General

Doha: The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies will announce the main findings of the ninth Arab Opinion Index (AOI) at a press conference to be held at the Center in Doha on Tuesday. With the release of these results, the Center marks more than fourteen years of regularly tracking public opinion across the Arab region, producing an unprecedented comprehensive, open-access database available to all those interested in studying Arab public opinion – researchers, academics, policymakers, journalists, and anyone requiring precise empirical data to understand the Arab region and its transformations. Dr La​ila Omar, an Arab Center researcher working on the AOI, noted that the 2025 survey was carried out through face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of Arab public opinion comprising 40,130 respondents across 15 Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Syria. Survey implementation required more than 413,000 hours of work, involved 1,000 researchers (half of whom were women), and saw field researchers travel more than 900 thousand kilometres across the Arab countries. This makes it the largest survey of its kind ever conducted in the Arab region; whether in terms of sample size, number of participating countries, the breadth of variables examined (over 540), or the volume of data collected. She added that the 2025 AOI includes in Syria, making it the first survey of its kind in the country to include political, economic, and social topics. Its results also incorporate important questions concerning the situation in Sudan and the Gaza Strip. The AOI data covers a wide spectrum of economic, social, and political matters affecting the daily lives of citizens, including assessments of general conditions in Arab countries; citizens’ perceptions of state institutions and government performance; levels of trust in these institutions; and public attitudes towards democracy, citizenship values, equality, and civic and political participation. This AOI includes topics examining the use of social media and the internet in detail, as well as levels of trust in these platforms. It also explores public attitudes in the Arab region towards the Palestine question, the Israeli war on Gaza, and the Arab–Israeli conflict. Further topics include the policies of international and regional powers, and public perceptions of Arab peoples and of the countries considered to pose the greatest threats to Arab national security. The AOI also dedicates a set of important questions to gauging Arab public opinion on the United States, its society, and its foreign policy towards the region, part of a long-standing AOI tradition, as the topic was last examined ten years ago in the 2014 survey.

General

Doha, Qatar: Chairman of theDIMDEXOrganising Committee, Staff Brigadier (Naval) Abdulbaqi Saleh Al Ansari, stated: "DIMDEXstands today as a testament to Qatar's steady progress in strengthening both its national defence capabilities and its economic foundations." He added that "by bringing leading international partners to Doha, the exhibition opens new avenues for investment, industrial development, and the exchange of critical expertise." He continued: "Each edition contributes meaningfully to Qatar's strategic objectives by supporting the growth of local industries, advancing technological innovation, and reinforcing the nation's commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities in support of long-term security and prosperity." The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX2026) continues to reinforce its position as one of the leading specialised events in the defence and maritime security sectors, reflecting its expanding role in supporting economic diversification and industrial development in the State of Qatar. As preparations progress for the ninth edition of the event,DIMDEXremains a dynamic platform for commercial growth, technological innovation, and enhanced collaboration between a broad spectrum of local industries and international partners. DIMDEXwill take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre under the theme "A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow." Over four days, the exhibition will showcase cutting-edge technologies, support new business opportunities, and encourage investment across the defence, maritime, and related sectors. DIMDEXhas established a strong reputation as a platform for presenting the latest defence innovations and advanced maritime technologies, attracting leading global defence companies, maritime experts, commercial shipbuilders, and industry specialists. Through the active participation of companies operating within the wider maritime economy, including marine engines, radar systems, propulsion technologies, tugboats, port operations solutions, and other critical equipment - the event offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and support the continued growth of Qatar's maritime and industrial ecosystem. DIMDEXcontinues to play a central role in driving trade and investment, facilitating procurement programmes and business agreements with direct relevance to national and regional development. With hundreds of international exhibitors expected to participate, the event provides Qatari companies-including those operating across the defence, maritime, and commercial marine sectors-with valuable opportunities to forge strategic partnerships, access new technologies, and strengthen their industrial capabilities. Through its comprehensive programme that encompasses the main exhibition, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, live demonstrations of the latest innovations, and specialised workshops showcasing advanced defence technologies,DIMDEXserves as an important forum for the exchange of insights and expertise. Engineers, specialists, and maritime professionals will gain exposure to global trends in defence innovation, commercial maritime solutions, navigational security, and emerging technologies that support the growth of advanced technology and defence-related industries in Qatar. In addition, the event provides meaningful support to other national economic sectors, as the presence of international delegations and visitors contributes to increased demand for hospitality, transport, logistics, and event services, generating tangible economic activity across these industries. As the State of Qatar continues to pursue its long-term development objectives,DIMDEXremains a key driver of economic progress and industrial growth. The ninth edition ofDIMDEXis expected to further expand opportunities for local and international stakeholders, reaffirming the exhibition's role as a catalyst for innovation, investment, and business development across the defence, maritime, and wider economic sectors.

Weather

Doha,Qatar: Weather, inshore, until 6am on Monday will be slightly dusty at times, becomes cold and some clouds, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of strong wind at places. Offshore, it willsee some clouds and slightly dusty at times, the report added, warning of strong wind and high sea. Wind inshore will be it will be northwesterly at a speed of 10 to 18 knot reaching to 24 knot at places Offshore, it will be northwesterly at a speed of 17 to 26 knot gusting to 36 knot at places. Sea state inshore will be 3 to 5 feet, while offshore will be 4 to 8 feet rises to surging to 12 feet at times. Visibility inshore will be 04 to 10 kilometers. Offshore it will be 04 to 9 kilometers.