Jake Peacock Vs. Shinji Suzuki Muay Thai Clash Added To ONE 171: Qatar On February 20
8 January 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced that another marquee bout has been added to ONE 171: Qatar, presented by Visit Qatar, scheduled for Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, February 20. English-Canadian star Jake Peacock will face Japanese veteran Shinji Suzuki in a three-round bantamweight Muay Thai contest. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can visit here. ONE 171: Qatar will also feature two massive World Title showdowns. ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his gold against #1-ranked contender Wei Rui, while ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face interim titleholder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a World Title unification bout. More blockbuster matchups for ONE 171: Qatar will be announced at a later date. ONE Championship would like to thank official ONE 171 presenting partner Visit Qatar, official media partner Media City Qatar, official telecom partner Ooredoo, and official venue partner Lusail Sports Arena, as well as global energy drink partner Monster Energy and global blockchain partner Sui. ONE 171: QatarLusail Sports ArenaThursday, February 20, 2025 ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship(C) Jonathan Haggerty vs. (1) Wei Rui ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship(C) Joshua Pacio vs. (IC) Jarred Brooks Welterweight MMARoberto Soldic vs. Dagi Arslanaliev Bantamweight MMABibiano Fernandes vs. Kevin Belingon Featherweight MMA(3) Shamil Gasanov vs. (4) Martin Nguyen Atomweight MMA(5) Ayaka Miura vs. Ritu Phogat Bantamweight Muay ThaiJake Peacock vs. Shinji Suzuki About ONE Championship™ONE is the world’s largest martial arts organization, ranking among the world’s top-five sports properties for viewership and engagement with a cumulative reach of over 400 million fans, according to Nielsen. ONE produces and distributes world-class events across more than 190 countries, featuring martial artists and World Champions from over 80 nations and all styles of martial arts including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and more. ONE can be viewed on many of the largest global free-to-air and digital broadcasters, including Prime Video, Sky Sports, Globo, beIN SPORTS, Channel 7 HD, Seven Network, SuperSport, DAZN, La Liga TV, Claro Sports, Star Sports, iQIYI, One Sports, U-NEXT, Coupang, NET TV, Vidio, Mediapro, Skynet, Mediacorp, Match TV, and more. About Visit QatarVisit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism, the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar. Visit Qatar’s mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar’s calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar’s network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Nissan launches innovative manufacturer-backed roadside assistance program in the Middle East
Nissan Assistance provides complimentary 24/7 support and peace of mind to customers across the region Doha-Qatar (January 8th, 2025) – Nissan has recently introduced a comprehensive manufacturer-backed roadside assist program, Nissan Assistance, in the Middle East, designed to enhance convenience and ownership experiences for customers across the region. Debuting on the all-new Nissan Patrol, this innovative program is available to customers in select markets and will be made available across all MY25 models, setting a new standard for customer care and convenience. Nissan Assistance, which ensures that help is just a call away, includes a wide range of services tailored to address everyday challenges and unique driving needs. These include onsite support for minor mechanical and electrical faults, flat tire replacement, and towing assistance to the nearest Nissan authorized service center in the event of a breakdown. The program also provides lockout services for lost keys, fuel assistance, and exclusive sand recovery of up to 10 kilometers inside the desert, the most extensive coverage in the market. Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President, President – Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan, INFINITI, said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and with the introduction of Nissan Assistance, we are setting a new benchmark for convenience and care. This program reflects our commitment to enhancing ownership experiences and offering unparalleled support through innovative solutions. Nissan Assistance empowers our customers to drive with confidence and enjoy peace of mind wherever their journeys may take them.” Nassim Mourani, General Manager of the Automotive Group at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., said, “Nissan is committed to enhancing the driving experience for our customers in Qatar and across the Middle East. With the launch of the Nissan Assistance program, we are raising the bar for customer care and convenience in the region. This manufacturer-backed roadside assistance service, available