FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 SHABAN 20, 1442 VOL.14 NO. 5222 QR 2

Fajr: 4:08 am Dhuhr: 11:38 am PARTLY CLOUDY Asr: 3:06 pm Maghrib: 5:52 pm HIGH : 38°C LOW : 22 °C Isha: 7:22 pm

Nation 12 Business 6 Sports 9 Sensory rooms to provide safe Qatar’s 2020 Q4 nomial HE Sheikh Thani crowns the winners space for fans with special GDP grows 7.4% QoQ as Tayf and Seeyoubyme shine needs at Qatar 2022 stadiums

Amir appoints AMIR CROWNS CAMEL RACE WINNERS AMIR MEETS US CONGRESS DELEGATION chairman of National Cybersecurity Agency QNA DOHA

HIS Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday issued Amiri Decision No 9 of 2021, appointing Abdulrahman Ali Al Farahid Al Maliki as the Chairman of the National Cybersecurity Agency. The decision is to be effective from the date of issue and is to be published in the Of cial Gazette.

His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the nal four rounds of the annual festival of the purebred Arab camel race on the sword of His Highness for the 2020-2021 season at Al Shahaniya Racecourse on His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with a delegation of the US Congress Thursday. HH the Amir crowned the winners in the four main nal rounds for camels at Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Majlis at the Amiri Diwan on Thursday. The delegation includes Democratic Representa- of the sheikhs on the golden symbols, where ‘Mardia’ was crowned with the golden tive for California Luis Correa, Democratic Representative for Arizona Ruben Gallego, Democratic Representative sword, ‘Samha” won the golden shalfa. ‘Mazaal’ and ‘Al Shahm’ won the golden dag- for California Eric Swalwell, Democratic Representative for California Sara Jacob, and Republican Representative for gers. HH the Amir also crowned Nasser Abdullah Al Misnad, owner of ‘Fann’ with the Michigan Lisa McClain. During the meeting, they reviewed strategic relations between Qatar and the United States and silver sword after winning in the sons of tribes, which was held on Wednesday. HH the the prospects for strengthening and developing them. They also exchanged views on regional and international devel- Amir also honoured the companies sponsoring the festival. (QNA) PAGE 13 opments of common concern. (QNA)

Qatar-Japan ties seeing great growth: FM NHICC playing key role in our All schools to adopt DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin COVID-19 response: Minister Abdulrahman Al Thani has stressed that bilateral ties TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK distance learning between Qatar and Japan DOHA are seeing rapid growth in various elds, due to the MINISTER of Public Health mutual trust and political HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al from Sunday: MoEHE will on both sides to en- Kuwari on Thursday visited hance cooperation. PAGE 2 the National Health Incident Command Center (NHICC) at QNA Hamad Medical Corporation’s DOHA Ambulance Service headquar- ters. STARTING from April 4 During the visit, Dr Al Ku- (Sunday), all schools, uni- wari inspected the progress versities and kindergartens of work at the centre, which in Qatar will adopt distance operates 24/7, and met with learning in the wake of a teams on duty from HMC and recent spike in COVID-19 Primary Health Care Corpora- cases, the Ministry of Edu- Q-Post launches tion (PHCC). cation and Higher Educa- The NHICC works closely Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari inspects work tion (MoEHE) has said. commemorative with the Ministry of Public progress at National Health Incident Command Center on Thursday. The MoEHE on Thurs- stamp for Qatar Health and other key agen- day decided to suspend the 2022 World Cup cies in Qatar coordinating the coordinates our COVID-19 that all COVID-19 and non- attendance of students of all healthcare system’s response strategy and response. Much COVID patients are receiving ages from nurseries to uni- QATAR Postal Services to the COVID-19 pandemic. of this essential and lifesav- the highest standards of care. versity. Company (Qatar Post) has The NHICC oversees the ing work goes on behind the At the same time, hundreds The decision came fol- G All examinations will take place physically signed a licence agreement COVID-19 bed management scenes but it is vital to the of healthcare professionals lowing coordination with with FIFA to be the provider and hospital capacity strategy. daily operation of our health are working hard to vaccinate the Ministry of Public in schools of Qatar stamp issues for This hub ensures that the system,” said Dr Al Kuwari. up to 25,000 people a day Health, and to take all the G All administrative and educational staff must the FIFA World Cup 2022. healthcare system has suf- “COVID-19 continues to to protect them from the vi- necessary precautionary Under the agreement, Qatar ficient capacity to provide challenge us on many fronts, rus. Thank you all healthcare measures to advance pub- attend schools Post will issue a programme high-quality treatment to all but our healthcare workers workers and frontliners for lic interests and protect the of eleven stamp issues dur- patients with COVID-19 who across the system continue to your tireless work and dedica- health of students and eve- tend duties. integral part of the educa- ing 2021 to 2022, starting require medical care. “As we devote their time and energy tion. I am so proud of all of the ryone working in the educa- All exams will take place tional and academic process. with the launch of the rst see the number of COVID-19 to contain the pandemic with work being done across the tional process. physically in schools, with The attendance will be stamp featuring the Of cial cases continue to rise, the Na- unwavering commitment,” healthcare sector and their The ministry also de- measures related to it to be marked even with distance Emblem of the FIFA World tional Health Incident Com- she said. focus and dedication has en- cided that administrative announced at a later date. learning. Cup Qatar 2022 on April 1, mand Center is fulfilling an “Our clinical and support sured that the health system is and educational school The ministry stressed 2021. PAGE 12 important role as the intelli- staff in hospitals and medical ready to meet this additional staff must continue to at- that distance learning is an Continued on page 2  gence hub that monitors and centers are working to ensure demand,” Dr Al Kuwari said.

