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!

On August 29, 2025, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced a decisive move during a special parliamentary session: Türkiye has severed all economic and trade relations with Israel and imposed a ban on Israeli aircraft entering Turkish airspace. The parliament also adopted a resolution condemning Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip as genocide.

“We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,” Fidan declared, decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warning of the broader regional instability fueled by Israeli military operations against neighboring countries, including Syria.

However, Reuters later clarified that the airspace ban applies specifically to government flights and aircraft transporting munitions to Israel, while commercial flights transiting Turkish airspace remain unrestricted. Supporting this, independent analysis from aviation intelligence platform ch-aviation shows that Israeli carriers such as El Al Israel Airlines, Israir, and Arkia continue to fly over Türkiye en route to destinations across Europe and the Caucasus without any noticeable rerouting. No official Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) have been issued to restrict these overflights.

Türkiye and Israel have maintained a tense political relationship for several years. All direct flights between the two countries have been suspended since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza. In a further indication of strained ties, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines relinquished their remaining slots at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport in April 2025, signaling that their return to the Israeli market remains unlikely in the near future.

While Türkiye’s move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel, the continuation of commercial overflights suggests a cautious approach to aviation restrictions, balancing political stance with operational realities of regional air traffic.

As the humanitarian and geopolitical crisis unfolds, the Turkish government’s actions reflect growing condemnation of Israeli policies in Gaza, underscoring the complex and volatile dynamics in Middle Eastern relations.

Wizz Air has officially ended its Abu Dhabi-based operations as of September 1, marking a strategic retreat from the UAE market to focus more heavily on its European network. While this move has resulted in some flight cancellations and operational shifts, travelers seeking affordable flights from the UAE will not be left stranded. A number of other low-cost carriers are actively stepping in to fill the gap, ensuring continued access to budget-friendly travel options.

Wizz Air’s August traffic report confirmed its last outbound flight from Abu Dhabi flew on August 31. The airline is simultaneously rebuilding its Tel Aviv hub, aiming to restart a full schedule of 24 routes by mid-September, underscoring the company’s adaptability following the suspension of summer flights from the UAE.

The decision to close Wizz Air’s Abu Dhabi base stems from a mix of operational challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the region and technical difficulties arising from harsh climate conditions affecting aircraft engines. While the airline’s Abu Dhabi-based arm has ceased operations, some routes from the broader Wizz Air European network will continue to fly to and from Abu Dhabi.

For passengers accustomed to Wizz Air’s low fares, several alternative budget airlines are ready to meet ongoing demand across the UAE and beyond:

• Air Arabia and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi: As the Middle East’s first and largest low-cost airline, Air Arabia operates from Sharjah, while its joint venture with Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, flies from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. Both carriers serve numerous destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
• flydubai: Dubai-based flydubai blends low fares with some full-service offerings, flying to more than 120 destinations worldwide. It is a popular choice for routes to Eastern Europe and South Asia.
• flynas: The Saudi low-cost carrier operates flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to multiple destinations, including Saudi cities, Tbilisi, and Brussels.
• IndiGo and Air India Express: These Indian carriers provide frequent, affordable connections between India and the UAE, covering a broad range of cities.
• Pegasus Airlines and Jazeera Airways: Pegasus offers budget flights to Turkey and onward connections to Europe from Sharjah and Dubai, while Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways serves routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations in the Middle East and Asia.

Though Wizz Air’s exit marks a shift in the UAE’s aviation landscape, the presence of these well-established low-cost competitors ensures the market remains dynamic and competitive. Travelers can continue to find attractive deals and explore a wide variety of destinations without stretching their budgets, especially during promotional periods when even full-service airlines offer significant discounts.

Great news for fans of the legendary manga and anime series One Piece: you no longer have to journey to Japan to shop at the iconic Mugiwara Store. On September 12, Singapore will welcome its very first official Mugiwara Store at Jewel Changi Airport, offering devotees an exciting treasure trove of exclusive One Piece merchandise.

Named after the Japanese term for “Straw Hat” — a nod to the series’ protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his adventurous crew — the Mugiwara Store will feature a wide range of collectibles including apparel, accessories, keychains, plush toys, and detailed figures. Fans can also enjoy immersive photo spots that bring the world of One Piece to life.

The store’s design draws inspiration from the One Piece Egghead Arc, where the Straw Hat Pirates explore the futuristic Egghead Island. This thematic setting adds a unique and immersive atmosphere for shoppers, making it more than just a retail experience.

Ng Kuan Luen, director of the Singapore-based omnichannel platform Omnisekai and part of the store’s management, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to announce the One Piece Mugiwara Store at Jewel Changi Airport, marking Singapore’s first-ever flagship location for this beloved manga and anime series. With its global appeal and iconic setting, Jewel Changi Airport is the perfect home for the Mugiwara Store’s debut in Singapore.”

