Culture

Doha, Qatar: The sixth edition of the Katara International Amber Exhibition concluded today with wide international participation and a remarkable turnout from enthusiasts and experts. The exhibition successfully reinforced its position as a specialised annual platform that brings together the commercial, cultural, and artistic aspects of this global heritage. This edition featured distinguished participation from 13 countries around the world, represented by 82 pavilions that offered rich experiences combining the tradition of craftsmanship, the authenticity of heritage, and the spirit of contemporary art, confirming Katara's leading role in this field. This edition witnessed a remarkable diversity in the participating pavilions, which showcased rare collections of amber, including prayer beads, jewelry, and artistic artifacts, in addition to contemporary works. Visitors praised the high level of organisation and the richness of the content presented by the participating countries, which contributed to opening new horizons for cultural and artistic exchange among those interested in this natural material and its history. This year's exhibition was distinguished by the diversity of its displays, reflecting different schools and styles in working with amber, whether in jewelry, artifacts, prayer beads, or contemporary artworks. This made it a magnet for enthusiasts, academics, and experts. Among the outstanding exhibits, the "Amber Stone" pavilion presented a collection of handcrafted sculptures made from natural amber, whose themes were inspired by Qatari identity. Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Sulaiti, the pavilion's supervisor, explained that the participation focused on presenting unique sculptures, each requiring approximately a month of meticulous work to complete. He noted that these works embodied local symbols such as pearl diving tools, falcons, Arabian oryx, and horses. He further explained that they were crafted by specialised European artisans, combining the precision of international craftsmanship with the spirit of Qatari heritage, attracting a significant number of visitors seeking unconventional art pieces. With the conclusion of this edition, the Katara International Amber Exhibition reaffirms its role in preserving and developing this heritage art by combining authenticity with innovation, remaining a major destination for enthusiasts and collectors at both the regional and international levels.

Weather

Doha, Qatar: The Department of Meteorology has warned of strong wind and high sea tonight in its daily weather report. Inshore, until 6am on Saturday, the weather will be cold to very cold with scattered clouds, with winds at 8 to 18 knots, reaching 25 knots at times. Offshore, skies will be partly cloudy with northwesterly winds at 15 to 25 knots, reaching 33 knots at times. Sea conditions inshore will be 3 to 5 feet, while offshore they will be 4 to 8 feet, surging up to 11 feet at times. Visibility will range between 5 and 10 km both inshore and offshore.

General

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani met with the Qatari security forces participating in securing the Olympic WinterGames Milano Cortina 2026 in Italy, set to take place from February6 to 22. His Excellency urged the task force to make the most of its experience in securing major sporting events to carry out its duties with the highest levels of efficiency and readiness, contributing to the success of the Games and reflecting the international confidence in the Qatari security system. His Excellency also wished them success in performing their duties.