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SUNDAY Vol. XXXXII No. 11943 June 13, 2021 Dhul-Qa’da 3, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir congratulates Multi-faith march to end hatred in Canada Russian president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Islamic fi nance bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his country’s making steady National Day. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a similar cable of congratulations to Prime Minister growth in Qatar Mikhail Mishustin. (QNA) Amir sends greetings Qatar’s Islamic finance assets amount to Philippine president to QR528bn in 2020: QCB governor

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to Philippine People walk during the multi-faith march to end hatred, starting from the site where a man driving a pickup truck President Rodrigo Duterte on struck and killed four members of a Muslim family and ending at the London Muslim Mosque, in London, Ontario, the anniversary of his country’s Canada, on Friday. Page 11 Independence Day. (QNA) UK may postpone lifting of virus curbs QCB Governor HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Saudi limits this year’s Haj to Prof Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti Saoud al-Thani British Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday gave his strongest hint slamic fi nance assets in Qatar ing support to aff ected sectors, we yet that a plan to lift all coronavirus amounted to QR528bn in 2020, managed to mitigate the implications restrictions would be delayed, country’s 60,000 residents I86% out of which were Islamic of this shock, maintain credit fl ow to due to concern over the spread of bank assets, noted QCB Governor HE economic sectors, and achieve fi nan- a new variant. The Delta variant Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud al-Thani. cial and banking stability in the coun- has caused a surge in Covid cases “Islamic fi nance in Qatar is witness- try.” in Britain, throwing into doubt audi Arabia said yesterday that for the health, safety and security of ing a continuous development through “During this crisis, banks witnessed government plans to ease curbs it will limit the registration for pilgrims as well as the safety of their policies and regulations that are be- pressures on their systems and budgets from June 21. Speaking on the Sthis year’s Haj pilgrimage to countries.” ing updated to ensure its continued through the required harmonisation sidelines of the G7 leaders’ summit citizens and residents of the kingdom The kingdom said later that it had competitiveness at both regional and between continued credit granting, in Cornwall in southwest England, in light of the coronavirus pandemic informed other countries of the deci- international levels”, said Sheikh Ab- asset reclassifi cation and provisions Johnson said the spread was a (Covid-19). sion not to allow pilgrims from abroad. dullah said in his introductory remarks for credit losses. Banks in Qatar con- matter of “serious, serious concern”. The Ministry of Haj and Umrah an- “There was great understanding,” in Bait Al-Mashura Finance Consulta- tinued to apply the accounting stand- Page 9 nounced that a total of 60,000 pil- Saudi deputy Haj minister, Abdulfat- tion’s report on Islamic fi nance in Qa- ard for calculating provision for ex- grims vaccinated against Covid-19 tah bin Sulaiman Mashat, told a news tar 2020. pected credit losses, and to update the Algerians vote in will be allowed to perform the pil- Saudi Deputy Minister of Haj and conference. “Upon successfully completing structures of scenarios used to deter- grimage this year, but Muslims from Umrah, Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman “Arrangements for this were based Dukhan Bank merger, Masraf Al Rayan mine credit losses in a more conserva- parliamentary polls foreign countries will be barred to Mashat, speaks at a press conference on the kingdom’s keenness on the pil- recently sought another merger with tive view. Nevertheless, the results of Algeria held parliamentary prevent the spread of the pandemic in the capital Riyadh, yesterday. grims’ health and the safety of their Khaleeji Commercial Bank to boost banking sector came good, as banks elections yesterday that the ruling locally and abroad. countries.” the strength of Qatari Islamic banks maintained their asset quality stand- establishment hopes will turn a page The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), who are aged 18-65 with no chronic The Council of Senior Scholars worldwide. Such a new banking en- ards and credit grew at 8.6%.” on political unrest amid a crackdown quoting the Ministry of Haj and illnesses, it said. has voiced support for the Ministry tity is expected to be the fi fth largest The QCB governor said: “Finan- on dissent, but even by mid Umrah said: “It was decided to limit “Considering the large crowds that of Haj and Umrah’s decision to limit Islamic bank in the world with assets cial technology is no longer an option, afternoon few people had voted. Two availability of registration to those perform Haj, spending long periods of this year’s Haj to 60,000 citizens and amounting to $47bn .” but an urgent necessity the adoption years after mass demonstrations wishing to perform the Haj rituals time in multiple and specifi c places... residents inside the Kingdom of Saudi Sheikh Abdullah said: “In 2020, the of which applications should be ac- forced a veteran president to step for the year 1442 AH to citizens and requires the highest levels of health Arabia due to the Covid-19 pandemic, global economy as well as the fi nancial celerated. This crisis also revealed to down in Algeria’s biggest political residents inside the Kingdom of Saudi precautions. SPA said. and banking sector have gone through us the Qatari banking sector’s ability crisis for decades, the authorities Arabia only, while the total number of Saudi Arabia said those wishing to Citing experts’ warning that large an unprecedented crisis due to Cov- to quickly adapt to these changes by are still struggling to quell the pilgrims is 60,000 pilgrims, in light of perform the Haj would have to apply gatherings increase risk of coronavi- id-19 implications and repercussions. adopting technological solutions ac- protest movement. Yesterday’s vote what the whole world is witnessing of online. rus infections, the council described These events posed a new challenge cording to the best technical stand- followed a presidential election the continuing developments of the The Ministry of Haj and Umrah said the Saudi government’s decision to to the fi nancial and banking system in ards and protectionist and supervisory in 2019 and a referendum on an emerging Covid-19 pandemic and the the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which limit this year’s Haj as reasonable, Qatar. controls. Banks and other fi nancial amended constitution last year. Polls emergence of new variants.” is honoured to host pilgrims every responsible and highly needed to pro- “Thanks to the measures that fo- institutions managed to smoothly and closed at 1900 GMT and results are The pilgrimage, scheduled to be year, “confi rms that this arrangement tect human lives and ensure safe pil- cused on ensuring business continu- safely provide their services through expected today. Page 7 held in July, would be limited to those comes out of its constant concern grimage. ity, supporting liquidity and provid- their applications.” To Page 4 Belgium, Finland win as Wales, Switzerland draw Eriksen awake after collapsing on pitch Belgium posted a comfortable 3-0 win over Russia and Finland 44 companies charged with beat Denmark 1-0 as Wales and Switzerland played out a 1-1 draw in yesterday’s Euro 2020 matches. violating outdoor work ban Page 12, Sport Page 8

QNA T m Doha o a t he Ministry of Administrative De- d c velopment, Labour and Social Aff airs T(MADLSA) represented by the Labour a h Inspection Department has issued 44 viola- y’ tions of Ministerial Resolution No (17) for the e year 2021, regarding the necessary precau- s s tions to protect workers from heat stress in open work sites. ing maintenance), in the areas of Al Munta- Group D: England A statement issued by the Ministry stated zah, Khalifa City, Al Wakra, Al Wukair, Al that legal measures were taken against the Sailiya, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed, vs Croatia (4pm, violating companies during the inspection Ain Khalid, Umm Salal Mohammed, Lusail, London) campaigns, as the total number of companies Al Dafna, Muraikh, and Al Mashaf. that violated the decision amounted to 98 The ministry called on all companies in Group C: Austria vs companies since the beginning of the period various sectors to adhere to working hours North Macedonia of prohibition of work in open places, which during the summer, for work performed un- was set on 1/6/2021. The decision deter- der the sun or in open workplaces, in order to (7pm, Bucharest) mines the working hours for the works per- avoid legal measures, noting that these meas- Group C: formed under the sun or in open workplaces ures come from Qatar’s keenness to ensure and in places other than shaded and venti- the safety and health of workers and the work A fan holds up Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen’s jersey during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group B football Netherlands vs lated , during June 1 to September 15 of each environment. match between Denmark and Finland at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen yesterday. Eriksen was awake Ukraine (10pm, year. As such work is banned in the open from Violations in this regard can be reported by in hospital and undergoing tests after collapsing and needing to be revived on the pitch in extraor- 10 in the morning until 3.30 in the evening. calling the hotline 16008, or on the unifi ed dinary scenes. The Danish Football Union said Eriksen was “awake and undergoing further tests”, Amsterdam) The statement revealed that most of the platform for complaints and reports by visit- having received CPR from medical personnel before being taken off on a stretcher. The Group B game (All timings are Qatar time) companies violating the provisions of the de- ing the following link: https://acmsidentity. was stopped just before half-time with the score goalless and suspended for nearly two hours before cision, work in the contracting sector (build- adlsa.gov.qa/ar, the ministry added. restarting. Sport Page 8 Gulf Times 2 Sunday, June 13, 2021 QATAR

Ehsan hosts broadcast Qatar calls on Israel to on elderly rights, laws

he Centre for Empower- ment and Elderly Care T(Ehsan) has hosted lawyer Dr Abdullah Youssef al-Ansari in a live broadcast to mark World co-operate with IAEA Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The discussion, titled ‘The Law of QNA of law in international relations. tional community and its relevant Elderly Rights: a Need or a Luxu- Vienna Al-Mansouri pointed out that all institutions to support the goal of ry?’, talked about the need for es- Arab countries, including Qatar, freeing the Middle East from nu- tablishing a law to protect elderly joined the Treaty on the Non-Pro- clear weapons, and to take prac- rights, internal legal administra- atar has stressed the im- liferation of Nuclear Weapons and tical steps to achieve that goal, tion and agencies. portance of Israel co- adopted and agreed to all interna- based on its legal and moral re- The broadcast addressed the Qoperating with the Inter- tional resolutions calling for the sponsibility. issue of elderly abuse and high- national Atomic Energy Agency Middle East to be free of nuclear Al-Mansouri delivered another lighted the absence of a law to (IAEA) regarding its nuclear ca- weapons, while Israel refuses to statement in front of the IAEA’s protect the elderly and whether pabilities, and to open its atomic engage in these eff orts. Board of Governors on technical this is considered an insult to reactors to inspectors. He referred to Israel’s behav- co-operation, in which he praised them. It also discussed eligibil- HE Qatar’s ambassador to Aus- iour in its policy towards the Pal- the agency’s role in assisting coun- ity and its consequences. World tria, and its Permanent Represent- estinians, its failure to observe tries through the transfer of nucle- Elder Abuse Awareness Day is ative to the United Nations and international law, and its use of all ar knowledge necessary to achieve observed every year on June 15. international organisations in Vi- kinds of weapons to oppress the sustainable social and economic Dr al-Ansari explained that enna Sultan bin Salmeen al-Man- Palestinian people. development, especially in devel- the existing laws already in- souri, said in front of the session He stressed that the recent Is- oping countries, and to address the clude rights of the elderly, who Dr al-Ansari explained that the of the IAEA Board of Governors raeli aggression on Gaza, and the coronavirus pandemic. are an integral part of society, existing laws already include held in Vienna, during the discus- excessive and disproportionate He expressed Qatar’s grati- and the general legislations pre- rights of the elderly, who are an sion of Israeli nuclear capabilities use of force against civilians and tude for the co-operation that serve their rights. He added that integral part of society, and the item, that Qatar strongly supports the destruction of civilian infra- the agency maintains with Qatari care for the elderly is a duty and general legislations preserve the rule of law in international re- structure, angered world public institutions by providing advice a divine command. “I suggest their rights. lations, as a basic guarantee for opinion, including Israeli public and implementing a number of that specialised centres such as creating a peaceful and stable in- opinion, and raised fundamental HE Sultan bin Salmeen al-Mansouri projects, noting that Qatar is cur- Ehsan Centre or Hamad Medical perience in diff erent fi elds,” he ternational environment that en- questions about whether Israel rently consulting with the agency Corporation, during home visits noted. hances opportunities for sustain- behaves as a responsible state and sibility of using nuclear weapons. not to evade revealing the truth in order to open new horizons for to the elderly, should investigate Al-Ansari concluded with a able development for all peoples. uses its weapons in accordance Al-Mansouri responded to about Israel’s nuclear capabili- co-operation to serve national cases of neglect that some elder- heartfelt thanks to Ehsan Centre He noted that the goal of nu- with the rules of international the allegations of the Israeli rep- ties, stressing the importance of programmes, as well as contrib- ly are subjected to, which is con- for providing this opportunity to clear disarmament in accordance law, and if there are guarantees resentative in the IAEA against Israel co-operating with the IAEA uting to supporting the eff orts sidered a form of abuse against talk about the rights of the eld- with international agreements and that Israel will not use its weapons Qatar, and asked him to stop giv- regarding its nuclear capabilities, of developing countries to use them, and that these centres are erly. United Nations resolutions is one in an irresponsible way in the fu- ing speeches of incitement and and to open its atomic reactors to nuclear techniques for peaceful given judicial rights, such as the For its part, Ehsan thanked of the means to uphold the rule ture, including the terrifying pos- deliberately obliterating facts, and inspectors. He urged the interna- purposes. right of investigation, inspection all the parties and individuals and access to the elderly, regis- co-operating with the centre tration of violations and fi ling of in awareness-raising activities complaints,” he said, adding that about the rights of the elderly. some cases of abuse bring tears The centre invites the public to to the eyes. view and follow up its social me- New building of Residence Aff airs Court inaugurated He suggested creating a simple dia accounts and awareness pro- website that contains a section grammes related to the elderly. The new headquarters of the The inauguration was attended Shared Services Aff airs Khamis court sessions at the primary allocated by the Department of that allows users to submit these The centre also hosted a live Residence Aff airs Court and by the President of the Court of Mohamed al-Kuwari, and and appeal levels, administrative Research and Follow-up, and it complaints to the authorities broadcast that addressed the Prosecution was inaugurated First Instance Dr Ibrahim Hilal Brigadier Engineer Mohamed off ices, off ices of judges and was equipped and furnished by concerned, and adding it is nec- social aspect, presented by Mar- yesterday. It is located next to al-Mohannadi, the Assistant Thani al-Madhahka, representing prosecutors, and reception rooms the Supreme Judiciary Council. essary to benefi t from the expe- yam Ahmed al-Dossari, member the Research and Follow-up President of the Court of First the MoI. The building contains for the public, which are equipped The opening of the new building riences of the elderly themselves of the International Coaching Department building. The new Instance for Criminal Aff airs the latest devices, systems with digital display screens, comes within the framework in these areas. “Some retirees are Federation, consultant at Nomas headquarters was established Ghanem Thamer al-Hamidi, and information technology, to in order to provide guidance of the court development plan mentally and intellectually ca- Cultural Centre and head of the in co-operation between the the Head of the Residency simplify work procedures, and services, as well as equipping the carried out by the SJC, which has pable and have great skills that Alumni Association of the Col- Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC), Aff airs Prosecution Ahmed provide distinguished services front off ices and providing them so far included the opening and qualify them to reach the au- lege of Education. The lecture the Public Prosecution and the Matar al-Dosari, Acting with the latest technology. The with the necessary technical development of several other thorities concerned in the State, was titled ‘As they brought me Ministry of Interior (MoI). Assistant Undersecretary for new building includes rooms for means. The building was buildings. and some of them have great ex- up when I was young’. Gulf Times Sunday, June 13, 2021 3 QATAR

