Qatar has announced a one billion dollar donation to the Peace Council formed by U.S. President Donald Trump to support Gaza’s reconstruction. The announcement was made by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during the council’s first meeting at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. He reaffirmed Qatar’s long-standing commitment to peace and mediation, emphasizing that the council will work to fully implement a 20-point plan under President Trump’s leadership.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, the council’s implementation of the plan aims to ensure justice and equality for both Palestinians and Israelis. He stated that Qatar’s contribution is intended to help achieve a final resolution that fulfills Palestinians’ aspirations for statehood and international recognition, while addressing Israel’s security and regional integration goals.

The Peace Council was announced on January 10 as part of efforts to end the Gaza conflict. The UN Security Council later approved post-war management structures under Resolution 2803, assigning the council responsibilities for reconstruction, aid coordination, transitional security, and advancing regional peace processes.

The 17th Al Jazeera Forum in Doha was dominated by warnings that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is destabilising the global order and reshaping regional power dynamics. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the Palestinian issue as the defining strategic question for the Middle East, calling Israel’s actions genocide and urging comprehensive sanctions, an arms embargo, and legal accountability. He said the violence in Gaza represents a deliberate destruction of civilian life and a collapse of international law, while also confirming that Iran and the United States plan a second round of indirect talks.

Al Jazeera Media Network chairman Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani said the assault on Gaza marks a turning point for the Palestinian cause, accusing Israel of seeking to reoccupy and resettle parts of Gaza and the West Bank. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that the conflict and Red Sea tensions reflect a wider breakdown of global governance, while Turkiye’s communications chief Burhanettin Duran said the Gaza war exposes the failure of international institutions to prevent atrocities.

Speakers collectively urged renewed commitment to justice, sovereignty, and multilateral cooperation to restore stability and prevent further erosion of international norms.

At a panel discussion during the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha, Ahmed Al-Zandani, an assistant professor at Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College, stated that Israel occupies the center of the current international order, while Arab states remain on its periphery. He argued that Arab nations have little influence over global developments, describing their policies as reactive rather than proactive and their position as subordinate.

Al-Zandani explained that the existing global structure emerged after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, when Arab regions became colonies. He said the United Kingdom played a decisive role in shaping this order by sending experts to study the region’s geography and ethnicity, leaving a lasting impact on Middle Eastern politics and structures.

According to Al-Zandani, this historical legacy continues to distance the Arab world from the core of global decision-making, reinforcing its marginal position in international affairs.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation to discuss reducing tensions in the Middle East and the recent situation surrounding Iran, according to a statement from the Qatari Emir. The two leaders exchanged views on how developments related to Iran could affect regional security. The discussion took place amid increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to strike Iran.

Iran has accused Washington of using sanctions, pressure, and unrest as pretexts for external interference aimed at regime change. Iranian officials warned that any attack, even a limited one, would be met with a “massive and unprecedented” response, according to public statements and U.S. assessments cited in the report.

The Emir and Macron also discussed the situation in Gaza, emphasizing civilian protection under the ceasefire agreement and ways to maintain stability in Lebanon. The Gaza ceasefire, effective since October 10, 2025, ended two years of Israeli attacks that killed over 71,700 people and injured more than 171,500, according to Palestinian authorities.

Some members of the US military were advised on Wednesday evening to leave Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, according to Reuters citing three diplomats. The development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran and Washington’s warnings against interference. One diplomat described the move as a routine change rather than a directed relocation, adding that it was unclear whether any specific reason was behind it. The US Embassy in Doha did not immediately comment, while Al Jazeera reached out to Qatar’s foreign ministry for a response.

Al Udeid is the largest US base in the Middle East, hosting around 10,000 troops. Last year, before a US airstrike in Iran, some personnel and families were relocated from American bases in the region. Following that strike, Iran launched missile attacks on the Qatari base. An Iranian official had earlier warned that Tehran might target US military installations in regional countries in response to Washington’s actions.

Located in the desert outside Doha, the 24-hectare base serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command, overseeing operations from Egypt to Kazakhstan.

