QF's Rasekh and Msheireb Properties Collaborate to integrate heritage and culture into education
An agreement aimed at developing educational resources inspired by Msheireb Museums to support students and researchers in Qatar Related Stories Story 4 min read
Social awareness program by Omar Farooq reflects the deep-rooted values of the Bahraini people Story 3 min read
The league and clinics, hosted by QF in collaboration with the NBA and Qatar Basketball Federation, bring together more than 1,000 participants from across the country Story 5 min read
Ceremony also launches the 'Thank You' campaign and hosts an interactive exhibition to promote ethical values in the community
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Qatar Tribune
9 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Abdullah Yassin wins top place at Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp
Tribune News Network Doha Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa, a prominent Qatar national team player and of Al Rayyan Basketball Club, etched his name in the golden pages of Asian and Arab basketball history by securing first place at the Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp, held in Singapore from June 19 to 22. The camp was organized by FIBA and the NBA, with oversight from players and coaches affiliated with both organizations. This event, recognized as the leading platform for identifying emerging talent in Asia and Oceania, drew 60 male and female athletes under the age of 17 from 17 different countries, showcasing the finest young talents who were meticulously selected through ongoing evaluation throughout the year. Abdullah Yassin distinguished himself not only as Qatar's representative but also as the sole Arab participant in this edition. He embraced the responsibility of representing Arab basketball and emerged victorious, achieving a huge milestone. From the outset of the camp, Abdullah captured attention with his exceptional skills, natural ability to read the game, and tenacity, which were evident during both training sessions and practice matches. The Qatari star demonstrated his capabilities when he took part in the three-point shooting competition, a key highlight of the camp. Praise from NBA stars The presence of NBA stars and their participation in supervising the players added dimensions of competition and excellence to the camp. Abdullah caught the attention of these stars and was widely praised by prominent figures. Tyrese Maxey, star of the Philadelphia 76ers, said, 'Abdullah Musa possesses rare confidence, and his movements reflect a high level of tactical awareness. I believe he can play at a higher level if he continues with this level of commitment and development.' As Derrick White, star of the Boston Celtics, added, 'It was no surprise that Abdullah Al-Arabi was the only player here. He is the type of player who is not easily forgotten. His professional path is open if he continues to work with this spirit.' Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation, said, 'What Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa has achieved is an unprecedented accomplishment for Qatari and Arab basketball, and it is living proof that the talent development project we began years ago is beginning to bear fruit. His participation in the 'Basketball Without Borders Asia' camp in Singapore, followed by his first-place finish, was not a coincidence, but rather the natural result of meticulous planning and a collective effort involving the association, clubs, coaches, the player's family, and everyone who supported this rising talent.' Captain Yassin Ismail, Director of the Qatari 3x3 Basketball Teams, praised this achievement, saying, 'Abdullah is not an ordinary talent; he is a potential professional player by all standards. I have followed him closely since he was in the early youth stages at Al Rayyan Club, and we have witnessed his discipline, constant desire to learn, and high fighting spirit. These are the qualities that distinguish a player of the future.' Abdullah Yassin Ismail Musa said, 'I can't describe how I feel. To be the only Arab and then emerge a champion is a great honor and a huge responsibility. My thanks to everyone who supported me, from the Qatar Football Association, my family, and my coaches in the Qatari national team and Al Rayyan Club. This experience has taught me a lot. Now I return to Doha more determined and more eager to reach further than I ever dreamed.' He added, 'It was an unforgettable experience. The training was intense, and the competition was fierce, but I believed in myself and in representing my country and the entire Arab world.' He explained: 'I am very happy to have won first place in the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp, and also to have won first place in the three-point shooting competition, especially in the presence of coaches and players from the NBA. The competition was not easy, but focus and self-confidence were my weapons. 'I thank the Qatar Basketball Federation, Al Rayyan Club, and everyone who supported me, especially my family and coaches, for their continuous support. I also thank my teammates on the national team, who share this with me.'
