Ahead of the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS GRAND PRIX 2024 taking place later this month, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) HE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Qatar’s Prime Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Sports and Youth, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani.

Top of the agenda was Qatar’s key role in global motor sport alongside the country’s innovation and education in mobility. Advocacy and impact of sustainability in the region was discussed at length – a key consideration for all parties who confirmed their mutual commitment to advancing sustainable practices and raising awareness.

The ongoing collaboration between Qatar, the FIA, and Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) ensures the continued growth of motor sport, and success in the mobility and transport sectors, across the region and globally.

From the end of November to mid-December, the world’s eyes will be drawn to Qatar and the Lusail International Circuit in the year of its 20^th anniversary. From hosting the penultimate race, FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS GRAND PRIX 2024, to witnessing top karting talents from across the Middle East and North Africa compete in six thrilling categories at the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup. 

The FIA is committed to increasing accessibility and diversity across motor sport, ensuring equal opportunities for equal talent, with the global grassroots programme crucial to ensuring the ongoing success of motor sport in the Middle East.

Alongside sporting matters, the parties discussed the FIA’s continued support in mobility and transport in the region.

HE Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said “My thanks to the Prime Minister of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for his generous welcome. We had a very productive meeting to discuss the future of global motor sport and mobility. It was also good to discuss a number of grassroots development initiatives across motorsport and mobility with the Minister of Youth and Sports, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani.”

“I am proud of the close relationship that has been built by the FIA and our regional Member Club Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, and the partnership we have fostered to ensure ongoing innovation and collaboration in the region. I look forward to the upcoming events taking place in Qatar and spending more time in this vibrant country.”

“Welcoming FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to Lusail International Circuit today reflects the strength of Qatar’s motorsport journey in 2024,” said Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit. “Hosting other prestigious events such as the International BAJA, the International Rally, the World Endurance Championship, and the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup underscores our commitment to advancing excellence in motorsport. Our focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity aligns with Qatar’s vision to inspire progress and nurture talent, ensuring the region’s enduring impact on the global motorsport landscape.

Just when excitement levels ahead of next month’s FORMULA 1™ QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 couldn’t get any higher, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has announced that the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will complete the trio of support races for next month’s Formula 1® spectacular.

Taking place from Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December, the one-make series will line up alongside the F1® Academy and FIA Formula 2™ Championship for the penultimate date in the Formula 1® 2024 season, in what promises to be one of the most high-octane weekends of the year.

The iconic Porsche 911 GT3 cars deliver thrilling sprints and wheel-to-wheel duels across one practice session, one qualification round, and two high-intensity races. With a grid of approximately 15 cars featuring identical technical specifications, pure skill, talent, and teamwork determine who reaches the podium.

Local fans will have plenty to cheer for as three Qatari talents take to the grid: Abdullah Al Khulaifi, Ghanim Al Maadeed, and Ibrahim Al Abdulghani will represent the host nation in what promises to be an exciting showcase of regional motorsport talent. They’ll be joining series standout Janne Stiak, the 17-year-old winner of the opening race at Bahrain International Circuit, as drivers take on the 16 turns and various straights of LIC’s world-class 5.419km circuit. 

The Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East will join an exciting roster of support races including F1® Academy – a highly competitive all-female racing series designed to nurture and propel young female drivers towards higher echelons of competition. It not only showcases the exceptional talent and skill of these athletes but also highlights the fierce competition they bring to the track, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

This will be followed by the FIA Formula 2™ Championship, a thrilling one-make single-seater race with 22 identical cars, which allows drivers to showcase their prowess in front of a Formula 1® audience. As well as the FORMULA 1™ QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 which takes place on the final day of the racing weekend, the nail-biting Formula 1® Sprint Race will also make a welcome return to LIC.   

The high-voltage three-day celebration of motorsport begins on Friday 29 November. Global superstars Maroon 5 and regional sensation Myriam Fares will headline the entertainment lineup, completing an unforgettable weekend of racing and music.

Fans wanting to be a part of the action for the FORMULA 1™ QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 need to be quick to secure their tickets. Standard day and weekend tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event are still available to buy now at https://tickets.lcsc.qa

Dukhan Bank is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the prestigious “Best Islamic Financial Institution in Qatar 2024” award at this year’s Global Finance Awards. This achievement underscores the Bank’s continuing excellence and leadership in the Islamic banking sector on a global scale and reflect its broader commitment to meeting the increasing demands of modern banking clients, particularly in the digital realm, all of which make Dukhan Bank a preferred choice for customers seeking Sharia-compliant financial services.