GWC organised interactive training and awareness sessions for its employees, highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow’. GWC celebrates ‘World Food Safety Day’

WC has celebrated food safety standards”. house experts spotlighted the 2021 edition of The training session em- these best practices and GWorld Food Safety phasised how safe food is a guided attendees to dili- Day (WFSD) by organis- shared responsibility be- gently follow them at every ing interactive training and tween producers, govern- stage in an eff ort to reduce awareness sessions for its ments, importers, retailers the burden of foodborne employees, highlighting this and every person who han- diseases resulting from year’s theme, ‘Safe food now dles food during the course unsafe food handling prac- for a healthy tomorrow’. of this supply chain. Vari- tices. “As the leading logistics ous interactive activities “GWC is a bonafi de ex- and cold chain provider were conducted by GWC’s pert in food and cold chain in Qatar, GWC has been certifi ed in-house experts logistics, and it is our en- an integral part of the na- to impart knowledge about deavour to constantly tion’s food supply chain for safe food handling to deliver monitor the safety of food many years. GWC contin- safe and healthy food to the in storage and during tran- ues to provide end-to-end consumer. sit using enhanced sys- logistics support for food “Our goal is enabling Ranjeev Menon tems,” added Menon. “Our imports in terms of sam- food safety from farm to the warehousing and logistics pling, inspection as per the table, and a highly trained 2007, GWC has long been services are consistent with procedures set forth by the workforce is imperative for a champion of setting high Qatar’s food security and Ministry of Public Health this purpose,” said Ranjeev standards of quality, in- safety guidelines to counter and Customs clearance, Menon, GWC’s Group CEO. cluding those for food safe- any threats to food secu- followed by cold chamber “These sessions will help ty, the statement noted. rity.” warehousing and distribu- in adding to our collective This “dedication to qual- Resonating with the ob- tion to end-use destina- awareness about the subject ity in storage and delivery jectives of this global initia- tions,” the company said in of food safety.” of food consignments” has tive by WHO and FAO, GWC a statement, stressing that With ISO 22000:2018 led to it being trusted by observed the third edition its WFSD initiative “reit- certifi cation for Food Safety retail and food distribution of World Food Safety Day on erated its commitment to Management System since outlets in Qatar. GWC’s in- an educational note. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, June 13, 2021 QATAR

QIB, Mastercard launch ‘Cards Summer Spends’ campaign Official Qatar condemns IB has partnered with award a total of 13 lucky winners needs in mind, which is why our Qatari consumers’ diverse range of Mastercard to launch the with QR25,000 in cash prizes with Mastercard credit and debit cards needs and lifestyles – it also pro- two bombings in Q2021 edition of its annual one winner each week, a press have been designed to make plan- vides them with thrilling opportu- Afghanistan ‘Cards Summer Spends’ promo- statement notes. ning a holiday both easy and se- nities to win exciting cash prizes. tion for Mastercard credit and For every QR25,000 spent cure. “Given previous year’s suc- We are committed to working with Qatar expressed its strong debit cardholders. Customers who during the duration of the cam- cess, we wanted to ensure that this our long-standing partner at QIB condemnation of the two use their QIB Mastercard debit paign, customers will get a chance year Mastercard cardholders are to make everyday payments for bombings that targeted two card internationally or Mastercard to receive the grand prize of able to enjoy those signifi cant re- our cardholders simpler, secure buses in the west of the Afghan credit card locally or internation- QR100,000. At the end of the cam- wards, as we look forward to mak- and rewarding.” capital, Kabul, causing deaths ally between June 1 and August 31 paign period in August, QIB will ing their vacation and shopping Accepted by millions of mer- and injuries. In a statement will automatically qualify to win select one lucky grand prize win- experiences memorable.” chants around the globe, online, yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign prizes up to QR100,000. ner who will receive QR100,000, Nadia Ghissassi, country man- and at millions of ATMs world- Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm For every QR5,000 weekly and the winner will be announced ager (Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and wide, the QIB Mastercard debit stance rejecting violence and spend, customers will receive in September. Iraq) - Mastercard, added: “We and credit cards “give customers terrorism, regardless of motives one entry into the weekly draw The winners will be selected are pleased to partner with QIB to the ease and security of cashless and reasons. It expressed Qatar’s throughout the period of the pro- using a random electronic draw, launch the cards Summer Spends shopping plus discounts, con- condolences to the families of the motion. Over the course of the which will take place in the pres- and Industry. D Anand, QIB gen- is an exciting and anticipated time promotion for all our debit and cierge service, travel insurance, victims and the government and ‘Cards Summer Spends’ promo- ence of representatives from QIB eral manager (Personal Banking for our customers. QIB creates all credit cardholders in Qatar. Not extended warranty, and purchase people of Afghanistan, wishing the tion, QIB and Mastercard will and the Ministry of Commerce Group), said: “The summer period of its products with its customers’ only does the campaign cater to protection.” injured a speedy recovery. — QNA Impactful sessions at QYP conference iving youth the opportunity With a focus on change. With a focus on self-aware- transforms our societies is linked to to learn from the country’s self-awareness and self- ness and self-development, eight empowering others first, and this Gbrightest change-makers, the development, eight thematic thematic workshops included Sport understanding was at the heart of Qatar Youth Power (QYP) Conference workshops included Sport Values, Youth and Global Citizenship the first Qatar Youth Power Confer- took place virtually on June 10 and 11 Values, Youth and Global Youth; Climate Activism in the Arab ence. We set out to help participating in partnership with Maker Majlis - a Citizenship Youth; Climate World; and Journey of an Entrepre- youth gain a better understanding of platform under the College of Islamic Activism in the Arab World; and neur. Bayan Khaled, a research fellow how they can use their potential for Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa Journey of an Entrepreneur at CIS, featured as a speaker at a panel the betterment of their communi- University (HBKU). discussion on faith and youth on so- ties, and, in keeping with our focus at The country’s first and only stu- tima El Mahdi, head of Thimun Qatar, cial media, with Iman Ismail, a senior CIS and Maker Majlis, to achieve the dent-initiated conference aimed to contended that youth empowerment at Georgetown University in Qatar. Sustainable Development Goals. We develop, connect and empower the is leadership and being able to em- Unique conference sessions in- thank our event partners for sharing youth of Qatar to positively impact power others. cluded the ‘Fireside Chat’, which in our message and enabling this suc- their communities, HBKU said in a Among the invited speakers were discussed empowering women in the cessful effort to empower our youth.” press statement. QYP 2021 took par- HBKU’s Dr Evren Tok, assistant dean region and increasing their participa- QYP 2021 partners included IL- ticipants on a journey of personal of Innovation and Community En- tion in the public sphere, as well as oveQatar.net; Qatar Medical Students growth that aimed to unlock their po- gagement, associate professor of Is- the challenges facing youth striving Association, Students Qatar, Greener tential by developing participants as lam and Global Affairs, and founder to create social change. The confer- Future, talabat and Doha Environ- individuals, connecting this to the lo- of Maker Majlis. Inspiring Qatari role ence closed with a keynote on ‘Youth mental Actions Project. cal and wider community, and lastly, models, youth entrepreneurs, speak- Empowerment and Education for Fu- For more information on the work empowering them to take this capa- ers from the World Innovation Sum- From the Qatar Youth Power Conference held virtually. ture Change Makers’. of the College of Islamic Studies and bility globally. Reflecting the theme mit for Education (WISE), Save the Speaking after the conference, Dr Maker Majlis, one can visit https:// in her opening keynote, ‘Empowering Dream and figures such as Khalifa oveQatar.net, and stand-up come- sessions that gave the youth the edu- Tok said: “Rather than an individ- www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cis/maker- Yourself is Empowering Others’, Fa- al-Haroon, founder and CEO of IL- dian Hamad al-Mari, led impactful cation and tools necessary to make a ual endeavour, leading change that majlis.

Shell NXplorers celebrates achievements in ceremony

atar Shell has held a virtual ceremony to celebrate the completion of its second cycle of the NXplorers programme. Q The Shell NXplorers programme is currently running in a number of schools in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- cation Qatar, and Qatar Scientifi c Club. The ceremony was a celebration and recognition of the Shell NXplorers programme with the aim to inspire talented young people to be the problem-solvers of today and leaders of to- morrow, a press statement noted. The NXplorers contest received over 20 nominations from Grade 9 stu- dents, from which three winning teams were selected based on the chal- lenges presented, solution ideas and the application of their NXplorers thinking tools. The celebration included global Shell NXplorers team, rep- resentatives from local entities and Qatar Shell STEM ambassadors. Mostafa Mostafa, Diyora Berdiyorova and Minaa Zafar — Team ‘Un- known’ from Michael E Debakey School — won the Bronze awards for “How can we create energy while cleaning the ocean from waste?”. Khalid Fahad, Hamad Rashid and Hamad Hassan — Team ‘Alpha Omega’ from Qatar Science & Technology School for Boys — won the Silver awards for “How to make farming more effi cient”. Salman al-Dosari, Hamad al-Marri, Abdulaziz al-Obaidli and Hassan al- From the virtual closing ceremony. Mutawa – Team ‘Elite’ from Qatar Leadership Academy — won the Gold awards for “How can we use less fuel in water fi ltration process?”. son, articulate and solve the challenges they This year, 155 Grade 9 students participated in the NXplorers workshops face,” said Ragee Tarabi, teacher at Qatar across Qatar. NXplorers training from the UK was provided to 29 teachers, Science & Technology Secondary School for eight representatives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Educa- Boys. tion, and six Qatar Scientifi c Club mem- NXplorers workshops introduce concepts bers. It resulted in a 35 creative ideas being such as complexity and NXthinking, which proposed by the students, with 30 projects help students explore real-world issues re- successfully uploaded on the NXplorers lated to water, food and energy. In addition, Collaboration Space. the students were empowered with tools The NXplorers Collaboration Space is a used to analyse their chosen issue, explore platform for students participating in the future scenarios and brainstorm solutions to programme from over 17 countries to share help tackle these challenges. their challenges, connect with other teams “NXplorers improved our communica- and share progress on their solutions. tion, speaking and presentation skills and “The NXplorers programme gave our our passion for teamwork. It also taught us students a fantastic way to create real, the steps of creating a project; it was a fun, meaningful solutions to some of the most new experience. We had a lot of activities serious global issues we face today, such as that I enjoyed and had support from such ways to enhance the quality of soil for bet- friendly staff ,” said Ahmad Essa al-Nassr, ter food production and test possibilities student at Qatar Science & Technology Sec- around using less fuel in the water fi ltration ondary School for Boys. process. Students experimented with dif- NXplorers encourages students to ap- The NXplorers contest received over 20 nominations from ferent tools to evaluate and develop their preciate the strong partnership between Grade 9 students, from which three winning teams were ideas and were able to experience a sense the educational institutions and industry, selected based on the challenges presented, solution ideas of ownership in solving the problems of and links the students with exceptional and the application of their NXplorers thinking tools. the future. We will be incorporating some peer leaders, instructors and industry ex- of the experiences we gained through this perts who provide positive role models for in developing our students’ ability to rea- STEM.

