The highly anticipated third edition of Visit Qatar’s Qatar Toy Festival (QTF) concluded on Monday after a thrilling 30 days packed with creativity, entertainment, and family bonding at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Drawing over 130,000 visitors, the festival shattered previous attendance records by 12%, cementing its status as one of the region’s premier summer events for children and families.

The grand finale featured a vibrant ceremony including a highlight reel of the month’s best moments, dynamic dance performances by Crew Q, a special act by the popular Adnan Family, and the announcement of the winner of the exciting Jetour competition. As dusk settled, a dazzling drone show illuminated West Bay’s skyline, followed by a festive cake cutting, joyful mascot appearances, a balloon drop, and giveaways that delighted attendees.

Hamad al-Khaja, Manager of Festivals and Events Delivery at Visit Qatar, reflected on the festival’s success: “This year’s QTF has truly showcased the power of family-focused events in bringing the community together. From launching the QTF Summer Camp tailored to children aged 4 to 12, to the Back-to-School activities that wrapped up the festival, we created joyful, immersive experiences that resonated with families across Qatar. We’re already gearing up for an even bigger celebration next year.”

This year introduced fresh additions like the QTF Summer Camp, a specially designed structured morning program for kids, and inclusive initiatives such as Qatar’s Purple Saturday on July 26. This dedicated day celebrated children with special needs by providing them free access, inclusive entertainment, and adapted facilities, ensuring everyone felt welcome.

The festival’s main stage buzzed daily with headline performers including renowned regional and international artists such as the ALJ Sisters, Rasha Rizk, Huda Al-Hussain, El Daheeh, and the Adnan Family. Their energetic shows, along with science demonstrations, dance acts, and interactive competitions, kept audiences of all ages captivated throughout the month.

Adding to the excitement were new brand experiences including PUBG, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Lilo & Stitch, and Sherlock Holmes, alongside beloved returning favorites Build-A-Bear and Haribo. This fusion of global entertainment and local culture delivered a uniquely memorable family festival unlike any other in Qatar.

As this year’s Qatar Toy Festival closes, families and children are already looking forward to the next chapter of joyful exploration, learning, and fun brought to life by Visit Qatar’s dynamic events calendar.

Lebanese passport holders can now embark on exciting journeys to 44 countries worldwide, unlocking new horizons from the chilly peaks of Georgia to the stunning wildlife sanctuaries of Rwanda. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Lebanon’s passport ranks 89th globally, reflecting a steady position after notable fluctuations over the past two decades from 79th in 2006 down to 102nd in 2015, and stabilizing since then between 96th and 89th place.

This growth in travel freedom is complemented by strengthened diplomatic ties, particularly between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. This year, the UAE reopened its embassy in Beirut, signaling renewed collaboration following high-level talks between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in January 2025. By May, both countries agreed on measures to facilitate easier travel for their citizens, smoothing visa processes and movement between the nations.

Lebanese travelers benefit from 17 countries offering visa-free access, sparing them lengthy visa application procedures and paperwork. Destinations include Barbados, Cook Islands, Dominica, Ecuador, Georgia, Haiti, Jordan, Macao (SAR China), Madagascar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Oman, Rwanda, Suriname, Syria, and Türkiye. Beyond this, 24 countries provide visas on arrival, allowing Lebanese visitors to obtain entry permits at the destination.

These countries range across Asia, Africa, and Oceania, including Armenia, Bolivia, Cambodia, Djibouti, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Qatar, and many others.

Lebanese citizens also have the option to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisations (eTA) for three countries Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka enabling streamlined pre-arrival approvals for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

This expanding travel freedom opens diverse opportunities for Lebanese nationals to explore global destinations with greater ease, highlighting a positive trend in international mobility and diplomatic engagement for Lebanon in 2025.

In a landmark defense deal poised to reshape the regional balance, Indonesia has officially become the first export customer for Turkey’s cutting-edge KAAN fighter jet, underscoring Jakarta’s bold ambitions to modernize its air force.

The agreement, inked in late July, will see Indonesia acquire 48 KAAN fighters from Turkey, with deliveries set to roll out in phases across the next ten years. The Indonesian Defense Ministry announced the plans after months of anticipation, following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s initial revelation of the possible sale in June. The deal was only finalized after Jakarta’s recent green light.

Turkey’s Secretariat of Defense Industries called the agreement “not merely an export milestone” but the dawn of “a new era in engineering, production, and technology sharing.” The KAAN, Turkey’s homegrown combat aircraft, is designed to deliver fifth-generation performance, putting it in league with some of the world’s most advanced warplanes.

