This September, Qatar Museums invites residents and visitors to participate in an exhilarating month of cultural exploration, educational initiatives, and creative activities designed to inspire and engage individuals of all ages. With a diverse range of events scheduled across various museum venues, this cultural festival promises an enriching experience for everyone.

A Celestial Experience at the Museum of Islamic Art

A highlight of the month is the rare opportunity to witness a total lunar eclipse, an astronomical event that occurs only once every century. Scheduled for September 7, 2025, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will host this public viewing from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, with the eclipse peaking at 8 PM. Families can partake in interactive astronomy activities, including telescope observations and educational workshops about lunar phenomena.

Throughout the day, visitors can join a guided tour at 3 PM to explore the scientific contributions of the Islamic world to astronomy. A treasure hunt for children will take place at 4 PM, combining fun with educational clues themed around the lunar eclipse. Additionally, an art workshop at 4:30 PM invites adults to create artworks inspired by this celestial event, encouraging artistic expression through nature.

Creative Workshops at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf is set to offer a variety of workshops aimed at nurturing creativity:

• Public Speaking Workshop: On September 3, 2025, this interactive session will enhance participants' communication skills, focusing on delivery techniques and audience engagement.

• Art Lessons with Ismail Azzam: Running every Sunday and Tuesday, from 4 PM to 6 PM throughout September, participants will delve into portraiture techniques using diverse mediums such as pencil, charcoal, and paint. This workshop fosters a collaborative environment for artistic development.

• Fashion Forward: Upcycling Style: Kicking off on September 29, 2025, this seven-month initiative encourages teens to transform everyday materials into unique fashion pieces. The program will culminate in a fashion show, showcasing their creations, in collaboration with Sustainability Week.

• Creative Writing Workshop: On September 10, participants can explore storytelling techniques and develop their writing skills through guided exercises that enhance narrative construction.

• Exploring Abstract Art: On September 17, a workshop will focus on abstract painting techniques, allowing participants to experiment with colors, shapes, and emotions to create unique pieces.

Engaging Family Activities at the National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar offers a wealth of family-oriented activities designed to celebrate Qatar’s rich heritage:

• Interactive Storytelling: On September 11, families can enjoy “Mya’s First Day of School,” a heartwarming story celebrating the back-to-school season.

• Drop-in Activities on Pearl Diving Heritage: Scheduled for September 7, these sessions will illuminate the significance of pearl diving in Qatar’s history, with no prior registration required.

• Family Exploration Tours: On September 13, families can embark on guided tours designed to enhance their understanding of Qatar’s environment, culture, and heritage through interactive exhibits.

• Cultural Craft Day: On September 20, families are invited to create traditional Qatari crafts, such as weaving and pottery, while learning about their historical significance.

• Heritage Film Screening: On September 27, a screening of a documentary focusing on Qatar's history and cultural heritage will take place, followed by a discussion with filmmakers.

Tasweer’s Photography Exploration

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the lecture "A Tour in the Worlds of Photography" by Kamal Naji on September 6, 2025. This session explores the evolution of photography and features an exclusive tour of Naji's extensive collection of antique cameras, each with its unique historical story. Participants will gain insights into the pioneers who shaped the field of photography.

Sports and Dialogue at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum will host a series of engaging events focusing on the interplay between sports and social issues:

• 321 Goals Conference: Running from September 7 to 11, this series of debates and hackathons will invite prominent speakers to address pressing global issues related to sports, physical activity, and public health. Topics will include equity in sports, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the role of sports in promoting peace and climate action.

• International Day of Peace Celebration: On September 21, participants can engage in hands-on origami activities, creating doves of peace while discussing ways to foster a more peaceful world. This event emphasizes the importance of collective action in peace-building efforts.

• Youth Sports Day: On September 14, the museum will host a sports day for children featuring friendly competitions and physical activities aimed at promoting teamwork and healthy living.

• Sports and Wellness Workshop: On September 28, expert speakers will discuss the relationship between physical activity and mental well-being, offering practical tips for incorporating sports into daily life.

Innovative Design Workshops at Liwan Design Studios

Liwan Design Studios will offer workshops throughout September that combine traditional design techniques with modern technology. Sessions are scheduled for September 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, where participants will learn to create intricate patterns and designs using laser cutting techniques. This workshop aims to bridge the gap between heritage and contemporary design practices.

Engaging Youth Through Archaeology

Qatar Museums’ Archaeology Department will host an Artefact Workshop on September 23, where children can explore pottery and drawing techniques inspired by archaeological discoveries in Qatar. This hands-on experience will help young participants understand the significance of historical artefacts in shaping Qatar’s cultural narrative.

