Wednesday December 23, 2020 Jumada Al-Awwal 8, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5136 qR 2

Fajr: 4:54 am Dhuhr: 11:33 am fine Asr: 2:30 pm Maghrib: 4:51 pm High : 24°C LOW : 17 °C Isha: 6:21 pm

World 7 Business 8 Sports 12 EU tries to fend off UK Italian F&B exports to Blanc’s Al Rayyan virus strain and calm Qatar rise 3.5% to €33mn hope to rise to ‘Qatar travel chaos in 10 months: ITA Clasico’ challenge

Amir’s wife offers CT2 & food security stores a quantum leap in Hamad Port capacity: PM condolences to Sheikha Hissa QNA Kuwait PM inaugurates initial operation of Hamad Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, wife of HH the Amir, offered condolences to Sheikha Hissa Port’s Container Terminal 2, health centre Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, wife of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah QNA & TNN Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, in Doha Today, during my visit to Hamad Kuwait City on Tuesday. Port, I launched the initial operation HH Sheikha Jawaher also Prime Minister and Minister of the second container terminal, offered condolences to the rul- of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid ing family, praying to Allah the bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al which is equipped with the latest Almighty to have mercy on his Thani on Tuesday inaugurated environmentally friendly technologies soul and to rest it in peace in the initial operation of Hamad and 5G technology. I was informed paradise, and to inspire his fam- Port’s Container Terminal 2 of the progress of the construction ily with patience and solace. (CT2). of food security stores. These two The CT2 is equipped with projects will make a qualitative leap in the latest environment-friend- the port’s capacity and storage capacity. I also opened ly technological equipment to the El Mina Health Center. FM meets Russian meet the requirements of ship- ping line operators and would Deputy PM, top increase the port’s capacity by On this occasion, the Min- sustainable development for officials in Moscow about three million containers ister of Transport and Com- the coming generations.” per year. munications HE Jassim Saif “Works of developing CT2, QNA The PM also inaugurated Ahmed Al Sulaiti said, “The the Strategic Food Security Fa- Moscow the Hamad Port Health Cen- Prime Minister inaugurating cilities and all other establish- tre and inspected its facilities the initial operation of CT2 is ments, which come as part of Deputy Prime Minister and equipped with all the medical a new achievement to be add- developing Hamad Port’s CT2, Minister of Foreign Affairs HE facilities needed to serve the ed to Hamad Port’s record of continue in full gear with no Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- port’s employees and visitors. achievements, thus boosting delay or slowdown despite the rahman Al Thani on Tuesday met During the visit, the of- its huge potential, modern fa- coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- Deputy Prime Minister of Russia ficials ofM awani Company Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani inspects the cilities and advanced systems demic, which affected several Yury Borisov during his visit to briefed the PM about the facilities at the Hamad Port on Tuesday. page 16 for increasing Qatar’s trade economies around the world the country. ports’ strategy, expansions with the world, in addition to directly and indirectly,” he The meeting reviewed and foreign investments. toured the port and inspected Food Security Project, and was er. Several ministers and sen- improving the country’s com- said. bilateral relations and the He also inspected a num- the progress of the under-con- also briefed on the progress of ior Mawani officials accompa- petitiveness by transforming it means to enhance cooperation ber of the port’s facilities. He struction warehouses of the work in the port’s control tow- nied the PM during the visit. into a regional trade hub with Continued on page 16  in different fields, particularly in the economy and investment to increase bilateral trade. The two sides also reviewed issues of joint interest. Minister of Finance HE Ali Shareef Al Emadi Qatar All set for COVID-19 vaccine rollout today also attended the meeting. The FM also met Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev. Eligible people to be Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine Sheikh Mohammed also met separately Advisor to the Rus- contacted directly for is safe & has all regulatory sian President, Deputy Chairman Now, hotel quarantine of the Organizing Committee — Executive Secretary of the St vaccination: Official approvals: Dr Al Bayat must for people from Petersburg International Eco- nomic Forum Anton Kobyakov; Tribune News Network Tribune News Network UK, Netherlands, CEO of Rosneft Igor Sechin; Doha Doha S Africa & Denmark and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VTB Bank Andrey With Qatar’s COVID-19 vaccination The Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 Tribune News Network Kostin. The FM met Chairman of campaign kicking off on Wednesday, vaccine is safe and it has passed all Doha the State Duma Committee on priority group people who are eligi- the regulatory approvals, a senior International Affairs of the Rus- ble to receive the COVID-19 vacci- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Discover Qatar, the destination man- sian Federation Leonid Slutsky. nation will be contacted directly to official has said. agement division of Qatar Airways, has page 2 arrange their appointments, a senior In a video posted on MoPH’s updated the quarantine requirements health official has said. Twitter account, Dr Soha Al Bayat, for passengers coming from the United Dr Samya Al Abdulla, Execu- Head of Vaccination at MoPH, said, Dr Soha Al Bayat. Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands and Action against 124 tive Director of Operations at Pri- “Many are wondering if the vaccine South Africa from December 22. for not wearing mary Health Care Corporation and key healthcare workers with re- is safe since it was developed so fast. came together and they all partici- “Passengers arriving on flights face masks (PHCC), said, “The initial ship- peated exposure to COVID-19. Citi- And the answer is yes. There’s no by- pated and funded the manufactur- originating from the UK, South Africa, ment of Pfizer and BioNTech vac- zens and residents within these pri- passing of any of the usual steps and ing of the vaccine, which enabled it Netherlands and Denmark will now be The designated authorities on cines arrived in Qatar on Monday ority groups will be contacted by text measures taken to develop the vac- to be developed and to be used much required to stay at one of the following Tuesday referred 124 people to and provides enough vaccines messages and telephone calls from a cine. There’s no bypassing of any of faster,” she said. dedicated quarantine hotels: Intercon- Public Prosecution for not wear- for those people most at risk. The PHCC health professional to arrange the safety tests.” Dr Soha Al Bayat assured that tinental Doha Hotel and Mercure Grand ing masks where they are man- Ministry of Public Health’s strate- their vaccination appointment,” Dr She said this vaccine was devel- the vaccine is proven to be safe and Doha,” Discover Qatar said. datory. The measure is in line gy will enable everyone in Qatar to Al Abdulla added. oped in such a short time because the side-effects are normal – noth- “You will not be permitted to board with the Cabinet decision, decree be vaccinated against COVID-19 in In the first phase of the vacci- the foundation for the vaccine and ing critical or dangerous. “It has the aircraft without a UK, DK, NL or ZA law no 17 of 1990 on infectious 2021, but for now we must priori- nation campaign, vaccines will be the platform were already there. “So, been approved by the FDA in the US, Exclusive Quarantine Hotel Voucher diseases, and the precautionary tise people most at risk from severe given to the priority population they didn’t have to start from zero. and many ministries of the health if your booking was made on or after measures in force in the country complications and death from the groups at seven PHCC health cen- Usually they take steps one after the around the world. The UK has al- December 23, 2020,” it said. to contain the spread of the coro- virus.” tres: Al Wajba, Leabaib, Al Ruwais, other, this time they did it in parallel ready started the vaccination and Pre-approved QID resident permit navirus (COVID-19). The authori- “Initially, vaccines will be priori- Um Slal, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Thu- to save time. And the most impor- thus far no critical or serious side- holders are able to apply to travel to ties have called on the public tised for three key population groups: mama and Muaither. tant reason is that usually financ- effects were noted. Take the vaccine Qatar. You will need to obtain approval to adhere to the precautionary people over 70 years of age, people ing of the manufacturing of vaccine to protect yourself and your loved to enter Qatar by applying through the measures. (QNA) with multiple chronic conditions, Continued on page 2  takes a long time. But the world ones,” she said. Qatar Portal. Applications for a QID return visa are now open. “If you have already made your hotel reservation in a different hotel, and are arriving before 6 am local time on Qatar Airways Car- December 23, your reservation will be QA offers passengers a full year of flexibility in 2021 Laurels for QA Cargo go and Qatar Avia- automatically transferred upon arrival,” Qatar Airways (QA) will offer passengers unlimited date changes and free re- tion Services Cargo it added. funds for all tickets issued before April 30, 2021 for travel completed by Decem- have received ber 31, 2021. The airline’s latest enhancement to its industry-leading flexible IATA CEIV Pharma booking policy has been designed to continue providing customers with peace Certification for of mind that they can change their plans with ease. The airline is also making their expertise and the option to exchange tickets for a travel voucher with 10 percent additional efficient handling value a permanent feature for all customers booking travel via qatarairways. of pharmaceuticals Qatar Embassy delivers aid com. The process for redeeming a travel voucher is quick and easy – passen- and life science gers apply online and receive the voucher within 48 hours. (TNN) page 3 products. (TNN) to Mexico flood victims (PG 3 ) 02 Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Contact US: Qatar Tribune ı EDITORIAL ı Phone: 40002222 ı ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING ı Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

Quick read

PM, French counterpart discuss relations Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Tuesday received a phone call from Prime Minister of France Jean Castex during which they reviewed bilateral cooperation and the ways to enhance them, especially in the fields of economy, investment and energy. They also discussed cooperation between the two friendly countries regarding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the 2024 Olympic Games in France as well as the exchange of experiences in this regard, in addition to discussing the regional and international developments of common concern. (QNA) Muraikhi meets ambassador of Hungary Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with Hungary’s Ambassador to Qatar HE Fodor Barnabas on Tuesday. During the meeting, they reviewed bilat- The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and the means to enhance cooperation in different fields, particularly in the economy and investment sectors to increase bilateral trade volume. eral relations and other issues of common concern. (QNA) Amiri Guard commander meets Pakistani chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee FM, Russian Deputy PM and senior Amiri Guard Commander Major-General Hazza bin Khalil Al Shahwani met with Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza in Doha on Tuesday. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of cooperation between the two sides and the ways to develop them. The meeting was at- officials review means to boost ties tended by Pakistani Ambassador to Qatar, the Pakistani Military Attache, the Qatari Military Attache to Pakistan and a number of QNA ment sectors to increase bilat- the Security Council Nikolai senior Amiri Guard officers. (QNA) Moscow eral trade volume. The meet- Patrushev. ing was attended by Minister He also met separately MoI’s undersecretary delivers lecture Deputy Prime Minister and of Finance HE Ali Shareef Al with Advisor to the Russian on Lekhwiya Force strategy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emadi. President, Deputy Chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin The deputy prime minister of the Organising Committee Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Com- Abdulrahman Al Thani met and minister of foreign affairs - Executive Secretary of the mander of the Lekhwiya Force Major-General Abdulaziz bin Faisal with Deputy Prime Minister also met with Chairman of the St. Petersburg International Al Thani delivered a lecture on ‘Lekhwiya Force strategy and its of the Russian government State Duma Committee on In- Economic Forum Anton Ko- national security position’ at the Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Command Yury Borisov in Moscow on ternational Affairs of Russia byakov; CEO of Rosneft Igor and Staff College. The College hosted the lecture as part of the Tuesday. Leonid Slutsky to discuss vari- Sechin and Chairman of the National Defence Course No 1. After the lecture, a discussion on The meeting reviewed ous means to bolster relations Board of Directors of VTB the points related to national security took place in the presence bilateral relations and the between the two countries. Bank Andrey Kostin. of the participants, including senior employees of the various means to enhance cooperation HE Sheikh Mohammed The meetings were attend- ministries, state institutions and security agencies. (QNA) in different fields, particularly also held a successful meet- ed by Minister of Finance HE in the economy and invest- ing with Russia’s Secretary of Ali Shareef Al Emadi. Austrian parliamentarian praises Amir’s Health centres to have decision to hold Shura Council elections dedicated teams for QNA naissance process the country is wit- COVID-19 vaccination Vienna nessing at all levels. He also emphasised that the Shura Continued from page 1  sonal influenza vaccine, which Member of the ruling People’s Party Council elections are of great impor- is provided at all PHCC health and Vice-President of the Foreign Re- tance in Qatar, given its role in moni- Dr Abdulla said each of these centres each year. lations Committee of the Austrian Par- toring the implementation of laws, de- health centres will have vac- “It is important to note liament Dr Reinhold Lopatka hailed cisions and regulations related to the cination teams dedicated that the Pfizer and BioNTech the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Ham- government’s powers and competen- solely to administering the vaccine requires a second shot ad Al Thani’s announcement to hold cies. It is important especially in light COVID-19 vaccine, adding to be given 21 days after the Shura Council elections in October of the expansion of the powers of the that every effort has been first. Our appointment team 2021. elected council so that it has greater made to ensure patients have will book patients for their He described the decision as a legislative and oversight powers that a smooth and efficient experi- second vaccination visit and it qualitative leap to consolidate the enhance transparency and benefit the ence when visiting the health is essential that people keep to democratic process in Qatar. people, he said. centres. this date and attend their ap- Dr Lopatka affirmed his country’s Dr Lopatka’s comments came dur- She said the health centres pointments as planned, as any readiness to provide all possible forms ing his meeting with Ambassador of and nursing teams are expe- delay can impact the vaccine’s of support to Qatar for the success of Qatar to Austria and Permanent Rep- rienced in providing vaccina- ability to offer protection. Full the elections, which would enhance resentative of Qatar to the United Na- tions as this is a regular part of immunity develops around the legislative process with wider par- tions and International Organisations Dr Lopatka affirmed his country’s readiness to provide all possible forms of support their work. Administering and one week after the second dose ticipation of citizens, pointing out that in Vienna HE Sultan bin Salmeen Al to Qatar for the success of the elections, which would enhance the legislative process receiving the COVID-19 vac- of the vaccine,” added Dr Ab- this comes as a continuation of the re- Mansouri. with wider participation of citizens. cine is very similar to the sea- dulla.

Public Prosecution self-service devices for 5 arrested for violating requirements and rules special needs receive Mada’s accreditation for home quarantine Tribune News Network taken into consideration in vide audio services that help the blind and the use of larger lines and buttons Doha the design of self-service people to use the service by using for users with low vision. QNA Akkal, Mahmoud Abdel- devices and their ease of keyboards that suit the needs of Director of the Information Tech- Doha Hamid Abdel-Salam Abdel- The Public Prosecution has obtained access and use. people with special needs, with nology Department of the Public Pros- Ghani, Adel Ahmed Othman the accreditation of the Qatar Assistive The project was the ability to switch between the ecution Maryam Haji Abdullah said that The designated authori- Mohisi, Mohammed Abdel- Technology Center (Mada) for a project launched in cooperation menus and functions of the sys- obtaining the accreditation of standard ties on Tuesday arrested Salam Mohammed Al Saadi to provide innovative electronic devices between the Public Pros- tem by using shortcuts suitable digital access for self-service devices, five people for violating the Al Yafei and Hazam Butti that provide self-services to people with ecution and Mada, which for people with visual and which is one of the channels for deliver- home quarantine rules they Mohammed Al Aziman Al visual impairment and facilitate their focuses on improving the movement disabilities. ing digital public prosecution services to had committed to follow- Qahtani. transactions without the need to seek accessibility of information The devices also pro- the public, is a qualitative leap in elec- ing, in accordance with the The authorities have help from anyone. and communication technol- vide the ability to use the tronic services provided by the prosecu- procedures of the health au- called on citizens and resi- With this, the Public Prosecution ogy in Qatar and the world. system through voice com- tion for all members of society. thorities in the country. dents under home quaran- has introduced self-service machines The Public Prosecution mands, as well as browse the She added that the Public Prosecu- The five people had tine to fully commit to the as one of the channels to deliver digital has recorded many achieve- system’s functions and follow tion currently provides 14 self-service violated the precaution- Ministry of Public Health’s public prosecution services, in addition ments in this context and the progress of the service devices, which are located in places fre- ary measures in force in condition to ensure their to other channels such as the website obtained a digital access ac- by listening to the voice com- quented by auditors, such as security the country, approved by safety and the safety of oth- and smart phone application. creditation certificate for its mands issued by the system, departments, courts and Hamad Inter- the health authorities. The ers. They added that anyone As part of the Public Prosecution application of standards for while providing an audio usage national Airport, and can benefit from measures are in place to who violates the quarantine strategy to provide modern and high- accessing digital content for guide for people with special their services at any time and easily. curb the spread of COV- will be subject to Article No quality electronic services that meet people with special needs, needs that can be easily by the She explained that the self-service ID-19. 253 of Law No 11 of 2004, the needs of all segments of society, the elderly and those with user. devices provide inquiry services for re- The violators are cur- provisions of Law No 17 the requirements of people with special functional restrictions. The system interfaces ports, cases and requests, as well as elec- rently being referred to the of 1990 on communicable needs, especially those with visual, audi- The self-service devices have also been designed with tronic payment services for fines and prosecution. They include diseases, and Law No 17 of tory and mobility disabilities, have been have been developed to pro- the provision of a magnifier tool guarantees. Siddiq Yanashenty Pur 2002 on protecting society. Nation Wednessday, December 23, 2020 03

QATAR EMBASSY DELIVERS AID TO FLOOD-HIT PEOPLE IN MEXICO Leading Indian businessman QNA Mexico City M S Bukhari passes away Qatar’s Embassy in L N MALLICK Mexico has delivered Doha a shipment of human- itarian aid provided by Leading Indian businessman and well- the State of Qatar to known community member M S Bukhari the people affected passed away in Doha on Monday. by the recent floods Bukhari, a native of Bhopal in India, in south Mexico. had been living in Qatar for more than three The event was decades. He had been suffering from heart- attended by Director- related disease for some time and had under- General of European gone a bypass surgery, but developed com- Affairs at the Ministry plications later. He was put on ventilator but of Foreign Affairs of couldn’t survive. A large number of his well- He was life member of Birla Public School Mexico Bernardo Agu- wishers attended the funeral prayers held at and Ideal Indian School in Qatar. ilar and Ambassador Mesaimeer cemetery on Tuesday. He was also an active supporter of Urdu of Qatar to Mexico He is survived by his wife and a daughter. language and was involved in organising and HE Mohammed bin He was managing director of various compa- conducting Urdu seminars, mushairas in In- Jassim Al Kuwari. nies in Qatar, namely Satco Group, H Polybit dia, Qatar, the UK and elsewhere. Aguilar thanked Trading Ltd, Choice Group WLL, H P Indus- He was placed among the top 100 Indian the valuable aid tries Ltd, and Henkel Polybit Industries Ltd. InfluentialE ntrepreneurs in the Middle East provided by Qatar, He was actively involved with numerous by Forbes Middle East. He was also featured especially in these social, welfare and literary organisations in on the list of ‘25 Global Indians Transform- difficult and excep- Qatar and India. He was commonly known ing the World’. tional circumstances. to mentor and guide entrepreneurs and busi- He was recipient of various coveted Al Kuwari affirmed ness owners with his wisdom, knowledge awards, such as Bharat Gaurav award, Qatar’s support for and experience. Known for his charismatic Bharat Shiromani award, Bharat Samman the government and personality, he will be remembered as a phi- award, NRIs Achievers Excellence award people of Mexico. lanthropist, industrialist and motivational and Urdu Heritage Caravan’s Dr K N Katju speaker. Award for Urdu Promotion.