Qatar, UK expand defence ties HMC designates Al Wakra Hospital for COVID-19 care Qatar, represented QNA partment will be closed start- sible through modern means of by the Amiri Air DOHA ing midnight on Friday April communication. Force, and the 2. The hospital will become The decision was part of a United Kingdom, AL Wakra Hospital has been the 7th HMC facility designat- strategy to enhance the abil- represented by the designated as a facility to care ed for COVID-19 care. ity of medical care workers to Royal Air Force, for COVID-19 patients from The Cabinet, in its Wednes- provide healthcare related to have signed an Saturday, the Hamad Medical day meeting, decided to stop COVID-19 and the vaccination MoU aimed at Corporation has announced. the provision of medical ser- programme. Closing non-es- expanding cur- The decision was made to vices in private health facilities, sential services will help sup- rent partnership boost capacity that is result- except for emergency cases, port efforts to respond to the between both air ing from the rising number of and allow any of these private COVID-19 pandemic. forces. PAGE 13 COVID-19 cases. health facilities to provide some Al Wakra Emergency De- of their medical services if pos- Continued on page 2  02 Friday, April 2, 2021

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

Quick read PM MEETS US CONGRESS DELEGATION Deputy PM meets US Congress delegation DEPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with members of a delegation of the US Congress including California Democratic Representative Luis Correa, Arizona Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego, California Democrat Eric Swalwell and California Democrat Sara Jakob and Republican Rep- resentative for Michigan Lisa McClain. In addition to discuss economic issues and ways of boosting Qatari investment in the USA, the meeting discussed recent regional developments, particularly in Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. (QNA) Attiyah meets Bosnia and Herzegovina deputy PM and FM DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah met with Vice-Chairwoman of the Coun- cil of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic in Doha on Thursday. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. (QNA) Chief of Staff meets Rwanda Defence Force commandant CHIEF of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces HE Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Gha- nem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem met with Commandant of the Rwanda De- fence Force Command and Staff College Brigadier-General Didas Ndahiro HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani met on Thursday morning with a delegation of members of the US Congress, in Doha on Thursday. During the meeting, they reviewed military relations which includes Democratic Representative for California Luis Correa, Democratic Representative for Arizona Ruben Gallego, Democratic Representative for California Eric between the two countries and the ways to enhance them. (QNA) Swalwell, Democratic Representative for California Sara Jacob, and Republican Representative for Michigan Lisa McClain, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed Qatari-US bilateral strategic relations and means to enhance them, in addition to regional and international developments. (QNA)