Celebrating 20 Years of Qatar Museums

This month also marks a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums. To commemorate this achievement, the "Evolution Nation" campaign will celebrate Qatar’s cultural journey, highlighting the establishment of the National Museum and the flourishing ecosystem of institutions that contribute to the nation’s cultural landscape.

For a complete schedule of exhibitions, public workshops, tours, and events, visit the Qatar Museums website. This September, join Qatar Museums in a celebration of culture, creativity, and community engagement!

Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier, is making a highly anticipated return to the UAE capital with direct flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain resuming on Thursday, October 2, 2025. This marks a significant expansion of Jazeera’s presence in the UAE, where the airline already operates flights to Dubai, reinforcing stronger regional connectivity.

Passengers can now enjoy wallet-friendly fares starting as low as KD9 (approximately AED 110) for one-way tickets to Al Ain and KD14 (around AED 170) to Abu Dhabi, providing affordable travel options between Kuwait and the UAE’s key cities. Tickets are available for booking on the Jazeera Airways website and mobile app.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, welcomed the airline’s comeback, stating, “We look forward to welcoming Jazeera Airways back to both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain this October. This expansion offers travellers more affordable and convenient connections between the UAE and Kuwait, supporting the growing demand for regional mobility.It also reflects the strength of our partnership with Jazeera Airways and our shared commitment to enhancing air connectivity across the Gulf.”

The reinstated routes are expected to stimulate business, tourism, and familial travel as demand for regional air travel continues to rise. Jazeera Airways’ competitive pricing and convenient schedules will make it easier for travelers to access the UAE capital and beyond.

With Abu Dhabi Airports preparing to welcome increased passenger volumes, this return aligns with regional efforts to strengthen economic ties and boost the Gulf’s position as a thriving aviation and cultural hub.

For travelers looking to explore the UAE or connect onward, Jazeera Airways’ return to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain adds valuable options with seamless booking and service tailored to cost-conscious passengers.

Booking is available at jazeeraairways.com or through the airline’s mobile app, allowing passengers to secure seats conveniently ahead of the October 2 service launch.

This announcement strengthens Jazeera Airways' footprint in the Gulf region, complementing its existing Dubai operations and supporting greater intra-Gulf connectivity.

Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier, is officially returning to the UAE capital with direct flights to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain starting Thursday, October 2, 2025. This return marks an expansion of their UAE network, with Jazeera now flying to three UAE destinations: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai.

Passengers can look forward to affordable one-way fares starting at KD9 (around AED 110) to Al Ain and KD14 (around AED 170) to Abu Dhabi. Tickets are available for booking on the Jazeera Airways website and mobile app.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed enthusiasm: “We look forward to welcoming Jazeera Airways back to both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain this October. This expansion offers travellers more affordable and convenient connections between the UAE and Kuwait, supporting the growing demand for regional mobility. It also reflects the strength of our partnership with Jazeera Airways and our shared commitment to enhancing air connectivity across the Gulf.”

The move is expected to boost regional connectivity, making travel between Kuwait and the UAE more accessible and convenient while supporting economic and social ties. Abu Dhabi Airports is preparing for increased passenger traffic as the UAE capital gears up to welcome more regional travelers this autumn.

This development strengthens Jazeera Airways' presence in the Gulf and provides travelers with more competitive and accessible options to travel within the region.

M Raja Kishore has taken over as the new director of Chennai Airport, following the transfer of his predecessor CV Deepak to Delhi, where he will serve as the Regional Director at the Regional Control Scheme. Raja Kishore brings extensive experience from his previous roles, including as the Regional Executive Director of airports in the North-Eastern states and as director of Tirupati Airport. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, Raja Kishore is expected to leverage his experience to navigate Chennai Airport through its ongoing operational demands and growth.

The leadership change follows administrative decisions aligned with regular transfer policies, compounded by Deepak completing over two years of service at Chennai Airport. Deepak’s tenure was marked by notable incidents, including in August 2025 when an Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi made an emergency landing at Chennai due to a technical snag.

The delayed landing sparked criticism from senior Congress leader and MP KC Venugopal, who alleged that the airport authorities did not permit the aircraft to land immediately, forcing it to circle in the skies for an extended period. The incident escalated to parliamentary discussions, putting a spotlight on Chennai Airport’s crisis management and operational protocols.

Raja Kishore’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Chennai Airport continues to expand passenger capacity and enhance infrastructure, maintaining its status as one of India’s key aviation hubs. The airport serves as a major gateway to South India, handling both domestic and international traffic, and faces ongoing challenges related to increasing flight volumes, security, and service quality.

Stakeholders expect Raja Kishore to focus on strengthening operational efficiency, improving customer service, and addressing critical infrastructure enhancements. His prior experience with Tirupati Airport and overseeing airports in the North-East is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives to managing Chennai Airport’s dynamic environment.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which oversees Chennai Airport operations, has emphasized that such administrative transfers are part of broader efforts to optimize leadership placements across India’s airport network, ensuring best practices and professionalism.