Islamic finance making steady growth in Qatar

From Page 1 Mashura to strive to continuously improve and develop our products, in order to “During this year, we launched many central provide the best and highest quality service financial technology systems, including to the Islamic financial industry and the the Qatar Mobile Payment System (QMP), community inside and outside Qatar. As we to continue developing the financial and present this eff ort, we invite researchers, banking environment in Qatar in order to specialists and pioneers of Islamic finance achieve the National Vision 2030.” to intensify eff orts to upgrade the Islamic Prof Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, finance industry through their research vice-chairman, Board of Directors, Bait eff orts and creative ideas that believe in Al-Mashura Finance Consultations, the authenticity of Islamic economy and said: “Islamic finance sector has shown its role in leading the financial industry and flexibility and solidity in facing Covid-19 overcoming crises”, he continued. repercussions in light of the sector’s great According to the report, assets of Qatar’s digital transformation, which provides new Islamic banks grew in by 8.4%, and deposits opportunities for growth”. grew by 8.7% in 2020, with the private “The report on Islamic finance in Qatar for sector’s deposits accounting for 56%. 2020 issued by Bait Al-Mashura Finance Non-resident deposits returned and Consultations reviews the performance of exceeded pre-crisis rates of 2017. Financing Islamic finance institutions in Qatar, including grew by 7.9%, concentrated in government, Islamic banks, Takaful insurance companies, semi-government, real estate and personal and Islamic finance and investment finance sectors. Although revenues grew companies. It also reviews Islamic financial by 3.4%, profits decreased 2.6%, aff ected by products, including investment funds, Sukuk the increased provisions for expected credit and movement of Islamic financial market. losses. Such profits amounted to QR6.7bn in “We have taken upon ourselves at Bait Al 2020 compared to QR6.9bn in 2019. Gulf Times Sunday, June 13, 2021 5 QATAR

Dukhan Bank announces June draw winners of Thara’a savings account

ukhan Bank has an- was awarded to Ossama Eliwa, A Hasan, Hadeel Alfaour, Sara Al- nai, Hamda al-Malki, Siyaguna prize of QR5,000 each, as well as QR3,290,000, the bank has said nounced the names of the Aziz Fakhroo, Nojoud al-Jaber, maraghi, Rula Kamel and Inam Fernando, Deepak Sekharan, Ali two winners per draw for the cash in a statement. Coupled with Dmost recent round of draw Mohamed Elserhy, Khalifa al- Alalami, Noora al-Najar, Hamad al-Sulaiti and Abdulaziz Ali. prize of QR10,000. cash prizes and a reward scheme, winners for Thara’a, its Shariah- Abdulla, Dhabya al-Mannai, al-Joof, Heyam al-Saadi, Ah- The draw was conducted under Additionally, quarterly there are Thara’a is a product full of “val- compliant savings account, at the Humood al-Shamari, Hamad mad al-Abdulla, Kathy Theng, the supervision of a representa- two winners per draw for the cash ue-added benefi ts and services”. bank’s headquarters. al-Marri, Fatima Abdulla, Eman Moustafa Algamal, Abdirehman tive of the qualitative licence and prize of QR25,000 each, two win- Thara’a off ers account holders ac- As the draw results showed, Shreiteh, Jamal al-Baker, Prem Jehad, Asma Zairi, Afzal Abdul- market control department at the ners per draw for the cash prize of cess to Dukhan Bank’s innovative Dukhan Bank clients Ameera al- Kasilingam, Ahmad Elatrash, razak, Safi ya al-Zeyara, Maryam Ministry of Commerce and In- QR50,000 each, and one winner banking channels. Saadi and Ahmed al-Kaabi each Mohamed Qusad, Ricci Mo- Jameea, Hassam Saeb Elmoat- dustry. of the grand prize of QR1,000,000 Customers may learn about the website, www.dukhanbank.com, won a cash prize of QR10,000. rales, Hasina al-Ali, Naeema assem, Estabrak Thabet, Alberto On a monthly basis, there are yearly - rewarding 365 winners many benefi ts of Thara’a savings or by calling the Contact Centre Also, a cash prize worth QR5,000 Alansari, Ahmed Yacoub, Zaid Amerio, Abdulrahman al-Man- 42 winners per draw for the cash in total with cash prizes up to account by visiting Dukhan Bank’s on 800 8555. QRCS delivers new housing units to displaced families in Yemen

atar Red Crescent Socie- ty (QRCS) has completed Qa project to provide shel- ter for internally displaced per- sons (IDPs) aff ected by the war and fl ooding in Yemen. At a total cost of $210,024, 224 housing units were handed over to the beneficiaries in two sub- divisions of Abs district, Hajjah governorate, QRCS has said in a At a total cost of $210,024, 224 housing units were handed over to the statement. beneficiaries in two sub-divisions of Abs district, Hajjah governorate. The handover ceremony was attended by representatives of Ahmed Hassan Hayjan, a stroyed. I came here with my the Supreme Council for Man- community leader, praised family, just to seek shelter un- agement and Co-ordination of QRCS’ quality of work: “I hope der trees. With its commend- Humanitarian Affairs in Hajjah that these services will con- able sympathy, QRCS gave and the local authority of Abs. tinue, to secure the household us these houses to protect us Younes Mansour, a delegate needs, such as mattresses, against the heat, cold and rain. from QRCS, gave a detailed blankets, mosquito nets and Many thanks to QRCS. We re- presentation on the construc- kitchenware. The people here ally appreciate it”. tion process. were forced out of their home According to 2020 UN esti- He said the project was part villages to live in desert ar- mates, there are 3.1mn Yem- of QRCS’ ongoing efforts to eas with no shelter or food. enis in dire need for shelter and help the Yemeni people and to Thanks to co-ordination be- household supplies. So, QRCS’ alleviate their suffering due to tween QRCS and local authori- project addresses a growing the many years of humanitar- ties, these unliveable places shelter issue and meets the ian crisis. were turned into environment- stressing needs of the most Mansour explained that the friendly residential villages.” vulnerable IDPs. Currently, two new houses adopted a practical Even though the new houses are located in five distant villages, the construction was accomplished within only three months, while all The beneficiary IDPs thanked similar projects are in progress, and flexible model that dealt technical specifications were taken into consideration. QRCS for providing them with with a total of 580 houses to with changing weather and, at houses that protect their safe- be built in the governorates of the same time, ensured envi- cal environment. “That is why manitarian organisations,” he are located in five distant vil- months, while all technical ty and dignity. Mohamed Ali Raymah, Al Hudaydah, Taiz, ronmental sustainability, using these houses drew attention added. lages, the construction was ac- specifications were taken into Heba, a beneficiary, said: “Due and Hadhramaut, with an over- building materials from the lo- from local authorities and hu- Even though the new houses complished within only three consideration. to the war, my house was de- all budget of $710,500.

MoPH: Total recoveries from A government body invites you to register in the 2021 list of suppliers, Covid-19 increase to 216,698 to participate in the following fields and commercial activities:

QNA Doha

he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday, 70 Tnew confi rmed cases of Cov- id-19 in the community and 77 among travellers. The MoPH recorded 215 recover- ies from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 216,698. The ministry also reported two new deaths of patients aged 44 and 51, both of whom had chronic diseases, and had received the necessary medical care. National Vaccination Programme Data: 278,0916 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the programme 128,88 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the past 24 hours 68.1% of the eligible population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine 94.4% of over 60 (the most vul- nerable population group) have been vaccinated with at least one dose, while 87.6% have received both doses In recent weeks, the combined impact of Covid-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, and the overwhelming support of the com- munity, has resulted in a consistent reduction in the number of new daily infections in the country. However, it is still important to be in Qatar, it is important for every- People should take the Covid-19 cautious as the second wave is not one to play their role in controlling vaccine at the earliest opportunity yet over and there are still two high- the virus by following precautionary when their turn comes ly contagious and highly virulent measures: Anyone suffering from Covid-19 strains of the virus that are actively Adherence to physical distancing symptoms should contact 16000 circulating in the community. Avoiding close contact with oth- helpline immediately. This is impor- The first phase of the gradual lift- ers, crowded places and confined tant, as the earlier the disease is de- ing of precautionary restrictions be- closed spaces where people congre- tected, the easier it will be to receive gan on May 28 and is part of a four- gate the right treatment and recover from stage plan to be implemented over Wearing a face mask it. Visit the MoPH website for regular the coming months. Washing hands regularly updates and new information. The date of implementation and the duration of each phase will de- pend on the pandemic indicators, 425 face prosecution for Covid violations which depend to a great extent on the degree of compliance of the com- The designated authorities referred they are mandatory, 121 for not munity members with the current 425 people to prosecution for vio- maintaining safe physical distanc- measures, restrictions and guidance lating the preventive and precau- ing and four for not installing the by the government. tionary measures enforced by the Ehteraz app. It is important during the current country to contain the spread of The measure is in line with the period that all members of the socie- Covid-19, the Ministry of Interior Cabinet decision, Decree Law No ty, including those who have received (MoI) said yesterday. 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, the vaccination, continue to wear Among them, 300 people were re- and the precautionary measures in masks as recommended and contin- ferred to the prosecution for not force in the country to contain the ue to adhere to social distancing. wearing masks in places where spread of Covid-19. With Covid-19 still a health threat Gulf Times 6 Sunday, June 13, 2021 QATAR Ashghal continues to support small-scale Qatari contractors through Ta’heel Initiative

Fahad Mohamed al-Otaibi Ali Ashkanani Mohamed al-Mana Ahmed Ali al-Mashhadi Sheikh Mishaal al-Thani Ibrahim al-Obaidly Saoud al-Tamimi

he Public Works Author- ity (Ashghal) has said Tit continues to support small-scale Qatari contractors through its road development works while implementing the Small-Scale Qatari Contractors Initiative, Ta’heel. Launched in 2018, the initia- tive comes as part of Ashghal’s keenness to provide an appropri- ate environment for the growth of Qatari companies in line with the country’s strategy to sup- port local Qatari products, the authority has said in a statement. Saoud al-Tamimi, Roads Projects Department manager, said Ashghal is keen to imple- ment the country’s approach to rely on national expertise and empower them “by taking sev- eral measures to support the Qatari producer, contractor and consultant, in addition to re- ducing reliance on foreign com- panies for the implementation of infrastructure projects”. He noted that the total value of the nine contracts awarded as part of the initiative has reached QR189mn to date, adding that Ashghal is working on award- ing four new contracts worth QR120mn. Al-Tamimi explained that through road improvement contracts implemented by Qa- tari companies, Ashghal pro- in projects, especially because Mohamed al-Mana, repre- them and introducing them to vides the opportunity for new Ashghal doesn’t require compa- sentative of Group 9, said they best practices in project imple- investors and contractors to im- nies to have previous experience are pleased with the opportu- mentation. plement small projects, which with the authority in the roads nity to work with Ashghal on The value of road improve- qualifi es them to work on stra- or road maintenance projects. a road improvement project. ment projects completed with- tegic projects in the country and The scope of work within the “This would help us gain expe- in the initiative amounted to compete in the local market in road improvement projects in- rience and open an opportunity QR60mn, in which four Qatari preparation for larger projects cludes grading of roads, asphalt for us to develop our capabili- contracting companies partici- in the future. paving, construction of pedes- ties. We also count on benefi t- pated. During the years 2020 and trian crossings and sidewalks, ing from the qualifi cation and Ahmed Ali al-Mashhadi, 2021, fi ve new road improve- adjustment of existing man- training courses off ered by Ash- representative of Al Madar, ex- ment contracts have been holes or drainage covers, serv- ghal that prepares our employ- pressed his appreciation for awarded to Qatari contrac- ice crossings as well as the en- ees and competencies to work Ashghal’s eff orts in qualifying tors with a total value of about hancement of traffi c safety such according to best practices in small contractors, which is fi rst QR129mn within Ta’heel. as installation of directional project implementation,” he of its kind in Qatar, by giving Ali Ashkanani, head of the signs and road marking. said. the opportunity to gain phased Northern Areas Section in the Sheikh Mishaal al-Thani, experience by implement- Roads Projects Department, representative of Turnkey Con- Qualifi cation of Small- ing infrastructure projects, said Ashghal has qualifi ed many tracting Company, said the op- Scale Contractors Initiative thus qualifying them for major national manufacturers and portunity to work with Ashghal Ashghal launched Ta’heel projects in the future. given priority to Qatari manu- on various projects in the coun- in January 2018. The initiative Ibrahim al-Obaidly, repre- facturers, local products and try would allow the company to aims to develop and support the sentative of JAK Construction, suppliers to provide the main gain experience in the imple- local Qatari companies and en- thanked Ashghal for its “con- materials used in infrastruc- mentation of projects. courage them to participate in tinuous support and follow-up ture within road development “It will prove our presence in road projects, even if they have for us step by step throughout projects by encouraging them the fi eld at a national level and no previous experience in this the project implementation pe- and increasing their participa- develop the capabilities and fi eld. riod, which allowed us to gain tion. skills of our engineers in a way The initiative provides the experience in the fi eld”. Fahad Mohamed al-Otaibi, that qualifi es our company to opportunity for these compa- “We would like to particu- head of the Western Areas compete in the global market in nies to develop and qualify their larly praise Ashghal’s co-op- Section in the Roads Projects the future. Therefore, we value companies to compete in the eration and help in various Department, said the author- Ashghal’s eff orts in provid- local market as well as the glo- areas of project implementa- ity supports new contractors by ing this valuable opportunity bal market in the future. It also tion, such as quality, safety and training them and introducing to small businesses,” Sheikh aims to provide support to new implementation processes,” he companies to the best practices Mishaal said. contractors through training added. Farmers, livestock owners Closure at Dukhan Road intersection ready to meet sheep demand