Qatar Airways offers passengers unlimited Dreama, Baladna sign chance to change travel, fee-free refunds in 2021 Tribune News Network ibility throughout 2021 as the partnership agreement DOHA airline they can rely on.” The national carrier of QNA responsibility of Baladna and Qatar Airways (QA) will of- Qatar continues to rebuild Doha achieves its vision and strategy fer passengers unlimited date its network, which currently in support of programmes that changes and fee-free refunds stands at over 100 destina- The Orphans Care Center serve the community, express- for all tickets issued before tions, increasing to 126 by (Dreama) has signed a part- ing hope that the products that April 30, 2021 for travel com- March 2021. With more fre- nership agreement with Bal- will carry ‘Dreama’ logo will be pleted by December 31, 2021, quencies being added to key adna under which Baladna in great demand because this the airline has announced. hubs, Qatar Airways offers products will carry Dreama would represent an opportu- The airline’s latest en- unrivalled connectivity to pas- logo alongside its logo, and nity to introduce the centre’s hancement to its industry- sengers, making it easy for part of the profit from the logo and promote its image at leading flexible booking policy them to change their travel products will go to the centre. the national level. has been designed to provide dates or destination if they The product is expected to For his part, Managing Di- customers with peace of mind need to. Qatar Airways also be available in shops in early rector of Baladna Mohammed that they can change their remains committed to hon- 2021 and its launch will be ac- Ramez Al Khayyat said that plans with ease. ouring passenger refunds, companied by a major aware- the signing of the agreement The airline is also making paying out over $1.65 billion ness campaign in the media. comes within the framework the option to exchange tick- since March 2020. Acting Executive Director of the company’s social re- ets for a travel voucher with When travelling with Qatar of Dreama Mariam bint Ali bin sponsibility and the realisa- 10 percent additional value, Airways in 2021, passengers Nasser Al Misnad expressed tion of its vision in support a permanent feature for all can expect the highest lev- happiness at cooperating with of civil society and its various customers booking travel via els of safety throughout their Baladna, noting that Dreama institutions, explaining that qatarairways.com. journey. The airline’s onboard always seeks to strengthen its this partnership will provide The process for redeeming safety measures include the partnership with companies an opportunity for Baladna a travel voucher is quick and provision of Personal Protec- and institutions in the private to build close relations with easy as passengers apply on- tive Equipment (PPE) for cab- sector in order to achieve the Dreama and contribute to line and receive the voucher in crew and a complimentary centre’s goals in serving its or- building a compassionate so- within 48 hours. protective kit and disposable phans. ciety, while looking forward to Qatar Airways Group face shields for passengers. She added that the agree- Acting Executive Director of Dreama Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad with Mohammed Ramez Al more joint cooperation in the Chief Executive Akbar Al Bak- Business Class passen- ment also translates the social Khayyat, Managing Director of Baladna during the signing ceremony in Doha on Tuesday. future. er said, “Throughout 2020, gers on aircraft equipped with we have provided customers Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced the ability to modify travel privacy this award-winning without penalties as a result of business seat provides, includ- the disruption to global travel ing sliding privacy partitions caused by COVID-19. As we and the option to use a ‘Do MoI educates public on crime prevention look forward to the possibili- Not Disturb (DND)’ indicator. ties of travelling again next Qsuite is available on flights to QNA as he discussed a number of year, Qatar Airways will con- more than 30 destinations in- Doha matters related to crimes and tinue to be by our passengers’ cluding Frankfurt, Kuala Lum- their punishment in accord- side, offering continued flex- pur, London and New York. The Capital Security Depart- ance with the law, as well as ment, in cooperation with the other issues that fall within Ministry of Interior (MoI), on the framework of general Tuesday organised a virtual guidelines in order to raise awareness seminar on crime awareness about public safe- prevention and common re- ty and security measures. sponsibility in maintaining se- Kubaisi also reviewed curity and safety, as well as en- the efforts of the MoI during hancing the sense of security. the coronavirus (COVID-19) A number of directors of pandemic in implementing administrative affairs, human some procedures such as resources, government rela- wearing facemasks and rules tions officials and representa- and institutions participated rector Assistant of the Capi- sised the necessity to adhere of social distancing, in addi- tives of private companies, in the seminar. tal Security Department Saqr to laws and raise awareness tion to several related aware- communiuty organisations During the seminar, Di- Khamis Al Kubaisi empha- about harms caused by crime, ness matters. QC launches project to help nearly 1,200 out-of-school children in Syria

Tribune News Network formal education next year after heating and transportation for Doha receiving the necessary care and children with special needs. education. The project received a great Qatar Charity (QC) launched Qatar Charity’s intervention is response from children in the the ‘Support Non-Formal Educa- qualitative in these areas where it areas of intervention where the tion Activities (ALP Courses) for restored the first two temporary registration was completed in just Out-of-School Children’ project education centres that provide one week. in northern Syria, in partnership non-formal education service (ac- Qatar Charity has coordinated with the Syria Cross-border Hu- celerated education) in the north- with the education directorates manitarian Fund (SCHF) of the ern and eastern countryside of to enrol the children in public Office for the Coordination of Hu- Aleppo. schools after providing the neces- manitarian Affairs (OCHA). Qatar Charity has also ap- sary support for them. Some 1,200 students, both pointed qualified academic per- A large number of Syrian chil- girls and boys, are expected to sonnel and trained them for ALP dren became out-of-school due to benefit from the project in Azaz courses. It also distributed ALP the challenging economic condi- and Al-Bab. textbooks, school bags and sta- tions in the country going through The project aims to bring tionery supplies to children and a prolonged crisis. Also, early back children to schools by ap- provided psychological support marriages, especially in camps, plying the accelerated learning and case management services, led to the deprivation of girls of method to reduce the education in addition to activating a refer- completing their education. As gap for the children, using a spe- ral mechanism to identify and re- the humanitarian catastrophe cial curriculum (‘Curriculum B’ spond to out-of-school children. continued, the gap between out- developed by UNICEF). Thus, Qatar Charity also worked on of-school children and those who the children will be able to attend providing operating costs, fuel for are in school widened. 04 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Nation HBKU Law College organises public webinar to reflect on democracy and Constitution of Qatar

Tribune News Network first elections for its Shura rum, moderated by Aisha member of the newly cre- the public and the major Doha Council (Advisory Council) Al-Naama, lecturer at the ated Supreme Committee to institutional developments in 2021, in accordance with College of Law, HBKU. prepare for the elections to taking shape in Qatar. The The College of Law at Ham- the Permanent Constitution. The distinguished panel of the Shura Council, provided College of Law at HBKU is ad Bin Khalifa University The Shura Council is the leg- speakers included one of Qa- unique insight into the pro- very involved in a variety of (HBKU) recently hosted an islative body of Qatar, which tar’s leading constitutional posed election process of the legal issues affecting Qatar. online colloquium, Reflec- is also responsible for estab- law scholars, Dr Hassan Shura Council. We hope that our work will tions on Democracy and the lishing the general budget Al-Sayed, Professor of Law, Speaking after the we- help the country and, on this Constitution of Qatar, to co- and for monitoring execu- Qatar University College of binar, Dean Karamanian of occasion in particular, make incide with the celebration tive powers. The election of Law and Judge, Qatar Inter- the College of Law said: “We it possible for Qatar to better of Qatar National Day. 30 of its 45 members is con- national Court and Dispute would like to thank each of navigate its upcoming politi- The first public debate sidered to be an important Resolut. The presentation by our speakers for sharing cal journey.” on this issue was the re- step towards the wider par- Brigadier Salem Saqr Al Mu- their knowledge during this The College of Law regu- cent announcement by His ticipation of the citizenry of raikhi, director of the Legal colloquium, which is sched- larly holds events that show- Highness Sheikh Tamim the country in its legislative Affairs Department at the uled to celebrate Qatar’s Na- case its research interests Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir process. Ministry of the Interior, was tional Day. Our aim was to and activities. Please visit of the State of Qatar, that Susan L. Karamanian, of additional significance. encourage open discourse cl.hbku.edu.qa for more in- the country will hold the Dean of the College Col- lege of Law, HBKU, opened the highly anticipated fo- General Al Muraikhi, a and bridge the gap between formation.

IPH Lifestyle Medicine 4th Ajial forum concludes Week a big hit online Tribune News Network well-balanced diet, avoiding Tribune News Network Doha tobacco and other risky sub- Doha stances, and managing stress A record number of attendees are incredibly powerful tools The Qatar Red Crescent So- took part in this year’s edition for maintaining good health.”. ciety (QRCS) and Ajial Qatar of Lifestyle Medicine Week, All initiatives coordinated on Tuesday concluded the 4th an annual initiative of the In- by the IPH team follow up on Ajial Forum, which was at- stitute for Population Health the latest evidence-based re- tended by 20 students at the (IPH) at Weill Cornell Medi- search to optimize their effec- Sharq Village and Spa under cine-Qatar (WCM-Q). (WCM- tiveness. The team also con- the theme ‘Doing Good to Oth- Q). ducts its own research, offers ers’. Taking place entirely on- certificate courses in lifestyle The closing ceremony was line for the first time since its medicine to healthcare profes- attended by Muna Fadel Al- launch in 2018, the weekly sionals, and runs community Sulaiti, Executive Director of series of events attracted par- outreach programs with local Volunteering and Local De- ticipants from all over Qatar schools and businesses to raise velopment at QRCS, Mooza and beyond to take part in a awareness of a wide range of Mohamed Al-Kuwari, Head time, and hopefully not the last forts of Ajial Qatar and other We hope that this event will benevolence, and serving the healthy cooking competition, health issues, from road safety of Community Development time, to work with Ajial Qatar. partners in the event: the provide an opportunity to ex- country. This was evident in learn stress management tech- to nutrition. at QRCS, Huda Abdul-Latif The students welcomed QRCS Ministry of the Interior (MOI) pand the cooperation between the activities done by the stu- niques, engage with others In view of the need to fol- Hamdan, Projects Expert at warmly, given its reputation as General Directorate for Civil QRCS and Ajial Qatar.” dents, such as the tree plant- through an online trivia quiz, low physical distance pro- QRCS, and Faisal Al-Qahtani, a humanitarian, voluntary and Defense and the General Di- Hamdan described this ing, traffic awareness and civil and join live physical activity tocols during the COVID-19 Director-General of Ajial Qa- social organisation.” rectorate of Traffic, the Minis- initiative as “very fruitful, as it defence lectures, and first-aid sessions. pandemic, this year’s Lifestyle tar, and Hassan Yousef Al- “This forum has the poten- try of Municipality and Envi- largely influenced our children workshops to help injuries and Lifestyle Medicine Week Medicine Week focused on the Mulla, businessman and con- tial to be a major event in the ronment (MME) Public Parks who are the leaders of the fu- manage any emergency or ac- is the focal point of a series importance of social connec- tributor to QRCS’s coronavirus GCC region and around the Department, and the Sharq ture”. cident”. of initiatives run by the IPH tivity for the maintenance of control efforts. world,” she said. Village and Spa (host). She stated, “The 4th Ajial According to her, the forum throughout the year, all de- good mental health. In her remarks, Al Sulaiti “The various programmes “This initiative has shown Forum played a key role in de- has worked towards the goals signed to empower people Dr. Sohaila Cheema, As- said, “We have planted 20 it involves instill in the young many skills and competencies veloping the personalities of of the Qatar National Vision to adopt healthy lifestyles in sistant Dean of the Institute flowers. Hope they will soon generation human ideals, cri- among young people,” said Al- the students. The workshops 2030 through the creation of order to promote well-being for Population Health/Assis- blossom to serve their com- sis management skills, and Kuwari. and activities focused on the active leaders and volunteers. and to prevent or help control tant Professor of Population munity and humanity. Happy a sense of responsibility and “It has also introduced Islamic, human, and national Students have learned about non-communicable diseases Health Sciences, said: “Life- to be part of making this hap- helping others”. child-related ideas in terms of values, mainly the principles safety and security procedures, such as obesity, type 2 diabe- style Medicine Week empha- pen to you. It’s not our first Al Kuwari praised the ef- life, leadership and education. of volunteerism, proactive as well as first aid skills. tes, hypertension (high blood sises the importance of view- pressure) and many others. ing and pursuing health in a Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, holistic way, and social con- Vice Dean for Student Af- nectivity is a key element of fairs-Admissions, Population this approach. When we are Health, and Lifestyle Medicine socially connected, we feel Qatar International Court presents at WCM-Q, said: “We are truly happier and much more mo- amazed at the number of peo- tivated to follow healthy life- ple who took part in this year’s style habits, and by giving and Lifestyle Medicine Week, with receiving moral support, we people showing great enthusi- can increase our self-esteem its Pro Bono appreciation awards asm to learn the best ways to and mental health. The IPH look after their own health and team strongly encourages eve- Tribune News Network “It is with their help that that of their family members. ryone to make the best use of Doha we look towards a promising Research shows that following online communication plat- future for the Pro Bono Ser- simple habits like taking regu- forms to stay connected with The Qatar International Court vice to benefit those who are lar exercise, getting enough family and friends during the and Dispute Resolution Centre in need of legal support, whilst sleep, eating a healthy and COVID-19 pandemic.” (QICDRC) has awarded its in- building a strong judicial eco- augural Pro Bono appreciation system in Qatar.” award to Omani & Partners Lawyers and legal firms Law Firm LLP and Sultan Al- volunteering with the QICDRC Abdulla & Partners, following Pro Bono Service provide le- the successful launch of its new gal advice and representation Pro Bono service. in relation to disputes, which The aim of the QICDRC fall within the jurisdiction of Pro Bono service is to extend either the Qatar International support to eligible individu- access to free legal advice and tion Award to two outstanding (QICDRC) Pro Bono Service Court or the QFC Regulatory als who really cannot afford representation through vol- legal firms in Qatar - Omani & 2020. Their service to ensure Tribunal, reflecting a sense of to pay for legal assistance- unteer lawyers and private Partners Law Firm LLP and that people do not become commitment and extending namely those whose legal sector law firms. Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners - marginalised from the legal a positive impact on both the issues fall within the juris- Faisal Al-Sahouti, CEO of to honour their time and dedi- system during times of crisis professional development of diction of the Qatar Interna- the Qatar International Court, cation in volunteering with captures our mission as legal individual lawyers and their tional Court or the Regulato- said: “We are honoured to pre- the Qatar International Court professionals to provide and firm’s relationship with the ry Tribunal-and to give them sent the Pro Bono Apprecia- and Dispute Resolution Centre enhance access to justice.” QFC community. Bosnian delegation gets a glimpse of Qatari Urdu Radio FM 107 celebrates QND history, culture as part of QND celebrations A large number of dignitaries, includ- ing ambassadors of several Asian Tribune News Network countries, participated in the Qatar Doha National Day (QND) 2020 celebra- tions organised by Urdu Radio FM Several members of the Bosnian 107. community in Qatar, together with The events began with a live cov- the representative of the Bosnian Em- erage of the National Day parade from bassy, were introduced to Qatari his- Doha Corniche by Hisham Saifur Re- tory and heritage as part of the Qatar hman and live coverage of HH The National Day celebrations. Amir Cup final from the newly inau- Organised by Sheikha Ali Al Mar- gurated Al Rayyan Stadium by Obaid ri, member of the Youth Advisory Taher. Committee for the Minister of Culture The Urdu Radio had the privilege The envoys congratulated the and given a chance to host shows of and Sports, the delegation visited the of inviting and hosting several dig- Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad FM107 Urdu Radio. Al Marri family farm that was found- nitaries who not only attended the Al Thani and spoke about strength- All the evening shows were ed in 1970. It was a great opportunity studio but were guests on live shows ening ties between their respective hosted by Director at Urdu Radio for the delegation to learn more about tween the two cultures,” said Sheikha “It was our honour and absolute telecast all throughout the evening. countries and Qatar. Shadab Ahmad Khan and founder the Qatari culture and history. As part Ali Al Marri. “What we learned today pleasure to be hosted by Sheikha Ali The dignitaries included Ambas- The station also hosted a session of the Urdu Radio Saif Ur Rehman, of the programme, the Bosnians were truly opened our eyes to just how Al Marri and her kind family on the sador of Bangladesh to Qatar HE Md with Parvez Khan, executive general along with presenters Farzana also treated to traditional Qatari food many things Qatar and Bosnia have occasion of Qatari National Day. We Jashimuddin, Indian Ambassador to manager (investment and strategy) Safdar, Fauziya Shafique, Mahv- and drinks. in common. We look forward to con- learned a lot about the history of Qa- Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal, Nepal’s of Commercial Bank. ish Khan, Aisha Mujahid, Samiya “The visit enabled celebration of tinued cultural exchange and invite tar and we offer our sincere congratu- Ambassador to Qatar HE Dr Narad The highlight of the event was the Tayyab and Nazia Amir. Urdu Ra- the Qatari National Day in the special our Qatari brothers and sisters to visit lations to Qatar on this historic day in Nath Bharadwaj and Ambassador opportunity given to the listeners to dio staff Ayesha Mohammed, Faiza Qatari way and created opportunities Bosnia,” said Lejla Suljic, who was the name of the Bosnian community of Pakistan to Qatar HE Syed Ahsan become RJs of the FM107. Several Jameel and Molka Guirat coordi- for acquaintance and cooperation be- part of the delegation. here,” added Haris Alisic. Raza Shah. listeners were called to the studio nated the event. (TNN) World Wednesday, December 23, 2020 05 Two women doctors New UK virus strain prompts among five killed in Afghan bombing India to take stricter precautions AFP “This is a sign of their des- Kabul peration and defeat.” Ross Wilson, the top US en- Two women doctors working voy in Kabul, also condemned British experts say at an Afghan prison with hun- the attack. the new strain is dreds of Taliban inmates were “It is shocking to learn of among five people killed on the deaths of Office of Prison 70 percent more Tuesday in a bomb attack, of- Authority doctors, who work transmissible ficials said, in the latest of sev- tirelessly each day to save vul- eral targeted killings in Kabul. nerable lives, especially dur- dpa Deadly violence has rocked ing a pandemic when front- New Delhi Kabul and several provinces line medical personnel are across the country in recent desperately needed,” he said India is contact-tracing pas- months, despite the Taliban on Twitter. sengers who have arrived from and the government engaging Violence across Afghani- Britain over the past two weeks in peace talks. stan has surged in recent and carrying out further tests Tuesday’s blast happened months, including in Kabul on recent Covid-19 samples to in the south of the capital as where targeted killings of trace any presence of Britain’s the doctors were on their way prominent figures, including mutated coronavirus, health to Pul-e-Charkhi prison when journalists, politicians and officials said on Tuesday. a bomb attached to their car rights activists have become “To the best of our knowl- exploded, Kabul police spokes- more common. edge we have yet to spot the man Ferdaws Faramarz said. Islamic group has claimed new virus variant,” India’s Cov- Two women doctors and responsibility for some of the id-19 task force chief VK Paul two prison employees in the recent attacks in the capital, said at a briefing. car -- as well as a pedestrian which have killed dozens of British experts say the -- were killed, while a third people. new strain is 70-percent more woman doctor was wounded, Tuesday’s attack came just transmissible. Afghanistan’s prison authority two days after a car bomb tar- India is among dozens of said. geting a lawmaker killed 10 countries to have suspended The local Islamic State people and wounded more flights to and from Britain, with group affiliate claimed respon- than 50 in Kabul. the new controls set to take ef- sibility for the attack. Lawmaker Khan Moham- fect at 11:59 pm (1829 GMT). Hundreds of Taliban fight- mad Wardak was wounded in All passengers who arrived ers and other criminals are in- that blast. on flights from Britain toI ndi- carcerated at Pul-e-Charkhi, on Days before that incident, an cities on Monday and Tues- the eastern outskirts of Kabul. deputy Kabul province gover- day are being quarantined and A passenger (centre) arriving from the United Kingdom receives hugs by his relatives at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on the “The terrorist groups in- nor Mahbobullah Mohebi was have to undergo RT-PCR tests. outskirts of Amritsar on Tuesday. (AFP) cluding the Taliban who have killed in a similar attack. Five passengers on a flight faced defeat on the battlefields On Monday, an Afghan that reached New Delhi late between 11 pm and 6 am within a renewed spike in coronavirus tle with the pandemic was far are targeting civilians in the cit- journalist was shot dead by on Monday tested positive, a the city limits, the government HIGH ALERT infections. from over, Paul said. ies, highways and public facili- gunmen in the eastern city of Delhi government spokesper- of Maharashtra said. No more Five passengers on a flight India has so far reported Discussions with scientists ties,” President Ashraf Ghani Ghazni in what appeared to be son said. than five people can assemble more than 10 million cases, from Britain and the World said in a statement. another targeted killing. They have been quaran- outside their homes during that reached New Delhi late second only to the United Health Organization (WHO) tined and their samples have these hours. on Monday tested positive States, but the numbers of dai- indicated that the new variant been sent to the National Cen- More than 1,000 people are ly new cases had been showing itself could become a super- tre for Disease Control to iden- expected to arrive from Britain Mumbai, which has been a steady decline, Health Secre- spreader, Paul said. tify the strain of the virus. on five flights to Mumbai be- one of the epicentres of the tary Rajesh Bhushan said. “This mutation as we un- News in brief Mumbai, which has been fore the flight ban sets in. They virus, has imposed a night- For the past seven weeks, derstand today does not in- one of the epicentres of the vi- will be sent to institutional the daily new cases reported crease the severity of the ill- time curfew from Tuesday UN forced to cut Turkey reports rus, has imposed a night-time quarantine. until January 5 were fewer than 24,000 and ness or chances of death but curfew from Tuesday until The Tamil Nadu govern- deaths around 300. On Mon- its increased infectiousness rations for 1.2 mn major gold January 5. ment has decided to test all day India recorded 19,566 new is a cause of concern.” “So far refugees in Uganda discovery All shops except medical passengers who have arrived at the New Delhi briefing said cases, its lowest since July 3. we have not spotted these mu- stores and a few other essen- Chennai airport from Britain in India was currently in “a good The renewed spike and tative signals in the virus in Geneva: More than 1.2 mil- Istanbul: Turkey has dis- tial services will be closed and the past 15 days. position” compared to many lockdowns in several European this country but we have to be lion refugees in Uganda will covered a major gold deposit all non-essential travel barred Federal health officials at other nations which had seen nations showed that the bat- watchful.” see their UN food and cash holding an estimated 3.5 rations reduced in February million ounces (99 tonnes) because of a lack of funding of the precious metal valued from international donors, at around $6 billion, the the World Food Programme Anadolu state news agency said on Tuesday in Geneva. reported Tuesday. The find in Iraq inks deal for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine The UN aid agency, which the midwestern town of Sogut received this year’s Nobel was reported by Fahrettin AFP Middle East, with more than year”. has said Iraq aims to provide temperature much lower than Peace Prize, has currently se- Poyraz, who heads the Agri- Baghdad 580,000 reported cases al- “Iraq has reserved its share the jab for free to its citizens. standard freezers and which cured only half of the money cultural Credit Cooperatives though numbers have dropped of these vaccines,” he said, with Western officials in Iraq forced the company to develop it needs in Uganda, which of Turkey and the Gubretas Iraq has signed a preliminary dramatically in recent weeks. troops and the elderly priori- told AFP that Washington had special containers for transport. hosts one of Africa’s largest fertiliser production firm. “We deal to receive 1.5 million doses Health ministry spokes- tised for vaccinations. been urging Baghdad to choose “The issues of transporta- refugee populations. The re- are talking about a value of the Pfizer-BioNTech corona- man Seif al-Badr told state tel- Each person requires two Pfizer-BioNTech over other op- tion and financial transactions duced rations will only cover close to six billion dollars,” virus vaccine in early 2021, the evision late Monday that Iraq injections of the vaccine so the tions. are still being worked out,” 60 percent of the necessary Poyraz told Anadolu. “Within health ministry said. had “formally signed a prelimi- order will cover just 750,000 of Pfizer’s vaccine must be Badr said, adding that Iraq had calorie intake, WFP spokes- two years, we will extract the The country has been nary deal with Pfizer... which Iraq’s 40 million people. stored at -70 degrees Celsius the necessary equipment to person Tomson Phiri told a first gold and bring value to among the hardest-hit in the will arrive in stages early next President Barham Saleh (-94 degrees Fahrenheit), a safely distribute the vaccine. press conference. (dpa) the Turkish economy.” (afp) Israel appears set for Turkish journalist’s lawyers boycott fourth election in 2 yrs final hearing in AFP an agreement with Likud on a bill to buy Jerusalem more time to pass both the 2020 and 2021 espionage case budget. Israel was headed on Tuesday for its There were indications early Monday dpa fourth election in less than two years, with that the measure would pass. Istanbul parliament set to dissolve at midnight after But after yet another war of words be- lawmakers rejected a last-ditch effort to sal- tween Netanyahu and Gantz, parliament Exiled Turkish journalist Can Dundar’s lawyers vage the fractured ruling coalition. rejected the bill early Tuesday. will not attend a final hearing for allegations of ter- The government headed by veteran Lawmakers from Likud and Blue and rorism and espionage on Wednesday, Dundar’s de- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had White both voted against the coalition pro- fence team says, arguing that the court is politically been inching towards collapse for weeks and posal 49 to 47. motivated. now the right-wing incumbent looks set to Gantz, currently in precautionary coro- “We do not want to be part of a practice to le- face a re-election battle as his long-awaited navirus quarantine, was unable to vote. gitimize a previously decided, political verdict,” trial on corruption charges gets under way Barring an 11th hour legislative manoeu- the lawyers said in a written statement on Tues- next year. vre, parliament will dissolve when the clock day ahead of the upcoming hearing at Istanbul’s Netanyahu’s main coalition partner turns to Wednesday, triggering elections as Caglayan courthouse. and political rival, Defence Minister Benny early as March 23. The court ignores Dundar’s right to a fair trial, Gantz, has accused the premier of dishon- It is not clear that either Netanyahu or the statement added. esty and placing his personal needs above Gantz will see their political fortunes im- The anticipated verdict against Dundar for sup- Israel as it grapples with the Covid-19 pan- prove through a new vote. porting terrorism and and “military or political es- demic and its impact on the economy. Political commentators have said Net- pionage” was delayed earlier this month after Dun- The coalition led by Netanyahu’s Likud anyahu always planned to force an election dar’s lawyers asked to swap out the judges. and Gantz’s centrist Blue and White party before he was forced to hand power to Gantz The court rejected that request. has until the start of Wednesday to pass a but that he would have preferred it closer to Dundar, the former editor-in-chief of Turkish 2020 budget or parliament will automati- summer. daily Cumhuriyet, is being tried in absentia. cally dissolve. That would have allowed more time to Prosecutors seek a jail sentence of up to 35 The three-year coalition deal stipulated vaccinate the public against Covid-19, hope- years for Dundar for Cumhuriyet’s 2015 coverage that Netanyahu serves as premier for 18 fully pushing Israel’s economy towards re- of Turkish intelligence sending arms shipments in months, with Gantz, currently the alternate covery. trucks to Islamist rebels in Syria. prime minister, taking over in November A March election will also likely force In 2014, gendarmerie officers stopped Nation- 2021. Netanyahu to campaign while appearing in al Intelligence Service (MIT) trucks in the border Gantz demanded the government pass a court through January and February for his town of Hatay on their way to Syria, in defiance of budget covering both 2020 and 2021, argu- trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach government orders. ing Israel needs stability. of trust. He is accused of accepting improper The officers are accused of links to US-based Netanyahu has refused to endorse a gifts and seeking to trade favours with me- Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen. Some of them were 2021 budget. dia moguls in exchange for positive cover- handed jail sentences in 2019 related to the stop- That, according to his critics, was a polit- age, but denies wrongdoing. ping of trucks. ical tactic to keep the coalition unstable and “These elections are too soon for (Net- Ankara blames Gulen for the failed 2016 coup make it easier for him to sink the govern- anyahu), with a certain lack of control,” ana- and labels his movement a terrorist group. ment before he must hand power to Gantz. lyst Matti Tuchfeld wrote in Tuesday’s Israel Dundar fled to Germany in 2016 to escape legal Late Sunday, Blue and White said it had Hayom newspaper. charges. 06 Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