on the all-new Nissan Patrol and soon across all MY25 models, offers unmatched support when it matters most. Whether it’s a flat tire, fuel assistance, or even sand recovery, our customers can rely on prompt, professional service, 24/7. At Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., we are proud to bring this innovative program to the Qatari market, ensuring our customers experience not just world-class vehicles, but also peace of mind on every journey.” When customers contact the 24/7 multilingual call center, highly trained and experienced agents first attempt to resolve issues over the phone, ensuring quick and effective support. If onsite assistance is required, Nissan’s trained technicians promptly reach customers within a short timeframe to provide services such as flat tire replacement or a battery boost. Customers also benefit from WhatsApp support with live tracking, allowing them to stay informed of their assistance in real time. For more complex issues and should a vehicle need to be towed to an authorized Nissan service center, customers enjoy additional conveniences such as complimentary taxi services within city limits. In the event of a breakdown abroad, the program provides up to three days of hotel accommodation. If repairs exceed 72 hours, customers are further supported with a complimentary flight ticket back to their country of residence, ensuring peace of mind during unexpected situations. To reach Nissan Assistance, customers can simply scan the QR code conveniently placed in the main warranty booklet or on the driver-side door, to directly connect with support services. Additionally, WhatsApp support is also available, ensuring customers have seamless and immediate access whenever needed. Nissan Assistance provides five years peace of mind to customers and is currently available at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., showrooms – the exclusive agent of Nissan in Qatar – conveniently located across Qatar. For more information, visit the showrooms on Salwa Road, The Pearl, Al Sadd, Bin Omran, Barwa, and Al Khor or call 8000505.
Nine Qatari business leaders make it to Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs 2024
Forbes Middle East released its fourth annual list of the region’s top CEOs earlier this year, a list that recognises business leaders who have made a significant impact over the past year. The list features 100 CEOs from companies based in the MENA region, representing 19 nationalities. Here are the nine Qatar-based business leaders who have been recognised for their achievements and the success of the companies they lead. 04 HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs As Deputy Chairman, President and CEO of QatarEnergy – roles that he took on in 2014, HE Al Kaabi became the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Deputy Chairman of QatarEnergy in 2018. In May 2024, QatarEnergy finalised a US$6 billion agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to build 18 state-of-the-art QC-Max LNG vessels. Prior to that, In February 2024, QatarEnergy announced the ‘North Field West’ project, aiming to boost Qatar’s LNG production capacity to 142 million tonnes annually by 2030, an 85 percent increase from current levels. 10 Nasser Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa As Group CEO of Qatar National Bank – Al-Khalifa joined in 1996 and assumed his current role in November 2018. In 2023, QNB’s assets increased by 4 percent to US$338.2 billion, and net profit rose by 8 percent to US$4.3 billion. In May 2024, QNB extended its partnership with Ooredoo Fintech to develop fintech services and digital innovation in Oman. 36 Aziz Althuman Fakhroo The Group CEO & Managing Director of Ooredoo Group since November 2020, Fakhroo had been overseeing operations across 10 countries in the MENA and Southeast Asia. In June 2024, Ooredoo announced a partnership with NVIDIA to tap into the growing demand for generative AI, accelerated computing, and hyperconnectivity. In the first quarter of 2024, the group reported revenues of US$1.6 billion and total assets of US$15.6 billion. 59 Bassel Gamal As Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, Gamal has led QIB since 2013. In 2023, the bank reported US$52 billion in assets, US$3.1 billion in revenues, and US$1.2 billion in net profits, up 6.6 percent from 2022. In November 2023, QIB issued a US$500 million five-year sukuk. Gamal also chairs QIB-UK and sits on the board of QInvest. 64 Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani The Group CEO of Doha Bank, Sheikh Abdulrahman took on his current role in October 2023. As of June 2024, Doha Bank operated 17 branches in Qatar, four overseas branches in the UAE, Kuwait, and India, and representative offices in the UK, Singapore, Turkiye, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Nepal. In the first half of 2024, it reported US$118.8 million in net profits and US$29.1 billion in assets. In May 2024, the bank launched a new mobile banking app, now handling nearly 89 percent of transactions. 