Years of Culture Opens Antarctica Exhibition at Qatar National Library

The Years of Culture initiative, in collaboration with the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) and with the support of the Division of Cultural Affairs of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DIRAC), has opened the Antarctica exhibition at Qatar National Library. The captivating photographic showcase, on view through the end of November, invites visitors to explore one of the most remote, fragile, and inspiring places on Earth.

Through more than 40 powerful photographs, the exhibition highlights the extraordinary beauty and scientific significance of Antarctica, celebrating the continent as a global symbol of cooperation and discovery. Organised around three core themes, climate change, life and biodiversity, and scientific collaboration, the exhibition captures the essence of humanity’s shared responsibility for this unique environment.

From receding glaciers and research missions to the resilience of penguins, whales, and seabirds, each image offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life at the edge of the world. A special section is dedicated to Qatari explorers who have embarked on expeditions to Antarctica, reflecting Qatar’s growing engagement in global environmental dialogue and the spirit of exploration that connects Qatar to Argentina and Chile. 

Chile and Argentina have been working together since 2012 on a joint proposal to establish a Marine Protected Area in the Antarctic Peninsula and southern Scotia Arc, an initiative that underscores the importance of regional cooperation in preserving the continent’s delicate ecosystems.

The section features Hamida Al Kuwari, the first Qatari woman to reach Antarctica; Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, who journeyed there in 2011; and Fahad Badar, who took part in an expedition in 2020.

“This exhibition reflects the deep friendship between Chile and Qatar and our shared commitment to the peaceful and scientific exploration of Antarctica,” said H.E. Patricio Díaz Broughton, Ambassador of Chile to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. “It also highlights Chile’s longstanding leadership in Antarctic research and our determination to promote international cooperation for the protection of this extraordinary continent.”

Representing the Division of Cultural Affairs (DIRAC) of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DirectorMauricio Hurtado added: “The Antarctica exhibition embodies the values that unite our nations—science, culture, and dialogue. Through the Years of Culture partnership, we are able to build bridges between Chile and Qatar that extend to the very ends of the Earth.”

"We are honoured to host this exhibition on Antarctica in collaboration with Years of Culture,”  said Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library. “Today, as we reflect on these images, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to document and share knowledge to protect our planet. By promoting global understanding and awareness of the delicate balance of our world, we contribute to a sustainable future; a commitment that lies at the heart of everything we do at Qatar National Library.”

Designed to evoke the majesty of glaciers and icebergs, the exhibition’s immersive environment combines lightbox displays, authentic Antarctic soundscapes, and visuals that transport visitors to the heart of the White Continent. Each of the eleven exhibition units presents a distinctive sound journey, allowing visitors to experience the serene atmosphere of Antarctica

The exhibition is located on the ground floor and is open to visitors during QNL’s regular opening hours.

For more information, visit yearsofculture.com.qa.

#YEARSOFCULTURE #QatarNationalLibrary #ChileanAntarcticInstitute #AntarcticaExhibition

BENETTI RETURNS TO THE QATAR BOAT SHOW, CONFIRMING GROWTH IN THE MIDDLE EASTERN MARKET

The House of Yachting returns to Doha for the second edition of the Qatar Boat Show, held from November 5 to 8, 2025, confirming the strategic role of the Middle East and the growing interest in custom yachts built by Benetti.  

Following its successful debut in 2024, Benetti will once again be taking part in the Qatar Boat Show 2025. This strengthens its presence in the Gulf area, which continues to be one of the most dynamic and strategic for the Shipyard that has been synonymous with manufacturing excellence in the world of yachting for over 150 years.

The Middle East is now one of the world’s most dynamic markets, especially in the large and full-custom yachts segment. The key to the Shipyard's success in this area is in fact its extraordinary expertise in customisation: each project is the result of a creative process that combines innovation, engineering, design and superlative craftsmanship, in a process of continuous liaison with the owner. This is confirmed by the numerous full-custom yachts successfully built in recent years for various owners in the Gulf.

Benetti’s attendance of the Doha show will therefore be an opportunity to confirm the brand's manufacturing excellence and present the new projects in its fleet.

Oasis 42M – This is the new flagship of the iconic Oasis fibreglass series featuring the Oasis Deck®, the patented system with fold-out side terraces designed by RDW for Benetti. In this version the aft lounge area occupies over 100 square metres, incorporating an infinity pool with a retractable cover that creates a fluid continuum between inside and outside. The interiors designed by Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture create a light-filled, contemporary retreat, where natural materials and textured surfaces interact with the light reflected off the water.