Indonesia’s pursuit of the KAAN is part of a larger strategy to overhaul its aerial arsenal amid rising regional security demands. Alongside the Turkish purchase, Jakarta is collaborating with South Korea on the co-development of the KF-21 Boramae platform and has committed to ordering 42 Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. The country is also in talks with Boeing, having signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to potentially buy up to 24 F-15EX fighters.

The story of the KAAN began in 2010 when Turkish officials aspired to develop a fighter jet that could operate alongside the American F-35 Lightning II. Ankara’s participation in the Joint Strike Fighter program was short-lived, with Turkey eventually ousted from the development group. That pivotal moment fueled Turkey’s determination to produce its own fifth-generation jet. Turkish Aerospace Industries was contracted to build the KAAN in 2016, with key support from BAE Systems.

While many aspects of the KAAN remain tightly guarded, its features are said to mirror those of its fifth-generation peers—advanced internal weapons bays, drone network control, and ground strike capabilities. Like the F-35, the KAAN is expected to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Turkey’s journey to an indigenous engine has seen overtures to both the US and UK for joint production.

 However, by 2030, the KAAN is scheduled to fly with the Turkish-designed TF35000, a powerful engine focused on delivering 35,000 pounds of thrust using advanced superalloys, state-of-the-art thermal coatings, and innovative cooling systems.

Beyond its fixed-wing ambitions, Turkey has quickly become a powerhouse in drone manufacturing. The Bayraktar TB2, in particular, stands out as a widely exported and heavily utilized unmanned platform.
Indonesia’s move signals a dramatic leap in Southeast Asia’s aerial capabilities and demonstrates Ankara’s growing influence as a defense exporter. As deliveries commence, the partnership is set to usher in new horizons for both nations on the runway and beyond.

The highly anticipated third edition of Visit Qatar’s Qatar Toy Festival (QTF) concluded on Monday after a thrilling 30 days packed with creativity, entertainment, and family bonding at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Drawing over 130,000 visitors, the festival shattered previous attendance records by 12%, cementing its status as one of the region’s premier summer events for children and families.

The grand finale featured a vibrant ceremony including a highlight reel of the month’s best moments, dynamic dance performances by Crew Q, a special act by the popular Adnan Family, and the announcement of the winner of the exciting Jetour competition. As dusk settled, a dazzling drone show illuminated West Bay’s skyline, followed by a festive cake cutting, joyful mascot appearances, a balloon drop, and giveaways that delighted attendees.

Hamad al-Khaja, Manager of Festivals and Events Delivery at Visit Qatar, reflected on the festival’s success: “This year’s QTF has truly showcased the power of family-focused events in bringing the community together. From launching the QTF Summer Camp tailored to children aged 4 to 12, to the Back-to-School activities that wrapped up the festival, we created joyful, immersive experiences that resonated with families across Qatar. We’re already gearing up for an even bigger celebration next year.”

This year introduced fresh additions like the QTF Summer Camp, a specially designed structured morning program for kids, and inclusive initiatives such as Qatar’s Purple Saturday on July 26. This dedicated day celebrated children with special needs by providing them free access, inclusive entertainment, and adapted facilities, ensuring everyone felt welcome.

The festival’s main stage buzzed daily with headline performers including renowned regional and international artists such as the ALJ Sisters, Rasha Rizk, Huda Al-Hussain, El Daheeh, and the Adnan Family. Their energetic shows, along with science demonstrations, dance acts, and interactive competitions, kept audiences of all ages captivated throughout the month.

Adding to the excitement were new brand experiences including PUBG, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Lilo & Stitch, and Sherlock Holmes, alongside beloved returning favorites Build-A-Bear and Haribo. This fusion of global entertainment and local culture delivered a uniquely memorable family festival unlike any other in Qatar.

As this year’s Qatar Toy Festival closes, families and children are already looking forward to the next chapter of joyful exploration, learning, and fun brought to life by Visit Qatar’s dynamic events calendar.

In a landmark move set to transform the travel landscape, Kuwait has announced a series of sweeping visa reforms aimed at enhancing tourism and easing entry restrictions for visitors. The changes were revealed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah during a recent conversation with Ahmed Al Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Al Seyassah newspapers.

Effective immediately, these reforms remove several longstanding visa constraints, with a particular focus on family visits and traveler convenience. One of the headline changes is the introduction of a three-month family visit visa, allowing visitors an initial stay of up to 90 days. Even more notable is the flexibility to extend the visa to six months or a full year, depending on the visitor’s needs and adherence to regulations. Sheikh Fahad highlighted that “violations in this category are minimal, so flexibility can be granted,” reflecting a more visitor-friendly approach.