70 Abdullah Al Sulaiti Al Sulaiti joined Nakilat in 2011 and became CEO in 2013. Nakilat operates one of the world’s largest LNG fleets, with 69 LNG carriers, four very large LPG carriers, and a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). The company has 27 new LNG carriers on order, plus nine QC-MAX carriers and four LPG/Ammonia carriers. In March 2024, Nakilat signed a long-term charter agreement with QatarEnergy for 25 LNG vessels. Al Sulaiti also chairs Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and Qatar Fabrication Company, and is a board member of Gulf Drilling International. 78 Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida Al Jaida took on his role in June 2015. In the first half of 2024, QFC registered 505 new companies, bringing its total to over 2,200. QFC also launched Qatar’s first Digital Assets Lab, focusing on Digital Ledger Technology solutions. Al Jaida serves on the boards of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers, Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Stock Exchange, and Sidra Medicine. 80 Tarek El Sayed El Sayed has been CEO and managing director of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company, a subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding, since 2017. ARTIC’s portfolio includes over 35 hotels and projects across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. In November 2023, ARTIC signed a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts to rebrand its Times Square, New York, hotel as Crowne Plaza. El Sayed previously served as group CFO for Al Faisal Holding. He recently claimed the 26th spot in Forbes ME’s 2024 ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’. 82 Salem Al Mannai Al Mannai joined QIC Group in 2001 and became group CEO in 2020. In 2023, the group operated in 11 countries, generating $2 billion in revenue and a net profit of $169 million, recovering from a $325 million loss in 2022. Al Mannai also chairs the MENA Insurtech Association and played a key role in launching Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy in 2023 with Qatar Central Bank, aiming to position Qatar as an innovative financial hub.
Timeless Elegance Unveiled: Lagoona Mall Watches & Jewellery Week
Lagoona Mall once again became the epicentre of luxury and creativity as it hosted its highly anticipated Watches & Jewellery Week. This exclusive event brought together an extraordinary blend of global icons and regional talents, offering Qatar’s discerning clientele a unique opportunity to explore the finest in watchmaking and jewellery design. This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of renowned brands, including Rolex, CHANEL, Boucheron, TUDOR, Annamaria Cammilli, Azza Fahmy, David Yurman, and many more. Highlights included Rolex’s immersive GMT-Master II Experience, which offered visitors a rare chance to delve into the world of this iconic timepiece. CHANEL introduced its Style Guide Iconic Mix pop-up, where experts helped clients personalise their look with signature collections. Boucheron transported guests to a serene Jardin d’Hiver tea salon, while TUDOR showcased the latest in Swiss watchmaking with models such as the Black Bay and Pelagos FXD Chrono. Azza Fahmy presented Rumuz, a collection inspired by the Kaf symbol, blending North African influences with contemporary design. Additionally, J by JOELLE unveiled private styling sessions, and L’Âme by Fifty One East offered unique, minimalist jewellery with live welding experiences. All in all visitors discovered a world of exquisite craftsmanship and innovation at Lagoona Mall, where every piece told a timeless story of elegance and artistry.
Melodies of elegance: Mouawad’s Symphony Collection with Dana Al Fardan
Mouawad revealed the Symphony Collection in a dazzling launch in Doha, Qatar. This extraordinary jewellery line, created in collaboration with Dana Al Fardan – Qatar’s first female composer and singer-songwriter – captures the transformative power of music and artistic expression. Inspired by piano keys and vertical music bars, the collection is a celebration of harmony, blending the timeless elegance of black jade and the brilliance of white diamonds. Each piece resonates with emotional depth and personal expression, designed to empower and inspire contemporary jewellery lovers. Dana Al Fardan’s latest musical masterpiece, Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light), serves as the collection’s heart: “This collection reflects the unity of our inner light and strength, creating a sanctuary where we shine in our fullest brilliance,” she shares. From dynamic earrings that mirror the rhythm of music to innovative sliding diamond rails in bangles, the collection bridges the worlds of music and jewellery. Co-Guardian Fred Mouawad applauds the collaboration: “It’s a timeless celebration of individuality and elegance.” With this exquisite debut, the Symphony Collection redefines luxury, offering a wearable masterpiece that harmonises craftsmanship, beauty, and meaning.