considerable number can supply a large number of of Qatari farmers and sheep to the local market this Alivestock owners have season. However, he added that stressed their readiness to meet even though the livestock own- the expected high demand for ers have a strong desire to ex- locally produced sheep ahead of pand their industry due to the the upcoming Eid al-Adha. good demand, they are facing They told local Arabic daily challenges limited buying op- Arrayah that the necessary work tions due to certain rules. They was continuing to further en- can buy the Arab breeds from hance their production and the three farms only, and this often overcome challenges involved, causes prices to go up, he point- such as high costs. ed out. The farmers and owners said He said the process needs the locally produced sheep are strong support from the au- often of high quality and are thorities concerned to encourage liked by customers for their good livestock owners and farmers to taste. They noted that they ex- invest more in this key industry. ert great eff orts to off er all due Hamad al-Qahtani said he has care to sheep and provide them velop their production, contrib- Al-Dosari also said the local a limited number of sheep that with high-quality fodder. Often, uting signifi cantly to meeting livestock producers are keen to are fi t to be sold ahead of Eid al- these sheep are sold directly to the demand of the local market. supply the market with a good Adha, and has resorted to online customers or retail traders for He added that the local sheep are number of goats as some expa- marketing to sell them. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary traff ic closure at the Dukhan sale in the local market. highly demanded by custom- triate communities prefer them Al-Qahtani said he prefers to Road intersection towards the Amiri Guard from 11pm tomorrow until 4am on Tuesday. The clo- Mubarak al-Dosari said the ers and have the highest retail during Eid, with retail prices sell his sheep in bulk, adding that sure, which will be implemented in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic, has been local sheep production has prices in their category with a ranging from QR600 to QR900 many local sheep owners have announced to complete the installation of ITS gantries. Ashghal has requested all road users to reached an advanced stage as single sheep’s price ranging from depending on the type and size. produced larger numbers this follow the signs and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. livestock owners are keen to de- QR1,500 to QR1,800. Ibrahim al-Ghazali said he year compared to earlier. Gulf Times Sunday, June 13, 2021 7 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD Upscale Levantine restaurant opens at Hilton Doha the Pearl

he upscale Levantine restau- company,” said Hassan El Wa- rant is now open at Hilton hidi, the hotel’s general manager. TDoha the Pearl Hotel & Resi- With an environment that “mixes dences and will be the “contempo- perfectly” with Arabian culture, rary home of soulful Levant cuisine Levantine off ers a fine-dining ex- in Qatar”, it has been announced. perience with grilled meats and Open daily for dinner from 6pm locally inspired handmade treats. until midnight, Levantine’s menu Levantine’s menu is truly varied -- which focuses on sharing and and features a range of traditional gathering -- results from a col- dishes from the Levant region with laboration between the hotel’s own a creative twist. “Its Hummus Col- culinary team and Lebanese celeb- lection is expected to be a main at- rity chef Joe Barza. traction with four mouthwatering Guests have the option of eating choices to suit all tastes: traditional indoors or outdoors amid the fra- hummus bi tahine, basil hummus grant aromas of live, theatre-style with arugula pesto, pistachio hum- cooking of Levantine favourites, mus, and hummus bil lahmeh with including fl ash-charcoal-grilled chickpeas and lamb,” the state- spiced meats, seafood, fi sh and ment notes. vegetables, spit-roasted lamb and Other noteworthy menu selec- The swimming pool at City Centre Rotana Doha. chicken, and fresh bread baking, tions include exquisite grilled catch according to a press statement. of the day — a fennel and lime prepa- The upscale Levantine lifestyle ration; grilled octopus – made from is also refl ected with the terrace lemon jam and garlic; and grilled City Centre Rotana where signature Moroccan tea will jumbo shrimps – a blend of red chilli be served to pay tribute to Maghreb paste, cumin and coriander and the traditions. roasted lamb leg, a great sharing op- “In keeping with true Levan- tion for 3-4 diners. Doha rolls out tine traditions, this restaurant is Guests can also savour the tradi- the perfect setting for families and tional Lebanese sausage, makanek, friends to get together at the end or opt for a range of fresh, vegetar- of a day or during the weekend ian options before digging into a Summer Staycation and celebrate their connections selection of the fi nest desserts, the over really good food and in great statement adds. offer for guests

ity Centre Rotana eat for half the price, the hotel the statement noted. Doha has announced has said in a press statement. Summer 2021 staycation Cthat it is rolling out “Guests will enjoy modern guests can use their stay to the brand’s ‘Live Your Story’ rooms, suites and apartments explore Doha. City Centre ‘Intense’ Iran N-talks 2021 Summer Staycation of- with the dazzling West Bay Rotana is only a few minutes’ fer, which enables guests to views. The spacious outdoor walk from the DECC Metro “stay for less but get more” swimming pool, with plenty stop, which provides easy ac- until September 5. of sunbeds, shaded spaces cess to museums, parks and Proving that “there’s a lot and private gazebos, is a great recreation spots, while the resume as Germany to love about summer at City place to unwind and start hotel’s direct link with City Centre Rotana Doha”, the living your summer story. Center Doha mall opens up staycation off er gives guests Outdoor venue Sama Lounge ‘doorstep’ shopping and en- 20% off on the lowest public and restaurants Teatro, well- tertainment opportunities, room rate, a complimentary known among Doha foodies the statement added. calls for rapid progress extra bed on all room cat- for its fi ne-dining options, To check the rates for Ro- egories for family stays, and and Boston’s, famous for its tana Summer Staycation, ac- free dining for kids under six American cuisine, provides cess this link: http://roho.it/ Reuters (JCPOA), is based in a hotel The deal, formally known as “Playing for time is in no- while youngsters up to 12 will enough choices for dining in,” wmme Vienna across the street as Iran refuses the Joint Comprehensive Plan one’s interest,” German Foreign face-to-face meetings. of Action, imposed strict lim- Minister Heiko Maas, who is The talks’ chief co-ordina- its on Iran’s nuclear activities not at the talks, told Reuters, ndirect talks between Te- tor, EU foreign policy official designed to extend the time urging all sides to show flex- hran and Washington on re- Enrique Mora, who is leading Tehran would need to obtain ibility and pragmatism. Iviving the 2015 Iran nuclear the shuttle diplomacy between enough fissile material for a China’s top envoy said the deal resumed in Vienna yester- Iran and the United States, has nuclear weapon, if it chose main sticking point was US Palestinian woman shot dead day as the European Union said said he expects a deal in this to, to at least a year from two sanctions.”Our message to negotiations were “intense” round of talks. to three months. Iran denies them (the United States) is and Germany called for rapid Other envoys, however, are ever pursuing nuclear weap- that they should stop shilly- AFP the dead woman as Ibtissam West Bank by Israeli security progress. more cautious, saying many ons, saying its aims are solely shallying by moving decisively Jerusalem Kaabneh, a Palestinian who forces on a mission to arrest The sixth round of talks difficult issues are yet to be peaceful. to sanction-lifting,” China’s was arrested and sentenced to suspected “fi ghters”. kicked off as usual with a meet- resolved. “We are making President Donald Trump ambassador to the UN nuclear 18 months in prison by Israel in Violence in the West Bank ing of remaining parties to the progress but the negotiations pulled the United States out of watchdog, Wang Qun, told re- sraeli border guards yester- 2016. She was aged 28 and from increased in May, with at least deal — Iran, Russia, China, are intense and a number of the deal in 2018 and reimposed porters. day shot dead a Palestinian Aqabat Jabr near the West Bank 30 Palestinians killed in clash- France, Britain, Germany and issues (remain), including on economic sanctions lifted by On the steps Iran must take Iwoman approaching them town of Jericho, police said. es with Israeli forces and dur- the European Union — in the how steps are to be implement- the deal. Iran responded by to return to compliance with with a knife at a checkpoint in On Friday, a 15-year-old Pal- ing alleged attacks. That came basement of a luxury hotel. ed,” an EU spokesman said in breaching many of those lim- the deal, Wang said: “To a great the occupied West Bank after estinian was killed by Israeli amid a fl are-up in Israeli-an- The US delegation to the a statement to reporters, add- its, producing more enriched extent, the major issues have she ignored orders to stop, po- army gunfi re near Beita, south nexed east Jerusalem that led talks, known as the Joint Com- ing that the aim was “to find uranium than allowed and en- been worked out as a matter of lice said. of Nablus. to an 11-day war between Is- mission of the Joint Com- ways to get very close to a final riching to higher purity levels, principle, though I think there The Palestinian Authority’s And on Thursday, three Pal- rael and Palestinian fi ghters in prehensive Plan of Action agreement in the coming days”. recently to near weapons grade. are some fixes (left).” prisons ministry identifi ed estinians were also killed in the Gaza.

At least 13 killed as Syrian hospital hit in artillery Low turnout as Algerians vote in parliamentary election attacks on Afrin Reuters At least 13 people were killed Algiers and several wounded in two separate artillery attacks on the northern Syrian town of Afrin lgeria held parliamentary yesterday, local medical sources elections yesterday that said. The first attack struck Athe ruling establishment a residential area, while the hopes will turn a page on politi- second hit a hospital shortly af- cal unrest amid a crackdown on terwards, civil defence sources dissent, but even by mid after- said. Video footage on social noon few people had voted. media showed casualties amid Two years after mass dem- the ruins of the Al Shifa hospital. onstrations forced a veteran Turkey’s Anadolu agency also president to step down in Alge- put the number of those killed ria’s biggest political crisis for at 13 and said 27 were injured. decades, the authorities are still A local Turkish official said struggling to quell the protest sources at the hospital claimed movement. the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia Yesterday’s vote followed a hit the building with a missile presidential election in 2019 launcher, according to initial and a referendum on an amend- reports. The official said Turkish ed constitution last year, but artillery are shelling rural posi- many Algerians still think real tions near the city of Maarat power is wielded by the army al-Numan in response. and security forces. The Syrian Democratic Forces Polls closed at 1900 GMT and (SDF), the US-backed militia results are expected today. force spearheaded by the Kurd- The election authority said ish YPG, later said it was not only 14.5% of voters had cast responsible for the attack. ballots with four hours left to The governor’s office in Tur- vote. key’s Hatay province, bordering By comparison, some 33% Afrin, said it was investigating had voted with three hours left the incident and that missiles to vote in the 2019 election, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune casts his vote at a polling station during the country’s A man casts his vote at a polling station during the parliamentary were fired from the Tel Rifat when fi nal turnout was 40%. parliamentary election in Bouchaoui, yesterday. election, in Algiers, yesterday. area controlled by the Syrian President Abdelmadjid Teb- government. Turkey regards boune said decisions were made change that the majority want,” the old ruling elite and stop the ment of national renewal and change.We need to be focused Parties that gain a strong po- the YPG as a terrorist group tied by the majority of those who he said. army interfering in politics. jailed senior former offi cials, and patient because a system sition in parliament are likely to to the Kurdistan Workers Party voted, regardless of turnout. But in the Kabylie region, of- It sees any elections before police also cracked down on it change won’t happen over- be part of Tebboune’s next gov- (PKK) inside its own borders, “This election is a new step ten a focus of political opposi- that as a charade. with arrests. night,” said Mohamed Mou- ernment, which faces a looming and has staged incursions into to build a new Algeria,” he said tion, riot police guarded polling “Elections will not give the The parties that have domi- loudi, a candidate for Al Bina economic crisis. Syria in support of Syrian rebels after voting outside the capital, stations where activists sought regime legitimacy, and repres- nated for decades were dam- Islamist party. Foreign currency reserves to push it from the Turkish fron- Algiers. to burn ballot boxes and some sion and arrests will not stop the aged by corruption charges At a central Algiers cafe, have dropped by four fi fths tier. Ankara now retains a large Schoolteacher Ali Djemai, 33, voting centres closed early. people’s peaceful revolution,” against Boutefl ika’s allies, cre- 42-year-old post offi ce worker since 2013 as energy revenue military presence in the area started queuing early to cast his The “Hirak” protest move- said Samir Belarbi, a prominent ating space for independents Djamel Badir said the election fell and successive governments deploying thousands of troops vote in the city. ment that forced Abdelaziz Hirak fi gure. and moderate Islamist parties to would change nothing and he have failed to diversify the in the last rebel enclave. “We hope the next parlia- Boutefl ika from the presidency Though the government pub- seek more votes. would not vote. “Our parlia- economy or spur strong private ment will be a force pressing for two years ago wants to oust licly welcomed Hirak as a move- “There is a real chance for ment is powerless,” he said. sector growth. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, June 13, 2021 WORLD