Qatar has warned that any further military escalation between the United States and Iran would not remain confined to the two countries but could have devastating consequences for the entire Gulf region. The warning came after Washington threatened military intervention in response to Iran’s harsh crackdown on ongoing anti-government protests. The statement was reported by AFP and delivered by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari at a press conference in Doha.

Al-Ansari said that any form of regional tension could have severe local and international repercussions, adding that Qatar is making every effort to prevent such a situation. He recalled that in June of the previous year, Iran attacked the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar following a US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Qatar had mediated a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington after those unprecedented incidents.

Meanwhile, protests have spread across Iran since last Thursday, posing one of the biggest challenges to the country’s religious leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Human rights groups report rising casualties, with Iran Human Rights confirming at least 648 deaths and warning the actual toll could exceed 6,000.

The United Arab Emirates has announced a unified schedule for Friday sermons and prayers across all seven emirates, including Dubai. Starting Friday, January 2, 2026, all mosques nationwide will hold the Jumu’ah prayer at 12:45 PM. The Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat General Authority stated that the new timing will take effect from the first Friday of the new year, urging worshippers to arrive early to avoid missing the sermon.

According to the authority, the initiative aims to standardize Friday worship practices across the country, ensuring that all worshippers can listen to the full sermon and maintain discipline during prayer. The unified timing is also expected to help families, workers, and students better plan their Fridays, aligning with the government’s broader policy of social coordination.

The UAE government has declared 2026 as the “Year of the Family.” Officials said the new prayer schedule supports family time, balanced living, and greater comfort on Fridays. Religious scholars confirmed that the 12:45 PM timing falls within the prescribed period for Jumu’ah prayer and meets all Shariah requirements.

Emirates Airlines has launched a new pocket prayer mat for passengers to use during flights, aiming to make in-flight prayers more convenient. The airline announced on December 27, 2025, that the mats will be available across its entire fleet. Passengers can request one directly from cabin crew while on board. The new version of the mat is described as thicker, more comfortable, and easier to carry than previous designs.

According to Emirates, the initiative is particularly useful for long-haul flights, where prayer times often coincide with travel hours. The airline said the mats are designed to provide comfort and practicality for passengers who wish to perform prayers mid-flight. A company spokesperson confirmed that the service will be available to all passengers, regardless of travel class—First, Business, or Economy.

The airline expects the new feature to enhance passenger comfort and address a common challenge faced by travelers seeking to maintain their prayer routines while flying.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a match-winning spell for Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s International League T20, claiming three wickets in a single over against Gulf Giants. His figures of 3.5 overs, 34 runs, and 3 wickets earned him his first Player of the Match award of the tournament as Dubai Capitals secured a six-wicket win in Abu Dhabi.

The Giants were cruising at 110 for 3 after 13 overs before Mustafizur’s second over changed the game’s momentum. He dismissed James Vince, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Abarshan Dickson in quick succession, reducing the Giants to 156 all out. Dubai Capitals chased down the target in 19.2 overs. The left-arm seamer has now taken 14 wickets in seven matches with an economy rate of 8.29, ranking just behind teammate Waqar Salamkheil, who leads with 15 wickets.

Mustafizur’s consistent form in the ILT20 strengthens his reputation as a dependable T20 specialist and could boost his prospects for upcoming international assignments with Bangladesh.

Al Jazeera Media Network has unveiled a new integrative artificial intelligence model named 'The Core', developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. The initiative aims to embed AI more deeply into journalistic workflows, shifting its role from a passive support tool to an active partner in content creation and newsroom operations.

According to Al Jazeera, 'The Core' is built on six foundational pillars that will enable AI systems to assist journalists in complex data analysis, immersive storytelling, and automated internal processes. Director General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani said the project reflects Al Jazeera’s vision of combining human expertise with AI to modernize journalism. Google Cloud’s EMEA AI Managing Director Alex Rutter described the platform as a key step toward next-generation intelligent media.

The collaboration underscores Al Jazeera’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation in media. Industry observers expect 'The Core' to influence how news is produced, analyzed, and consumed across global networks in the coming years.

The crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Rajab was sighted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, signaling the start of the seventh month in the Hijri calendar. With this sighting, the formal countdown to the holy month of Ramadan has begun for Muslims worldwide, according to Gulf News. Rajab is one of the four sacred months in Islam, traditionally observed as a time for spiritual reflection and preparation before Ramadan.

Religious authorities noted that if both Rajab and Sha'ban months complete 29 or 30 days each, Ramadan is expected to begin in about 60 to 61 days. The exact start date will be confirmed by official moon-sighting committees in each country. In Bangladesh, the National Moon Sighting Committee, led by Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, is scheduled to meet on Sunday to confirm local sightings. Based on current calculations, Ramadan in South Asia is likely to begin on February 19, unless the moon sighting is delayed by a day.

The sighting of Rajab’s moon marks the beginning of spiritual preparations across the Muslim world, as communities gear up for the fasting month ahead.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman delivered a standout performance in the ILT20, taking three wickets in a single over against MI Emirates just a day after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 9.2 crore in the IPL auction. His spell, highlighted by dismissals of Rashid Khan, Tom Banton, and Mohammad Ghazanfar in the 18th over, limited the opposition to 137 runs.

Despite his efforts, Dubai Capitals fell short by seven runs, bowled out for 130. Mustafizur’s final figures stood at 3 for 35, bringing his tournament tally to nine wickets in five matches and placing him third on the ILT20 wicket-takers list. Teammate Waqar Salamkheil leads with 12 wickets.

The left-arm seamer’s performance reinforced his rising value ahead of the IPL season, where expectations are high for him to replicate his UAE form. Analysts note that his control in the death overs remains a key asset for both franchise and national teams.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called for any proposed stabilization force in Gaza to remain neutral and avoid favoring one side over another. Speaking in Washington after meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of Congress, he expressed concern over repeated ceasefire violations and warned that such breaches undermine mediators’ credibility and the fragile truce.

The Qatari leader said he and the U.S. Secretary of State agreed to intensify efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Preparations are underway for a meeting among mediators to establish a clear framework for the transition. Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and urged for unrestricted humanitarian aid access.

He cautioned that the current situation in Gaza threatens to derail the ceasefire entirely if violations persist, underscoring the urgency of balanced international engagement and sustained diplomatic coordination.

Dubai’s tax-free environment and luxury lifestyle continue to attract elite athletes seeking both investment and indulgence. The city’s absence of property and inheritance taxes, coupled with its modern amenities, has made it a preferred destination for sports stars looking to diversify their wealth and enjoy year-round sunshine.

Cristiano Ronaldo owns land worth around $30 million on Jumeirah Bay Island and a penthouse overlooking the Burj Khalifa, while David and Victoria Beckham hold multiple properties, including a Palm Jumeirah villa and an apartment in the Burj Khalifa. Neymar has purchased a futuristic ‘Sky Mansion Penthouse’ in the upcoming Bugatti Residences, set to open in 2027. Tennis legend Roger Federer resides part-time in the Le Reve Tower, valued at over AED 86 million, and Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher was gifted an entire island in The World Islands project. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, now a Dubai Sports Ambassador, continues to live in her Palm Jumeirah villa after her divorce, running her tennis academy there.

The trend underscores Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for luxury living and athlete investment, blending financial security with lifestyle appeal.

Dubai-based Imtiaz Developments has announced ‘The Symphony’, a new architectural landmark in Meydan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The project, valued at AED 1 billion (USD 272 million), blends Emirati cultural motifs such as Sadu weaving and Talli embroidery with futuristic design elements. Spanning over 4,000 square meters, the development will include luxury residences, commercial spaces, and offices, with apartment prices starting at AED 2 million and penthouses reaching AED 20 million.

The unveiling ceremony at Coca-Cola Arena reflected Dubai’s signature grandeur, attended by investors, partners, and industry leaders, with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador. Zaha Hadid Architects’ director Gianluca Racana noted that the project symbolizes Dubai’s drive for innovation and cultural continuity.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and conclude by mid-2029. Once completed, ‘The Symphony’ is expected to attract global high-net-worth buyers and design-focused investors, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for visionary urban development.