Al Jazeera
11 hours ago
- Al Jazeera
Report: Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant traded to Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are acquiring 15-time All-Star forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for guard Jalen Green and forward Dillon Brooks as well as the number 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and five second-round picks, ESPN reported on Sunday. The trade can be completed when the new league year for the US National Basketball Association (NBA) begins on July 6. At that point, Durant will be eligible to sign a two-year extension worth up to $122m. Durant has one season left on his current deal and is set to earn $54.7m in 2025-26. Durant will join a Rockets team that finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference. The star forward will join All-Star Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet, among others, in Houston. Durant, who turns 37 in September, played in 62 games with the Suns in 2024-25. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks, not far off of his career averages. He also shot 43.0 percent from three-point range. Selected to the All-NBA first team six times, Durant has appeared in 1,123 games with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-16), Golden State Warriors (2016-19), Brooklyn Nets (2020-23) and Suns. He has career averages of 27.2 points, 7.0 rebounds. 4.4 assists and 1.1 blocks, shooting 39 percent from long distance. Green, 23, averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists while starting in all 82 games this season. He now ventures to Phoenix to join All-Star Devin Booker in a potent backcourt. He has contributed 20.1 points, 4.3 boards and 3.4 assists in 307 games since being selected by the Rockets with the second overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. Brooks, 29, averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 75 games this season. He has contributed 14.2 points, 3.2 boards and 2.0 assists in 492 games with the Memphis Grizzlies (2017-23) and Rockets. He was selected by Houston in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
More Than a Game: How Qatar Foundation Schools Are Empowering Girls Through Sport
Hanane Djoua Doha In the sunlit courtyard of Tariq Bin Ziad School, laughter mingles with the steady rhythm of dribbling basketballs. A group of girls, sleeves rolled up and faces flushed with effort, work together on passing drills, their voices loud and confident. Among them is Huda Al Awadi, who not long ago might have been found sitting quietly on the sidelines, her hands clasped tightly in nervousness. Today, Huda is the captain of her school's basketball team — and a powerful symbol of what happens when schools, teachers, and communities commit to the belief that sport is for everyone. 'I used to be so shy, so afraid to make mistakes,' Huda reflects, her eyes bright with determination. 'But once I took that first step — with my teacher and family supporting me — I started to see myself differently. Now I feel like I can take on challenges, on the court and in life. I want to represent Qatar one day.' A Bold Vision for Girls' Sports Huda's story is part of a wider transformation unfolding across Qatar Foundation (QF) schools. Underpinned by a strategic vision and the support of dedicated educators, sport at QF is being reimagined as a tool not only for physical fitness, but for building confidence, leadership, and resilience — particularly among girls. 'Sport is a powerful platform for building life skills in real-time,' says Abdullah Al Kaabi, Head of Sports Affairs at QF's Pre-University Education (PUE). 'It teaches teamwork, discipline, resilience, and emotional intelligence — all essential beyond the field of play. For girls in particular, sport provides a unique opportunity to challenge stereotypes, build self-worth, and step into leadership roles.' Backed by Qatar Foundation's broader vision, the PUE Sports Affairs team — part of the Student Affairs and Community Engagement (SACE) Department — has spearheaded programs that go far beyond traditional PE classes. These include professional development for female educators, the creation of girls' leagues, the Her Time to Play basketball initiative, and seasonal sports camps that give students the chance to develop skills in disciplines from fencing and athletics to padel and volleyball. 'Our aim is to provide structured, inclusive environments where girls can thrive,' says Al Kaabi. 'Success is measured not in trophies, but in personal growth — when a shy student finds her voice, when a girl discovers a passion that shapes her future.' But this vision doesn't stop at the school gates. Al Kaabi describes how PUE's strategy integrates sport into the larger ecosystem of student development — connecting students to national sports federations, creating opportunities for students to participate in events like National Sport Day, and embedding sportsmanship, leadership, and community service into the curriculum. 'We see sport as a way to contribute to a student's whole identity. When a girl joins a basketball team, or signs up for fencing, she's not just learning a game — she's learning how to work in a team, how to manage pressure, how to bounce back from failure. Those lessons stay with her for life.' He highlights how partnerships with local and international bodies — such as the Jr NBA, Qatar Women's Sports Committee, and Olympic federations — have helped QF schools provide real pathways for aspiring athletes. 'We've seen students go from school PE classes to regional competitions,' Al Kaabi adds. 'And what's equally powerful is seeing students who may not want to compete at that level still walk away with self-confidence, friendships, and the joy of movement. That's a win in itself.' Al Kaabi is also proud of the way QF sports initiatives actively involve parents and families. Through open days, parent-child tournaments, and community workshops, PUE has created spaces where sport is seen as a shared experience — breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding. 