India cuts taxes on medicines, equipment to treat Covid-19

Reuters it has been done so that people New Delhi get some ease....the decision has been taken to provide ultimate ease to patients,” Revenue Sec- ndia yesterday cut taxes on retary Tarun Bajaj told a news medical equipment such as conference. Ioxygen concentrators and The government, however, drugs used to treat Covid-19 in- would continue to tax vaccines fections, after widespread criti- at 5%, he added. The world’s cism over healthcare costs dur- second-most populous coun- ing a devastating second wave of try, where coronavirus cases hit the virus in April and May. a peak of 400,000 a day in May, The government cut taxes on reported 84,332 new infections medical grade oxygen, ventila- yesterday, the lowest in more tors, the remdesivir antiviral than two months, data from the drug, diagnostic kits, pulse oxi- health ministry showed. There meters and hand sanitisers to 5% were 4,002 deaths. The South from 12-18% with immediate ef- Asian country’s total Covid-19 Sample dispersal pads for Covid-19 coranavirus Coviself Rapid fect. cases stands at 29.4mn, with Antigen Test self kits are placed in a machine at the Mylab Discovery The new levies will be in place 367,081 fatalities. Solutions manufacturing facility in Lonavla. until the end of September, Fi- During the second wave of nance Minister Nirmala Sith- the virus many people resort- have said millions of people re- from Indian states and off er free araman said, adding it would ed to costly private treatment main vulnerable to new surges doses to everyone over the age of include taxes on electric fur- in what is still a low-income of infections, particularly in the 18. The government would allow naces in crematoriums and am- country. Others paid twenty countryside where two-thirds private hospitals to have 25% Dr. Shrikant Pawar, Head of Serology & Microbiome, displays a pack of Coviself, Covid-19 coranavirus bulances. times the usual price for oxygen of the population lives. Prime of all vaccine supplies, but not Rapid Antigen Test self-kit at the Mylab Discovery Solutions manufacturing facility in Lonavla, some 90km “The rate cut has not be done cylinders on the black market Minister Narendra Modi has to charge more than 150 rupees south-east of Mumbai. Indian start-up Mylab Discovery Solutions hopes that its inexpensive Covid-19 with any cost implication (on and huge sums to secure am- said the government would take ($2.06) over the cost of the dose, home test kit – the country’s first – will help the massive South Asian nation better track the pandemic’s government fi nances) in mind, bulances and hearses. Experts over the inoculation programme he said. spread among its 1.3bn people. Cambodia begins evicting Sri Lanka seeks fl oating homes amid protests

Reuters tin roof off the shore of Phnom ing of the 2023 Southeast Asian Phnom Penh Penh’s Prek Pnov district. He Games, as the newly built sta- said the city order did not give his dium is only a few kilometres family enough time to relocate. away. “There are hundreds of vi- $40mn in damages ambodia’s capital of “If they extended by a few more ruses here, foreign tourists come Phnom Penh yesterday months, we would have time to and see our country like this?” Cbegan overseeing the build a home,” he said. he said. But residents say the dismantling of “fl oating home” The Phnom Penh Municipal- crackdown came too soon and communities on the banks of the ity says the communities amount questioned why they needed to Tonle Sap River over the objec- to fl oating slums that are eye- move with the games still more tions of longtime residents who sores and health hazards, with than a year away. Si Vutha did over ship fi re say they have nowhere else to go. trash bags and raw sewage fl oat- not specify why the cleanup had For generations, the fl oating ing alongside the houseboats. Si to come now, and Phnom Penh AFP have called it the “worst marine of plastic waste from the ship.” stored and a similar amount is wooden houseboats of Phnom Vutha, head of Prek Pnov dis- city spokesperson Met Meas Colombo disaster” in the country’s histo- Officials said about 1,200 yet to be removed,” an official Penh have been both livelihood trict’s land management offi ce, Pheakdey could not be reached ry. “In addition to this (claim), tonnes of plastic pellets and involved in the clean-up said. and way of life for mostly ethnic oversaw the dismantling on Fri- for comment yesterday. we will also seek reimburse- other debris scooped from the Sri Lanka is also investigating Vietnamese families, home to day. Dang Van Chou, 57, moved to ri Lanka is seeking $40mn ment of the cost of putting out beaches were being stored in 45 an oil slick just north of the Co- fi sh farming and interconnected “There are 316 homes that we Cambodia more than 20 years in damages from the op- the fire,” Abeygunawardena shipping containers. On May lombo port to see if it is a leak by warrens of hand-built bridges have to evict today. This really ago from neighbouring Vietnam, Serator of a ship that left said, adding that the full dam- 20, the X-Press Pearl reported from the wreckage. interspersed with sunken poles aff ects the beauty of the city, the His family makes a living farm- massive pollution when it age to the environment was still an onboard acid leak and caught Operator X-Press Feed- and small boats. environment. You sit on a boat, ing fi sh in enclosures off their caught fire off the country’s being assessed. fire just as it was due to enter ers said an inspection of the “Our ancestors have always it smells very bad,” Si Vutha told dwelling, but this year’s fi sh are west coast, officials said yes- Sri Lanka has sought help the Colombo harbour. wreck found no oil leaks from been here,” said Kith Dong, 54, as Reuters. too small to sell to raise money terday. from Australia in studying the The fire was put out after 13 the ship’s fuel tanks, but water he and relatives dismantled his Si Vutha said the evictions are for a move, he said. “I don’t know Ports and shipping minis- impact on the local marine days, but the vessel’s stern hit in the area had become discol- home of consisting of a grayling intended to clean up the capital where to go, I don’t have any ter Rohitha Abeygunawardena economy, which has been hit the bottom of the shallow sea oured since the vessel sank. timber platform with a sloped ahead of Phnom Penh’s host- land,” he said. said an interim claim had been by a fishing ban imposed since when a tug attempted to move it X-Press Feeders has deployed lodged with X-Press Feeders, the disaster. Fisheries minister to deeper waters. representatives from the Inter- which controls the Singapore- Kanchana Wijesekera said the Two onboard explosions saw national Tanker Owners Pol- registered MV X-Press Pearl. ban along an 80-km stretch of several cargo containers fall lution Federation and Oil Spill The vessel has been sub- coastline was lifted on Saturday into the Indian Ocean and plas- Response to monitor for any oil Foggy day merged in seas off Colombo except for in the immediate vi- tic raw material later smothered spill and help with the clean- since June 2 after burning for cinity of the wreckage. the western seaboard of the is- up of beaches. Sri Lankan en- almost two weeks and releasing “About 20,000 families of land. “We will take another two vironmentalists last week sued tonnes of plastic raw materials fishermen were affected by the weeks to remove all the piles of the government and the ship’s that swamped local beaches. ban,” Wijesekera said. “Many of plastic waste we have collected. operator for allegedly failing to Sri Lankan environmentalists the beaches have been cleared Only 1,200 tonnes has been prevent the disaster.

Gunmen kill 53 villagers in More than 5mn Covid northern Nigeria Armed cattle thieves have killed 53 people in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state, police and local cases in Africa: report residents said yesterday, the latest violence to hit the restive region. Scores of motorcycle-riding AFP to variations in health policies est number of contaminated gunmen called bandits by locals Paris and varied levels of testing ca- people on the continent, with on Thursday through Friday, pacity from one country to an- 1,722,086 cases. Vaccination invaded the villages of Kadawa, other. Africa is now the only re- programmes have struggled to Kwata, Maduba, Ganda Samu, ore than 5mn people gion where the Covid pandemic make headway in Africa, with Saulawa and Askawa in the Zurmi have contracted the is still on the rise, with a weekly just 2.87 shots per 100 inhab- district, shooting residents, they MCovid-19 virus in Af- increase of 30%, and it is at risk itants, compared with a global said. The gang attacked farmers rica since it emerged in China in of a third wave of the disease. average of 29.56 according to in their fields and pursued others late 2019, data compiled by AFP Globally, the number of Cov- figures collected by AFP from who fled to escape the assaults. from official sources showed id cases declined for the sixth official sources. Zamfara police spokesman yesterday. consecutive week, by 14%. Al- Last week, the World Health Mohamed Shehu said 14 bodies A total of 5,008,656 cases most seven out of every 10 new Organisation (WHO) again had been taken to the state capital of the coronavirus have been African cases were reported in pressed wealthy countries to Gusau on Friday, and added that reported in 54 countries and five countries: Egypt, South share vaccine stocks, with Mat- “policemen deployed in the area territories, including almost Africa, Tunisia, Uganda and shidiso Moeti, WHO’s director following the attacks.” 109,800 in the past seven days, Zambia. South Africa has tech- for Africa, calling it a question Local residents said 39 more for a daily average of 15,680. nically begun a third wave ac- “of life or death”. bodies had been recovered and More than 134,000 people cording to its National Institute Members of the Group of buried in the neighbouring town have died, and the daily average for Communicable Diseases. Seven (G7) industrialised coun- of Dauran. “We recovered 28 of around 320 represents an in- Meanwhile, Covid-19 is now tries have pledged to distribute bodies yesterday and 11 more this crease of 16% from the compa- spreading faster in Zambia than a billion doses of Covid vac- morning from the villages and rable figure a week ago. anywhere else in the world, cines within the framework of buried them here,” said Dauran The number of official cases with a weekly gain of 147%, or the Covax facility, which has resident Haruna Abdulkarim. is probably just a fraction of the 1,200 new cases a day. South struggled to get them to poorer “It was dangerous to conduct the actual number moreover, owing Africa has reported the high- countries. funeral there because the bandits are harbouring in the Zurmi forest Seasonal fog engulfs over the city beneath Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. and could return to attack the C Africa president names new PM after govt resigns funeral,” said another resident, Musa Arzika who reported the same death toll. Australia’s Victoria state reports 1 new Covid case new Central African Re- along with that of his govern- coronavirus epidemic, but also Villages in the Zurmi district public prime minister was ment. because of the security situation. have been repeatedly raided Anamed by presidential Reputedly close to President Touadera was re-elected in by bandits, and local residents Reuters The outbreak, which trig- has not reported any locally ac- decree, the day after the govern- Faustin Archange Touadera, the December on a turnout of fewer blocked a major highway last Sydney gered the two-week snap lock- quired cases of Covid-19 in more ment resigned as the impover- new PM is also known for having than one in three voters. week, calling on the authorities to down late last month, has now than a month, while Queensland ished country struggles with a a good knowledge of internation- The ballot was hampered by end the attacks. seen 91 cases since May 24. New last reported cases in late March. rebellion and a bustup with its al fi nance and aid programmes, armed groups that at the time Northwest and central Nigeria ustralia’s Victoria state, South Wales, the country’s most Australia has fared much bet- traditional ally France. vital for the second least-devel- controlled around two-thirds of have in recent years fallen prey which emerged from populous state, and neighbour- ter than many other developed Henri Marie Dondra was oped country in the world, ac- the country, and a rebel coali- to gangs of cattle thieves and Aa strict lockdown ear- ing Queensland are on high alert countries during the pandemic, named prime minister in the de- cording to the UN. tion mounted an off ensive on the kidnappers who raid villages, lier this week, recorded one new after an infected woman and her with over 22,300 local Covid-19 cree read out on national radio, The economic and humanitar- capital Bangui in the runup to killing and kidnapping residents in community case of Covid-19 husband travelled from Victoria cases and 910 deaths since March which takes eff ect immediately. ian problems facing the CAR’s polling day. addition to stealing livestock after yesterday, the government said through several country towns in 2020, mostly in Victorian aged- The appointment of the former new prime minister are huge. The Legislative elections have looting and burning homes. via Twitter. Investigations are both states. care homes. Snap lockdowns, in- fi nance minister comes after UN estimated at the end of May since left Touadera’s United The criminals have begun to focus underway as to how the person With no new infections yes- ternal border controls and tough Firmin Ngrebada announced his that nearly half of the population Hearts Movement (MCU) short on raiding schools and kidnapping contracted the infection, au- terday, New South Wales, which social distancing rules have resignation as prime minister, was “food insecure”, due to the of a parliamentary majority. students for ransom. thorities said. includes the largest city, Sydney, helped it contain prior outbreaks. Gulf Times Sunday, June 13, 2021 9 BRITAIN PM Johnson hints at delay to full lifting of Covid curbs US First Lady Jill Biden smiles during a visit to meet veterans, AFP/Reuters requirement of nightspots and responded: “Yes, that’s certainly Johnson said the current situ- first responders, and family London restaurants to provide only table fair.” ation is “dramatically diff erent members of Bude Surf Veterans, service. He added that while some from what it was in either of the on the sidelines of the G7 However, the rapid spread of data was “still open to question”, fi rst two waves of the pandemic” summit, in Newlyn, Cornwall. ritish Prime Minister the Delta Covid-19 variant has a formal announcement would because of what he called the Boris Johnson gave yester- thrown those plans into jeop- come tomorrow. “eff ectiveness of the vaccine Bday his strongest hint yet ardy, meaning the government On Friday, the government rollout”. that a plan to lift all coronavirus will delay the lifting of the re- said the Delta variant was 60% Faced with the Delta variant, (Covid-19) restrictions would be strictions by a month, the Daily more transmissible in house- the UK has stepped up its vac- US fi rst delayed, due to concern over the Telegraph reported. holds than the variant that cine programme, and has now spread of a new variant. A four-week delay would push forced the country into its last administered nearly 71mn jabs, The Delta variant, which fi rst back the easing of restrictions to complete lockdown in January. with over 40% of the total popu- lady meets emerged in India, has caused a July 19. The research from Public lation fully vaccinated. Prime Minister Johnson: It’s clear that the Indian (Delta coronavirus) surge in Covid-19 cases in Brit- “It’s clear that the Indian Health England also showed Any delay to Johnson’s un- variant is more transmissible, and it’s also true that the cases are ain, throwing into doubt gov- variant is more transmissible, there had been 42,323 identifi ed locking roadmap risks trigger- going up, and that the levels of hospitalisation are going up. British ernment plans to ease curbs and it’s also true that the cases cases of the Delta variant in the ing a row with some politicians from June 21. are going up, and that the lev- UK, according to data – up from in his party, who have opposed be irreversible: we cannot have Any decision Johnson makes Speaking on the sidelines els of hospitalisation are going 29,892 on June 2. keeping the restrictions in place. stop-start and as long as that only applies to England because military of the G7 leaders’ summit in up,” Johnson told Sky News. The Alpha variant, fi rst iden- Karan Bilimoria, president is clarifi ed we will have to cope the devolved governments in Cornwall in southwest England, “Now, we don’t know exactly to tifi ed in Kent, southeast Eng- of the Confederation of British with this delay,” he said. Scotland, Wales and Northern Johnson said that the spread what extent that is going to feed land, drove a huge surge of Cov- Industry, said that companies The government has always Ireland make most public health veterans was a matter of “serious, serious through into extra mortality, but id-19 cases in January, and hit understood the need to tread said decisions at each stage of decisions in their nations. concern”. clearly it’s a matter of serious, early in Britain’s mass vaccina- cautiously in a health crisis but unlocking depend on the data. Britain’s total Covid-19 death The government had hoped serious concern.” tion campaign. many fi rms in sectors such as Yesterday Britain reported toll is over 127,000, but the Reuters that the success of one of the Asked if he was less optimis- It caused a wave of Covid-19 hospitality were barely breaking 7,738 new Covid-19 19 cases, number of daily deaths have Carbis Bay, England world’s fastest rollouts of the tic than he was at the end of May cases that stretched the state- even under the current rules. down slightly from a day ear- fallen following a third national vaccines would end the limits that restrictions could be eased run National Health Service “If there’s a full delay for two lier, when they were the highest lockdown and a rapid vaccine on indoor gatherings and the as planned, a downbeat Johnson (NHS) close to breaking point. to four weeks, then it’s got to since February. rollout. S First Lady Jill Biden re- vealed yesterday that she Uowned a white surfboard Vaccine inventors with a big butterfl y on it as she met with a group of British mili- recognised in tary veterans and fi rst respond- Queen’s Birthday ers who take to the sea to recover from the stresses of life. Honours list On a visit from the nearby Group of Seven (G7) summit The Oxford University scientists taking place in Cornwall, south- who invented the AstraZeneca west England, Biden introduced coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine are herself to the group by saying: among those to be honoured by “So, I’m Jill, nice to meet you.” Queen Elizabeth, among a number Biden was meeting the Bude of recipients who played key roles in Surf Veterans, volunteer provid- Britain’s coronavirus response, the ers of social support and surfi ng government said on Friday. excursions for veterans, fi rst re- Sarah Gilbert, the Oxford Jenner sponders and their families. Institute scientist who co-developed The group has the slogan: the vaccine, will be made a Dame, “Surf, Grow, Heal.” while her colleague, the institute’s She told them how she had director, Adrian Hill, is to receive an previously attended the Invictus honorary knighthood. Games, an international sport- Andrew Pollard, the head of the ing event for injured military Oxford Vaccine Group who ran trials personnel and veterans that of the vaccine, is to be made a Knight was founded by Britain’s Prince Bachelor, an honour also bestowed Harry. on Peter Horby and Martin Landray, “The water is so calming,” Queen Elizabeth watches the military ceremony the Oxford scientists behind the trial Biden said, sat overlooking the at Windsor Castle. which showed dexamethasone could sweeping Mount’s Bay on a sun- be used to treat severely ill Covid-19 ny day. “I have my own surfboard Right: The Royal Air Force ‘Red Arrows’ fly over patients. … a long board. It was white with a ceremony marking off icial birthday of Queen “The Queen’s Birthday Honours a big butterfl y.” Elizabeth at Windsor Castle yesterday. allow us to pay tribute to all those One member of the group told who have gone above and beyond Biden that they had started small in their service to this country,” but now had many members Prime Minister Boris Johnson said surfi ng and smiling, adding that in a statement. “Throughout the it was “life-saving”. Queen joined by cousin for ‘Trooping the Colour’ event pandemic we have seen countless The fi rst lady has accompa- examples of every day heroes.” nied husband, President Joe Kate Bingham, who was praised for Biden, to England for the three- Reuters was accompanied by her cousin ers of the Group of Seven (G7) their scarlet uniforms and tall home to the west of London her work as head of the government’s day G7 summit, his fi rst interna- London Prince Edward, the Duke of rich nations for a reception in bearskin hats parading through where she has spent most of her Vaccines Taskforce, which procured tional trip since he entered offi ce Kent, for a socially-distanced Cornwall, southwest England, central London, but for the last time since the pandemic out- hundreds of millions of Covid-19 in January. version of the “Trooping the where they are holding a three- two years it has had to be scaled break. vaccines for the British government, The G7 meeting runs from ueen Elizabeth viewed Colour”, a ceremony which has day summit. back because of the coronavi- It was followed by a 41-gun is also to become a Dame. Friday to today. a scaled-down military been staged for more than 260 Today the Queen will meet rus (Covid-19) pandemic. salute fi red by The King’s Troop The head of Britain’s eavesdropping The couple met Britain’s Qceremony at Wind- years. US President Joe Biden and This year, soldiers from the Royal Horse Artillery and a fl y- agency GCHQ, Jeremy Fleming, Queen Elizabeth and other sen- sor Castle to mark her offi cial Philip, Elizabeth’s husband his wife Jill for tea at Windsor Household Division and The past by the RAF Red Arrows Scottish singer and 60s style icon ior members of the royal family birthday yesterday, her fi rst for more than 70 years, died in before he heads off for further Queen’s Colour of F Company aerobatic display team. Lulu, and television presenter Prue on Friday evening and will meet since the death of her husband April. meetings in Europe. Scots Guards took part in the The Queen’s actual birthday Leith, known for The Great British with the monarch again for tea at Prince Philip two months ago. The event comes a day af- Normally, “Trooping the ceremony in the grounds of is April 21, but her birthday is Bake-Off , are among others to be Windsor Castle today. The 95-year-old monarch ter the Queen hosted lead- Colour” involves soldiers in Windsor Castle, the Queen’s offi cially marked in June. honoured in the list. – Reuters

