Quarter 2024 Performance: AED Q4 2024 Q4 2023 % Revenue AED 1.65 billion AED 1.54 billion 7% Passenger Numbers*all hubs* 4.7 million 4.2 million 11% Seat Load Factor 83% 81% 2% Net Profit AED 351 million AED 225 million 56% Al Thani continued: ” “The fourth quarter of the year was remarkable for Air Arabia, as we successfully expanded our network while maintaining solid margins. This strategic growth, coupled with rigid cost control and strong operational efficiency, resulted in an outstanding performance for the quarter”. Full Year 2024 Highlights: Fleet Network Liquidity ESG Recognition Outlook Al Thani concluded: “As the global aviation industry continues to navigate challenges, including geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions, Air Arabia remains committed to growth and expansion. Our focus is on enhancing connectivity, increasing operational capacity, and providing our customers with the best options for affordable and value-driven air travel. We have full confidence in our unique business model, operational excellence, and customer-centric approach, which enable us to continuously expand our network and deliver a seamless travel experience to an ever-growing customer base.”
