Best photos of December 26: From camel racing in Qatar to the Guinean presidential campaign

Spectators follow a race from their vehicles, as remote-controlled toddler-sized robot jockeys, in different colour racing silks, compete on camels on the sandy racing track, in al-Shahaniya on December 25, 2025. The camel race season runs from October to February in Qatar with camels trucked in from across the neighboring Gulf nations. Each race has about 10-12 camels competing, with up to 10 races taking place in a day. The camels are guided by an operator who can apply the whip antenna, command the jockey to pull on the reins, and shouts encouragement to the camel via a built-in speaker. (Photo by Mahmud HAMS / AFP)
Palestinians wait to receive food at a community kitchen in Deir Al Balah, central Gaza. AP
A nativity scene outside St George's Church in Yaroun, southern Lebanon. EPA
Women gather to pray for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami at Pattinapakkam beach in Chennai, south-east India. AFP
A swimmer negotiates a channel in the ice during a winter swimming event at Shenshuiwan Park in Shenyang, in north-eastern China's Liaoning province. AFP
A boy looks at his phone in front of festive inflatables, as residents celebrate Christmas in Cuba's capital Havana. AFP
The annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day at Sydney Harbour. AFP
Special forces troops stand guard at the final campaign rally of Guinean President and presidential candidate Mamady Doumbouya, in the capital Conakry, ahead of the country's presidential election. AFP

The National

December 26, 2025

The National picks the most striking images from around the world