Among the significant updates is the abolition of the local carrier requirement, a former rule that mandated travelers obtain visas tied to Kuwait’s national airlines. Now, tourists and visitors can choose their preferred airline, a step aimed at increasing accessibility and encouraging competition. Sheikh Fahad remarked on the shift, stating, “The state should not act as a marketer for airlines; they must market themselves,” underscoring a more liberalized aviation climate as Kuwait builds a new international airport and seeks to reinstate airlines previously withdrawn from the market.

The reforms also expand family visit visa eligibility by extending kinship qualifications to the fourth degree and eliminating the controversial demand for visitors to possess a university degree. This move opens doors for a broader range of family members to reunite and visit with ease.

To ensure security remains uncompromised, Sheikh Fahad noted that travelers facing any security restrictions will be notified promptly and responsible for addressing these matters independently. This aligns Kuwait’s visa procedures with international best practices.

The visa fee structure is currently under governmental review, with amendments expected to be finalized soon by the Council of Ministers. This is part of the broader initiative to streamline visa processing, reduce bottlenecks, and make Kuwait a more inviting destination for visitors from around the world.

Tourism as an Economic Priority

Simultaneously, Kuwait is amplifying its commitment to tourism as a strategic pillar of economic diversification. Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al Mutairi has announced plans for the “Visit Kuwait” digital platform, poised to centralize tourism promotion under a unified national brand. Speaking at a recent event, Al Mutairi emphasized the platform’s role as “the gateway for all tourism-related messaging,” aligning with the ambitious Kuwait Vision 2035 development roadmap.

Looking beyond borders, Kuwait is preparing to welcome regional tourism leaders to the 52nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Regional Committee for the Middle East in early 2026. The country will also make its mark at Expo Osaka 2025, highlighting innovations in sustainability, cultural heritage, and technological advancement.

Cultural diplomacy is flourishing alongside these trends. Preparations are underway for the renowned Kuwait International Book Fair, complemented by the launch of “I Am the Author”—an interactive initiative designed to inspire creativity and storytelling among children and youth.

With these reforms and initiatives, Kuwait is positioning itself as an increasingly open, vibrant destination that balances tradition with modernity, welcoming the world to experience its unique culture and opportunities.

Dubai is on the brink of making science fiction a reality as it accelerates toward launching the world’s first commercial electric air taxi network by 2026. This bold step in urban mobility is set to redefine the city’s skyline and commute, placing Dubai at the global forefront of aerial transportation innovation.

“We aim to be the first city in the world to launch a commercial air taxi service. This is not just a trial. This is a real transport mode that will be integrated into Dubai’s infrastructure,” said Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in an exclusive interview.

This visionary project follows the successful completion of full-scale test flights by US-based Joby Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In 2024, Joby signed an exclusive six-year agreement with Dubai, granting them operational rights to launch and operate these innovative air taxis within the city.

“Dubai is all set to become the first city in the world to launch a commercial air taxi service, following successful full-scale test flights completed by US-based Joby Aviation,” Bahrozyan confirmed.

Central to the plan is a strategic partnership between Joby Aviation responsible for supplying, operating, and maintaining the aircraft and Skyports, a UK-based infrastructure company charged with constructing essential ‘vertiports’. Construction is already underway at Dubai International Airport, with additional platforms planned at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and the American University of Dubai. These four vertiports are designed to create a web of aerial connectivity across the city, drastically reducing the travel time between key urban and business hubs.

The air taxis are a leap forward in technology: fully electric, piloted vehicles that are 100 times quieter than helicopters. Each aircraft will seat four passengers plus a pilot and luggage, covering distances over 200km and reaching speeds above 300km/h. This opens up the possibility of ultra-fast connections between Dubai and neighboring emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah potentially cutting travel times between cities to under 30 minutes.

Initially, the air taxi network will launch as a premium service targeting business travelers and high-end tourists, with fares comparable to helicopter tours. However, RTA’s long-term vision is to drive costs down much like the evolution of electric cars making aerial commutes eventually as affordable as current ride-hailing services such as Uber.

Dubai’s aviation authorities, in tandem with Joby Aviation, are blazing a trail on the regulatory front. While Joby’s aircraft have yet to receive full certification from any international body, UAE regulators are working proactively with the company, positioning Dubai to set a global standard for integrating eVTOLs into civil aviation. “If we succeed, Dubai will not only be the first city to operate air taxis but also the first to regulate them,” Bahrozyan noted.

Although the first phase will connect high-demand locations within Dubai, the blueprint is designed for scalability across the wider UAE. Future phases will see vertiports expand into residential and commercial hotspots, fostering public-private partnerships and fueling city-wide and intercity aerial mobility.

“This isn’t just a transport solution, it’s a blueprint for future cities,” Bahrozyan concluded, signaling Dubai’s intent to shape the cities of tomorrow—today.