Benetti Oasis 42M

B.Now 52M – This is the natural evolution of the successful B.Now 50M steel concept, of which a record 21 units have been sold to date.  Featuring an Oasis Deck® in the stern that's 30% larger than the previous version, totalling 130 square metres, it has an expanded, completely redesigned swimming pool that incorporates a retractable cover system, allowing the area to be converted into a magical platform on the water. But the real heart of the project is on the Main Deck: 48 metres of seamless space that starts at the main salon door, offering a rare sense of depth as well as an uninterrupted view all the way to the panoramic bow terrace. The new layout – designed by RWD – brings the external corridor indoors, conveying the sensation of having the sea on board thanks to the huge side windows. On the Upper Deck, the elimination of the external staircase up to the terrace creates a new area entirely reserved for the owner: 110 square metres split between the master cabin and the private terrace.

Benetti B.Now 52M

B.Loft 58M – Unveiled in a world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show, this is one of Benetti's most contemporary architectural visions. Designed to suggest the language of important villas and contemporary lofts, this model reinterprets the yacht as a place of well-being and social interaction, with double-height ceilings, panoramic windows, and visual continuity between the interiors and exteriors. The onboard experience begins with the Cabana Deck™, an area at the water’s edge designed to revolutionise the beach club concept again. The side wings swing out to form a 120-square-metre, 15.5-metre-wide bathing platform, creating an indoor and outdoor space on the water where the light reflected from the swimming pool on the terrace above filters through the clear ceiling into this convivial and relaxing setting.

Benetti B.Loft 58M

 Benetti at the Qatar Boat Show: Oceanic Display, Old Doha Port - Stand YL-10.

 Benetti “The House of Yachting"

Founded in 1873, Benetti is the storied Italian shipyard specialized in luxury yachts, an icon of timeless style and construction excellence. Every yacht is unique, developed around its owner. Benetti designs, builds and sells vessels in composite materials from 34 to 44 meters and boats in steel and aluminium from 37 to more than 100 meters. The range is made up of six categories: Class, Motopanfilo, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now, B.Neos, B.Loft and Custom. Part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, a world leader in the industry, Benetti recruits only highly skilled personnel for its Livorno production unit, Viareggio headquarters and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and London.

#BENETTI

The Ned Doha Embraces a Cleaner Future with the Removal of Industrial Seed Oils

The city’s favourite cultural hub takes a bold step towards wellness-focused dining across all its kitchens

Known for its world-class dining and distinctive 1970s-inspired design, The Ned Doha is redefining conscious hospitality with a pioneering new initiative. In a move that places wellness at the centre of the guest experience, the hotel has announced the complete removal of industrial seed oils, including sunflower, canola (rapeseed), soybean, corn, and other refined oils, from all its kitchens.

This initiative reflects The Ned Doha’s commitment to crafting cuisine that is as nourishing as it is flavourful. By eliminating highly processed seed oils, which are often rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, the hotel is embracing a cleaner, more mindful approach to cooking - one that aligns with the global shift toward whole, unprocessed ingredients and natural fats.

“We have made the decision at The Ned, Doha to eliminate highly processed industrial seed oils like canola and soybean oil from our kitchens, reflecting our commitment to guest wellness and providing healthier and vibrant dining experiences.” said Chef Martin Cahill, Executive Chef at The Ned Doha. “This decision stems from emerging research linking removal of these oils to better supporting our guest's well-being, allowing us to offer cleaner, more nourishing meal options and stand out by prioritizing transparency and integrity in all our ingredients. This change demonstrates a genuine commitment by The Ned, Doha to our guest's health and aligns with a growing wellness standard in hospitality globally”

Across The Ned Doha’s dining venues, including Cecconi’s, Hadika, and Millie’s Grill, culinary teams have reimagined their menus, replacing refined oils with nutrient-rich alternatives such as extra virgin olive oil, ghee, and coconut oil. Guests can expect the same vibrant flavours and signature dishes they love, now enhanced by the integrity of their ingredients.

With this milestone, The Ned Doha becomes the first hotel in Qatar to remove industrial seed oils from all its offerings, setting a new standard for wellness-driven luxury hospitality in the region.

#TheNedDoha