The store opens its doors on September 12, 2025, located at 78 Airport Boulevard, #04-235/236, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666. It will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., inviting all One Piece fans and collectors to dive into a world of adventure and exclusive merchandise right in the heart of Singapore.

Malaysia is aiming high to boost its tourism industry, targeting 43 million foreign visitors this year and an even more ambitious 47 million in 2026. This bold vision aligns with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign’s goal to attract travelers who stay longer and spend more, strengthening the nation’s position as a top global destination.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, speaking after chairing the VM2026 National Main Committee meeting on September 2, outlined three key strategies that form the foundation of the campaign’s success. Central to these plans are stronger destination branding and more aggressive marketing campaigns designed to stimulate demand. Additionally, the government is actively working to boost visitor traffic through closer collaboration with airlines, travel agencies, and key regional land and sea entry points.

The campaign also targets specific markets and high-impact tourism segments, including ecotourism, shopping tourism, and unique niche attractions tailored to meet the interests of diverse traveler groups. These focused efforts aim to maximize visitor engagement and spending.

“The VM2026 campaign is a national priority that seeks to increase tourism revenue, enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness, and ensure that tourism continues to be a major contributor to the country’s GDP,” said Ahmad Zahid. Highlighting the sector’s strong recovery, he noted that Malaysia welcomed 38 million foreign visitors in 2024—a 31.1 percent increase from the previous year—while domestic tourism recorded 260.1 million visits, up 21.7 percent compared to 2023.

Seasonal tourism promotions are also a key focus, especially to attract visitors from the Middle East, a region challenged by extreme weather conditions at certain times of the year. One proposed initiative is to amplify the Malaysia Midnight Sale, positioning the country as a premier shopping destination for global tourists.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of unified action across government ministries and agencies to provide seamless service to visitors. “I want every ministry and agency to work together, move in step, and deliver the best experience to tourists,” he said. “With firm commitment, Malaysia will continue to excel as a world-class tourism destination, rich in culture, safe to visit, and able to generate shared prosperity.”

Supporting the overarching VM2026 campaign is a structure of six working sub-committees led by various ministries, including Tourism, Arts and Culture; Communications; Housing and Local Government; Transport; and Tourism Malaysia itself. This collaborative framework aims to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in both existing and emerging markets.
“I am confident that with serious focus and cooperation, Malaysia will boost its tourism sector significantly by 2026,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid concluded.

The ambitious VM2026 campaign underscores Malaysia’s commitment to revitalizing tourism and capitalizing on its diverse attractions, from natural wonders to vibrant cultural experiences, ensuring the country remains a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

The island paradise of Phuket is riding an extraordinary wave of tourism recovery in 2025, welcoming millions of travelers and generating remarkable revenue that underscores its position as Thailand’s premier tourist destination. Data from the Provincial Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office in Phuket reveals that over 7.6 million tourists arrived between January and July alone, injecting an astonishing 290 billion baht into the island’s economy.

Governor Sophon Suwannarat highlighted the diverse mix of visitors fueling this resurgence. Russians, Chinese, and Indians topped the arrival charts for the seven-month period, while European tourists surged in July, accounting for nearly 43% of visitors in that month. July’s tourist count reached approximately 887,000, contributing 36 billion baht to the local economy, a vivid sign of the island’s enduring appeal.

Hotel occupancy rates reflect healthy demand, with an average of 76.61% from January to July and a July occupancy of 63.99%, which mirrors typical seasonal travel patterns. The bustling hospitality sector benefits from a steady flow of international travelers who continue to choose Phuket for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.

Phuket’s growing visitor numbers are strongly supported by increased air traffic. Phuket International Airport recorded 63,007 flights in the first seven months of the year—a 6% rise over the same period last year. July by itself saw 7,896 flights touching down, signaling robust connections and accessibility for global travelers.

Adding to the island’s global reach, three new international airlines launched direct routes to Phuket in 2025. AirAsia inaugurated a four-times-weekly Medan-Phuket route, Asiana Airlines increased connectivity with 14 weekly flights from Seoul, and Air France began operating a thrice-weekly Paris-Phuket service. These new links not only broaden Phuket’s market but also make the island more accessible to diverse audiences.

Maritime tourism is also thriving. From January to July, 154,217 visitors arrived via 55 tourist boats, complemented by 670 travelers onboard 527 yachts, reinforcing the importance of sea-based arrivals in Phuket’s tourism mosaic.

Last year, Phuket welcomed a record 13.1 million visitors and amassed staggering tourism revenue of 497 billion baht, securing its status as Thailand’s top-earning province for tourism, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Encouragingly, the current year’s figures suggest Phuket is well on pace to match or potentially surpass those high benchmarks by year-end.

With expanding flight routes, consistently strong hotel occupancy, and tourists arriving from all corners of the globe, Phuket’s tourism sector is not merely recovering—it’s booming. The island is poised to continue dazzling travelers and driving economic growth well into the future, reaffirming its crown jewel status in Thailand’s tourism landscape.