Dukhan Bank was also named the “World’s Best Islamic Private Bank 2024”, an award it has impressively won for the third year, highlighting the Bank’s unmatched private banking service that offers a comprehensive suite of financing, banking, and investment products and services tailored for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).

Global Finance, a premier international magazine and industry analyst, is renowned for its rigorous evaluation process that identifies top performers in the banking and financial services sectors across over 150 countries. The criteria for the awards include technological innovation, leadership, brand strength, sustainability, and contributions to the growth of Islamic financing. Award recipients are celebrated for effectively meeting their customers’ needs for Shariah-compliant products and establishing a solid foundation for future growth and security.

Mr. Ahmed Hashem, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Dukhan Bank, expressed his pride in these achievements, saying:

“It is an honour to receive these awards and to be recognized by the respected experts at Global Finance as the “Best Islamic Financial Institution in Qatar 2024”. I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated team, from senior management to all our employees, who have consistently worked hard to reach this level of international acclaim. Awards such as this, and World’s Best Islamic Private Bank, affirm Dukhan Bank’s commitment to providing innovative Shariah-compliant products and services that enhance customer experience and maintain our leadership in the increasingly sophisticated and demanding sphere of private banking, particularly in digital innovation.”

The selection for these prestigious awards was conducted by the Global Finance editorial team, following extensive consultations with bankers, corporate finance executives, and analysts globally. The criteria for selection included asset growth, profitability, strategic relationships, new business development, and product innovation, among others.

Chaouki Daher, GM-Head of Private Banking at Dukhan Bank, commented on the continued recognition: 

“We’re proud to receive this prestigious award once again. These successive honours speak volumes about our team’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and the deep confidence our clients have in us. Our commitment remains steadfast in pioneering new approaches that solidify our leading position in the Islamic banking sector and elevate our operational standards.”
Dukhan Bank has cemented its leadership in the Qatari banking sector with extensive experience in wealth management, a deep understanding of local and regional markets, and continuous innovation in financial technology. The bank is committed to a digital transformation strategy that aims to enrich its private banking offerings and cater to the evolving needs of a younger, more technologically adept generation of HNWIs. Moreover, the bank’s commitment to offering comprehensive and tailored solutions to its clients’ wealth management needs is exemplified by the inclusion of family governance and family office services as pivotal components of the Private Banking offerings, contributing significantly to our growth trajectory.

Qatari Composer Dana Al Fardan is set to leave an indelible mark on the global stage as she prepares to grace the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival with her groundbreaking performance of “Indigo,” solidifying her status as the first composer from the GCC to achieve this remarkable feat. Representing Qatar with pride, Dana’s appearance at the esteemed Trophee Chopard gala promises to be an unforgettable sensory experience, merging sound, colour, and introspection.

“Indigo” is more than a concert; it’s an immersive experience. Rooted in neoclassical music and electronic elements, Dana’s innovative composition interacts with colour, light, and electronics, guiding audiences on an introspective path towards enlightenment. Dana’s vision for “Indigo” transcends conventional boundaries, offering a holistic exploration of art and emotion.

With an illustrious career already under her belt, Dana Al Fardan continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her mesmerising compositions and groundbreaking collaborations. Her recent triumph in Italy marked a pivotal moment, as her music took centre stage at the Politeama Garibaldi di Palermo in the play “Giocando con Orlando.” Collaborating with Stefano Acorsi, stage director Federica Cellini and performed by the Symphonic Orchestra of Sicily under the baton of the conductor Giovanni Pasini, Dana’s compositions breathed new life into Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem “Orlando Furioso,” captivating audiences with a fusion of contemporary soundscapes and classical storytelling.

Dana’s creative journey continues with the release of “Falling,” her latest single in collaboration with French producer Yaans. Available on all major streaming platforms, “Falling” showcases Dana’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending electronic beats with her distinctive style. Embracing electronic music as an alternative dimension of storytelling, Dana’s exploration of diverse genres reflects her multifaceted talent and artistic vision.

Dana Al Fardan is also a pioneer, building bridges with her talent and creativity. Representing Qatar and the first GCC composer to perform at the official gala of the Cannes Film Festival, Dana’s historic achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists across the region, paving the way for future generations of talent.

Dana Al Fardan is a visionary Qatari musician, celebrated for her innovative compositions that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with audiences worldwide. With a diverse repertoire spanning classical, electronic, and beyond, Dana continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, leaving an enduring legacy on the global stage.