Class At Top And Record No. Of Journalists Hacks Below Jailed Worldwide In 2020 hat we will get with Joseph R Biden, a difference. President Gerald Ford briefly in the way of an actual government, had an excellent secretary of labor — John CPJ census shows at least 274 journalists were imprisoned globally as of Dec 1 as Wwill be a great relief and reassurance to Dunlop. He was a Harvard professor and the many and a cause of eye rolls for a few. nation’s leading expert on labor negotiations governments clamped down on news coverage of civil unrest and COVID-19 He is a professional at politics and gov- since Franklin Roosevelt. He lasted less than ernment, which is welcome at this moment, a year, picked off by the right. FDR had the Alan D Miller but has its drawbacks, too. all-time best secretary of labor — Frances Tribune News Service His Cabinet picks, thus far, are profes- Perkins. She served 12 years. sional like him — classy and able, at least in One person whom one would think the top jobs. Biden owes is Bernie Sanders, who is tired record number of journalists Antony Blinken will come to the State of the Senate and wants to be secretary of were imprisoned because of their Department as a known and respected labor. But the man who promised a “revo- work on your behalf in 2020, ac- quantity. He has a long and distinguished lution” can’t get a parking ticket from the cording to the Committee to Pro- resume in diplomacy and national security. Biden transition team. tect Journalists’ annual census. And he can rebuild a decimated department Most members of Congress make terri- OAthers were detained, physically at- and quickly repair relationships with allies. ble Cabinet members. They have never run tacked, injured or killed while doing their Gen Lloyd Austin will bring knowledge, anything but their mouths. But Sanders ran jobs. dignity and toughness to Defense — another a city — Burlington, Vermont — and did it The grim details were released earlier department essential to the security of the well. Moreover, he opposed NAFTA and this month, and the CPJ census showed nation and another department that needs “free trade,” which ought to be a require- that at least 274 journalists were impris- to be rebuilt. ment for a new Democratic labor secretary. oned globally as of December 1 as govern- As noted in this space previously, Janet The same pattern is evident in the new ments clamped down on news coverage Yellen is probably the best-qualified person president’s appointments at the EPA and the of civil unrest and the coronavirus pan- in the nation to run Treasury and reassure Department of Interior, which, in the long demic. markets, having been head of the president’s run, matters more than Treasury. Michael All were working to find and deliver Council of Economic Advisers and head of Regan is not only superb on environmental facts, to bring you the news from around the Federal Reserve. issues, he has worked for the federal EPA the world. Making Denis McDonough, a former and run the North Carolina EPA. He is high- “It’s shocking and appalling that we White House chief of staff, the head of Veter- ly qualified.D eb Haaland, the choice for In- are seeing a record number of journalists ans Affairs is actually crea- terior, is qualified only in imprisoned in the midst of a global pan- tive. This is another deeply terms of poetic justice. In- demic,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel troubled and currently way terior was the mechanism Simon. Columbus Police threaten to arrest journalists while covering a peaceful protest on June 1 too unhelpful and dysfunc- for oppression of Native “This wave of repression is a form of tional federal behemoth Americans for years and censorship that is disrupting the flow of everything from arrests of journalists and Amid the pandemic, CPJ said, au- that could stand some man- years, and she is a Na- information and fueling the infodem- the seizure of their equipment to inter- thoritarian leaders tried to control the agement. tive American. But she ic. With COVID-19 raging through the rogations at the US border and physical narrative by arresting journalists. Other appointments is a one-term congress- world’s prisons, it’s also putting the lives attacks. The tracker documents incidents “They also delayed trials, restricted seem both strange and cyni- woman who was a Demo- of journalists at risk.” across the country, involving national, visitors, and disregarded the increased cal. What in the world qual- cratic state party chair in The Committee to Protect Journalists state and local authorities. health risk in prison; at least two journal- ifies Pete Buttigieg to run New Mexico. She is not is an independent, nonprofit organiza- The committee concluded that “Presi- ists died after contracting the disease in the Department of Trans- well-qualified, whereas tion that works to safeguard press free- dent Donald Trump’s harsh rhetoric custody,” said CPJ, which documented portation? (And if he thinks Sen. Tom Udall, who was dom worldwide. Its data also show that throughout his term, including calling more than 200 press freedom violations the job will help propel him runner-up for the job, has 29 journalists have been killed in 2020 critical reports ‘fake news,’ gave cover to related to COVID-19 and launched a to the White House, he’s on been working to preserve and 64 are missing globally. authoritarians to crack down on journal- #FreeThePress campaign to call on world a magic carpet ride.) the West and the national parks for over 20 The number of imprisoned journal- ists in their own countries. Globally, 34 leaders to release all imprisoned journal- Jennifer Granholm, the former gover- years in Congress. Biden should name some ists is the most since CPJ began collecting journalists were jailed for ‘false news,’ ists. nor of Michigan, has no notable expertise Republican to the Cabinet. How about Pat data in the early 1990s, and the fifth con- compared with 31 last year.” CPJ said that its census is a snapshot in energy and, based on her performance as Toomey for Commerce or Small Business? secutive year with at least 250 journalists CPJ said it recently provided recom- of those incarcerated at 12:01 am on Dec. governor, is not likely to be a good manager Biden has gone with people he knows, imprisoned. China, Turkey, Egypt and mendations to the incoming administra- 1, 2020. It does not include the many at the Department of Energy. She is an uber- and aimed for competence and a renewal of Saudi Arabia jailed the most. tion of President-elect Joe Biden for re- journalists imprisoned and released partisan, a hack’s hack. established norms. While no journalists were jailed in the storing US leadership on press freedom, throughout the year. Accounts of those Why bring Susan Rice back to govern- No one can argue with competence. And US at the time the committee conducted including appointing a Special Presiden- cases can be found at http://cpj.org. ment except to find a place for a loyalist? it is great that he knows how government its prison census, CPJ said in a release tial Envoy for Press Freedom to prioritize It said that journalists remain on the And why make her head of the Domestic works and looks and acts like a head of gov- that an unprecedented 110 were arrested the issue in foreign policy. list “until the organization determines Policy Council, when she has worked almost ernment. Biden knows where the levers of or charged in the US in 2020, many while “The record number of journalists im- with reasonable certainty that they have entirely in foreign policy, except that the Do- power and interest and (likely) dead weight covering demonstrations against police prisoned around the world is President been released or have died in custody. mestic Policy Council does not matter? are. violence, and at least 12 still face charg- Trump’s press freedom legacy,” Simon CPJ advocacy helped lead to the early re- And how will her shrillness and air of su- But Biden also needs some fresh blood es, according to the US Press Freedom said. “The incoming Biden administra- lease of at least 75 imprisoned journalists periority play in Peoria, Illinois; Lima, Ohio; and fresh thinking somewhere in the admin- Tracker. tion must work as part of a global coali- worldwide this year.” or Washington, Pennsylvania? istration. Places like Labor, Commerce and And 311 journalists have been physi- tion to bring the number down.” As we enter Christmas week and Where Biden clearly does think the job Interior might be good places to start. cally attacked in the U.S. so far in 2020. Protests and political tensions were think about counting our blessings, I will matters and he is especially engaged — for- Things were not all perfect in Obama- They include four in Columbus – three a catalyst for many arrests around the count among them the many journalists eign and military policy, jobs, trade and the world. The entire administration, from the journalists from The Lantern, the Ohio globe. who continue daily to bring us the news economy — the effort has clearly been to find president on down, was too concerned with State University newspaper, who were “Two countries with significant in- despite the very real threats of personal the very best. appearance, posture and legacy, and some- injured when hit with pepper spray fired creases in jailed journalists were Ethio- harm and imprisonment. The second-tier jobs, on the other hand, times paralyzed by these concerns. by police, and one from The Dispatch pia, where unrest has degenerated into And I give thanks for all of you, our seem to be seen as places to exhibit “diver- Not all the old norms are so good. That’s who was hit in the head with a so-called armed conflict, and Belarus, where readers, who support local journalism sity” or to pay back someone or some bloc. how we got Donald Trump. “knee-knocker” rubber or wooden bullet journalists were detained while cover- and reporting from around the world by And that is unfortunate, because the la- And retreads are not always the answer. fired by police in riot gear. ing protests against President Aleksandr subscribing to The Dispatch. bor secretary, for example, can really make Sometimes you have to buy new tires. The CPJ tracker is a database of press Lukashenko, who claimed victory in an freedom incidents in the United States, election widely seen as fraudulent,” the (Alan D Miller is editor of (Tribune News Service) according to the CPJ website. It tracks committee reported. The Columbus Dispatch)

Fur Is A COVID-19 Casualty— Great, But Let’s Not Stop There The coronavirus crisis will likely be the final nail in the fur industry’s coffin, but rejecting all animal-derived clothing would go a long way

tion to disaster. And when it comes imals are not merely raw materials rified, screaming goats and tear out Paula Moore to public health, we’re learning for human use, even though that’s their hair with sharp metal combs. Tribune news Service that fur farms are similar to wet how we’ve tended to treat them. Alligators’ necks are hacked markets, where the novel corona- PETA’s exposes of wool-indus- open and metal rods are shoved s COVID-19 cases surge with virus is believed to have originated. try operations around the world into their brains. Snakes are com- no relief in sight, one hot spot When animals are caged next have revealed shearers dragging monly pumped full of water to loos- Amay surprise you: fur factory to and even on top of each other on sheep by the legs, punching and en their skin so it can be peeled off, farms. fur factory farms, their waste and kicking them, slamming them to often while they’re still conscious. The novel coronavirus has blood can easily contaminate adja- the floor and leaving them with Ostriches’ feathers are yanked out been found on fur farms around cent cages and potentially spread gaping, bloody wounds caused by with pliers while they’re still alive. the world, including in the United infectious diseases. fast, aggressive shearing. And on and on. States, Canada, Italy, the Neth- Minks were among the animals Cows killed for leather in India The coronavirus crisis will like- erlands, Spain and Sweden, and infected during the SARS outbreak are first marched for days with- ly be the final nail in the fur indus- several countries either have sus- in 2003, and they carry a variety out food or water to states where try’s coffin — good riddance. But pended or are shutting down fur of pathogens and diseases that can slaughter is permitted. If they col- that’s not enough. As we envision farming. Denmark killed millions be passed on to humans, includ- lapse from exhaustion, handlers ways to create a more equitable, of minks in its fur industry after ing hepatitis E, influenza and ra- rub chili peppers and tobacco into humane post-pandemic world, we a potentially vaccine-resistant, bies. University College London their eyes to cause enough pain to must take a hard look at the ways mutated strain of the novel coro- geneticist Francois Balloux, who make them keep moving. in which we routinely exploit other navirus spread from minks to hu- co-authored a paper on COVID-19 PETA Asia recorded angora animals — and then do something mans. In November, Kopenhagen transmission in minks, warns that rabbits screaming in pain as work- to change that. Rejecting all ani- Fur, the world’s largest fur auc- raising minks for fur “is a big risk free fall. Almost every major de- elsewhere around the world. ers violently tore out their fur. This mal-derived clothing would go a tion house, announced that it was because it makes it much more dif- signer — from Armani to Versace But the bans shouldn’t stop procedure is repeated every three long way. closing. ficult to manage the epidemic and — has banned fur, and consumers there. To convince ourselves that months, causing many rabbits to The global pandemic has led creates such big reservoirs of sus- have largely shunned it. Fur farm- it’s wrong to kill animals for their go into shock. In China and Mon- (Paula Moore is a senior to a growing awareness that ware- ceptible hosts.” ing has already ended in Austria, fur but OK to steal sheep’s wool for golia — countries responsible for writer for the PETA Founda- housing and killing sick, stressed Even before the pandemic, Germany, Japan, Norway, Swit- sweaters or snakes’ skin for a pair 90% of the world’s cashmere pro- tion, 501 Front St., Norfolk, and suffering animals is an invita- though, the fur industry was in a zerland, the United Kingdom and of boots is speciesist. The other an- duction — workers hold down ter- VA 23510; www.PETA.org)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Wednesday, December 23, 2020 07 Top US health expert Fauci EU tries to fend off UK virus receives Covid-19 jab strain and calm travel chaos AFP Washington