QIA’s US$1 billion investment in VC funds upped Qatar as a startup hub
Dima Wahbeh, deputy country manager, Qatar at Web Summit, in conversation with Aparajita Mukherjee details what the maiden edition achieved for the venture capital market, analysing what’s up the sleeve of Web Summit in 2025 especially in the realm of policy making. “For the second year, many of the biggest wealth funds and VCs in the world will be at Web Summit Qatar to connect with 15,000 attendees, 1,000 startups, 400 investors and global leaders in Doha.” In its inaugural year, Web Summit Qatar gathered the largest and most globally diverse cohort of startups to ever gather in the region – more than 1,000 startups from 80 countries – to connect with a new generation of investors and partners hailing from countries such as Qatar, the US, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, Nigeria, the UK, India, and beyond, discloses Dima Wahbeh, deputy country manager, Qatar at Web Summit. Naming the prominent names at the last edition of Web Summit Qatar 2024, Wahbeh says, with unbeatable confidence, “There were Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Tik Tok, Snap, Microsoft, AWS, Meta, and more that took part: and we expect to see the same calibre of international tech companies, including Open AI, Amazon and Microsoft – as well as thousands of young promising entrepreneurs from around the world – join us in Doha in February 2025.” Many of these startups from Web Summit Qatar 2024 have received funding off the back of connections made at Web Summit Qatar, according to Wahbeh. According to Crunchbase, a cumulative $243m+ has been raised by Blend, Colendi, OTO, YoLa Fresh, Kebotix, Chowdeck, Intron Health, PairedWorld, ORA Technologies, and KalPay. Web Summit Qatar offers an incredible platform to startups, and we are excited to see the next generation of startups join us in Doha again next February, she says. For the second year, many of the biggest wealth funds and VCs in the world will be at Web Summit Qatar to connect with 15,000 attendees, 1,000 startups, 400 investors and global leaders in Doha. Increasingly, some of the most active players in the technology industry are sovereign wealth funds, the most active of which are in the Middle East, and all of them will be at Web Summit Qatar 2025. “So, if you’re a fast-growing company thinking about your next funding round, a reasonable place to spend a day or two is Web Summit Qatar,” discloses Wahbeh, adding, “We recently announced our first 25 speakers for Web Summit Qatar 2025 and will be announcing more shortly. We look forward to sharing more details about Web Summit Qatar in the weeks ahead.” What transpired at Web Summit 2024 Discussing the details of what impact the maiden edition of Web Summit 2024 could achieve, Wahbeh says that the team were delighted to see many impactful events take place at Web Summit Qatar 2024 showcasing the potential of the country’s startup ecosystem. She adds, “On Opening Night at Web Summit Qatar 2024, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, announced that the QIA would be investing US$1 billion in venture capital funds to support entrepreneurs and startups in Qatar. This announcement demonstrated Qatar’s dedication to becoming an attractive destination for startups to establish themselves and grow, and cements Qatar’s status as a global startup hub.” Wahbeh informs that 24 memoranda of understanding were signed at Web Summit Qatar 2024: and the event saw the successful registration of more than 200 companies through the Startup Qatar initiative. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also launched the Digital Agenda 2030 live on stage, outlining a roadmap for a knowledge-based economy in Qatar, she discloses. Analysing the impact of these measures, Wahbeh says, “The announcements and initiatives have had a hugely positive impact on the Qatar startup ecosystem, and we believe that this will continue to grow in the years ahead and during Web Summit Qatar’s tenure in Doha.” In your experience of holding such summits all over, do policy changes happen as a result of holding such events? Is there some monitoring mechanism that Web Summit have? In Wahbeh’s opinion, host cities play a crucial