Marching climate activists urge G7 to step up UK to explore ‘virtual

AFP host a media centre for reporters with family members from other trial’ of US diplomat’s Falmouth, United Kingdom from around the world covering parts of the country to descend the fi rst in-person gathering of on Falmouth. the elite group since 2019. He said that G7 leaders ap- wife for fatal car crash housands of environmen- Heightened security stretch- peared unwilling to make the tal campaigners rallied ing around the seaside resort at “radical” sacrifi ces need to avert Tnoisily and colourfully Carbis Bay, including extensive catastrophic climate change. AFP with visiting Biden on Thurs- yesterday in Cornwall to urge G7 police checkpoints and Royal Dozens of demonstrators London day, on the eve of the G7 sum- leaders to do far more against Navy vessels off shore, has kept dressed entirely in red – repre- mit in southwest England. climate change and biodiversity protesters largely out of the senting the accelerating rate of Johnson said afterwards that loss. world leaders’ view. species’ extinctions – led the he US will not object to Biden had “has his own per- Beating drums and holding “I have a grandchild who’s procession through Falmouth a remote trial of a diplo- sonal reasons for feeling very placards, up to 2,000 activists one, and I want some life for him behind a banner reading: “G is for Tmat’s wife for a fatal car deeply about the issue”, as his from the Extinction Rebellion when he grows up not aff ected by greenwashing.” crash, after talks between the fi rst wife and daughter were (XR) pressure group staged a pro- climate change and pollution,” Others held placards bear- UK premier and US President killed in a car crash in 1972. cession through Falmouth – an retiree David Oliver, 62, told AFP ing various slogans, including Joe Biden, who lost a wife and He said Biden was “ex- hour’s drive from the Carbis Bay as he joined the Falmouth pro- “deeds not words”. daughter in an auto accident, tremely sympathetic” to the summit site. testers. Falmouth resident Sas Joyce, Britain’s top diplomat said situation. The harbour town in south- Oliver had travelled from 42, joined with her nine-year- yesterday. “The path is clear for the west England is being used to northwest England, linking up old son – who held aloft a sign The decision marks a step legal authorities in the UK to saying “the sea dies, we die” – toward resolving a dispute that approach Anne Sacoolas’ law- and daughter, aged six. has dogged US-UK relations yers – without any problem “We just can’t make our voices for nearly three years. from the US government – to heard,” she complained of per- “The US has not agreed to see whether some kind of vir- ceived continued global inaction Fish kites flutter on sticks as part of a climate change protest on extradition” of Anne Sacoolas, tual trial or process could al- on the environment. Hayle Beach, in Cornwall. Foreign Secretary Dominic low some accountability,” said The G7 is due to discuss cli- Raab told BBC radio, but said Raab. mate change and safeguarding and her son Prince Charles at ers, wearing papier mache heads Washington had indicated it A trial in that format could global biodiversity today, laying Cornwall’s Eden Project, a re- and relaxing on deckchairs on a would not prevent some form “allow some accountability the groundwork for the UN’s piv- nowned attraction showcasing beach in Falmouth to make their of legal process in the death of and some solace and some jus- otal COP26 environmental sum- the world’s ecological riches. point. Harry Dunn. tice for the Dunn family”, he mit in November. Despite a raft of recent climate “We need to put pressure on Dunn, 19, was killed when a said, adding that they “deserve The leaders are expected to pledges by G7 and other coun- the G7 here in Cornwall to do far car driven by Sacoolas crashed no less”. debate a pledge to protect at tries, campaigners want more more to cut their carbon but also into his motorbike in August Sacoolas, the wife of an least 30% of the world’s land and detailed plans to be implemented to deliver the desperately needed 2019 outside an airbase in cen- American technical assistant oceans by 2030. quicker alongside greater aid for moves to help poor countries in tral England used by US per- at the base, has acknowledged On Friday they met business poorer nations. Africa and the rest of the world, sonnel. that she was driving on the leaders to discuss ramping up Activists from UK-based an- who are having to fi ght climate The case was discussed dur- wrong side of the road but left Extinction Rebellion activists demonstrate against climate change in sustainability eff orts, at a recep- ti-poverty organisation Oxfam change right now,” said Oxfam’s ing talks that British Prime the country, claiming diplo- Falmouth, Cornwall, yesterday. tion hosted by Queen Elizabeth posed yesterday as the G7 lead- Max Lawson. Minister Boris Johnson held matic immunity. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, June 13, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Air traffi c rebound dependent on easing global restrictions