Anthony Fauci, the United BioNTech assured it was “highly likely” that its vaccine against the coronavirus works against the mutated strain detected in UK States’ top infectious dis- ease specialist, received his AFP Covid-19 vaccine on Monday Brussels along with other senior of- ficials and six health work- Europe was trying to forge a ers at a live streamed event coordinated response Tuesday at the National Institutes of to the threat of a coronavirus Health (NIH). variant that has swept the Not lethal The widely-respected sci- UK and spurred global panic The new strain of the virus, entist said he took the shot about an unpredictable turn in “as a symbol to the rest of the the pandemic just as vaccines which has also been detected country that I feel extreme are being rolled out world- in small numbers elsewhere, confidence in the safety and wide. appears to spread more easily the efficacy of this vaccine. The new strain of the virus, than other types but there is “I want to encourage eve- which has also been detected no evidence it is more lethal ryone who has the oppor- in small numbers elsewhere, or resistant to vaccines, tunity to get vaccinated so appears to spread more easily according to experts that we could have a veil of than other types but there is protection over this country, no evidence it is more lethal or that would end this pandem- resistant to vaccines, accord- with British Airways or Delta ic,” he added. ing to experts. will have to first test negative He then gave a thumbs- Its discovery has neverthe- for coronavirus, New York up sign and clapped for his less heightened fears that led Governor Andrew Cuomo an- colleagues as he left the stage more than two dozen coun- nounced Monday. of an auditorium at the NIH’s tries around the world sus- A US official advising the headquarters in Bethesda, a pend flights from the UK out country’s Operation Warp Washington suburb. of precaution. Speed vaccine program also The 79-year-old, who With the bans unleashing stressed that more informa- continues to practice as a travel chaos during the holiday tion was needed to establish physician, was among the season, EU ambassadors were the risk of the UK variant. first Americans to receive to meet on Tuesday to try to “There is no hard evidence injections developed by nail down a unified approach that this virus is actually more Moderna and the National and work out how to eventu- transmissible, (but) there is Institute of Allergies and In- ally lift the border restrictions clear evidence that there is fectious Diseases (NIAID), with Britain -- possibly by im- A pedestrian wearing a face mask walks along Oxford Street in London on Tuesday. (afp) more of it in the population,” which he has directed since posing a requirement for tests said Moncef Slaoui, a vaccine 1984. on all arrivals. transmission & communicat- Health Minister Jens The co-founder of BioN- Joe Biden received a Pfizer- scientist and former pharma- NIH director Francis Col- The World Health Organi- ing risks.” Spahn said that “as long as it Tech assured on Tuesday it BioNTech vaccine live on tel- ceutical executive. lins and health secretary Alex zation in Europe said it would Around the world, the is possible”, Germany aimed was “highly likely” that its vac- evision to boost Americans’ Meanwhile, two cardinals Azar also received their vac- also convene its members to death toll from the virus sur- to prevent “potentially dan- cine against the coronavirus confidence in the shots. close to Pope Francis have cinations at the ceremony. discuss how to handle the out- passed 1.7 million on Tuesday, gerous virus mutations from works against the mutated And after a long delay, US contracted Covid-19, accord- “I want the American break and cautioned that “lim- according to an AFP count, spreading in continental Eu- strain detected in Britain. lawmakers finally approved a ing to sources in the Vatican, people to know that I have iting travel to contain spread with the highest number of rope”. And if not, the vaccine $900 billion relief package to where efforts were underway absolute and complete confi- is prudent until we have better daily fatalities reported in the The border closures come could be adapted in six weeks, help Americans struggling to to trace their recent contacts. dence in the integrity and the info.” US, Germany and Russia. as the European Union pre- said Ugur Sahin, adding that stay afloat in the pandemic-hit The 84-year-old pope, independence of the process- WHO’s regional director Germany on Tuesday ex- pares to start rolling out the tests are already being run on economy. known for his love of getting es used by the FDA (Food for Europe Hans Kluge said tended its ban on arrivals from Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on the variant. Washington has so far held close to the faithful, has been and Drug Administration) to in a post to Twitter that the the UK -- as well as South Afri- Sunday, following similar vac- In the US, the world’s off on suspending flights with reluctant to wear a mask de- approve these vaccines,” said organisation would “discuss ca, where a similar variant has cination campaigns in the UK worst-affected country, the UK but passengers fly- spite the pandemic that has hit Azar, a political appointee of strategies for testing, reducing been found -- until January 6. and the US. 78-year-old President-elect ing from Britain to New York Italy particularly badly. the Trump administration.

UN rights expert Russia sanctions EU over poisoning of ‘delusional’ Navalny urges Trump to AFP headquarters in central Mos- Vladimir Putin signs bill giving pardon Assange Moscow cow where he staged a one- man rally holding a pair of blue presidents lifetime immunity AFP Russia on Tuesday slapped underpants. Geneva tit-for-tat sanctions on EU offi- Authorities also hit back Moscow: Russian President or other grave crimes and the cials over their response to the against Navalny’s supporters. Vladimir Putin on Tuesday charges are confirmed by the A UN rights expert on poisoning of Alexei Navalny, His top ally Lyubov Sobol was signed legislation that will Supreme and Constitutional Tuesday urged outgo- saying the opposition leader detained late on Monday and grant former presidents life- courts. ing US President Donald had a persecution complex and spent hours at a police station time immunity once they leave But the legislation Putin Trump to pardon Ju- “compares himself to Jesus.” before being released. office. signed on Tuesday will ad- lian Assange, saying the Moscow summoned sever- Observers said it was diffi- The bill, which was pub- ditionally grant former presi- WikiLeaks founder is not al senior EU diplomats before cult to estimate how far-reach- lished online Tuesday, gives dents a lifetime seat in the “an enemy of the Ameri- announcing the new travel ing the fallout of Navalny’s former presidents and their Federation Council or senate, can people”. bans in response to what it claims would be. families immunity from pros- a position that assures im- WikiLeaks “fights said were “confrontational” “This is a political Cherno- ecution for crimes committed munity from prosecution upon secrecy and corruption sanctions imposed by the bloc byl,” said prominent commen- during their lifetime. They will leaving the presidency. throughout the world and in October. tator Yulia Latynina, referring also be exempt from question- Last month the pending therefore acts in the pub- The foreign ministry said to the 1986 nuclear disaster in ing by police or investigators, bills sparked rumours that the lic interest both of the Moscow “decided to expand File photo of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (AFP) Soviet Ukraine. as well as searches or arrests. longtime Russian leader is American people and hu- the list of representatives of “After this the system can- The legislation was part planning to step down be- manity as a whole,” Niels EU member states and institu- placed poison in Navalny’s un- tin’s spokesman on Tuesday not exist in its current form,” of constitutional amendments cause of poor health -- a claim Melzer wrote in an open tions who will be denied entry derwear in August. described Navalny as a “sick” she wrote in the opposition that were approved this sum- the Kremlin denied. letter. to Russia.” The anti-corruption cam- man who was suffering from newspaper Novaya Gazeta. mer in a nationwide vote that On Tuesday the lower “In pardoning Mr As- The announcement came paigner was flown for treat- “delusions of persecution” and Ivan Zhdanov, the head allow Putin, 68, to remain house State Duma passed sange, Mr President, you a day after Navalny, 44, said ment to Germany where labs also exhibited “traits of mega- of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption president until 2036. legislation making information would send a clear mes- he had impersonated an offi- concluded he was poisoned lomania.” Fund, told AFP that Navalny’s Prior to the bill becoming about employees of Russia’s sage of justice, truth and cial in the Kremlin’s Security with Novichok, a Soviet-de- “They say he compares allies planned to launch a for- law, former presidents were judicial system, law enforce- humanity to the American Council and extracted an ad- signed nerve agent. himself to Jesus,” said Dmitry mal complaint with the FSB on immune from prosecution only ment and regulatory and people and to the world,” mission of guilt from a toxins His video racked up more Peskov, adding the opposition Tuesday. for crimes committed while in military bodies confidential. said Melzer, the UN spe- expert with the FSB security than 13 million views in 24 leader had a “Freudian” fixa- The FSB has described the office. The bill now requires cial rapporteur on torture. service. hours and social media was tion on his own crotch. phone call as “fake” and said it Now a former president Putin’s signature to become “You would rehabili- In a video of the conversa- abuzz with memes featuring Police later on Tuesday de- would not have been possible can still be stripped of im- law, a step that is considered tate a courageous man tion published by Navalny, the Navalny’s underpants. tained prominent filmmaker without the support of foreign munity if accused of treason a formality. (AFP) who has suffered injus- alleged FSB agent says agents President Vladimir Pu- Vitaly Mansky outside the FSB intelligence services. tice, persecution and hu- milation for more than a decade, simply for telling the truth,” he added. Assange, 49, is cur- rently being held in the Anti-vaxxers could face public transport ban in France top-security Belmarsh jail in London awaiting a AFP could be required for people attack on public freedoms”, January 4 decision by a Paris to be granted “access to trans- Covid shot while the far-left deputy Alex- British judge on a US ex- port or to some locations, as is Corbiere said “we could a tradition request, in a case People who fail to get a well as certain activities”. According to opinion polls, least have a collective discus- seen by his supporters as Covid-19 vaccination could According to opinion 55 percent of French sion if the idea is to limit our a cause celebre for media be banned from using public polls, 55 percent of French people say they will not get public liberties.” freedom. transport in France, according people say they will not get a a Covid shot, one of the In response, public sector The Australian pub- to a draft law sparking angry Covid shot, one of the highest highest rates in the minister Amelie de Montcha- lisher faces 18 charges in protests from opposition poli- rates in the European Union. European Union lin said the bill was “not at all the United States relat- ticians on Tuesday. The government’s vacci- made to create exceptional ing to the 2010 release by Prime Minister Jean Cas- nation campaign is to start on powers for the government” WikiLeaks of 500,000 se- tex on Monday got his cabi- Sunday. “In a backhanded way, this or “create a health state.” cret files detailing aspects net’s backing for a bill that President Emmanuel Ma- bill does not aim to make vac- She said there would be a of military campaigns in is designed to provide a legal cron has promised that coro- cinations mandatory, but will debate about the bill during Afghanistan and Iraq. framework for dealing with navirus vaccinations, though prevent anybody who doesn’t which “everything that needs Melzer has previously health crises, including the strongly recommended, will comply from having a social clarification will be clarified.” condemned the condi- coronavirus pandemic. not be mandatory. life,” she said. Patients wait to be tested for the novel coronavirus Covid-19 outside a The EU gave the green tions at Belmarsh, saying According to the text, But opposition politicians RN party spokesman Se- laboratory in Paris on Tuesday. (AFP) light for a Pfizer-BioNTech the “progressively severe which will now be submitted condemned the draft law, bastien Chenu said Macron’s coronavirus vaccine on Mon- suffering inflicted” on As- to parliament, a negative Cov- with Marine Le Pen, leader of government was planning “a party, said it was “inconceiv- doms without parliamentary day, paving the way for the sange is tantamount to id test or proof of a “preventa- the far-right RN party, calling health dictatorship”. able” that the government control.” first inoculations to start torture. tive treatment, including the it an “essentially totalitarian” Guillaume Peltier, deputy should be allowed to “get all Centrist senator Nathalie across 27 countries just after administration of a vaccine” measure. leader of the centre-right LR the power to suspend our free- Goulet said the draft was “an Christmas. European Union is giving Brexit trade talks ‘final push’: Barnier page 11

