Doha: In its editorial, Al Arab highlighted Qatar's balanced approach to regional issues amid ongoing tensions, pointing to a recent phone call between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The call underscored the importance of direct diplomatic channels in containing crises and avoiding escalation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the paper noted that the exchange reflected Qatar's consistent foreign policy of prioritizing dialogue and political solutions over confrontation. It added that Iran's engagement in such discussions signals a practical willingness to build on existing diplomatic efforts. The editorial also referenced the role of international mediation, including Pakistan's facilitation efforts, as a supporting track for regional understanding.
Meanwhile, Al Watan focused its editorial on the humanitarian toll of ongoing conflicts in the Arab region as Eid Al-Adha approaches. The newspaper described continued Israeli military actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria, stating that these actions have deepened hardship and undermined hopes for celebration during the holiday period. It highlighted that Gaza, in particular, is facing severe conditions marked by hunger, fear, and displacement, with damaged infrastructure, shortages of basic needs, and widespread displacement leaving little room for traditional Eid celebrations.
In contrast, The Peninsula highlighted preparations within Qatar for Eid Al-Adha, describing an atmosphere of faith, solidarity, and social cohesion across the country. The English-language daily noted that the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has designated 733 mosques and prayer areas for Eid prayers to accommodate worshipers nationwide. It also highlighted ongoing arrangements for Qatari pilgrims, including the formation of the national Hajj mission and coordination with licensed pilgrimage operators to ensure logistical and health support.
The newspaper added that Qatar's quota for pilgrims in 2026 has been set at around 4,400, selected through an electronic system aimed at transparency and efficiency, while the Ministry of Public Health has outlined required vaccinations and health measures for pilgrims. It concluded that Eid Al-Adha and the Hajj season continue to represent values of faith, unity, and humanitarian solidarity across the Muslim world.