Aviation has been devastated by the pandemic. Globally, airlines have lost in excess of $126bn in 2020. Last year, passenger traffic globally fell by 66%. For carriers in the Middle East, it was down by 72%, again reflecting the very large international market. Carriers in the region, lost $7.9bn in 2020, which is about 6.5% of the total global losses. And just to put it into context, in the US the domestic market represents about 66% of passenger traffic. In Europe, it’s 11%. And in the Middle East, it’s only 3%, so the smallest The paradoxes of the domestic market when we look at it in the context of global markets. Carriers in the Middle East represent up to 14% of the international aviation, so the region was a big player in the international market in 2020. Despite the decline in traffic during the crisis Middle East Bangladesh miracle carriers represented about 15% of international traffic in 2020, their share of international traffic actually increased in 2020, says global body of airlines – IATA. By Arvind Subramanian Even more noteworthy are the services, and in leading public-health a relatively low tax-to-GDP ratio New Delhi improvements in social indicators campaigns to deliver oral rehydration of less than 10%, one can infer that This, according to IATA director general Willie Walsh, was such as life expectancy, infant and therapy and immunisation. Despite the state implicitly chose to cede its largely down to some of the big carriers like Qatar Airways maternal mortality, fertility, and the NGO sector’s outsize presence, monopoly on service provision to and Emirates, in particular, who continued to operate avaged periodically by natural female labour-force participation. Bangladeshi leaders have not avoid exercising the politically costlier significant networks during calamities, long dependent on And, equally important, Bangladesh perceived its activities as a usurpation monopoly of taxation. foreign aid and remittances, has managed to sustain a modicum of the state’s authority. The other distinctive feature in the pandemic, and facilitating “The aviation and a perennial source of of democratic stability – keeping the As such, Bangladesh offers a Bangladesh’s development is its quite a lot of international R refugees and emigrants, Bangladesh army in the barracks. fascinating study in political economy. export performance. The fact that its sector connectivity, where other was once “a basket case of misery,” as But beyond such metrics, Normally, democratic states aim to success in manufacturing contributed airlines were either unable to Zia Haider Rahman put it in his great Bangladesh’s experience is distinctive ensure popular support by providing in turn to greater education and contributed debut novel, In the Light of What We in two ways that have yet to be the services that citizens need. agency for Bangladeshi women operate or stopped operating for Know. But on the 50th anniversary of fully appreciated from a broader Most are loath to cede that function has been well documented by the $213bn to financial reasons. its independence, Bangladesh is fast development perspective. The lest they lose power and legitimacy economists Rachel Heath and A At a recent briefing for the becoming a development paragon – a first relates to state formation and (not to mention opportunities for Mushfiq Mobarak. Less appreciated Middle East region’s media, Walsh said: Miracle on the Meghna. capacity. The defining characteristic rent-seeking and corruption). The is the paradox that lies at the heart of Among the country’s achievements of the modern state is that it holds more effective that non-state actors this export success. “I think it’s fair to say that GDP in the is a dramatic improvement in its a monopoly on legitimate violence, become in delivering services, the As my research with Raghuram G the crisis we are facing now citizens’ average standard of living. legitimate extortion (namely, more threatened most states feel. But Rajan of the University of Chicago pre-Covid is not necessarily one that is According to the most recent data taxation), and the provision of Bangladesh has escaped this dynamic. has shown, export sectors historically driven by the pandemic. It is from the International Monetary essential services. The second A partial explanation is that have fared relatively poorly in period” Fund, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP monopoly serves the objective of Bangladesh was so poor and lacking developing countries that received a more as a result of the ongoing (measured in purchasing-power- the third, and even when the state in state capacity in its early years lot of aid, suggesting the work of an restrictions on travel that parity terms) was about half of does not provide services directly, it that public service delivery suffered, “aid curse” – a variant of the natural- governments have imposed around the world. And this is Pakistan’s in 1987 and two-thirds dictates the terms. creating a vacuum for other actors to resource curse. Foreign aid, no less clearly having a big impact on international markets, which is of India’s as recently as 2007. But In Bangladesh, however, the fill. Those who seized the opportunity than an abundance of oil and gas, in 2020, Bangladesh has surpassed state has voluntarily ceded the then enjoyed access to vast inflows tends to make the real exchange rate particularly relevant for airlines based in the Middle East.” the former and is catching up with service-provision monopoly to the of foreign aid, which averaged (in net too strong, rendering export sectors Highlighting the importance of aviation to the region’s the latter, owing partly to its success nongovernmental sector. BRAC and a terms) 5% of GDP for 25 years until the uncompetitive. But Bangladesh has economy, Walsh said: “The aviation sector contributed in becoming a leading textiles and number of other now-famous NGOs turn of the century. bucked the trend again. $213bn to Middle East GDP in the pre-Covid period. Aviation clothing exporter, trailing just behind have played a major role in providing But deeper factors could also be Beyond luck and chance, additional China and Vietnam. healthcare, schools, and financial at play. Given that Bangladesh has factors that may have contributed supports 3.3mn jobs, including nearly 0.6mn aviation jobs. to Bangladesh’s export success Restoring air connectivity is vital. Replacing quarantine with include plentiful labour, which kept testing is key.” dollar wages low enough to offset It is a matter of relief that the industry is seeing very an exchange rate kept too strong by foreign aid and remittances; and encouraging signs in some parts of the world. Several preferential trade access to foreign countries have now formally stated that they will allow markets, first under the Multi-Fiber people who are fully vaccinated to travel without restriction. Agreement (until it was abolished), While that is certainly a very positive development, and then under programmes established by the United States and industry experts argue that we can’t have a situation, the European Union. wherein only people who have been vaccinated are able to Looking ahead, low-lying travel internationally. Bangladesh, of course, faces a More so because vaccine rollouts have been tardy in many serious climate change challenge, but its ability to sustain its economic countries around the world, particularly within the low and transformation will depend on how middle income group. That means, many people in those these two distinctive features evolve. countries who want to get vaccinated may not have access to If non-state actors enter politics, they that. could upset the current equilibrium, prompting the state to reappropriate That makes it imperative that in addition to restrictions its monopoly on service provision. being removed for vaccinated customers, we must see a Were that to happen, the state would sensible testing regime in place, or what is killing demand almost certainly have to increase taxes – quarantine requirements and significant costs associated to show that it can be as effective as the NGOs. with testing. Similarly, Bangladesh’s export When restrictions are either relaxed or removed, the competitiveness could be undermined industry will certainly see a much-needed rebound in traffic! by rising wages, the enforcement of cost-increasing labour standards and regulations, and the loss of preferential export access in rich To Advertise markets. Bangladesh was carved out of India in [email protected] 1947 and then broke away from Pakistan in 1971. For decades, it was an object of Display condescension for India and Pakistan 44466621 44418811 alike. Not anymore. Now a shining model of development, this twice- Classified dismembered country off ers lessons for 44466609 44418811 the struggling countries from which it was born. – Project Syndicate Subscription  Arvind Subramanian, a former chief [email protected] economic adviser to the government of India, is the author of Eclipse: Living in the Shadow of China’s Economic © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Bangladesh: success in becoming a leading textiles and clothing exporter. Dominance. Gulf Times Sunday, June 13, 2021 11 WORLD Canada bids adieu to family killed in hate crime

AFP would help people grieve and bring London some closure. In a separate CBC interview, Paki- stani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he city of London, Ontario, paid the attack had shocked people across homage yesterday to a Muslim Pakistan. Tfamily deliberately mowed down He called on the international com- by the driver of a pick-up truck, in an munity to take action against “hate attack that has shocked Canadians and websites which create hatred amongst which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau human beings.” denounced as “terrorist.” “The problem is, at the moment, Four members of the Afzaal fam- there is not enough motivation and ily — a man and his wife, their teenage that some international leaders, or daughter and his mother — were out leaders in the Western countries, actu- for a walk in their London neighbour- ally don’t understand this phenome- hood last Sunday when a 20-year-old non,” he added. CBC is airing the inter- man in a black pickup truck drove into view today, but released excerpts early. them on purpose, according to author- Twenty-year-old Nathaniel Velt- ities. man, who has no criminal record and A fi fth family member, a nine-year- no known link to any extremist group, old boy, was seriously injured but is has been charged with four counts of recovering. fi rst-degree murder and one of at- Funeral services for Salman Afzaal, tempted murder. 46, his wife Madiha, 44, their daughter Flag-wrapped coff ins outside the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario during a funeral of the Afzaal family that was killed in what police describe as a hate-motivated Police, who say the attack was Yumna, 15 and Salman’s mother Talat, attack, in London, Ontario, yesterday. Right: People gather at a makeshift memorial at the scene where the family was killed. (Reuters) planned and motivated by hatred, have 74, were set for early yesterday after- not ruled out adding terrorism-related noon in the London Islamic centre. which has badly shaken the Muslim Numerous vigils and solemn com- Many bore posters reading “We are bia in Canada and, within the Mus- charges. Trudeau has promised to step A ceremony open to the public was community and other Canadians as memorations have taken place across all human” or “Hate kills.” lim community, has heightened fears up the fi ght against extremist groups. planned on a nearby football fi eld. well. Canada in recent days, and on Friday People also paid homage Friday in that displaying outward signs of re- Following the attack, Canadian dep- The burial will be private, but people Those taking part are urged to wear several thousand people joined in an Quebec City, where a January 2017 ligious affiliation can make a person uties adopted a nonbinding resolution, were being encouraged to line up along either green ribbons, to denounce Is- ecumenical walk through the streets mosque shooting claimed six lives. a target. The imam Aarji Anwer, from introduced by the left-leaning New the route of the funeral cortege in soli- lamophobia, or mauve ones, the fa- of London, which is home to some The latest attack has fuelled debate the Islamic centre, told the CBC public Democratic Party, calling for a national darity with the victims of the attack, vorite colour of young Yumna. 30,000 Muslims. about the prevalence of Islamopho- network that he hoped the ceremony summit on Islamophobia this summer.

Azerbaijan swaps 15 Armenian US fl ight Moscow slaps captive troops diverted over ‘non-working for mine maps Azerbaijan yesterday handed over to Armenia 15 prisoners of threat to ‘take week’ to fi ght war captured during last year’s hostilities over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, the plane down’ Covid surge foreign ministry in Baku said. The ministry also said that under the deal mediated by Georgia’s AFP AFP Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Washington Moscow Yerevan reciprocated by providing Baku with maps of minefields in the conflict zone. fl ight en route from Los Angeles to At- oscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin yesterday Fighting broke out between lanta was diverted for an emergency announced a “non-working” week in the Azerbaijan and Armenia in Alanding when a passenger attacked MRussian capital, with non-essential work- September 2020 over the two fl ight attendants and threatened to bring ers told to stay home, as Covid-19 cases hit a six- disputed Nagorno-Karabakh down the plane, authorities said. month high. region, claiming some 6,000 lives The incident late Friday took place at a The decision marks a change of tone for Russian over six weeks. time when more Americans are taking to the authorities, with President Vladimir Putin repeat- The war ended in November with airways than at any time since the pandemic In this file photo taken on June 5, 2019, participants leave the Blue Origin Space Simulator during the edly insisting that Russia has handled the pandemic a Russian-brokered ceasefire broke out — and as “unruly passenger” events Amazon Re:MARS conference on robotics and artificial intelligence at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas, better than most countries. that saw Yerevan cede swathes have surged sharply, often sparked by dis- Nevada. (AFP) “During the past week the situation with the of territory it had controlled for putes over mask-wearing. spread of the coronavirus infection has sharply de- decades. In the latest incident, a frightening com- teriorated,” Sobyanin said on his website as the city Yesterday, “Azerbaijan handed over motion broke out in the front of Delta Flight registered 6,701 daily infections, the highest number to Armenia 15 detained Armenians 1730, according to the airline and media re- since December last year. in exchange for the map of 97,000 ports. Sobyanin added that “thousands” of hospital anti-tank and anti-personnel mines As a man grappled with fl ight attendants Trip to space with Jeff beds have been repurposed for coronavirus patients. in the Agdam district,” one of the — and said repeatedly that he was “going to “We cannot not react to such a situation,” he said. territories Armenia has ceded to take the plane down” — the pilot called over “To stop the growth of infections and to save peo- Baku, Azerbaijani foreign ministry the public address system for “all able-bodied ple’s lives, today I signed a decree providing for non- said in a statement. men” to assist. Bezos sells for $28mn working days between June 15-19.” Several, including an off -duty pilot, rushed The order aff ects all employees in the Russian forward and, after several moments of violent capital, a city of 12 million, except for essential 4 Afghans get struggle partly captured on video, were able AFP New Shepard trip will last a total of 10 minutes, four workers. 10-year terms for to overpower the man, police said. Washington of which passengers will spend above the Karman Non-essential workers are not required to work The plane, which had been well on its way line that marks the recognized boundary between from home during the period, but will still retain Greek migrant from the West Coast to Atlanta in the south- Earth’s atmosphere and space. their salaries. Together with the weekends and a east, was diverted instead to Oklahoma City. n unnamed bidder paid $28 million at auction After lift-off , the capsule separates from its boost- public holiday on June 14, it means most Moscow camp fire Police there took the suspect, identifi ed as yesterday for a seat alongside Jeff Bezos on er, then spends four minutes at an altitude exceeding workers will not return to their offi ces until June 20. an off -duty Delta employee in his late 20s, Aboard the fi rst crewed spacefl ight of the bil- 60 miles, during which time those on board experi- The mayor also announced the closure of food A Greek court yesterday into custody, reports said. His precise motive lionaire’s company Blue Origin next month. ence weightlessness and can observe the curvature courts and playgrounds while restaurants, bars and sentenced four Afghan asylum was unknown. The Amazon founder revealed this week that both of Earth from space. clubs will be banned from serving customers be- seekers convicted of starting After complaining of chest pains and he and his brother Mark would take a place on board The booster lands autonomously on a pad two tween 23:00 and 06:00. fires that burnt down Europe’s showing signs of what police said were mental the company’s New Shepard launch vehicle on July miles from the launch site, and the capsule fl oats Sobyanin also called on employers to transfer at largest migrant camp last year issues, the man was hospitalised. 20, to fl y to the edge of space and back. back to the surface with three large parachutes that least 30 percent of non-vaccinated employees to to 10 years in prison each. No other injuries were reported. They will be joined by the winner of yesterday’s slow it down to about a mile per hour when it lands. working from home after the week-long shutdown. The court in Chios found the In a statement, Delta thanked the passen- charity auction, whose identity will be disclosed Bezos, who announced earlier this year he is step- Cases have been on the rise across the country defendants guilty of arson while gers and crew who “assisted in detaining an in coming weeks, and by a fourth, as yet unnamed ping down as chief executive of Amazon to spend in recent weeks as Russia struggles to innoculate their lawyers denounced a “lack unruly passenger.” space tourist, according to Blue Origin’s director of more time on other projects including Blue Origin, its citizens despite domestic vaccines being widely of sense of fairness”. Police searched the plane before allowing astronaut and orbital sales Ariane Cornell. has said he would be fulfi lling a lifelong dream by fl y- available to the public. A spike in infections has also No-one died in the fires. the fl ight to continue on. The FBI is investi- Yesterday’s successful bidder beat out some 20 ri- ing into space. been reported in Russia’s second city Saint Peters- The lawyers told AFP they had gating. vals in an auction launched on May 19 and wrapped Blue Origin’s New Shepard has successfully car- burg, which is co-hosting the Euro 2020 football immediately filed for an appeal The incident took place the same day the up with a 10-minute, livecast frenzy. ried out more than a dozen uncrewed test runs from championship. after the sentence was handed US Transportation Security Administration Bidding had reached $4.8 million by Thursday, but its facility in the Guadalupe Mountains of west Texas. Moscow deputy mayor Anastasia Rakova said down. said its agents had screened more than two shot up spectacularly in the fi nal live auction, rising The reusable suborbital rocket system was named yesterday that 78% of the 14,000 hospital beds for The young Afghans were taken million passengers at airports — the most by million dollar increments. after Alan Shepard, the fi rst American in space 60 virus patients in the city were currently occupied. to the court handcuff ed and since before the Covid-19 crisis erupted. The proceeds — aside from a six percent auction- years ago. “In Moscow hospitals working with coronavirus were expected to return to the Meantime, data from the Federal Aviation eer’s commission — will go to Blue Origin’s foun- The automated capsules with no pilot have six patients there are currently 498 people on ventila- Avlona jail outside Athens, were Authority show that “unruly passenger” in- dation, Club for the Future, which aims to inspire seats with horizontal backrests placed next to large tors, that’s almost 30% more than a week ago,” Ra- they were held before the trial. cidents on commercial fl ights have shot up future generations to pursue careers in STEM — sci- portholes, in a futuristic cabin with swish lighting. kova said. She said over the past two months there In March, two other Afghan this year amid high stress levels and as mask- ence, technology, engineering and mathematics. Multiple cameras help immortalise the few min- had been a “signifi cant” increase in the number of youths were detained in the wearing has taken on a political edge. Taking off from a desert in western Texas, the utes the space tourists experience weightlessness. young patients aged between 18 and 35. same facility for five years in connection with the case.