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

30,042.07 10,534.69 46006.69 1,866.10 -174.38 pts -5.49 pts +452.73 pts Gold -0.89 % US stimulus bill to bring back Dow QE sensex furloughed airline workers page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 25.30 Brent 49.92 -1.94 % WTI 46.85 -2.33 % Silver -4.11 % Digital innovations help GCC states weather COVID-19 Tribune News Network many countries cope with in- Doha creased pressure as infections spread. Facing the twin challenges Despite challenges, most of a sharp reduction in trade countries in the Middle East and a steep drop in the price benefitted from their favour- of oil as a result of COVID-19, able demographic profiles. countries in the GCC have With a large proportion of weathered a particularly diffi- their populations below 30 cult 2020, the Oxford Business years of age, they benefitted Group (OBG) has said in its from a relatively small num- Kuwari participates in GCC consultative meeting on free trade agreements latest report. ber of people in high-risk While circumstances have groups. Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari chaired the Qatari delegation that participated in the consultative meeting of the GCC Trade Cooperation Com- been challenging, the report Elsewhere, another fac- mittee on free trade agreements between GCC and other states and clusters. During the meeting, which was held through videoconference, a number of topics of common said, the region has looked to tor that helped build resil- interest were discussed, and the recommendations made by the GCC countries negotiating team were followed up. digital innovation as a path ience was the state of ICT to recovery, and a number of networks. governments have acceler- ated their existing plans for economic diversification. A region in which a num- Lulu Hypermarket launches second edition of ‘Let’s Eatalian’ ber of countries derive sig- nificant proportions of their GDP from hydrocarbons, the Middle East was particularly vulnerable to the immediate effects of the pandemic. Italian F&B exports to Qatar rise Global efforts to contain the virus, which included se- verely restricting, and in some cases prohibiting, transport and cross-border travel, ulti- 3.5% to €33mn in 10 months: ITA mately led to a sharp reduc- Solid digital tion in demand for oil. Satyendra Pathak This fall in demand re- infrastructure Doha sulted in the price of oil fall- Technologically advanced ing from year-opening values nations such as Qatar, Italy’s food and beverage of $66 per barrel to less than (F&B) exports to Qatar grew $20 in late April. Saudi Arabia and the UAE by 3.5 percent to almost €33 While prices have since re- had stronger digital million in the first 10 months covered to around $50, partly infrastructure, which of this year, a senior official on the back of a historic pro- allowed them to adapt of Italian Trade Agency (ITA) duction cut agreement from more easily to the shift has said. oil-producing nations, the fall towards digital payments, Talking to Qatar Tribune has nevertheless had a signifi- online health initiatives and on the sidelines of an event cant impact on major oil-pro- remote-working practices. to launch the second edition ducing nations in the region. of ‘Let’s Eatalian-Authenti- Although this focus on cally Italian Products Promo- energy made these countries Once again, technologi- tion in Qatar 2020-2021’ at particularly vulnerable to a cally advanced nations such the Lulu Hypermarket’s Al fall in revenue, their strong as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Messila branch on Tuesday, foreign currency (forex) re- the UAE had stronger digital Italian Trade Commissioner serves – largely the fruit of infrastructure, which allowed to Qatar Giosafat Rigano said strong hydrocarbons earn- them to adapt more easily to the growth in Italian F&B ings in the past – helped bol- the shift towards digital pay- exports to Qatar despite the ster their resilience. ments, online health ini- COVID-19 pandemic shows Aside from economic tiatives and remote-working the strengthening trade ties pressures, countries in the practices. between the two countries. region had varying levels of To limit the spread of the Launched by Lulu Hyper- resilience when it came to virus, governments in the Gulf market Qatar, the country’s handling the health challeng- implemented a series of re- leading retailer, in collabo- es posed by the pandemic. strictions on businesses and ration with ITA, the second Recent investment in the movement throughout March edition of ‘Let’s Eatalian’ was Italian Ambassador to Qatar HE Alessandro Prunas, Lulu Hypermarkets Director Mohamed Althaf, Italian Trade Commissioner to Qatar Giosafat health care systems helped and April. inaugurated by Italian Ambas- Rigano and other dignitaries at the launch of the second edition of ‘Let’s Eatalian’ at the Lulu Hypermarket’s Al Messila branch on Tuesday. sador to Qatar HE Alessandro Prunas in the presence of Lulu to have access to the Qatari campaign, a wide range of Ital- condiments and many more. ing Italian products since Hypermarkets Director Mo- market through an agreement ian products are made avail- The pre-defined second 2004 to Qatar. Quick read hamed Althaf, officials from with LuLu Hypermarket and able at very attractive prices phase of the promotional cam- Talking to mediaperons ITA, Italian Embassy, Lulu Coldiretti is very important,” at all Lulu Hypermarkets and paign, which will run until De- on the occasion, Althaf said, Hypermarket and dignitaries runas said. customers will have the op- cember 26, is dedicated to the “There is a tremendous re- from various Italian compa- The Italian ambassador portunity to discover the rich Italian culinary and food tra- sponse to ‘Let’s Eatalian’ cam- Real estate trade volume nies operating in Qatar. also said that the arrival of food of Italy through tasting dition and largely focused on paign from our consumers. Speaking on the occasion, COVID-19 vaccine to Qatar and sampling. Customers could boosting the sales of authentic With the help of the ITA and crosses QR460 mn in week Prunas said, “Our partner- is very encouraging and once buy freshly made pizzas, pas- Italian food products in Qatar. the Italian embassy, as well as The total value of real estate transactions in the sales contracts ship with LuLu Hypermarket the pandemic is over the Ital- tas, lasagna, tiramisu and many Rather than a festival of our partners in Italy, we have registered with the Real Estate Registration Department of the serves as a bridge between It- ian embassy will launch plans other popular Italian delicacies Italian food, it is more of a almost tripled our volumes Ministry of Justice from December 13 to 17 reached QR460.39 aly and Qatar. Through LuLu, to further promote trade and during the campaign. celebration of the rich herit- now, but the best results will million. The types of real estate traded included plots of land, small farmers from Italy under tourism with Qatar. There are many kinds of age of advances made by Italy come very soon.” houses, residential buildings, multi-use buildings, multi-use plots the association ‘Coldiretti’ are The promotion, in its total- products involved in the pro- in various realms. It is also the With Italian food trend- of land and a residential compound. Most of the trading took able to get access to consum- ity, will run for a year starting motional campaign that cel- manifestation of the great vi- ing worldwide, Althaf said, place in the municipalities of Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Da’ayen, Al ers in Qatar by providing them from October 2020 till Sep- ebrates the Italian excellence sion that ITA and the Italian ‘Let’s Eatalian’ is a great op- Wakrah, Umm Salal, Al Shamal, Al Khor and Al Dhakira. The vol- with high quality, yet afford- tember 2021 in four quarterly in food sector like canned veg- Embassy have conceptualised. portunity for people in Qatar ume of real estate circulation during the period from December able Italian products.” editions strictly in line with the etables, pasta, rice, cheese and Lulu Hypermarket has to explore a wide range of new 6 to 10 reached QR373.701 million. (QNA) “In a difficult timelike blueprint set by the ITA and dairy products, biscuits, coffee, long-standing business rela- products, favourite classics the pandemic, having this op- the Italian Embassy. olive oil, fresh fruit and vegeta- tions with many Italian com- and time-tested popular food portunity for small farmers As part of the promotional bles, chocolate, sauces, spices, panies and has been import- brands from Italy. UK economy grows by record 16% in third quarter of 2020 Britain’s economic recovery from its coronavirus crash was a bit quicker than previously thought in the July-September pe- riod, official data showed on Tuesday. Gross domestic product grew by a record 16 percent in the third quarter, revised up from a previous estimate of 15.5 percent but that still did not make up for its 18.8 percent slump in the April-June period when much of the economy was shut down. The Office for National Statistics said that Britain borrowed a record $323 billion in the first eight months of the financial year, nearly 190 billion pounds more than in the same period a year earlier. The office added that the public sector net debt reach a new all-time high of 2.1 trillion pounds at the end of last month. It means the UK’s overall debt is now around 99.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), which is a measure of the size of the economy a level not seen since 1962. (QNA) Economy & Business Wednesday, December 23, 2020 09 Alaska Airlines orders 23 Boeing Lockdowns hasten digitalisation 737 Max aircraft in emerging economies: Report Tribune News Service more popular transconti- nental routes due to their Virus-mitigation measures lead to rapid and far-reaching adoption of digital solutions, says OBG Alaska Airlines said Tues- superior performance over day it has ordered another Boeing’s 737 Max 10 model. Agencies 23 Boeing 737 Maxes, bring- Alaska has already be- ing its total order to 68 Max- gun running its Airbus pilots The shifting of daily life on- es that over the next three through the retraining nec- line has been one of the most years will replace most of the essary to fly the Max.E ach far-reaching consequences of Airbus aircraft in its fleet. must complete about 80 the coronavirus pandemic, ac- The financial terms Boe- hours of training. cording to Oxford Business ing offered would have been The airline acquired Group (OBG). difficult to pass up. In an about 900 pilots when it While it is not without its interview, Alaska Air Group bought Virgin, about 830 challenges, broad-based digi- chief executive Brad Tilden of whom are still with the talisation has helped govern- said the airline will have to airline. Alaska Airlines has ments around the world to pay no additional money for about 2,850 mainline jet pi- combat Covid-19, as well as the 13 Maxes it will take next lots in total. Tilden said that created new growth opportu- year. by 2023, the number of Air- nities for private companies. “This does not actually bus pilots will be reduced to A widely shared meme require any capital spending about 145, flying the A321n- repeats the same image of a during 2021,” he said. eos. person sitting in front of a That’s because Alaska Doubling down on the computer under a series of had already paid significant Max now illustrates Alas- different headings: working, pre-delivery deposits on its ka’s contrarian strategy of studying, watching TV, social- pending orders of Maxes be- investing in the midst of a ising and so on. For many, in- fore the plane was grounded deed, this has been the reality in March 2019. Boeing has of 2020. now restructured the terms As the extent and gravity of with discounts to compen- the pandemic became clear in sate the airline and encour- the early part of the year, most age the follow-on order. governments imposed some The cheap Boeing Maxes form of lockdown, typically will replace all of Alaska’s 51 To replace involving a series of measures Airbus A320s and 10 small- aimed at slowing the spread er A319s, most of which are Airbus jets of the virus. For example, on expensive leases inherit- The cheap Boeing Maxes many countries imposed in- ed from Alaska’s acquisition will replace all of Alaska’s ternational travel bans, moved of Virgin America. And since 51 Airbus A320s and 10 all forms of teaching online, ICT-based solutions increasingly facilitated remote learning and working amid the COVID-19-induced lockdowns, says the Oxford Business Group. the Maxes are 20% more fuel smaller A319s, most of shuttered non-essential busi- efficient and new jets should which are on expensive nesses, imposed total or partial tute. approaches – many of which require less maintenance, leases inherited from curfews and, where possible, Furthermore, working look set to continue expand- Alaska expects to reap big encouraged employees to work from home can be particularly ing, even after Covid-19 has operational cost savings. Alaska’s acquisition of remotely. problematic in high-density been brought under control. Virgin America. And since The pandemic has led to an emphasis on flexibility in terms “With each delivery, our The extent of such meas- domestic settings, which char- of workstations and work-from-home solutions. When the In Morocco, for example, a ownership costs go down, the Maxes are 20% more ures varied, as did the public acterise a number of emerg- wide range of processes from our maintenance costs go fuel efficient and new jets responses to these government ing economies. For example, pandemic is over, people will no longer want to go to local government bureaucracy down, our fuel costs go should require less strategies. Nonetheless, there Oman averages eight members crowded downtown areas and, as such, suburban and to Customs procedures shifted down, and the revenue maintenance, Alaska were a number of common per household, while Algeria provincial areas will see the most significant growth. At the online, while ICT platforms should go up because the expects to reap big outcomes – including the rap- and Bahrain each average 5.9. same time, many large companies are looking to were also used to provide gov- Max 9 has 28 more seats operational cost savings. id and far-reaching adoption of In addition, many emerg- complement headquarters with satellite offices near ernment support to people than the A320,” said Tilden. digital solutions. ing economies suffer from without a social security num- “The economics are going to As lockdowns kicked in underdeveloped ICT infra- employees’ homes – a trend that is likely to benefit ber. be fantastic.” historic air travel downturn and offices closed, many peo- structure. However, corona- co-working spaces. In March, meanwhile, the For Boeing, such dis- so as to emerge stronger — ple began working from home. virus-related disruptions in Lars Wittig, country manager of Regus and Spaces by IWG country’s Ministry of Health counts on the Max provide “zigging while the others are Companies aimed to maintain some cases stimulated efforts launched an app for doctors compensation to its custom- zagging,” as Tilden put it. operations as far as possible by to address this issue. In April a and medical staff to pool ex- ers for months of delayed de- He noted how Alaska using a combination of cloud- World Economic Forum report measures, it remains to be urban and provincial areas pertise. Parallel to this, en- liveries, without actually giv- expanded flights to theE ast based resources and video con- predicted that the pandemic seen how sustainable remote will see the most significant gineers, entrepreneurs and ing out cash. And the deals Coast during the airline ferencing apps – such as US- would “catalyse sustained col- working will prove once the growth. At the same time, technicians launched a digital help build sales momentum downturn that followed the based Zoom, whose stock price laboration between the public pandemic has subsided. Many many large companies are platform called Ingénierie VS to arrest this year’s collapse 9/11 terrorist attacks and has seen remarkable gains this and private sectors to increase anticipate that a flexible, looking to complement head- COVID19MAROC (Engineer- of the Max order backlog. introduced flights toH awaii year. internet access beyond the cur- ‘blended’ approach will pre- quarters with satellite offices ing versus Covid-19, Morocco), Alaska plans to have its during the global financial Many businesses found rent crisis”. This prediction has vail, with office workers divid- near employees’ homes – a also designed to share exper- first Max enter service in crisis of 2008. that, while the new approach been borne out in many quar- ing their time between work- trend that is likely to benefit tise across their respective March, with five more by Tilden said the airline’s was born out of necessity, it ters. ing from home and attending a co-working spaces.” fields. summer 2021 and another relative strength in available brought with it various ben- Emerging economies that scaled-back brick-and-mortar As well as offices, most In other cases, exist- seven by year end. cash, its low fares and its efits – such as a reduction in have benefitted from respon- workplace. countries closed educational ing digital service providers The plan is to speed de- fleet of efficient single-aisle rental overheads – and did sive policies to address internet In light of this, co-working facilities soon after the pan- have adapted their offerings liveries in 2022, with Alaska jets — with no exposure to not unduly lower productivity. connectivity shortfalls include spaces could be an increas- demic first struck, requiring all in response to the pandemic, taking 30 Maxes, followed the long-haul international Some workers also found sil- Tunisia, which saw mobile net- ingly popular phenomenon teaching to be delivered online. including South-east Asia’s by another 13 in 2023 and 12 market flown by the bigger ver linings in the new arrange- work operators allocate emer- globally. In the Philippines, for This gave rise to a steep super apps – Indonesia’s Go- in 2024. widebody jets — will see it ments, including savings on gency spectrum in the early example, co-working spaces learning curve as authorities jek and the Singapore-head- The total includes 13 it through the coronavirus cri- the time and costs associated stages of the pandemic. are emerging as a solution for and teachers quickly imple- quartered Grab. While the is leasing from Air Lease sis and leave it ready to grow with commuting. Meanwhile, private tel- firms seeking to decentralise mented an ICT-based strategy. pandemic has led to the reor- Corp. in a deal announced once the pandemic ends, ICT solutions have been ecoms operators around the while also ensuring a sound One common solution was ganisation of operations and last month. The rest Alaska taking market share from key to this. Now, with much of world contributed to closing operating environment for em- to pre-record some content, closure of some low-profit or will purchase directly from carriers that are forced to the world immersed in another digital access gaps. For ex- ployees. which students could process high-contact services, it has ul- Boeing. shrink. round of lockdowns, working ample, Senegal’s Sonatel – in “The pandemic has led in their own time, and combine timately cemented the super- Prior to the 2016 Virgin While the 68 Maxes on from home has become the which Orange holds a control- to an emphasis on flexibility that with video-conferencing apps’ prominence. acquisition Alaska was an firm order are purely for new normal for many. ling stake – increased band- in terms of workstations and software. In particular, food and gro- all-Boeing carrier, and the replacing aircraft that will This is not without its pit- width speed and offered cor- work-from-home solutions,” With the pandemic se- cery delivery services generally Max deal will bring it almost be retired, should air travel falls, however. Concerns have porate clients 3 GB of mobile Lars Wittig, country manager verely curtailing most as- capitalized on pandemic-re- back to that by 2023. recover well and allow for been raised that remote work- data, valid for one month and of Regus and Spaces by IWG, pects of everyday life, various lated challenges, with demand Alaska said it will keep growth, the agreement with ers collaborate less efficiently, free of charge, and also ena- told OBG in October. ICT-oriented solutions have increasing significantlyas con- its 10 larger, longer-range Boeing also includes options missing out on both planned bled students to claim a free “When the pandemic is emerged. Many of these have sumers sought to adhere to so- Airbus A321neos. Those jets to buy another 52 MaxS on and unplanned ‘face time’, for 1-GB pass to access education- over, people will no longer been reactive, aimed at fill- cial distancing guidelines and largely will be used to fly the good financial terms later. which – some argue – digital al content. want to go to crowded down- ing gaps or meeting shortfalls. avoid crowded markets and connectivity is a poor substi- Notwithstanding such town areas and, as such, sub- Others, however, point to new stores.

Project titan ‘Apple aims to build its first car in 2024, eyes next-level battery technology’

Agencies build a vehicle for consumers, two will decide to reduce the scope of person said. Some sensors could people familiar with the effort said, its efforts to an autonomous driv- be derived from Apple’s internally Apple is pursuing production of a asking not to be named because ing system that would be integrated developed lidar units, that person passenger vehicle by 2024 as well Apple’s plans are not public. Ap- with a car made by a traditional said. Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro and as the creation of self-driving sys- ple’s goal of building a personal ve- automaker, rather than the iPhone iPad Pro models released this year tems and a “breakthrough battery hicle for the mass market contrasts maker selling an Apple-branded both feature lidar sensors. technology”, according to a Reuters with rivals such as Alphabet Inc’s car, one of the people added. Reuters had previously re- report. Waymo, which has built robo-taxis Two people with knowledge of ported that Apple had held talks The report indicates that Apple to carry passengers for a driverless Apple’s plans warned pandemic- with potential lidar suppliers, but is considering vehicle production, ride-hailing service. related delays could push the start it was also examining building its after previously shutting down Central to Apple’s strategy is a of production into 2025 or beyond. own sensor. plans to make a car. new battery design that could “rad- Shares of Tesla ended 6.5% As for the car’s battery, Apple The iPhone maker’s automo- ically” reduce the cost of batteries lower on Monday after their debut plans to use a unique “monocell” tive efforts, known as Project Titan, and increase the vehicle’s range, in the S&P 500 on Monday. Apple design that bulks up the individual have proceeded unevenly since according to a third person who shares ended 1.24% higher after cells in the battery and frees up 2014 when it first started to design has seen Apple’s battery design. the news. space inside the battery pack by its own vehicle from scratch. At one Apple declined to comment on Apple has decided to tap eliminating pouches and modules point, Apple drew back the effort to its plans or future products. outside partners for elements of that hold battery materials, one of focus on software and reassessed Making a vehicle represents a the system, including lidar sen- the people said. its goals. Doug Field, an Apple vet- supply chain challenge even for Ap- it finally turned a sustained profit ject Titan. sors, which help self-driving cars Apple’s design means that eran who had worked at Tesla Inc, ple, a company with deep pockets making cars. It remains unclear who would get a three-dimensional view of the more active material can be packed returned to oversee the project in that makes hundreds of millions “If there is one company on the assemble an Apple-branded car, road, two people familiar with the inside the battery, giving the car a 2018 and laid off 190 people from of electronics products each year planet that has the resources to do but sources have said they expect company’s plans said. potentially longer range. Apple is the team in 2019. with parts from around the world, that, it’s probably Apple. But at the the company to rely on a manu- Apple’s car might feature also examining a chemistry for the Since then, Apple has pro- but has never made a car. It took same time, it’s not a cellphone,” facturing partner to build vehicles. multiple lidar sensors for scan- battery called LFP, or lithium iron gressed enough that it now aims to Elon Musk’s Tesla 17 years before said a person who worked on Pro- And there is still a chance Apple ning different distances, another phosphate, the person said. 10 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Economy & Business UK government debt hits £2.1 trillion after record borrowing AFP Separate data showed the talk of how to pay for the crisis, A chunk of the money the country. London UK economy bounced back by but the successful roll out of raised has been to keep mil- Hinesh Patel, portfolio an all-time high 16 percent in vaccines next year and a rapid lions of private-sector worker manager at Quilter Investors, UK government borrowing the July-September period, rebound in GDP could mean in jobs via the government’s said the government has “no continued to soar in Novem- up from an initial reading 15.5 that the deficit returns to its furlough scheme, with the credible alternative”, other ber on emergency action to percent, as the country exited pre-crisis level within the next bulk of wages expected to be than spending large sums to support the virus-hit economy the first lockdown. few years without the need for paid until the end of April next support the economy. which nevertheless rebounded British economic output much fiscal tightening.” year. “The pandemic overrides stronger than expected in the however remains 8.6 percent State borrowing by Prime The government has also everything else and the gov- third quarter, official data below the level of one year ago. Minister Boris Johnson’s gov- seen tax receipts slump by £38 ernment will throw caution showed Tuesday. At the same time, “Novem- ernment has reached £241 billion in the eight months to to the wind by fighting it now, Government borrowing ber’s surge in borrowing is billion since the first UK lock- November year-on-year. and paying back later, made last month hit £31.6 billion unlikely to be reversed much down in late March -- an in- Much of the United King- possible by the sponsorship of ($41.8 billion, 34.2 billion eu- over the next few months as crease of £189 billion year-on- dom is once more in full lock- the Bank of England,” he said. ros), a record for November the ongoing Covid-19 restric- year. down heading into Christmas “The absence of govern- -- taking public sector net debt tions keep many businesses It means the UK’s overall in response to a new strain of ment spending in this mo- to £2.1 trillion, the Office for closed”, noted Capital Eco- debt is 99.5 percent of gross the coronavirus which has also ment could spell disaster and National Statistics said in a nomics analyst Thomas Pugh. A pedestrian walks along a quiet shopping street in central London on domestic product -- the high- prompted an international have ramifications for years to statement. “This will only increase December 22, 2020. (Tolga Akmen/AFP) est level for 58 years. suspension of travel links with come. Estimates of US Q3 US stimulus bill to bring back economic growth revised upwards furloughed airline workers DPA Washington The US gross domestic The $900 billion product grew by an esti- The US economy grew in mated annual rate of stimulus includes the third quarter of 2020 33.4 percent in the $15 billion in by 0.3 percentage points third quarter of 2020 more than previously esti- airline worker mated, according to the US Commerce Department, and will give many workers support payments exceeding the expectations a one-off 600-dollar stimu- of economists even as the lus cheque. President Don- AFP country struggles due to the ald Trump still needs to sign New York coronavirus pandemic. the bill into law. The US gross domestic US airlines say they will re- product (GDP) grew by an Eurozone to shrink hire workers laid off during estimated annual rate of The eurozone’s economy the pandemic after Congress 33.4 per cent in the third is set for a quarter-on-quar- late Monday passed a new quarter of 2020, according ter drop of 2.7 per cent in economic relief package, but to a third estimate released the last three months of the one large carrier warned that by the Commerce Depart- year due to the second wave anemic travel demand means ment’s Bureau of Economic of the coronavirus. long-term employment pros- Analysis. The forecast came Tues- pects remain shaky. This new estimate was day from the Eurozone Eco- After months of partisan based on more complete nomic Outlook, a quarterly wrangling, Congress finally data than a previous esti- publication by the Italian approved the $900 billion mate released last month, statistics office Istat, Ger- stimulus just before midnight, and reflected growth from many’s ifo institute and the which includes $15 billion in increased personal expendi- Swiss Economic Institute airline worker support pay- tures and fixed investment. (KOF). ments and requires carriers to US air passengers counts currently run at about 40 percent of those in the year-ago period. Airline executives have said they do not expect a “The increase in third- “After a sharp recovery recall involuntarily furloughed full comeback until a vaccine is widely available and implemented. quarter GDP reflected con- in [the third quarter], eco- employees, provide back pay tinued efforts to reopen nomic activity will decrease and keep the workers on pay- more than 40 countries have team members back to work 737 MAX following two deadly businesses and resume ac- again in [the fourth quarter] roll through March 31, 2021. suspended travel from Brit- Relief and resume air service to cities crashes, and the collapse of air tivities that were postponed due to new lockdowns,” it Executives at United ain in a bid to contain a fast- and towns that rely on us -- all travel amid the pandemic. or restricted due to Cov- said. Airlines, which furloughed spreading new strain of the ● Executives at United at a critical moment,” accord- But with the recertifica- id-19,” the government said Gross domestic product 13,000 workers, applauded coronavirus. Airlines, which furloughed ing to a statement from Ameri- tion of the MAX it has received in a statement. (GDP) in the 19-country the package, but described the British Airways and Delta 13,000 workers, can executives. good news on orders in recent The data shows an eco- euro area fell by 11.7 per status of rehired staff as tem- Air Lines said Monday they applauded the package, Southwest said earlier this weeks. nomic rebound after real cent in the second quarter porary. would require coronavirus but described the status of month it could furlough more Alaska said Monday it had GDP in the US decreased and bounced back by 12.5 “We don’t expect customer tests for passengers flying to than 6,800 workers in March restructured a plane purchase 31.4 percent in the second per cent in the third quarter. demand to change much be- New York from Britain. rehired staff as temporary. or April in what would be car- agreement with Boeing and quarter of 2020. For 2021, the Istat-IFO- tween now and the end of the US air passengers counts ● American Airlines, which rier’s first involuntary job cuts will now order 23 more than The US tops the world KOF report predicted quar- first quarter of 2021,” United currently run at about 40 per- furloughed 19,000 workers in its 50-year history. 737 MAX planes. in confirmed coronavirus ter-on-quarter growth of 0.7 Chief Executive Scott Kirby cent of those in the year-ago in October, said the funding A Southwest Airlines The Boeing transaction cases. Nearly 18 million per cent in the first quarter, and President Brett Hart said period, according to federal spokesman said the carrier repositions the carrier’s fleet, people in the US have been and of 3 per cent in the sec- in a memo to staff. checkpoint data. Airline ex- “will enable us to bring was “very encouraged” by the moving the company away infected and over 319,000 ond quarter. “We just don’t see anything ecutives have said they do not furloughed team members congressional action, but that from Airbus planes and “to- have died, according to data It also expected a year- in the data that shows a huge expect a full comeback until a back to work and resume it had no “updates regarding wards a single mainline fleet compiled by Johns Hopkins on-year drop in GDP of 7.3 difference in bookings over the vaccine is widely available and air service to cities and the potential furloughs in 2021 that’s more efficient, profit- University. per cent for 2020. next few months. That is why implemented. towns that rely on us to share at the moment.” able and environmentally The US Congress on However, “The outlook we expect the recall will be Sara Nelson, president of Alaska Airlines Chief Ex- friendly,” the company said in Monday passed a corona- is subject to both upside and temporary.” the Association of Flight At- ecutive Brad Tilden told CNBC a press release. virus relief bill worth more downside risks, depending Airlines have been among tendants, who has lobbied porary were “really inappro- the carrier planned to recall Irish no-frills airline Ry- than 900 billion dollars in on the effectiveness of eco- the hardest hit sectors amid for months for the funding, priate,” adding that she would the fewer than 50 employees anair early this month signed an effort to boost the econ- nomic policies, the evolu- the Covid-19 crisis, and the cheered passage on Twitter, continue to fight for the jobs who were furloughed follow- a deal to acquire 75 of the omy and help people strug- tion of the pandemic, the virus has come back with a saying it shows “what workers in January after Joe Biden is ing the congressional action. planes. gling during the pandemic. rollout of vaccines and the vengeance undermining hopes can do when we refuse to back sworn in as president. - Alaska Air ups Boeing Tilden declined to elabo- The new relief package effects on the economy of of a quick recovery as vaccines down.” American Airlines, which order -Aerospace giant Boeing rate on terms of the Boeing will temporarily boost week- [the EU’s pandemic recov- are deployed. But Nelson said on CNBC furloughed 19,000 workers in has been hit by a two-pronged transaction, but told CNBC ly unemployment benefits ery funds]. In the most recent demon- that the comments from Unit- October, said the funding “will crisis stemming from the “it is a good time to buy” the stration of this phenomenon, ed about the jobs being tem- enable us to bring furloughed grounding of the top-selling MAX.

