Doha: Al-Sharq newspaper has highlighted the severe implications of missile and drone attacks targeting any nation, emphasizing that such actions pose a direct threat to security and stability while violating international laws. The newspaper underscored the gravity of the situation when such threats extend to Makkah, a city of immense sacred significance to over one billion Muslims globally.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Sharq condemned the recent Houthi drone attack on Makkah, labeling it a disgraceful act of aggression. The State of Qatar has strongly denounced this incident, viewing it as a dangerous violation of religious, moral, and humanitarian boundaries. Al-Sharq reiterated Qatar's stance that the sanctity of holy sites and the safety of their visitors should never be compromised, warning against actions that threaten these areas as they demonstrate blatant disregard for their religious importance.
Al-Sharq concluded its editorial by asserting that turning holy sites into conflict zones, particularly Makkah, is unacceptable. The city serves as the qibla for Muslims, the direction toward which they pray, making its security a universal responsibility that transcends geographic and political lines.
The Peninsula also addressed the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and Jordan, including threats to Makkah's sanctity and disruptions to vital maritime routes. The newspaper stressed that these developments have significant repercussions for regional and international security, highlighting the essential need for dialogue, restraint, and efforts to prevent further escalation. Qatar has expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in preserving its security, rejecting attacks on civilians, infrastructure, and holy sites. The Peninsula noted that Qatar emphasizes the inseparability of security and freedom of navigation, particularly through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
The Peninsula concluded by advocating for diplomacy as a cornerstone of Qatar's strategy. Doha is committed to ensuring freedom of navigation and pursuing comprehensive agreements for sustainable peace. Qatar's upcoming participation in the UN General Assembly is seen as a pivotal opportunity to advance diplomatic efforts.
Locally, Al-Arab newspaper focused on Qatar's ambitious 2026-2027 calendar, featuring over 560 events, festivals, and sporting competitions. This initiative highlights Qatar's strategy to position events as a crucial driver of tourism growth. The newspaper noted the diversity of these events, spanning sports, culture, entertainment, and more, offering visitors varied experiences and aiding in trip planning.
Al-Arab emphasized the growing importance of these efforts in facilitating the visitor journey, from streamlined visa procedures through the Hayya platform to enhanced digital services. Gulf visitors play a significant role due to their proximity and social connections. The newspaper concluded by describing the calendar as an invitation to explore Qatar, supporting its ambitions to strengthen its global tourism standing in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.