'Family support is key, especially in shifting mindsets about girls in sport,' he explains. 'When parents see their daughters leading a team, competing with pride, or volunteering at an event, it changes perceptions. We're building not just individual confidence, but community confidence.' Looking ahead, Al Kaabi shares plans for further innovation: expanding the summer camp to introduce more emerging sports like archery and martial arts, developing talent ID pathways for girls, and using technology to track student progress in fitness and skill development. 'Our ultimate goal,' he says, 'is to normalize the idea that sport is for everyone — that it's not a side activity, but a central part of education and personal growth. When girls leave our schools, we want them to see sport as part of who they are.' Shaping Futures Through Mentorship One of the most passionate champions of this vision is Zaina Chaabane, PE teacher at Tariq Bin Ziad School. Zaina's own journey into sports began early, fueled by a deep belief in its transformative power. 'Sports were once seen mainly as a boys' activity,' Zaina explains. 'I saw it during my studies and in the early years of my career — girls often hesitated to join in, and physical education wasn't always given the value it deserves. But sport builds more than strength; it builds courage, teamwork, confidence. That's what I wanted to share.' Since joining TBZ in 2019, Zaina has worked to dismantle barriers that kept girls from fully embracing sport. She engaged parents to help shift perceptions, organized girls-only tournaments to provide safe and supportive spaces, and advocated for equal visibility and opportunity. 'Changing mindsets starts with small actions that add up,' she says. 'You involve parents, you celebrate girls' successes, you make sure they're seen and valued. And you help them take that first step into the challenge zone — where they can grow without fear of failure.' Zaina's approach also includes adapting to individual needs, whether that means modifying activities, providing extra training, or simply offering consistent encouragement. She shares stories of Arab women athletes who have succeeded internationally, showing students that their dreams are valid and achievable. The Spark That Ignites Change It's this blend of vision, mentorship, and opportunity that has inspired students like Huda to embrace sport as a central part of their identity. 'I'll never forget that game when I first scored,' Huda says. 'I almost didn't play — I was so nervous. But Ms. Zaina kept believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. After that, everything changed. I felt proud, I felt strong. I wanted to keep going.' Today, Huda not only leads her team but actively encourages other girls to join. She dreams of enrolling in a local sports academy and representing Qatar — ambitions that once felt impossible. 'I want younger girls to know that it's okay to feel shy at first. Just try. You'll surprise yourself with what you can do. And having someone who believes in you — like my teacher and my parents believed in me — makes all the difference.' Beyond the Court: Building Community and Leadership This ripple effect is visible across QF schools. Al Kaabi shares how one teacher, after attending a basketball workshop organized by PUE, founded a girls' team at her school. Through her dedication, the team flourished — and one player went on to join the prestigious Jr. NBA tournament. 'These success stories reflect the long-term impact of school-based sports development,' Al Kaabi notes. 'And the influence extends beyond the players. That team took part in National Sport Day at Education City, running basketball awareness sessions and demonstrations that brought together students, families, and the wider community.' Such initiatives do more than build athletic ability. They foster leadership, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. They create spaces where girls can take risks, learn from setbacks, and grow in confidence. Overcoming Challenges, Together The journey has not been without challenges. As Al Kaabi acknowledges, changing perceptions takes time and persistence. 'There was cultural hesitation around girls' participation in competitive sport, and a shortage of qualified female coaches,' he explains. 'We addressed this by engaging with parents and creating training, mentorship, and certification opportunities for female educators. It's about building trust and creating environments where girls feel safe, supported, and inspired.' Zaina agrees. 'When a girl who once sat out in silence steps up to lead, or dreams of representing her country, we've done more than teach sport — we've sparked belief in herself.' Looking Ahead: A Movement in Motion The momentum continues to build. This summer, PUE's sports camps will introduce new disciplines to broaden students' horizons and encourage exploration. There are plans for expanded inter-school leagues, talent identification programs, and deeper community engagement — all designed to ensure that sport remains a powerful, positive force in students' lives. For teachers like Zaina, the mission is clear: to create inclusive, exciting experiences where students — especially girls — can discover their voice and their strength. 'Sports are more than physical activity,' she says. 'They are a catalyst for personal growth. They give girls the chance to see themselves as leaders, as challengers, as people who can make a difference.' A Legacy of Confidence As the final whistle blows at another friendly match, Huda and her teammates gather in a circle, their faces glowing with pride. They have won more than points on a scoreboard. They have won belief — in themselves and each other. In Qatar Foundation's schools, sport is no longer just a game. It is a movement. A pathway to confidence, leadership, and lifelong growth — one girl, one team, one dream at a time.