IMF says unlocks $2 bn for pandemic-hit Ecuador Discover how to keep your privacy with Huawei Mate 40 Pro Tribune News Network projection is that easy. Tap AFP over the 11 percent estimated Doha the projection icon in the Washington earlier this year, according to upper right corner of your the latest IMF projections. We do everything on our screen, and there you will The board of the Internation- However, “considerable smart phones these days, see two options: Projection al Monetary Fund on Monday risks” remain, noted the IMF, be it carrying out every day Mode and Do Not Disturb. decided to immediately release citing the lingering uncertainty work tasks like emails on- Tap Projection Mode and $2 billion to help virus-hit about the depth and duration the-go, entertainment and switch it to Phone Mode Ecuador, the institution an- of the pandemic globally. even more secure tasks like before turning on Do Not nounced. The institution recom- banking for instance. There Disturb. Now you are all The money is being un- mends close coordination are also times when you will set. Screen projection and locked as part of an aid plan among public sector agencies need to mirror your phone private phone use all at the that totals $6.5 billion and so that the authorities can en- screen to a larger screen to same time. extends over 27 months, the sure a strong and job-rich re- share with everyone, but If you get an incoming Washington-based lender said. covery. there is a chance that you call, the content you are dis- “The Ecuadorian economy With the $2 billion re- might get a message during playing up on the big screen is showing nascent signs of leased on Monday, around $4 that time which you don’t won’t be interrupted, even economic recovery after bot- billion have already been paid want to be seen by every- if you wander off to take the toming out in the second quar- to Ecuador under the aid plan. one. Huawei recognizes this or extra apps are required. screen will be displayed on your big-screen display. call and chat for a few min- ter,” Antoinette Sayeh, IMF The loan was granted un- and has built into the newly Instead of transferring files as a computer screen, and To set this up, just drag utes. Thanks to this feature, deputy managing director, der an Extended Fund Facil- launched Huawei Mate 40 in your phone to your com- your phone will work as a the status bar at the top of your privacy is safe, espe- said in a statement. ity and replaces an agreement Pro, a wide range of secu- puter, you can now directly touchpad. While working on your screen down to trig- cially when you are stream- The number of new infec- that was reached at the end of rity features to ensure user project your phone screen your new “computer”, the ger the notification panel. ing your phone screen to an tions and virus-related deaths 2019. privacy at its best. wirelessly. new features in the Do Not There, turn on Wi-Fi, tap external display for eve- “have moderated compared This mechanism provides Huawei has added a You can now also eas- Disturb Mode ingeniously the Wireless Projection but- ryone to see. It is features to the high levels seen in the for a longer repayment period broad range of sharing ily switch between Desktop protect your personal infor- ton and tap Connect when like this that show Huawei’s spring,” she added. and extended support from the and presentation features Mode and Phone Mode. mation. Incoming messages you see the right screen. innovative prowess, packing Economic activity is ex- IMF to help countries carry through its latest EMUI 11 When you choose Desk- will only be displayed on Once your phone is connect- into every product features pected to contract this year by out structural reforms in the update, as no downloads top mode, the projected your phone and not pop-up ed, hit Confirm. Setting up that users would need. 9.5 percent, an improvement medium term. Economy & Business Wednesday, December 23, 2020 11 ‘Leaving EU single European Union is giving Brexit market will damage British health sector’ trade talks ‘final push’: Barnier DPA system at risk,” the authors London wrote. They noted that the vul- If talks fail, in 10 days UK will leave without a follow-on trade deal, and tariffs reimposed on trade A report released on Tues- nerable social care sector day warned of the in- would immediately find it- AFP creased dangers to the self blocked from recruiting Brussels British health-care sector staff from the EU because of Britain’s looming depar- of a new unilateral migra- EU negotiator Michel Barnier ture from the single mar- tion policy, exacerbating vowed Tuesday to continue to ket of the European Union dire workforce shortages. push for a post-Brexit trade deal without a deal. The pandemic has al- in the last 10 days before Britain Britain’s Nuffield Trust, ready slowed migration leaves the single market. a think tank specializing dramatically even before “We are really in the cru- in health-care issues, cited the departure from the sin- cial moment, and we are giving supplies of medicine and gle market takes effect, the it the final push,” Barnier told technology, data flows and report noted, with national reporters as he headed into a access to trained staff as meeting with EU ambassadors among the areas that will in Brussels “In 10 days the UK be negatively affected as will leave the single market and the post-Brexit transition I will continue to work, in total period comes to an end on transparency with the Europe- December 31. an Parliament and the member It has been more than states,” he said. four years since Britain vot- The impact If the talks between Barnier ed to leave the EU. Britain’s Nuffield Trust, a and his UK counterpart Da- It formally left at the think tank specializing in vid Frost fail to reach a break- end of January but remains health-care issues, cited through in the coming days, the in the single market and supplies of medicine and UK will leave without a follow- customs union as part of a technology, data flows and on trade deal. transition period until the access to trained staff as Tariffs would be reimposed end of this year. among the areas that will on cross-Channel trade in food Ties between Britain and goods, exacerbating the and the bloc are tightly in- be negatively affected as economic shock of a return to a tertwined but talks on an the post-Brexit transition border after 47 years of integra- agreement on the relation- period comes to an end on tion. European Union’s negotiator Michel Barnier at a meeting of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the ship between the two once December 31. But the talks are deadlocked Member States to the European Union (Coreper) in Brussels on Tuesday. (JOHN THYS/AFP) the post-Brexit transition over how to ensure fair trade period has ended are prov- insurance number registra- rules are respected in the future start moving again and EU na- ing difficult. tions both for EU and non- and, especially, over how to as- tionals to return home. If the two sides can’t EU applicants decreasing sign fishing rights in UK waters. Fishing boats forced to remain Von der Leyen’s Commis- break their deadlock, Brit- by 70 per cent between the On Monday, British Prime In 10 days the UK will leave sion has recommended that ain will crash out of the EU’s fourth quarter of 2019 and Minister Boris Johnson and EU the single market and I will in port amid border closures blanket bans be discontinued in single market and customs the second quarter of 2020. chief Ursula von der Leyen held continue to work, in total order to allow essential passen- union at the end of the year. Meanwhile, it remains a crisis call to discuss Brexit and transparency with the DPA we had exactly the same ger travel and freight shipments A new strain of the cor- unclear how the Brit- the coronavirus crisis. London thing, we had to stop fishing to resume. onavirus, which Johnson ish government plans to The call, revealed Tuesday European Parliament and for over a month, which was But Germany and Ireland said transmits faster than mitigate the disruption to by an EU source, came amid re- the member states. Fishing boats in the north a financial disaster,” he ex- have already renewed their the original, also prompt- medical supplies and how ports that Britain had improved EU negotiator Michel Barnier of England were forced to plained. precautionary bans and France ed a number of countries to handle longer or broader its offer on fish, moving closer remain in port on Monday Barnes, who might expect is in talks with London over around the world to sus- disruption, the report said. to Brussels’ demand for long- because of the disruption to bring in a catch of three instituting virus tests for truck pend travel from Britain. More broadly, the term access. Amid reports the new muta- to supply chains caused by tonnes, and others like him, drivers. A Sunday deadline set The Nuffield Trust’s health of the public could be But French officials told tion of COVID-19 might spread French border closures fol- have been prevented from by the European Parliament, report also said lower directly worsened by a pro- AFP that the British position more quickly than previous lowing the discovery of a new fishing at the close of the nor- which could refuse to approve economic growth and de- longed economic slowdown had not yet moved far enough. ones, 40 countries in Europe coronavirus variant in the mally prosperous Christmas the agreement, passed without creasing spending capacity that leads to lower living The two sides are haggling and around the world cut travel UK. season because they cannot an agreement being found, leav- might worsen wider deter- standards and a squeeze on over the cut EU fishermen will links to Britain. Matthew Barnes, a fisher- sell their shellfish to process- ing no time for MEPs to ratify an minants of health, such as public spending, as well as take to their catch in British The EU is scrambling to man who catches scallops off ing plants that ship on their eventual deal before January 1. unemployment and access the possibility of less effec- waters and the length of a tran- come up with a coordinated re- the port of Scarborough, told produce to Europe. “Political games from West- to health services. tive regulation of determi- sition period to phase in the sponse after cross-channel traffic AFP that being prevented “We had to stop fishing minster have wasted too much “The perilously uncer- nants of health like air pol- changes. was left snarled as France shut from going out to sea for the because they can’t shift our time,” said German MEP Man- tain future facing the UK lution. The eleventh-hour talks down entry for passengers and second time this year could product,” the 33-year-old fred Weber, who leads the con- at the end of the Brexit These risks could hit the have also been overshadowed goods. Ambassadors from the potentially spell calamity for who began fishing at the age servative group in parliament, transition period could put most vulnerable hardest, by the fast-moving crisis over bloc’s 27 members are to meet the sector. of 10 and whose father was warning that members would the UK’s health and care according to the report. the new coronavirus strain later Tuesday to try to hammer “When Covid first struck also a fisherman explained. take their time and not “rubber found by London. out a joint plan to allow cargo to stamp” a text. Britain’s resilient rail freight ready to relieve road gridlocks

AFP train to inland terminals, is with vital goods such as pro- Since the Brexit referen- London waiting in the wings. tective equipment needed by dum in 2016 there has been an The company could be hospitals. increase in goods being picked Britain’s resilient rail called upon to transport extra Freight trains have been What we may start seeing is up by freight at ports further freight industry, while much produce across Britain should affected “less than the pas- the impact of goods being north along England’s eastern smaller than the road haulage businesses caught up in the senger rail sector, thankfully”, moved to other deep coastline, she said. sector, might play a key role Dover queues decide to ferry said Maggie Simpson, direc- seaports around Britain. “People, for example, who in keeping vital, but stranded their goods to other ports. tor general of trade body Rail might have come from Bel- goods on the move. “What we may start seeing Freight Group, though she Freightliner’s Head of Rail gium or Germany or Poland Lorries are stuck in long is the impact of goods being added that the petro-chemical Strategy Peter Graham on a lorry via Dover aren’t” lines heading to and from moved to other deep seaports sector was still “a bit volatile”. any more. the Channel port of Dover on around Britain,” Freightliner’s “Global oil use isn’t what Transporting goods by England’s south coast, as com- Head of Rail Strategy Peter it was. It’s come back up a bit train is gaining in popularity panies try to stockpile goods Graham told AFP. now but we’re not moving as of continued long delays for also owing to the environmen- before the Brexit transition Its longest trains, which much aviation fuel for exam- lorries at ports once Britain tal benefits. period ends on December 31. are 775 metres (2,500 feet) ple,” she told AFP. leaves the EU single market A freight train can carry The situation has been ex- long and carry around 60 con- Simpson said that with and customs unions on Janu- the same volume of goods as acerbated by countries shut- tainers, are currently trans- the first UK lockdown in late A freight train is prepared ahead of departure from DP World London ary 1. 76 heavy goods vehicles, the ting their borders to Britain to porting goods north from the March, Britain’s rail freight Gateway’s rail freight depot in Corringham. (Isabel Infantes/AFP) “We are seeing people rail industry claims. contain a fast-spreading vari- English port of Southampton. volume “dropped pretty much starting to think a little bit Freight’s rise in fortunes is ant of the coronavirus. While lockdown restric- overnight to about 50 percent” And regardless of the situ- customs at an inland UK ter- differently about their sup- in sharp contrast to Britain’s Freightliner Group, a lead- tions have sharply curtailed of what it would normally have ation at Dover, post-Brexit minal. ply chain... you can see some passenger trains, which are ing rail company that picks Britain’s passenger rail traffic, been. processes will allow trains that - ‘Starting to relocate’ businesses starting to relocate much less crowded as millions up large containers from UK freight trains are running at “But there was quite a re- come from France through -This could also benefit the away” from Dover, Simpson of office workers now often do ports and transports them by around pre-pandemic levels silient” recovery, said Graham. the Channel Tunnel to clear rail freight sector amid fears said. their jobs from home. Google, Microsoft among new funders of Indian TikTok clone Polish airline LOT gets EU DPA homegrown Indian apps had New Delhi Bangalore-based VerSe only captured 40 per cent of approval for €650 mn state aid Innovations said the fresh TikTok’s market, according to An Indian technology com- funds would be used to a recent survey by Redseer, a DPA serious consequences on Pol- pandemic, ensuing travel re- pany that floated a TikTok continue the scaling up of consultancy. Warsaw/Brussels ish employment, connectivity strictions and the drop in de- clone after the Chinese short its short videos app Josh “The primary reasons why and foreign trade,” the com- mand for travel. video app was banned by the TikTok users are unwilling to The European Commission mission’s statement reads. The company recently said government said on Tuesday it shift to other similar apps is approved on Tuesday €650 The support mechanism it expects to handle 2 million had raised 100 million dollars the first such company operat- a lack of quality content and million ($795 million) in state comes with strings attached, passengers in 2020 compared in a round of funding from in- ing in local Indian languages, fewer posts,” Redseer said in aid for Poland’s flagship air- including a dividend ban, and to the pre-COVID-19 plan for vestors like Google, Microsoft according to a company press its December 8 report. line LOT, the EU executive restrictions on mergers and 12 million passengers. and Falcon Edge’s AlphaWave. release. Redseer identified VerSe’s said in a press statement. acquisitions (M&A) activity, In 2019, LOT handled over Bangalore-based VerSe In- Josh is among the In- Josh, Times’ MX TakaTak and LOT will receive a €400 according to the statement. 10 million passengers for the novations said the fresh funds dian alternatives vying for InMobi’s Roposo as the most million subsidized loan for fi- Poland is to receive an “ap- first time ever. would be used to continue the the space occupied by ByteD- Chinese short video app TikTok is popular short-form video apps nancing investment and work- propriate remuneration” for At the beginning of scaling up of its short videos ance’s hugely popular TikTok banned in India in India. ing capital needs, as well as a its capital injection and the the year, the Polish airline app Josh. until it was banned by the In- Short-form videos have capital injection of €250 mil- deal includes measures aimed planned to take over German The latest infusion of capi- dian government at the end of deadly clashes between Indian emerged as the fastest-grow- lion, the statement said. at incentivizing LOT to redeem charter airline Condor, but the tal has taken the value of the June, along with 58 other Chi- and Chinese troops along the ing content category in India, The aid package will re- the state’s equity injection. deal fell apart during the glob- company to more than 1 billion nese apps due to data security disputed Himalayan border. with 180 million users and store LOT’s equity and liquid- LOT, like its competitors al Covid-19 health crisis, with dollars, making it a so-called concerns. Four months after the massive potential for growth, ity position and prevent in- in the aviation industry, was LOT stepping back because of unicorn technology firm and The decision came after Chinese app was banned, according to Redseer. solvency, “which would have hit hard by the coronavirus problems of its own. Al Shaqab’s women’s volleyball team zooms into QF at QOC Beach Games page 14

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation visits SC Legacy Pavilion

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), welcomed the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio (left) to the SC Legacy Pavilion on Tuesday, where they discussed on how to strengthen bilateral relations. Di Maio, who was accompanied by Ambassador of Italy to Qatar Alessandro Prunas, also learned about plans and prepara- tions for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Blanc’s Al Rayyan hope to rise to ‘Qatar Clasico’ challenge

Al Rayyan’s French coach Laurent Blanc with the team during a training session on Monday. Al Sadd players during training ahead of their clash with Al Rayyan in the QNB Stars League. Al Sadd won the Amir Cup title on Friday. We are ready but we have to change the mentality after winning the Amir Cup because this is a different tournament, says Al Sadd’s Xavi

Tribune Network media ahead of the the Clasico, an important game for us and Doha he said, “I came to Qatar be- also for the fans,” he said. cause I love to develop myself “We have to change the It will be a test of return by fire and love new challenges. The mentality after winning the for Laurent Blanc, now back task will not be easy, especially Amir Cup because this is a dif- as Al Rayyan manager when since I believe it is necessary to ferent tournament. the team takes on QNB Stars develop the performance of Al “We have to forget what League leaders and Amir Cup Rayyan, and this is my mission happened in the Amir Cup winners Al Sadd in ‘Qatar Cla- and that of my staff. final and focus on this match sico’ at the Jassim Bin Hamad “I will work to develop the because it will be very difficult Stadium on Wednesday. team’s performance as we did and complicated. We want to The high-voltage clash not have enough time to pre- compete and continue win- is a much-awaited one with pare for this match. But our ning, and we are now in a good fans from either sides expect- technical staff and players will position in the league. Every- ing nothing less than a vic- give everything we have to one is eager and we are ready tory. That Al Sadd are cur- achieve a positive result in our to face Al Rayyan and continue rent runaway leaders at 25 first match. Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (left) and Al Rayyan manager Laurent Blanc address the media ahead of their teams’ ‘Qatar Clasico’ QNB Stars at the same level,” the former points and much ahead of Al “I know exactly how im- League match on Tuesday. Al Sadd and Al Rayyan will clash at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Wednesday at 6.30pm. midfielder added. Rayyan (on 13 points) would portant this stage is for the In another match today, not have much of a bearing on fans who are waiting for bet- mer France defender, won the the Catalan club the next year. not played against Blanc but knows the importance of the third-placed Al Ahli face Qatar the match as both sides would ter results. The match will not 1998 World Cup on home soil, “The Al Sadd match will I respect him a lot because key clash. “This is a very im- SC, who are fifth in the table. seek to bring out all their ex- be easy and we know that very while Al Sadd’s coach Xavi be difficult because they are he is a big name in the world portant match and means a Meanwhile, Al Kharaitiyat perience and to play their best. well,” added Blanc, who led Hernandez lifted the title with the leaders. They have a coach of football. I welcome him to lot to us. It is also important face Al Arabi with both teams Yet, on paper Blanc and his Paris Saint-Germain to three Spain at the 2010 World Cup who has a football philosophy Qatar and QNB Stars League. in terms of competition for in a precarious position and boys face an acid test against French Ligue 1 title during his in South Africa. Coincidently, as he played for many years It will be an honour for me to the league because the gap be- coming off defeats in the last the raging in-form Wolves spell at the capital club from both have also played for La with Barcelona,” the 55-year- meet him again because he is tween us and Al Rayyan is 12 round. Kharaitiyat and Arabi backed by their coach in Xavi 2013-2016. Liga giants Barcelona. old Blanc said. a great player and coach,” the points. Our goal is to win, to are also the two bottom-placed Hernandez. Interestingly, the match While Blanc played at Bar- Xavi, meanwhile, said Spaniard said. continue the series of victo- teams (both on six points), but Blanc too is aware of the big pits two World Cup winners ca for one season in 1997-98, Blanc’s arrival in Qatar will Having also played for ries, and we have not lost any the latter are better placed on task on hand. Speaking to the on the touchline. Blanc, a for- Xavi made his senior debut at benefit the league. “I have Sadd in ‘Qatar Clasico’, Xavi match so far. Therefore, it is goal difference. Sports Wednesday, December 23, 2020 13