role in Web Summit events, collaborating closely with organisers to enhance the experience for attendees and bolster the city’s positioning as a global startup hub. “Naturally we work with host cities to assess that impact, and demonstrate the success we can help deliver.” She goes on to cite the example of Lisbon’s, adding that its position as a global innovation hub has grown significantly since it began hosting Web Summit, with Web Summit helping to attract investment and connect Portugal to international markets. Inward investment in Portugal has soared over the past decade: Web Summit partners that have opened offices in Portugal include Google, BMW, Amazon, Daimler, Huawei and Cloudflare. “There are now 4,073 startups in Portugal, up from 821 startups in 2016, when the first Web Summit Lisbon took place – an increase of 496% over this period. The number of unicorns in Portugal has grown from 1 to 7 between 2016 and 2022: all have attended Web Summit. Additionally, the economic impact Web Summit has had in Lisbon has been significant, with the data showing Web Summit generating more than €200 million worth of economic activity the week of the event,” discloses Wahbeh, concluding that host cities are motivated to host events like Web Summit to position themselves as key players in the global tech community, ultimately driving local economic growth and innovation. Impact on the economic front Talking us through some of the highlights of the impact of the Summit on the Qatar economy, Wahbeh says that hosting a Web Summit event has a significant impact on the local economy, bringing attendees from across the world to a host city for a number of days. “For Web Summit Qatar 2024, over 15,000 attendees came to Doha, booking over 38,000 nights in Doha hotels, and 19,000 flight segments. The average stay in Doha for an attendee
Sidra Medicine launches Qatar’s first cord blood bank
Sidra Medicine has recently launched the country’s first cord-blood banking service which will offer families a unique opportunity to preserve families’ newborns’ stem cells in Qatar, for potential future medical needs. This has been under a partnership with CellSave Arabia, a leading name in the field of biotechnology research. Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta after birth. The collection is painless, non-invasive, and risk-free for the mother and baby. Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which have the potential to treat various medical conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune system diseases. Professor Johnny Awwad, chair of women’s services at Sidra Medicine said: “As the only facility in Qatar providing local cord blood storage, Sidra Medicine offers an unparalleled advantage by keeping the samples in the country. This ensures their optimal quality and immediate access when needed most, compared to having them shipped from abroad. Cord blood is increasingly being stored by parents everywhere, who are seeking to preserve their child’s stem cells as they can be crucial for their child or their sibling/s in the future. Our commitment to the latest technology and international standards further guarantees the utmost reliability and peace of mind for families in Qatar.” All the cord blood samples will be sent to Sidra Medicine’s Cord Blood Bank in its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, where cryogenic freezing will allow them to be stored securely for over 30 years. To expand its reach to other families in Qatar, Sidra Medicine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CellSave Arabia, and the services are available to any family in the country choosing the joint Sidra Medicine and CellSave Arabia service as their stem cell storage provider regardless of whichever hospital their baby is born in. Alia Abdel-Razeq, COO of CellSave Arabia said at the MoU signing ceremony with Sidra Medicine: “Partnering with Sidra Medicine marks a pivotal step in our commitment to healthcare innovation in Qatar. By utilizing Sidra Medicine’s exceptional facilities and expertise, we can significantly elevate our service offerings, ensuring that families in Qatar have access to vital stem cell banking services that support their future health needs.”