Fujimori clings to Whale of a tale: US fi sherman says swallowed by humpback fraud claim as count nears end It sounds like a real-life take on attacked by a shark, but the lack of they say is true,” she told AFP. Pinocchio — a US lobster fisherman teeth and obvious wounds made him Robbins said she had never heard of says he was scooped into the mouth reconsider. an “accident” of this type, but “it may Right-wing candidate Keiko of a humpback whale Friday and yet Packard said he began to struggle — be that he (Packard) was just in the Fujimori insisted yesterday that lived to tell the story. but unlike in the classic children’s tale wrong place at the wrong time.” Peru’s presidential election was “I was in his closed mouth for about Pinocchio there was no need to build “When they (whales) fish... they marred by fraud, as final vote 30 to 40 seconds before he rose to a fire to secure his escape. rush forward, open their mouth and counting dragged on with her the surface and spit me out,” Michael “I saw light, and he started throwing engulf the fish and the water very leftist rival slightly ahead. Packard wrote on Facebook hours his head side-to-side and the next quickly,” she said, adding they have “There was fraud in the voting after his brush with the depths. thing I knew I was outside (in the large mouths, but throats so narrow process. There was manipulation “A humpback whale tried to eat me,” water),” Packard told the paper. they wouldn’t be able to swallow a in the voting process,” Fujimori he added. “I am very bruised up but The story says Packard’s fishing mate human. said in a briefing with foreign have no broken bones.” Josiah Mayo “saw the explosion of The whale, which according to reporters, as her chances of Packard’s beyond-belief big fish water as the whale surfaced and Mayo’s description was on the young becoming president seemed to yarn began, he told local paper Packard was ejected,” but doesn’t side, “may not be able to detect narrow, six days after people in Cape Cod Times, when he was include any quotes attributed to him. quickly enough that something is in politically turbulent Peru cast diving for lobster off the coast of the Jooke Robbins, director of humpback the way.” ballots. She alleged there was northeastern state of Massachusetts. whale studies at the Center for Even if all the details weren’t yet fraud in the counting of votes, “All of a sudden, I felt this huge Coastal Studies in Provincetown, known, one thing was clear for too. “I am going to recognise the shove and the next thing I knew it Massachusetts, said she had no Robbins: “It is important for people to results but we have to wait until was completely black,” he said after reason to doubt the account. be quite aware... And when they see the end,” said Fujimori. being released from the hospital. “I didn’t think it was a hoax because I a whale, keep a good distance. It’s She says irregularities in the He was about 35 feet down and his In this file photo, a Humpback whale jumps in the surface of the Pacific Ocean knew the people involved... So I have really important to give whales their vote count favoured her leftist first thought was that he had been at the Uramba Bahia Malaga National Natural Park in Colombia. (AFP) every reason to believe that what space.” rival Pedro Castillo, who is ahead by a slim 51,000 votes. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, June 13, 2021 QATAR/SPORT

QAD valedictorian Sama Ayoub. 6 QF schools host virtual

graduations Qatar Academy Doha. atar Foundation (QF) has “In order to achieve this goal, celebrated, with a series we have created a unique learning Qof virtual ceremonies, the environment catering to all needs graduation of 483 students from and abilities. From IB (interna- six of its schools. tional baccalaureate) schools to Five schools under QF Pre- academies specialising in STEM University Education house (science, technology, engineer- Grade 12 classes – Qatar Acade- ing and mathematics), music, my Doha (QAD), Qatar Academy heritage, special needs and lead- Al Khor (QAK), Qatar Academy ership education, children have Sidra (QAS), Qatar Leadership the freedom to explore their cu- Academy, and Awsaj Academy. riosity, creativity and individual- These schools, alongside the ity,” al-Nuaimi said. Academic Bridge Programme – a “The graduates we celebrate pre-university foundation pro- this year move into the next stage gramme for secondary school of their lives equipped with the graduates – saw 227 female stu- skills and knowledge to contrib- Qatar Leadership Academy. dents and 256 male students ute to building a better world, graduate this year, the QF said. and to be drivers of change,” she all humanity is going through nities and the encouragement I QF Pre-University Education added. “We congratulate every changed the course of educa- found at the QAD. president Buthaina Ali al-Nuai- member of our class of 2021, and tion, and brought us – teachers “Congratulations to every sin- mi said: “We are delighted to look forward to seeing their con- and students – together to con- gle of you. I look forward to what have been able to come together tinued successes in the future.” tinue the journey of knowledge, the future holds for all of us.” in the digital sphere to celebrate The individual graduation research and inquiry as lifelong Reem Abdullah Ahmed al- the accomplishments of the stu- ceremonies at the QF schools, learners.” Mannai, part of the QAS’s gradu- dents from our Qatar Foundation designed to highlight and hon- QAD valedictorian Sama Ay- ating class, said: “At the QAS, I schools.” our the accomplishments of its oub refl ected on the past two have been pushed towards my “The coronavirus pandemic students, featured members of years of school life, especially best academic potential – to has presented them with new the QF and Pre-University lead- following the start of the pan- learn, grow and experience in and unique challenges as they ership teams, teachers and school demic, saying: “We were all put such a welcoming environment.” Awsaj Academy. strive to achieve their goals, and staff alongside the students, and in a unique position, and were all “Our teachers have been ex- the way they have responded to included a range of speeches, given a choice – to either fi ght for traordinary in supporting us have made together.” and moves to conquer a newer these challenges and excelled is presentations and videos. our dreams, our aspirations and during these uncertain times and “I appreciate Awsaj Academy challenge in life, always remem- truly inspiring,” she said. “Over Maitha Ibrahim R M al-Mo- our goals, or to allow the circum- working with us to help wrap up because it teaches us in a unique ber to live with the idea of not the last 25 years, since the estab- hannadi, Student Council presi- stances to dictate our futures.” our fi nal year,” she said. “My time way,” she said. “Teachers want wanting to regret your past and lishment of our very fi rst school dent at the QAK, told the school’s “And now, at the fi nish line, I at the QAS has prepared me for students to be creative, to under- don’t let anyone choose your fu- – Qatar Academy Doha – we graduation ceremony: “Today, am proud to say that every single the next stages of my life and I’m stand and learn new things. They ture for you.” have strived to help our youth we stand at a crossroads. We will one of us chose to fi ght,” she said. thankful to have been part of its try their best to match the pace of For more information about become more resilient and better turn the next page of our lives, to “Every single one of us chose community.” the students, while focusing on the QF’s Pre-University Edu- prepared for both the challenges open new bright, white pages. to be resilient and to rise to the Awsaj Academy valedictorian their mental health as well as ac- cation and the diverse range of and the opportunities of tomor- “Various emotions overwhelm challenge and to achieve, despite Alhanouf al-Dosari added: “I ademics. It is an important factor QF schools, one can visit www. row, while inspiring them to be us, and on top of those the joy of all the odds being against us. I am stand here before you, looking in student education. qf.org.qa/education/pre-univer- lifelong learners.” graduation. The pandemic that forever grateful for the opportu- back at all the memories that we “As the class of 2021 graduates sity. QAS salutatorian.

Syrian students take exams through QC initiative Lukaku urges Eriksen to ‘stay strong’ as

ix hundred students who project after receiving “acceler- Bab regions in northern Syria. viding psychological support Belgium make winning start to Euro 2020 had dropped out of school ated education” in the tempo- The project seeks to return service and operating expenses, Sare taking the fi nal ex- rary education centres funded children who have dropped out heating fuel and transportation aminations in northern Syria, by the Humanitarian Fund in to school by applying the ac- to ferry children with special AFP grabbed Belgium’s sec- representing the fi rst batch of Syria (SCHF) of the United Na- celerated learning methodology needs to and from the centre. St Petersburg ond by slotting home the students benefi ting from the tions Offi ce for the Co-ordi- to reduce the educational gap Qatar Charity’s Accelerated rebound after his Dort- nation of Humanitarian Aff airs using a curriculum developed Education project saw a great mund teammate Thorgan (OCHA) and implemented by by the United Nations Chil- turnout of children as well as in- omelu Lukaku sent Hazard swung in a cross Qatar Charity(QC). dren’s Fund (Unicef) to enter teraction from their families, as a message of sup- which Anton Shunin The QC had launched the Ac- formal education next year af- the project represented to them Rport to his stricken failed to hold. celerated Education project for ter receiving the necessary care a hope to integrate school drop- Inter Milan teammate It stayed 2-0 at the Syrian children who dropped and education, QC has said in a outs with their peers through Christian Eriksen after break, but Russia raised out of school at the end of 2020, statement. direct co-ordination with the scoring, as his double the tempo in the second in partnership with the OCHA. Qatar Charity’s intervention directorates of education by helped the Belgians open half as Roman Zobnin Some 1,200 students bene- consists of restoring two tem- signing co-operation protocols their Euro 2020 cam- fi red over the Belgian fi ted from it in the Azaz and Al- porary education centres that to provide the appropriate edu- paign with a 3-0 win over goal. provide the “accelerated educa- cational service. Russia yesterday. Lukaku gave Belgium an early lead in Real Madrid star Eden tion” service in northern Syria. Many children of the Syrian Striker Lukaku gave St Petersburg, then shouted ‘Chris, Chris, stay Hazard replaced Mertens The intervention includes displaced have been forced to Belgium an early lead strong – I love you’ into a pitch-side camera. for the fi nal 18 minutes to appointing qualifi ed academic drop out of education and work in St Petersburg, then lift the Belgian attack. cadres and training them in the to help their families. shouted “Chris, Chris, stay strong – I love you” into With two minutes left, Lukaku swept Meunier’s “accelerated education” cur- Cases of early marriage have a pitch-side camera during the celebration of his pass into the Russian net to claim his 20th goal in riculum, distributing its books, also increased in the displace- opening goal. his last 15 international games. schoolbags and stationery to ment camps. His club teammate Eriksen is recovering in hos- Before kick-off , the Belgium team were booed children, in addition to pro- With the continuation of the pital in Copenhagen after collapsing on the pitch for taking a knee to highlight racial injustice, while humanitarian crisis, the age during extraordinary scenes, which overshadowed their Russian opponents stood. Qatar Charity has attached diff erence between the chil- Denmark’s 1-0 home defeat by Finland in yester- Jeers echoed around the Krestovsky Stadium as great importance to education, dren who dropped out and their day’s earlier Group B game. the entire Belgian team, as well as Spanish referee implementing dozens of peers in schools began to widen, Substitute Thomas Meunier doubled Belgium’s Antonio Mateu Lahoz, knelt, while Lukaku, whose educational projects for and many attempts to integrate lead on 34 minutes before Lukaku put the result be- parents come from the Democratic Republic of the the benefit of displaced Syrians the dropped-out children with yond doubt with a late second goal. Congo, raised his right fi st. and refugees. younger children within the Belgium, the world’s top-ranked team, are under England have said they will do the same for their same educational stage failed, pressure to deliver at the European Championship opening game of the European Championship as the former were simply un- as some pundits claim this is Roberto Martinez’s against Croatia today. able to keep up. last chance to win a title with an ageing squad. Lukaku said he shed tears for Eriksen before ded- Qatar Charity has attached Even with Manchester City playmaker Kevin De icating his two-goal haul to his stricken Inter team- great importance to education, Bruyne and Borussia Dortmund midfi elder Axel mate. as it has implemented dozens Witsel sidelined by injury, Belgium were too strong. “I am really happy with the win, but it was hard of educational projects for dis- The hosts got off to a bad start when Andrei Se- for me to play because my thoughts were with placed Syrians and refugees to menov failed to deal with a cross by Dries Mertens Christian Eriksen – I dedicate this to him,” said Lu- provide equal educational op- in the build-up to the opening goal. kaku, the man-of-the-match in St Petersburg. portunities for all. The ball fell to Lukaku, who spun away and drove “I cried a few tears before the game,” he revealed The total benefi ciaries of its his shot into the bottom far corner on 10 minutes. after the fi nal whistle. projects have reached more than Belgium’s Timothy Castagne and Russia’s Daler “I spent a lot of time with him,” Lukaku said of 1.2mn boys and girls over the Kuzyaev had to be helped off following a nasty clash Eriksen after the pair won the Serie A title with In- past fi ve years, the statement of heads, which saw both players substituted. ter last season. notes. Meunier, Castagne’s replacement at right-back, See also Sport Page 8