QNB STARS LEAGUE PREMIER LEAGUE Ancelotti undecided over where in-form Everton’s priorities lie AFP us a few weeks ago, so it is a London great opportunity to show the momentum.” Carlo Ancelotti admitted Ancelotti -- who guided on Tuesday that he is in two Chelsea to the domestic dou- minds as to whether winning ble in the 2009/10 season but a first ever League Cup or se- missed out on the League Cup curing Champions League -- said he treats it as an impor- football for the first time since tant competition unlike some 2005 is more important to his of his Premier League rivals Everton team. who field weakened teams. The 61-year-old Italian “We give a lot of impor- is adamant however that he tance to this competition,” he will select his strongest side said. “We are into the quarter- when Everton host Manches- finals, we are two games from ter United in Wednesday’s the final, so it would be fantas- League Cup quarter-final. tic to play for us to play a final Ancelotti has turned Ever- if possible. ton’s fortunes round in the “So we are going to put out year he has been in charge, to our strongest team.” the extent that they sit fourth Colombian playmaker in the Premier League, five James Rodriguez, though, will points off leaders and local ri- be missing from the starting vals Liverpool. line-up for a fourth successive However, Ancelotti is also match. well aware that the last time The 29-year-old is not Everton fans celebrated winning ready to return to full training a trophy was the 1995 FA Cup. after suffering a calf muscle “I don’t know what is best,” injury. said Ancelotti at Tuesday’s “We are sad because he’s pre-match press conference. an important player,” said An- “We are here now and we celotti. Al Duhail players celebrate one of their six goals against Al Khor in their QNB Stars League match played at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday. want to fight for this, tomor- “But if he is not ready then row is an important game. we don’t have to force him to “It is the quarter-final of come back, we just have to an important competition that wait and allow him to recover Everton have never won in its well and properly. history, so we are not far away. “This season finishes in Al Duhail thrash Al Khor “We are in a good moment, May, all the players need to we are going to play against a have a proper rehab to avoid 6-1, move in to top four very tough opponent that beat problems in the future.” Tribune News Network QNB Stars League Points Tally beautifully-taken free-kick, snap-header off a long cross Doha but Khaled Hassan’s tap from from the flank. Ten minutes Club MP W l D GF GA GD Pts close range narrowly missed later, Edmilson tapped home Al Duhail served notice of Al Sadd 9 8 0 1 35 8 27 25 the net. In the 34th minute, with a sliding flick from close them returning to top form Al Gharafa 10 7 3 0 24 15 9 21 Leonardo produced a spec- range on a cross from Dudu with a resounding 6-1 thrash- Al Ahli 9 6 2 1 13 13 0 19 tacular shot from inside the Al for Al Duhail’s fourth goal. ing of Al Khor in the Week 10 Al Duhail 10 6 4 0 21 13 8 18 Duhail box, but the move was Al Ahrak and Ahmed QNB Stars League clash at the Qatar SC 9 5 4 0 13 8 5 15 blocked by Martin keeping a Yasser then joined the scorers’ Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium Al Rayyan 9 3 2 4 11 8 3 13 tight lid on the backline. list with close-range efforts. on Tuesday. Three minutes into the In the other matches of the The Red Knights who have Al Sailiya 10 3 4 3 13 18 -5 12 second half, Edmilson, after day, Al Gharafa managed to suffered a few unexpected re- Al Wakrah 10 3 6 1 10 13 -3 10 breaking into the Al Khor beat Al Wakrah with a similar versals in the last two weeks got Umm Salal 10 2 5 3 6 14 -8 9 box, fired a bullet, but his scoreline courtesy an own goal their act together in fine style Al Khor 10 1 5 4 8 20 -12 7 shot was blocked by keeper from Ali Malolah in the 7th Everton’s Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts during the English to get back on track and keep Al Arabi 9 1 5 3 9 19 -10 6 Baba Djibril. Seven minutes minute while Al Sailiya were Premier League match against Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, hopes of retaining the title alive. Al Kharaitiyat 9 2 7 0 6 20 -14 6 later, Giannis fired a top shot held to a fighting 1-1 draw by England, on Saturday. (AFP) Mohammed Muntari (fifth from the edge of the, but Al Umm Salal. minute), Paulo Edmilson (11th 64th minute, as they crashed the ball into the net from close Khor captain Helal Moham- The win saw the Al Ghara- and 74th minutes), Eduardo to their fifth defeat and stood range. med blocked the shot with a fa jump to the second spot on Rodrigues (60th-minute pen- on seven points. With Al Khor struggling short jump. the points table. alty), Abdullah Abdulsalam The match got off to a fast for momentum, Al Duhail On the hour mark, Al Du- FIFA lodges criminal complaint Al Ahrak (80th minute) and pace, with Al Duhail kicking jumped to a 2-0 cushion in the hail went 3-0 after Dudu eas- Results: Al Duhail 6 (Moham- Ahmed Yasser (86th minute) up a storm from the kick-off. A 12th minute. This time, Edm- ily converted a penalty. Musab med Muntari 5’, Edmilson Junior against Blatter over museum scored as Al Duhail posted slick team effort helped them ilson, who had assisted in the Abdulmajid produced a rough 11’, 74’, Dudu 60’ (P), Abdullah their sixth win of the season open the scoring. After receiv- first goal, capped a threaten- tackle while clearing the ball Al Ahrak 80’, Ahmed Yasser AFP of 500 million Swiss francs for a tally of 18 points which ing a cross from the centre of ing move with a goal. After re- leaving Sultan Al Breik hold- Mohammedi 86’) bt Al Khor 1 Geneva ($564 million) that instead puts them among the top four. the field, Edmilson charged ceiving a short cross from the ing his ankle. Refeere Hamad (Leo Gamalho 64’) “could and should have been Al Sadd are the leaders ahead on the right flank and corner of the Al Khor box from Al Subaie sought VAR assis- Al Gharafa 1 (Ali Malolah 7’ FIFA on Tuesday announced it channeled into the develop- with 25 points, Al Gharafa entered the Al Khor box. De- Eduardo Rodrigues (Dudu), tance before confirming the (OG) bt Al Wakrah 0 had filed a criminal complaint ment of global football”. second (21), and Al Ahli third spite being under pressure Edmilson calmly slotted the penalty that was easily con- Al Sailiya 1 (Tiago Queiroz against former president Sepp “We came to the conclu- with 19pts. from an Al Khor marker, Ed- ball home from close range. verted by Rodrigues. Bezerra 47’) drew with Umm Blatter over the finances of its sion that we had no choice Leonardo De Souza scored milson slipped a neat cross for In the 19th minute, Al Leonardo reduced the Salal 1 (Amine Lecomte 9’ loss-making museum in Zurich. other than to report the case the only goal for Al Khor in the Muntari, who easily deflected Khor’s Leonardo curled in a margin of defeat with a slick (OG)). In a statement FIFA said to state prosecutors, not least it had “lodged a criminal com- because the current manage- plaint with Zurich’s cantonal ment of FIFA also has fiduci- prosecutor as evidence of ary responsibilities to the or- suspected criminal misman- ganisation and we intend to Quick read agement by FIFA’s former live up to them, even if those ‘I’m ready’, says eager Joshua for Fury heavyweight title showdown in June management and companies before us dismally failed to,” appointed by them in relation said FIFA deputy secretary London: Anthony Joshua by WBC champion Fury for not talks are underway over the on Tuesday. “I’m having direct backing down from the Fury to the (museum) has surfaced.” general Alasdair Bell. has set his sights on a world showing enough commitment to eagerly-anticipated fight. conversations now with my clash, although hurdles in the Blatter’s lawyer, Lorenz The 10-floor building is heavyweight title showdown with the contest after successfully “I’m ready, I’m keen. management team looking at way of the super-fight include Erni, told AFP “the accusa- spread across 3,000 square fellow Briton Tyson Fury in June defending his WBA, WBO, IBF The next fight I want is Ty- the best way to put a package his WBO mandatory challenger tions are unfounded” and ve- metres and includes exhibi- after revealing on Tuesday that and IBO belts against Kubrat son Fury, for the undisputed together for 2021 and hopefully Oleksandr Usyk and another hemently denied wrongdoing. tion, events and dining areas he is ‘keen’ for the fight to take Pulev earlier in December. But championship of the world,” it will be done.” possible meeting between Fury According to FIFA, the as well as 34 rental apartments place. Joshua was criticised the 31-year-old has confirmed Joshua told Sky Sports News Joshua has no intention of and Deontay Wilder. (AFP) museum generated a bill and some 140 workstations. Smith hopes virus-hit Sydney can still host third India Test

AFP erence here would be to play India were bowled out for ond Test beginning on Boxing Sydney in Sydney, but we will always their record Test low of 36 by Day in Melbourne. be guided by experts,” Smith Australia’s trio of fast bowl- “Every individual is differ- Talismanic Australia bats- said. ers led by Josh Hazlewood, ent -- the way they take their man Steve Smith said on Tues- If the Sydney clash goes who took five wickets for dismissals, how they think day he would love Sydney to ahead, the players could have eight runs, Pat Cummins who about the game after it’s fin- host the new year Test against problems travelling to Bris- grabbed four, backed up by ished,” he said. India as planned, despite the bane for the final Test a week Mitchell Starc. Smith said playing a Box- city currently battling a coro- later after Queensland effec- Smith said that victory ing Day Test at the Melbourne navirus outbreak. tively closed its border to Syd- rested on one of the best per- Cricket Ground was always “Personally I’d love Syd- ney. formances he had seen from special. ney to happen, I love playing The second Test starts in a group of Australian pace “It’s sort of like a dream at the SCG (Sydney Crick- Melbourne on Boxing Day and bowlers. come true in a way I think, as a et Ground), it’s my home back-to-back Tests there could “I played a lot of cricket kid I always wanted to play in ground,” Smith said. be an option. with all three of those fast bowl- a Boxing Day Test match, I al- Australia’s largest city has Otherwise, they could re- ers and I reckon the length they ways remember watching the been virtually sealed off from turn to Adelaide, where Aus- bowled consistently was as Boxing Day Tests at home with the largely virus-free rest of the tralia won the opening Test by good as I’ve seen,” he said. the family after Christmas. country after a cluster of coro- eight wickets on Saturday, or “The lengths they were hit- “To walk out on Boxing navirus cases were uncovered, host two in a row in Brisbane. ting were just impeccable.” Day and play, you sort of get raising serious doubts about Australia are currently Smith refused to be drawn the shivers down your spine the third Test which is sched- leading the Test series 1-0, af- on whether India, who will and the hairs on the back of uled to start on January 7. ter an Indian second-innings Australia’s Steve Smith (2nd left) talks with India’s Virat Kohli at the third of their first Test at the Adelaide now be without Virat Kohli, your neck rise up and it’s just “I think everyone’s pref- batting collapse in Adelaide. Oval in Australia on Saturday. (AFP) could bounce back in the sec- a great feeling.” 14 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 Sports Al Shaqab make volleyball QF as women’s events wow fans Tribune News Network Doha

HE Minister of Youth and Sport of Al Shaqab women spik- Iraq Adnan Dirjal at the ers team proved too hot for Aspire Academy on Tuesday. Msherieb on Tuesday as they trounced their opponents in Iraq’s Minister of straight sets to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Beach Youth and Sport Volleyball event of the ongo- game between Al Amal and the ing inaugural Qatar Olym- Elite team ended in straight praises Aspire pic Committee (QOC) Beach sets (2-0) for Al Amal. Games 2020. In Group A, Al Maha was Academy With this victory, Al Shaqab the better side in their clash have now recorded three wins against Al Salam as they QNA in as many matches in Group claimed a 2-0 victory to round Doha C. They had defeated the Lusail up the day’s proceedings. and Yasminat of Tunisia 2-0 Action continues on HE Minister of Youth and and 2-1 earlier respectively. Wednesday in both the wom- Sport of Iraq Adnan Dirjal The highly organised team en’s beach volleyball and the praised on Monday said As- wowed the enthusiastic fans at women’s beach football events. pire Academy is a leader in Aspire Zone with their impres- In volleyball, Al Maha will developing sports champions. sive teamwork as they domi- be up against Qatar Academy The remarks came on the nated the game right from the in Group A at 5pm while in the sidelines of HE the minister’s word go. Group B encounter Al Amal visit to the academy. Going by their current will play Al Mahaba at 6pm. “The work of Aspire Acad- form, the team is a huge fa- For the women’s Beach emy is well known and praised vourite to win the event and Football, spectators will have throughout the world as a they are expected to repeat the the opportunity of witnessing model of how to successfully same performance on Friday amazing skills as Seashore go develop sport. in their last-eight encounter. up against Qatar in the first “I was fortunate to have In the other matches of match of the day at 6.30pm. seen the foundation of the the day, Yasminat of Tunisia This will be followed by Aspire from the facilities overcame the Lusail team 2-1 22 Youth Initiative’s clash Action from the Beach Volleyball event of the QOC Beach Games 2020 which are taking place at the Aspire Zone. Over 500 male and female through to the sporting teams in Group C while the Group B with A7 an hour later. athletes are participating in the first edition of the QOC Beach Games which will be held over two weeks until January 3, 2021. that have been developed at this Academy to reach world standard. “The work of Aspire is admired by everyone in the world many seek to learn from it, transfer the knowledge and model of Aspire to their own countries and we in Iraqi also seek to implement similar programmes hence this visit,” he said. The Iraqi minister and his accompanying delega- tion were welcomed by Aspire Academy Director General Ivan Bravo. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation. The visi- tors also viewed a presentation of how the Academy works and its modus operandi across different sports. Action from the women’s Beach Handball and Beach Football events at QOC (Qatar Olympic Committee) Beach Games 2020 at the Aspire Zone.

Exciting wins for Al Shamal, Wakrah in Qatar basketball Rizwan-inspired Pak stop Kiwi T20 sweep men’s league AFP Napier (New Zealand) Scoreboard New Zealand M. Hafeez c sub (Mitchell) b Kuggeleijn 41 Mohammad Rizwan cele- M. Guptill c Khan b Rauf 19 K. Shah c sub (Mitchell) b Neesham 13 brated his elevation to the Pa- T. Seifert b Ashraf 35 F. Ashraf c Seifert b Southee 2 kistan Test captaincy in style K. Williamson b Ashraf 1 S. Khan c Seifert b Southee 0 on Tuesday, smashing a ca- D. Conway c Khan b Rauf 63 I. Ahmed not out 14 G. Phillips c Haris b Afridi 31 reer-best 89 to stop New Zea- H. Talat not out 0 J. Neesham c Khan b Ashraf 2 Extras: (lb4, w3) 7 land claiming a series sweep in S. Kuggeleijn c Ahmed b Afridi 14 the third Twenty20 in Napier. Total (6 wickets; 19.4 overs) 177 T. Southee not out 6 Did not bat: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Pakistan reached New Zea- K. Jamieson not out 0 Mohammad Hasnain. land’s target of 174 with two Extras: (lb1, nb1) 2 Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Ali), 2-112 (Hafeez), balls to spare, ending on 177 af- Total: (For 7 wickets; 20 overs) 173 Did not bat: Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult. 3-141 (Shah), 4-163 (Ashraf), 5-163 (Khan), ter Iftikhar Ahmed sealed the 6-171 (Rizwan) win with a six in the final over. Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Guptill), 2-45 (Williamson), 3-58 (Seifert), 4-109 (Phillips), 5-128 Bowling: Boult 4-0-43-0 (3w), Southee 4-0-25- But it was Rizwan’s 89 (Neesham), 6-159 (Kuggeleijn), 7-169 (Conway). 0, Jamieson 2.4-0-22-1, Kuggeleijn 4-0-40-2, from 59 balls, with support Bowling: Afridi 4-0-43-2, Hasnain 4-0-29-0, Sodhi 1-0-6-0, Neesham 4-0-37-1 from 41-run Mohammad Ha- Rauf 4-0-44-2 (1nb), Ashraf 4-0-20-3, Khan Toss: Pakistan. feez, that inspired the victory. 4-0-36-0. Result: Pakistan win by four wickets It was a hard-fought win Pakistan Series: New Zealand 2-1 for the tourists, who suf- M. Rizwan c Conway b Jamieson 89 Man of the match: Mohammad Rizwan fered heavy defeats in the H. Ali c sub (Mitchell) b Kuggeleijn 11 Man of the series: Tim Seifert. two opening matches after a rocky preparation that includ- taking three for 20. the roof of a stand and out of ed COVID-19 quarantine in The strategy of chasing the ground, forcing the um- Christchurch with no training. Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez plays a shot during his knock down New Zealand’s total pires to select a replacement The win was particularly of 89 runs in the third T20 against New Zealand at McLean Park in paid off as Rizwan and Hafeez ball. sweet for Rizwan, who was Napier on Tuesday. (AFP) forged a 72-run partnership Daryl Mitchell, on as a named on Monday as captain that laid the foundation for the fielding substitute for the in- for the first Test against New the-match T20 performance. After two losses when bat- win. jured Martin Guptill, took Zealand starting December Rizwan said the T20 vic- ting first, Pakistan changed Hafeez, who was stranded three catches for the Black 26 after regular skipper Ba- tory was an important morale tactics and opted to bowl when on 99 in Hamilton, made 41 Caps and Pakistan made a bar Azam was ruled out with a booster ahead of the two-Test they won the toss, restricting from 29 balls including three nervy finish to the match. broken thumb. series against the Black Caps. New Zealand to 173 for seven, sixes. But the solid start to the “I never thought I’d be “We want to take momen- with Devon Conway top-scor- Rizwan’s innings, the innings ensured the middle made the captain of Pakistan tum from this into the Test ing on 63. sixth-highest by a Pakistan order had enough breathing and I can’t explain my happi- match, so this is very impor- Faheem Ashraf was the batsman in T20s, included a space to steer the tourists ness,” he said after his man-of- tant for us,” he said. pick of the Pakistan attack, booming six that bounced off home.