As Raja Kishore settles into his new role, all eyes remain on how Chennai Airport will navigate future challenges, enhance passenger experiences, and support India’s growing aviation sector.

The Philippines has enacted a groundbreaking law allowing foreign investors to lease private land for up to 99 years, significantly extending the previous maximum lease term of 50 years with a possible 25-year renewal. Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 3, 2025, the new law aims to boost foreign investment by providing greater lease-term stability and predictability for long-term commercial, industrial, tourism, and agricultural projects.

The legislation amends the 1993 Investors’ Lease Act and mandates lease agreements to be registered with the respective provincial or city Registry of Deeds, ensuring transparency and security for investors. It also requires foreign lessees to demonstrate social and economic contributions to the country to qualify for lease renewal.

David Leechiu, head of Leechiu Property Consultants, noted that the extended lease terms “should open up a massive amount of investment capital from foreign parties,” facilitating projects such as hotels that will further boost tourism. This move also improves the Philippines’ competitive position within Southeast Asia, where countries like Thailand already offer 99-year leases.

The law also grants the Philippine president authority to impose shorter lease durations for investors involved in vital services or industries classified as critical infrastructure or national priorities, balancing national security concerns with investment incentives.

This reform comes amid a significant decline in net foreign direct investment into the Philippines, which fell nearly 27 percent to $3 billion from January to May 2025, highlighting the need for policy changes to attract sustained capital inflows. Neighboring countries continue to outpace the Philippines in investment inflows, increasing the urgency of competitive reforms.

President Marcos has also signed complementary legislation to enhance state revenue from large mining operations through a profit-based tax system, expected to attract additional investments in that sector.

Overall, the 99-year land lease law is seen as a key policy to foster greater investor confidence, encourage economic diversification, promote joint ventures with local partners, and accelerate growth in tourism, real estate, agriculture, and industry. While ensuring protection of national interests, the law provides a more investor-friendly environment to support the Philippines’ long-term economic development goals.

Business and leisure travelers from Singapore will soon enjoy daily flights to Tokyo with Air Japan, as the airline increases frequency on its popular Singapore-Tokyo (Narita) route beginning November 21, 2025. This expansion is enabled by the addition of a third aircraft, allowing Air Japan to operate flights every day of the week, including new services on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Currently, Air Japan flies between Singapore and Tokyo on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ticket sales for the expanded schedule started on September 4 via Air Japan’s website.

To cater to a broad range of travelers, Air Japan offers “Simple” fares starting at SGD 226 for one-way trips, with children’s fares from SGD 148 and infant fares at SGD 51 for those not requiring a seat. These fares include carry-on baggage allowance of up to 7kg, while additional options such as advance seat selection, checked baggage, and in-flight meals can be purchased separately.

The decision to increase flights responds to rising demand for travel to Japan from Singapore. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, a record 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2024—up 16.9% from 2023’s then-record 591,300 visitors highlighting strong and growing interest in the destination.

Emirates is accelerating its global expansion plans with the announcement of five new senior appointments to its commercial leadership team, signaling the airline’s readiness to scale up its network, fleet, and product offerings. These newly established roles, including a Senior Vice President for Network Passenger Sales Development and several Vice Presidents overseeing regional clusters, aim to boost integrated market performance and cultivate stronger corporate partnerships to drive long-term passenger growth and revenue.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, described the appointments as timely and crucial. “This period of dynamic growth calls for leaders with the right commercial know-how and the thinking to navigate our complex and evolving industry landscape, so that we can capitalise on emerging opportunities,” Kazim said.

Among the new leaders, Matthew Scott takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Network Passenger Sales Development. The airline also promoted two Emirati executives: Abdulla Al Olama as Vice President for Regional Clusters in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Rashid Alardha as Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa. Bringing European expertise to the table, Flavio Ghiringhelli was appointed Vice President for South and Central Europe, while Pierfrancesco Carino assumes the Vice President role for West and North Europe Clusters.

These leadership changes reflect Emirates’ strategic adjustments amid a sustained period of growth. For the 2024-25 financial year, the Emirates Group reported a record profit before tax of AED 22.7 billion—an 18 percent increase from the previous year—cementing its status as the world’s most profitable aviation group during that period.

This growth trajectory has been supported by robust workforce expansion, large-scale investments in next-generation aircraft, and deliberate efforts to widen the airline’s global footprint. A recent highlight includes the introduction of a new Premium Economy cabin, enhancing the carrier’s product portfolio to better meet evolving passenger preferences.

With these appointments and initiatives, Emirates is positioning itself to navigate the increasingly complex aviation environment while capitalizing on emerging opportunities worldwide, charting a confident course for continued success.