QNB and Mastercard expand payment services in Syria

Mastercard announced that QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, was granted a Mastercard license to extend its issuing and acquiring activities in Syria, enabling it to provide Mastercard payment solutions - accepted locally and internationally- to individuals and businesses.

The move, which follows the memorandum of understanding signed between Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria in September to support the modernization of the country’s digital payments infrastructure, will expand access to seamless, secure and innovative digital transactions.

The alliance marks an important milestone for Mastercard and QNB in their joint efforts to enhance digital banking experience, drive financial inclusion and create new opportunities through technology.

This collaboration also reflects QNB’s commitment to spearheading digital innovation across its international network and underscores QNB Group’s dedication to fostering more resilient growth in this high‑potential market. Together, QNB and Mastercard aim to contribute to the evolution of Syria’s payments landscape.

“At Mastercard, we are deepening our commitment to Syria as early investors in a market undergoing meaningful transformation. By empowering our partner banks, we are enabling millions of citizens to access modern financial services and laying the foundations for a robust, future-ready payments ecosystem. Our work supports the country’s vision for sustainable economic progress, delivered with full respect for regulatory and compliance standards,” said Adam Jones, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.

#QNB #Mastercard

CULT GAIA RESORT 26: ARCHITECTURAL AND ARTISTIC LAYERING

For Resort 2026, Cult Gaia continues to blur the line between fashion and art, presenting a collection rooted in sculptural design and thoughtful construction. Architectural silhouettes take center stage, defined by clean lines, intentional draping, and three-dimensional detailing that elevates resort dressing beyond the expected.

Softness is introduced through fluid fabrics, dimensional florals, and layered textures, creating a refined balance between structure and movement. Each piece feels carefully composed, combining strength with femininity and offering effortless elegance through considered design.

This collection reflects Cult Gaia’s signature wearable art philosophy, expressive, timeless, and visually striking. Resort 2026 becomes a celebration of craftsmanship and modern elegance, delivering statement pieces designed to resonate both on the runway and in editorial storytelling

Cult Gaia is available to purchase at cultgaia.com and leading departmental stores. 

#CULTGAIA

Al Abdulghani Motors Announces the Arrival of the Motorsports-Inspired GR Yaris to Qatar with New Aero Performance Package

G16E-GTS 1.6L Turbo Produces 296 HP and 400 Nm of torque

Al Abdulghani Motors announced the launch of the GR Yaris in Qatar during a dedicated event at the Toyota Showroom in Lusail. Born from the challenges and triumphs of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship, this model introduces the new Aero Performance Package, developed to elevate aerodynamic efficiency, cooling performance, and driving stability.

Originally launched in Japan in 2020, the GR Yaris was the first Toyota model developed with a motorsport-first approach. Drawing on the expertise of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT), which recently helped secure Toyota’s fifth consecutive FIA WRC manufacturers’ championship win, the model has been engineered to respond precisely to input across all road conditions, ensuring confidence and control in every drive.

Beyond its competition heritage, the GR Yaris also embodies the spirit of Toyota craftsmanship. Each vehicle is carefully assembled at the GR FACTORY, a dedicated production line within Toyota’s renowned Motomachi Plant. There, a team of takumi (master craftspeople) uphold the brand’s highest standards of precision and performance, bringing motorsport-derived technology to life through meticulous craftsmanship.

As part of the launch at the Lusail showroom, Al Abdulghani Motors showcased 10 GR Yaris Cup vehicles, which will compete in the second edition of the Toyota GR Yaris Cup Qatar, scheduled to take place on 30 January 2026. The display offered media and motorsport enthusiasts a closer look at the vehicles that will feature in the upcoming championship, reinforcing the strong connection between the GR Yaris and Toyota’s growing local motorsport ecosystem.

On this occasion, Mr. Abdo Sweidan, Chief Operating Officer of Al Abdulghani Motors, said: “The launch of the new GR Yaris reflects Toyota’s motorsports philosophy translated into a road-ready performance car. At Al Abdulghani Motors, we are pleased to introduce a vehicle that combines racing-inspired engineering with everyday usability, offering customers in Qatar a driving experience defined by precision, control, and reliability.”

Mr. Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of the Middle East Regional Office, Toyota Motor Corporation: “The GR Yaris was developed directly from motorsport, guided by a clear philosophy of creating ever-better motorsport-bred cars. To support this philosophy, a wide range of special technologies and continuous improvement (Kaizen) have been incorporated into the vehicle. The GR Yaris delivers the pure enjoyment of a motorsport-bred machine, allowing a wide range of drivers to experience sporty driving and even participate in motorsports to the fullest. It is not a car that stops evolving; its driving performance and related technologies continue to be strengthened through constant feedback from racing.”

Developed through extensive driver feedback and refined through competitions across the world, the new GR Yaris combines motorsport-proven engineering with precision-tuned aerodynamics. Power comes from a 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine (G16E-GTS) producing 296 HP and 400 Nm of torque. This compact, high-output unit is paired with either a newly developed 8-speed Automatic Transmission model (AT), or a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) that provides quick, accurate shifts and a direct, connected driving feel. The GR-FOUR full-time 4WD system, featuring an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch and three selectable modes, continuously balances torque between the front and rear wheels to maximize traction and cornering stability on diverse road surfaces.

Complementing this drivetrain, the Aero Performance Package enhances downforce, cooling, and high-speed balance through six precision-engineered components. These include a ducted aluminum hood modeled after the GRMN Yaris that improves cooling performance, a front lip spoiler to reduce lift, fender ducts that release trapped air from the wheelhouses to improve steering response, a fuel-tank undercover that smooths underbody airflow, a variable rear wing that enhances high-speed stability, and rear bumper ducts that counter the “parachute effect” under heavy aerodynamic loads.

Lightweight materials reinforce this dynamic foundation: aluminum hood, doors, and rear hatch, together with a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof, lower the center of gravity and improve rigidity. The front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone suspension deliver responsive, composed handling, while front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, forged aluminum wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires ensure exceptional grip and steering precision.

As with any Toyota vehicle, safety is a top priority for the new GR Yaris. Drivers can enjoy complete peace of mind thanks to Toyota Safety Sense, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies designed to support confident driving in all conditions. The system includes six SRS airbags, a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Emergency Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Emergency Steering Assist (daytime), Lane Trace Assist (LTA), and an Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) for enhanced visibility at night.

In addition, the GR Yaris features a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) with auto brake to help prevent collisions when reversing, as well as an Emergency Call (eCall) system that is available in some markets, which automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a serious accident. Other safety technologies include Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), and a Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS).

The new GR Yaris gives drivers the opportunity to express their style with a choice of five distinctive exterior colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Super White II, Precious Black, Precious Metal, and Emotional Red. Inside the cabin, the performance-focused atmosphere is emphasized through two sporty interior themes: Black x Red, which highlights the GR racing identity with contrast accents, and a full Black option for a more minimalist look.

With these refinements and features, the GR Yaris continues to embody Toyota’s motorsport DNA in a package built for everyday driving excitement.

For more information, visit: www.aamotors.com/en-qa  

#AlAbdulghaniMotors #GRYaris