Luxury liner to home port in Qatar for next three winter cruise seasons
Homeporting from Doha, Celestyal Journey offers cruise passengers a seven-day itinerary across the Arabian Gulf, with the participation of Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar in the welcome ceremony to mark the arrival of the ‘Celestyal Journey’ cruise ship to Doha. The Celestyal Journey arrival on the shores of Doha is a key highlight of Qatar’s 2024-25 cruise season, which is set to see 95 cruise calls, including 33 turnaround calls, 11 homeporting operations, and five maiden visits. The welcome ceremony was attended by Omar Al Jaber, chief of the Tourism Development Sector, Qatar Tourism, Abdulrahman Saad Al Baker, manager of Doha Port, as well as representatives from local and international media. The event featured a traditional Ardah performance, in addition to local crafts and souvenirs, offering a glimpse into Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. Speaking on the arrival of the cruise ship, Omar Al Jaber, said: “The arrival of the Celestyal Journey at Doha Port marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Celestyal and further solidifies Qatar’s position as a premier destination in the Arabian Gulf. Homeporting from Doha, this collaboration highlights the growing appeal of Qatar as a gateway to unique cultural and travel experiences. Together with Mwani Qatar, we are proud to deliver seamless operations and an enriching guest experience that reflects Qatar’s world-class hospitality and diverse tourism offerings.” Abdulrahman Saad Al Baker expressed his pleasure at the launch of the inaugural voyage of the Celestyal Journey in the Arabian Gulf, with Doha Port serving as its homeport for the next three seasons. “This milestone reinforces Doha Port’s position, under the management of Mwani Qatar, as a premier gateway for marine tourism in the region,” he stated “It underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector in Qatar. The selection of Doha Port as the homeport for the Celestyal Journey reflects the growing confidence in Qatar’s world-class maritime infrastructure and aligns with the nation’s vision of enhancing sustainable tourism while boosting the sector’s contribution to the national economy.” Lee Haslett, chief commercial officer at Celestyal, said: “We’re incredibly excited to see our first ever Arabian Gulf season get under way. I would like to thank our partners at Qatar Tourism, Mwani Qatar and Qatar Airways for their continued support and warm welcome to the region. We are confident that our special FI themed cruises will ensure we have a roaring start to the season, while the Desert Days itinerary offers the very best of the local region. Whether guests are familiar with the destinations we visit or are sampling them for the first time, there will be a wealth of authentic experiences available to everyone.” Celestyal Journey can accommodate 1,260 passengers with a crew of 630. Featuring 14 decks and seven restaurants, the ship dedicates an entire deck dedicated to fitness and wellness, including three swimming pools, two jacuzzies and a modern gymnasium, alongside a theatre, and a kids’ club.
Auto Class Cars continues the ‘End of Year’ offer on Maxus D60 and D90 SUVs
Doha, Qatar, 28 December 2024: Auto Class cars, the authorized general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, continues its ‘End of Year’ special offer on the MAXUS D60 and D90 SUVs. The vehicles are available at Auto Class Cars, the authorized general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, at their showroom on Salwa Road in Doha. Valid until 15 January 2025, the offer allows customers to purchase the Maxus D60 at a starting price of QAR 64,000, and the Maxus D90 at a starting price of QAR 102,000. The offer comprises a package of benefits including free registration and comprehensive insurance for the first year, 5 years warranty or 130,000 km(whichever comes first), and a free window tinting. Customers also have the option of in-house financing from NBK Financial Services (terms and conditions apply). The Maxus D90 The Maxus D90 has achieved a five-star rating in the ANCAP safety assessment, making it one of the safest vehicles in its SUV category. In addition to features such as diamond-shaped stitching, 21-inch wheels, a 3D dashboard, and a 12.3-inch screen, all seats in the Maxus D90, except for the driver’s seat, are now movable—offering a more flexible interior for passengers. Furthermore, the intelligent connected system enables functions such as auto payments, online music, online navigation, remote control, and voice interaction. The model is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 224 horsepower. It also comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system. The D90 features the popular “big mouth” style, with an aggressive lattice grille and stylish LED headlights. The model is also equipped with six-spoke wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior follows the Maxus family-style design, with a simple central console and a modern, independent LCD screen. Additionally, the dashboard design includes a large-size display screen, lane-departure warning system, 360-degree camera system, reversing camera, and LED headlights. Maxus D60 The MAXUS D60 is an SUV launched by SAIC-MAXUS, positioned as a mid-sized SUV offering a 7-seat layout. The D60 made its global debut with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed DCT under its hood. This setup generates a respectable 159 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Its massive octagonal grille features a honeycomb-like design, flanked by aggressive-looking swept-back headlamps and sporty fog lamps. The D60 also features an 8-inch infotainment display complemented by a 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument panel. As a mid-sized SUV designed for families, it prioritizes practicality in its interior design. A large area of soft material is used above the center console to highlight its premium texture. Formerly known as Leyland DAF Vans (LDV), Maxus is part of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), one of the most respected companies in the production of light passenger and cargo vehicles. It embodies a century of experience and unmatched technical prowess in commercial vehicle development.