Don Bradman’s debut ‘baggy green’ sold for record Aus$450,000 AFP on Tuesday the baggy green had front man’s guitar. Pickles said the cap was Sydney been bought by the business- “All too often, memorabilia sold on behalf of an insolvency man Peter Freedman, whom is such as this ends up spending firm seeking to recoup some of Al Shamal and Al Wakrah scored exciting wins in the Qatar Basketball The “baggy green” worn on the Australian founder of RODE its life on the wall of some board the investors’ losses. Men’s League 2020-21 at the Al Gharafa Sports Club on Tuesday. Al Test debut in 1928 by Australia’s Microphones, after initially fail- room or in some basement bar The latest sale exceeds the Shamal bt Al Rayyan 90-76 (25-12, 25-17, 21-25, 19-19). Mikheil Ber- greatest batsman Donald Brad- ing to sell under the hammer. of a well-heeled sports fanatic,” Aus$425,000 (US$321,000) ishvili scored the highest 31 points for the winners Al Shamal while man has sold for Aus$450,000 “After negotiations the final Freedman said in a statement. paid for the cap worn during his W. Arakji scored 30. Tavarion Nix garnered 23 points for Al Rayyan. (US$340,000), a record for one bid and highest offer was the by grunge rock icon Kurt Co- “I want as many people to final Test in 1948 by Bradman, In the second exciting clash of the evening, Al Wakrah prevailed over of the cricket legend’s caps. $450,000,” Pickles executive bain, making it the most expen- enjoy it as possible.” who died in 2001 aged 92. How- Al Ahli 83-69 (23-18, 21-14, 21-13, 18-24). J. Coles Jr. led the scoring Bradman, who retired with manager Gavin Dempsey told sive guitar in history. Bradman had gifted the ever, it fell well below the Aus$1 for Al Wakrah with 27 points while N. Stover (24) and E. Saeed (19) an all-time highest Test batting AFP. “It’s still, for a Bradman Freedman said he would cap to his neighbour, account- million (US$756,000) paid for were the other chief contributors. For A Ahli, J. Lee scored 20 points average of 99.94, wore the cap cap, on record the highest price put Bradman’s cap on display ant Peter Dunham, who lo- spin legend Shane Warne’s bag- while R. Goodwin and H. Radi contributed 13 and 11 points respec- during the first match of his paid on the open market.” around Australia, similar to cal media reported was jailed gy green when it was auctioned tively. On Wednesday, Al Arabi will play Qatar Club at 5pm, and Al Test career against England. In June, Freeman spent global tour plans he previously in May for eight years over a off to help Australian bushfire Sadd will clash with Al Gharafa at 7pm. (TNN) Pickles auction house said US$6 million on a guitar played announced for the Nirvana multimillion-dollar fraud. victims earlier this year. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 15 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurates Pakistan’s new private airline, AirSial, in Sialkot on December 9. AirSial Chairman Fazal Gilani (third left) and CEO Ameen Ahsan (centre) with cabin staff. Pakistani community hails inauguration of Pakistan’s new private airline AirSial

deed a proud moment for the people Dubbed as the ‘Pride of of Sialkot in particular and Pakistan- is in general. It’s another feather in Pakistan’, AirSial is the the cap of the Sialkot business com- brainchild of members munity after they built Pakistan’s first privately owned airport in 2007. of Sialkot Chamber Sialkot International Airport has been catering to the national carrier of Commerce and PIA and other major airlines mainly Industry from the Gulf region. Qatar Airways was among the first carriers to op- embers of the Pakistani erate their freighter from Doha and community in Qatar have later introduced their daily passen- warmly welcomed the in- ran Khan inaugurated AirSial on huge funds on the development of true. A large number of people from ger flights with convenient connec- auguration of Pakistan’s December 9. Speaking on the occa- infrastructure of the city. Sialkot are living in Qatar and are tivity to their worldwide network. I Parvez Iqbal thirdM private airline, AirSial. sion, the premier congratulated the Being a member of the Sialkot extremely happy on hearing the long- am sure AirSial will add more capac- Dubbed as the ‘Pride of Pakistan’, Sialkot community for building an Chamber of Commerce and Industry, awaited news about AirSial. ity to this market with huge poten- AirSial is the brainchild of members airport with funds collected from I would like to congratulate the entire Sialkot Chamber of Commerce tial and passengers travelling to and of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce the city alone and expressed hope Sialkot business community, espe- and Industry deserves all praise for from the ‘Golden Triangle’ industrial and Industry. Earlier, Sialkot’s busi- that the businessmen will run the cially AirSial Chairman Fazal Gilani, this great initiative which would cities of Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gu- ness community provided funds for airline efficiently. He noted that the AirSial CEO Ameen Ahsan, Chairman not only benefit those hailing from jrat. Also, people in the other cities the Sialkot International Airport that airline is an excellent initiative that of Sialkot International Airport Mian Sialkot district but also those living in northeast Punjab will now have was completed in 2007 at a cost of will create much-needed competi- Naeem Javed and Vice Chairman in the surrounding areas. AirSial more choices when they make plans around Rs4 billion. tion for the national carrier Paki- Chaudhry Muhammad Afzal Shaheen is yet another success story of the for their air travel. Sialkot is Pakistan’s 13th largest stan International Airlines. Khan on this great achievement and excel- chamber after the establishment of city by population and is located in hoped the initiative would benefit lent initiative. Sialkot Dry Port and Sialkot Inter- Jamshaid Shahzad Bajwa north-east of Punjab. With the near- the business community in Sialkot, The new airline will be a wonder- national Airport. One rarely sees Commercial Aviation Expert by cities of Gujranwala and Gujrat, which was on its way to becoming ful and amazing service for Sialkot as such examples where the business As a member of the Pakistani Sialkot forms part of the so-called Pakistan’s centre of exports. well as neighbouring cities and towns. community depends on its own re- community and longtime airliner ‘Golden Triangle’ of industrial cities Meanwhile, celebrating the Being a start-up by the Sialkot busi- sources for mega projects. A large having a vast experience of the avia- with export-oriented economies. launch of the new airline, Pakistanis ness community who have knowledge number of people from Sialkot are tion industry in Qatar, I am extremely Mohammad Jamil Sharif The important industries here hailing from Sialkot in Qatar have and experience of best airline indus- working in the Gulf and in different happy to learn the news of the launch include leather, sporting goods and pinned greats hopes on AirSial’s try standards, I am sure the airline European countries. They all will of AirSial. I would like to congratulate surgical instruments. The Sialkot management for their announce- will offer best service to passengers. find AirSial very attractive and con- my compatriots, especially people Dry Port offers local producers ment regarding the launch of Doha While the airline has initially venient for their travel needs. My from Sialkot, on this auspicious occa- quick access to Pakistani Customs flights soon. They have expressed started domestic operations with brother, Mian Mohammad Khalil, sion. The airline will not only cater to as well as to logistics and transpor- optimism that AirSial’s interna- three aircraft, with the passage of is an active executive member of the travelling needs of people living in tation. Sialkot is the world’s largest tional operation will not only serve time, it will not only enhance the fleet the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce Sialkot but also those living in other producer of hand-sewn footballs. residents of Sialkot district but also but also start international operations and Industry and he is always at the areas like Wazirabad, Gujrat, Daska, Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal, the those living in adjoining cities. Here with special focus on the Gulf region. I forefront of any projects launched Gujranwala, Jhelum and many more. philosopher-poet credited for in- are the reactions of some prominent would like to request the AirSial man- by the chamber. AirSial will provide more opportuni- spiring the Pakistan Movement, community members: agement and the board of directors Chamber’s Ittehad Founders’ ties to people of Pakistan to fly on do- was born in Sialkot in 1877. to start at least two weekly flights for Group, under the able leadership of mestic and international sectors with Although, AirSial is a licensed air- Parvez Iqbal, Doha once they initiate international Riazuddin Sheikh, has done wonders competitive fares, better services and line to provide scheduled passenger MD Gulf GRC and Trading Co operations. Sialkot being part of the to our city and made all of us proud higher frequencies. Jamshaid Shahzad Bajwa and cargo services in domestic and I received the news of the launch ‘golden triangle’ due to its close prox- of their achievements. They are en- Sialkot exports sports goods, international markets, it will current- of another landmark private sector imity with industrial cities of Gujran- gaged in different developmental and leather products and surgical instru- ly operate flights to and fromS ialkot, initiative, AirSial, with great excite- wala and Gujrat, the airline will not welfare programmes and providing ments to different countries of the Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Pe- ment and enthusiasm. It is indeed only serve those living in Sialkot but interest-free loans (Qarz-e-Hasna) world. The city is known for produc- shawar with its present fleet of three a matter of pride and joy for the will also cater to the travelling needs for start-ups and helped the common ing the world’s finest footballs. The Airbus A320-200s. The airline has people of Sialkot and another mega of overseas Pakistanis residing in man to establish business from the new airline will provide better cargo announced that it will start domestic start-up after Sialkot Dry Port and other cities like Gujrat, Bhimber, Jhe- scratch. carriage options for exporters. operations from December 25 while Sialkot International Airport. It is lum, Mirpur, Mandi Bhawal Din, Gu- We look forward to welcoming The new airline will also provide the international operations will com- a unique model in the world where jar Khan, Gujranwala and Wazirabad. AirSial’s flights for Doha soon. job opportunities and will help in ex- mence later. the business community of any par- panding business activities. I would AirSial, that aims to “become the ticular area came forward and fund Mohammad Jamil Sharif Imran Chughtai also like to congratulate those who leading airline of the region”, is the mega projects not only in the travel Leading Pakistani businessman GM Al Khayarin Travels and conceptualized the idea to launch a third private airline in Pakistan after industry but also for running educa- I would like to express my sincere Tours new airline for the residents of Shehr- Airblue and Serene Air. tional, healthcare, welfare and chari- gratitude to the Sialkot business com- Kudos to the people of Sialkot for e-Iqbal (the city of Dr Allama Mo- Imran Chughtai Pakistan’s Prime Minister Im- table projects. They have also spent munity for making our dream come taking this great initiative. It is in- hammad Iqbal). Members of Pakistani community mark Qatar National Day with great fervour embers of Pakistani tar and Pakistan would grow community organised further with the passage of Mcolourful events to mark time. Direct shipping lines Qatar National Day (QND). between Karachi and Hamad Leading community Port have resulted in tremen- members gathered at the res- dous increase of trade vol- idence of Riyaz Ahmed Baka- ume between the two broth- li and cut a cake to mark the erly countries. event. Those present on the On the other hand, Sou- occasion prayed for the pros- venir Group of Companies, perity and progress of Qatar. one of the leading importers 1 They noted that Qatar has of fresh fruits and vegetables emerged as a very strong na- in Qatar, organised a colour- tion battling successfully the ful function to celebrate QND twin challenges of blockade at Souvenir General Hospital by neighbouring countries (SGH) in Peshawar. Chair- and COVID-19. Qatar has an man of Souvenir Group, Haji ambitious and long-term de- Said Badshah, who is cur- velopment plan in line with rently in Pakistan, and hos- the Qatar National Vision pital staff cut a cake to mark 2030. Congratulating the the event. Qatari leadership and Qatari SGH organises free medi- citizens on the auspicious cal camps while all the ser- occasion, they hoped the bi- vices in the emergency de- lateral relations between Qa- partment are offered for free. 16 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 The Last Word CT2 Phases 1 & 2 to be fully operational by 2022-end Continued from page 1 

During the development of CT2, the minister said, the Qa- tar National Vision 2030 has been implemented, which aims to support the national manu- facturing and deploying latest technologies that are based on environmental sustainability and clean energy. He said all materials and equipment used in the works of infrastructure, preparations and establish- ments at CT2 were made in Qatar with universal specifica- tions, as well as the structures of the electric trailers used in transporting containers within the terminal, supporting the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani inspects facilities at the Hamad Port on Tuesday. electric vehicles strategy and legislations that aim to back munication projects, enriching CT2 is 380,000 sq. m. Its quay and smoothly. The medical centre is con- the construction and develop- food products will be available the country’s agenda for a local companies’ investment is 624m long. Hamad Port Medical Cent- sidered one of the dispensable ment of ‘Strategic Food Secu- for use in the local, regional and greener future. mentality to enhance achieving QTerminals, which man- er is located at the Administra- facilities of the integrated sys- rity Facilities’ for storing, pro- global markets. Al Sulaiti said that the the QNV2030. ages and operates Phase 1 of tion Area of port. It has all the tem – such an integration that cessing, refining and preparing The project design and con- MoTC, by backing this kind of The CT2 development pro- Hamad Port, has so far com- necessary medical equipment stipulates all main and neces- three main food commodities struction contract was awarded business, is significantly con- ject consists of four phases. Full pleted 3 million man-hours to serve the port’s employ- sary services must be available (sugar, rice and edible oils), to Al-Jaber Engineering Com- tributing to reinforcing the operation of Phases 1 & 2 will without LTI during the devel- ees, visitors and for the fitness at the port. The centre has a which are being established pany (JEC) on July 16, 2017, localisation of manufacturing, start before the end of 2022. opment works of CT2. QTer- check-up of sailors and ship ground floor with a total area over an area of approximately which undertook the design of expertise and global technol- Phases 3 and 4 will be devel- minals is set to offer the ship- crew. It complies with the Na- of 1200 m2. The facility has two 53 hectares (about 530,000 the project in cooperation with ogy. This is in addition to its oped later to raise the port’s op- ping sector all the modern tional Healthcare Facilities Li- main entrances and a dedicated square metres). The Strategic international consulting firms plans for localising the actual erational capacity according to equipment that uses latest and cencing and Accreditation Pro- entrance for emergencies. Food Security Facilities are be- by applying the best interna- operational processes for sev- local market’s needs. The area global ecofriendly technologies gramme and is built on a GSAS Hamad Port Project Steer- ing developed at an estimated tionally known quality and eral transportation and com- of Phases 1 & 2 of Hamad Port’s to execute their business fast 3-Star Rating. ing Committee is supervising budget of QR1.6 billion. These manufacturing standards. Youth from Morocco, Jordan and Qatar QU-YSC receives share views on marriage at DIFI events IFIA membership Qatar Foundation member captures youths’ perspective on aspects that influence marital ties Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network ions comfortably.” Doha The discussions also tackled Qatar University Center for Young Sci- the impact of COVID-19 on mar- entists (QU-YSC) has become a member The ever-changing marriage in- riage, the effect of digital technol- of the International Federation of Inven- stitution has witnessed more shifts ogy and social media on the choice tors’ Associations (IFIA), which was es- due to tectonic changes in society of partner and marriage stability, tablished in 1968 in the United Kingdom today in terms of access to infor- as well as the potential measures and includes more than 175 members mation, information sharing and each country can take to address from 100 countries and territories such social trends, and has thus come challenges affecting marriage. as Denmark, Finland, Germany, Britain, to be perceived in a different light Nadia Darwish, debate in- Norway, Switzerland, South Korea and and policymaking processes, and enable by young people. structor at QatarDebate Center other countries. researchers and students of the centre To capture Arab youths’ views and the moderator of the discus- The IFIA is the global platform for in- to share ideas, innovative discoveries on marriage, Doha International sion held in Qatar, said: “This vention, innovation. and their success stories with the world, Family Institute (DIFI), a member session is significant for provid- The non-profit organisation aims to provide advisory services on intellectual of Qatar Foundation (QF), organ- ing young people with the oppor- spread a culture of invention and inno- property protection and inventors’ assis- ised a series of youth group discus- tunity to present the challenges vation, support for inventors, transfer of tance programmes, and contribute to the sions in three strategic Arab coun- ing and sustaining healthy mar- 2021 is going to be successful.” that they face in marriage, as they technology and cooperation with relevant marketing of inventions and their publi- tries on the titled ‘Youth Views on riages. These discussions give us Imane Haidasse, a student at are the ones directly concerned organisations. cation in the journals of the scientific or- Marriage and Its Challenges’. insight into the future generation’s the National Institute of Social with these difficulties in different Since its initiation, the Federation has ganisation. DIFI first held the event in views on marriage and this under- Work, who is about to get mar- environments and circumstances. been working to educate the public about The researchers and students will Morocco in collaboration with the standing helps us advocate expedi- ried, echoed Houssam’s senti- This discussion changes the way the importance of inventors in society also be eligible to apply for inventors’ National Institute of Social Work, ent policies and support systems. ment, saying: “This workshop of- society looks at such difficulties or and the protection of their rights. funding opportunities in various fields, then in Jordan in partnership with “We were very pleased to see fered me a chance to express my renders solutions more relevant The Federation holds international including energy, environment and the National Council for Family forward-thinking youths coming opinion on the topic of marriage to youths so as to form healthy invention exhibitions, scientific seminars health, to contribute to the development Affairs and later in Qatar in col- from different backgrounds par- based on my intellectual and cul- and sound marriage relationships and workshops in cooperation with other of a better world. laboration with the QatarDebate ticipate in the events, and thus tural background. At the same in society.” international organisations to provide an Director of the Young Scientists Center – a member of QF. making the discussions very in- time, it allowed me to learn the Abdullah Jassim Al Kubaisi, a opportunity for its members to display Center at Qatar University Dr Noora Al The live discussions were held teresting and insightful. I look opinions of others who expressed member of the Qatar National De- their innovations, benefit from its wealth Thani has been keen on obtaining the through the fusion of in-person forward to sharing our findings their views based on their intellec- bate Team, was one the speakers of knowledge and exchange views regard- centre’s membership in the IFIA for the and virtual events, convening al- before our upcoming international tual and cultural reference in an during the last event. ing the promotion of creativity and entre- vast benefits to the youth and the Qa- most 100 participants represent- conference in February 2021.” exchange featuring a rich diversity He said, “I shared the views of preneurship. tari society. ing the Arab youths who shared The successful Moroccan in opinions.” young people on marriage and the This membership will enable the Dr Noora said, “We are pleased with their perspectives on marriage, youth engagement was moderated With almost 30 youth partici- delay in marriage. As young peo- Young Scientists Center at Qatar Uni- our acceptance to join the federation their aspirations towards it, the by Touria Houssam, professor of pants, Jordan saw an animated ple about to get married, we find versity to participate effectively and ex- after we went through several stages of social and economic factors they Sociology at the National Institute discussion particularly during the this an opportunity to talk about change knowledge and experiences in applying for membership, and that this believe affect marital relation- of Social Work in Morocco. question and answer session. the social challenges, as well as so- conferences, exhibitions and events that membership will provide us with several ships, and the challenges they face She said, “The workshop pro- One of its participants, ciety’s perspective and its impact bring together universities, institutions fields of development, advancement and upon getting married. vided important opinions from Afnan Haloush, project manager on this institution.” and prestigious organisations from all formation of relations with internation- Dr Sharifa Noman Al Emadi, married and unmarried youths at the East and West Center for The series was organised in over the world, such as Creativity and In- al bodies.” Executive Director of DIFI, said: aged between 18 and 30 years. Sustainable Development, said: cooperation with regional part- novation Week, Intellectual Property Day She thanked the centre’s support “Marriage is the foundation of a This resulted in a very rich work- “The researchers posed excel- ners as part of adjunct events and the International Inventors Day, in programme, which is the Ras Laffan healthy family and consequently shop and the biggest proof of that lent questions that enriched the leading to the DIFI international addition to increasing international out- Industrial City Community Outreach of a strong society. With changing is that it took longer than planned discussion and allowed partici- conference titled ‘Marriage: For- reach, recognition and interaction with Programme, and the partners, namely, perceptions and attitudes towards due to the attendees’ enthusiasm pants to discuss the topic from mation and Constituents of Sta- IFIA’s vast network. UNESCO Doha Office and the Qatar Na- marriage, we must create a social and participation. We hope the different standpoints, to think bility’, to take place from Febru- The membership also provides an tional Commission for Education, Cul- infrastructure that supports form- next DIFI conference in February about it and express their opin- ary 23 to 25, 2021. opportunity to participate in innovation ture and Science. Parents invited to learn about unique learning experience at QF schools Discover PUE provides opportunity to explore QF’s Pre-University Education landscape, chat with educators and find out how students become part of a community

Tribune News Network the Academic Affairs depart- Doha ment, which includes co-curric- ular and extramural activities Parents across Qatar will and support for gifted students. have the chance to explore next Meanwhile, topics covered month, from their own homes, by the event’s series of 10 live what Qatar Foundation’s (QF) webinars – all of which will al- diverse range of schools can of- low those attending to pose fer their children. questions to PUE educators – A virtual event organised by will include inclusive learning QF’s Pre-University Education models, the International Bac- (PUE) will provide the oppor- calaureate, dual language learn- tunity to meet representatives ing, progressive education, and from all 15 schools within the parental engagement. organisation’s education eco- To register for Discover system and learn more about dren should begin their educa- child’s talents and capabilities, of the highest quality, but also next academic year, Discover tors and anyone who would like PUE, visit www.discoverpue. its academic landscape from a tional journey. The interactive empowers them to become a to grow intellectually, socially PUE will give them a truly im- to find out more about pre-uni- vfairs.com. Once registered, a series of webinars. event will also allow them to lifelong learner, and sets them and emotionally. Discover PUE mersive, interactive experience versity education at QF. Those confirmation email with login Discover PUE, which will hear from alumni of QF schools on the path to realising their full will also showcase how enroll- of what QF’s schools offer, how attending will also have access details will be provided by be held from 10am to 6pm on and how they are still part of the potential,” said Vicki Wright, ing your child in a QF school they energise young minds, to 19 booths and be able to chat email, and attendees may log in Wednesday, January 13, is de- PUE community. head of admissions at PUE. makes them part of a diverse, and the role they play in equip- with representatives from spe- and out during the day as many signed to give parents infor- “Through Discover PUE, we “This is an opportunity to inclusive community that pre- ping the children of our coun- cialised PUE departments and times as they wish. For those mation about, and insight into, are opening up our schools to hear from our team of specialist serves and nurtures Qatari cul- try to explore, discover, create centres, including the Educa- who cannot attend on the day, QF’s wide range of schools and parents in virtual form so they educators how our schools sup- ture and values. and thrive.” tion Development Institute, registration will allow the webi- specialised centres as they make can find out for themselves how port children not only to learn “As parents consider where As well as parents, Discover The Learning Center, THIMUN nars to be viewed from January decisions over where their chil- an education at QF cultivates a in an educational environment to enroll their children for the PUE is open to carers, educa- Qatar, the Admissions team and 13 to February 13.