Shop Qatar 2025 Returns with Grand Offers, Entertainment, and Prizes
Visit Qatar has announced the return of Shop Qatar, the country’s largest and most anticipated shopping festival, set to run from January 1 to February 1, 2025, under the theme “Your Shopping Playground.” The month-long festival will feature 20 participating malls and shopping destinations, including Place Vendôme and Doha Festival City, each promising unbeatable discounts, family-friendly entertainment, exciting competitions, and incredible raffle prizes. Building on the success of previous editions, Shop Qatar 2025 promises an action-packed lineup of experiences, with exclusive offers from luxury, high-street, and local retailers. Every Friday, a weekly raffle draw will reward winners with extraordinary prizes including luxury Exeed cars, cash rewards ranging from QAR 10,000 to QAR 100,000, and the grand prize of a Tesla Cybertruck. Residents and visitors can also enjoy interactive activity corners including games, roaming parades, and meet-and-greets with beloved Spacetoon characters. Eng. Ahmed Albinali, Director of Festivals & Events, Visit Qatar, said: “Shop Qatar continues to be one of Qatar’s flagship events, attracting residents and visitors alike to enjoy a month of shopping and entertainment. The 9th edition brings together retail, culture, and family-friendly activities, reflecting Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class experiences. This success is made possible through the continued support of our partners. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this festival, which promises to set new benchmarks in entertainment and shopping experiences.” Opening and closing ceremonies The festival will open with a ceremony at Place Vendôme on January 1, 2025, featuring a live performance by renowned Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme alongside vibrant parades. Visitors can also enjoy appearances by influencers, engaging competitions, and exclusive announcements. The closing ceremony, scheduled for February 1, 2025, at Doha Festival City, will host the final raffle draw with the announcement of the Tesla Cybertruck winner and other major prizes. The evening will also feature special performances, surprise guests, and the Mall & Retail Awards, which will recognise excellence in branding, customer experience, and team efforts. Entertainment Schedule Shop Qatar 2025 will host entertainment for families and children, ensuring enjoyable experiences for visitors of all ages. A variety of activations will be featured across participating malls, including: Participating Malls and Shopping Venues This year’s festival will span 20 locations across Qatar, including: Place Vendôme, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, City Center Mall, Landmark Mall, Villaggio, Lagoona Mall, Al Hazm, Hyatt Plaza, Tawar Mall, Al Khor Mall, Msheireb Galleria, Doha Old Port, Lusail Boulevard, Doha Oasis, Gulf Mall, Abu Sidra Mall, The Doha Mall, Ezdan Al Wakra, and The Gate Mall. Raffle Draws and Prizes Shoppers can participate in raffle draws by spending QAR 200 at any participating venue and redeeming receipts at designated redemption booths. Weekly draws will take place at the following locations: Prizes Include: Shopping Deals and Experiences Participating retailers will offer special discounts and promotions, across fashion, electronics, toys, beauty products, and homeware, ensuring a rewarding shopping experience for visitors. Exclusive activations will bring together renowned local and international brands in curated bazaars featuring traditional products such as perfumes, abayas, and handcrafted accessories.