Al Wakra residents to seek Qatar-Japan ties see major alternative medical facilities Continued from page 1  second wave compared to the first, he growth in various elds: FM added. All medical services provided CHIEF Medical Officer at HMC Dr at Al Wakra hospital except for dental QNA by the international community to Abdulla Al Ansari said that Al Wakra care, dialysis, and treating burns will DOHA oblige Israel to adhere to interna- Hospital will be a great boost to the be moved to other medical facilities. tional resolutions and peace based capacity designated for COVID-19 pa- Residents of Al Wakra must seek QATAR-JAPAN bilateral ties are on a two-state solution, so that the tients. He said the decision regarding other facilities for these services: seeing great development and Palestinian people can have their the hospital was part of the strategy to * For urgent but non-life-threaten- growth in various fields due to the right of establishing an independent ensure the healthcare system’s abil- ing conditions call HMCs Urgent Con- mutual trust and political will on state on the borders of June 4, 1967 ity to meet any future increase in the sultation Service on 16000 from 7am both sides to enhance cooperation, with East Al Quds as its capital. number of COVID-19 patients who to 3pm, seven days a week. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister He also appreciated the Japa- require hospitalisation. He said that Al * For life-threatening medical of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mo- nese support to United Nations Wakra Hospital will add 400 beds and emergencies requiring immediate hammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Relief and Works Agency for Pal- 150 Intensive Care Unit beds in case transfer to an emergency department has said. estine Refugees in the Near East they are needed. call 999. He said the official visit of the (UNRWA), expressing hope that the He said the increase in cases was *Hamad General Hospitals Trau- Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim support would continue so that the also accompanied by an increase in ma and Emergency Department in bin Hamad Al Thani to Tokyo in agency can carry out its role of help- hospitalization with mild to severe Doha remains fully operational 24/7 January 2019 represented a new The FM was speaking at the second ministerial Arab-Japan Political Dialogue ing around five million Palestinian cases. There are currently more than for serious medical emergencies. phase of cooperation and strategic held via videoconference on Thursday. refugees who are suffering with dif- 2,050 COVID-19 patients receiving * Visit one of the eight Urgent Care partnership between the two sides. ficult humanitarian conditions. treatment at HMC facilities, including Centers across Qatar run by PHCC The FM was speaking at the sec- He added that Japan continues and international issues, particu- The FM said that, as part of Ja- 350 in the ICU. It was clear that cases providing care for urgent but non-life- ond ministerial Arab-Japan Political to be one of Qatar’s most important larly those related to international pan’s active role in maintaining in- are more severe with the arrival of the threatening conditions. Dialogue held via video conference trade partners, especially in the field peace, disarmament, denuclearisa- ternational peace and security, the on Thursday. of energy after 50 years of establish- tion, countering terrorism, climate Arab world hopes that Japan plays The Arab side was led by the ing ties as Qatar is one of the prima- change and reforming the United its part in participating in interna- deputy prime minister and minister ry LNG suppliers to Japan. Nations and the Security Council, tional community efforts in resolv- of foreign affairs along with League The FM highlighted that Arabic- among other topics. ing Arab crises in Syria, Libya and ‘Distance learning best option’ of Arab States Secretary-General Japanese ties are based on a long HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed Yemen. He added that the meeting Ahmed Abo Al Gheit. The Japanese history of pursuing mutual interests, that Arab-Japanese ties are not just comes in extraordinary circum- Continued from page 1  The ministry said the system side was chaired by Minister for noting that it is filled with great ex- based on political and strategic co- stances imposed by the coronavirus has been updated and developed to Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu amples of cooperation and shared operation, but extends to the eco- (COVID-19) pandemic and the grave THE ministry called on students build on last year’s experience and Motegi. viewpoints on a number of regional nomic cooperation which has seen dangerous impact it has on the econ- to continue engaging with distance better fit the needs of students. HE Sheikh Mohammed said the and international issues. great growth, reflected in the large omy and society all over the world, learning, and called on parents to The ministry noted that all memorandums of understanding He said that the Arab world is increase in the size of trade volume stressing that the pandemic has ensure that their children attend precautionary measures being signed between Qatar and Japan, keen on enhancing and deepening and investments. shown the need for all countries to classes. followed in schools were safe, and the joint statement on estab- that cooperation in different fields, He added that the Japanese cooperate in addressing challenges The ministry added that the but that today’s decision came to lishing a mechanism for strategic adding that cooperation between role and support of Arab issues, facing humanity. distance learning system that was provide even more protection to dialogue reflected the honest desire the Arab and Japanese sides saw particularly the Palestinian issue, is He expressed hope that the used last academic year as a result students in light of the rise in the on both sides to enhance bilateral great development over the past appreciated, adding that the Arab meeting achieves its goals and con- of the pandemic is a perfect option number of cases, which presents a relations and encourage ongoing co- years, in addition to sharing similar side looks towards this support to tributes to enhancing ties between for students to continue their edu- threat to transmitting the infection operation in all fields. viewpoints on a number of regional continue as part of the efforts made both sides. cation in the current situation. to school facilities.

SULAITI MEETS MOROCCO TRANSPORT MINISTER Virtual Education Forum to kick off on Saturday QNA ment of the educational pro- practices that will be presented hood education, integrating DOHA cess. by professors from universities ESD into early childhood pro- The Virtual Education and participating bodies, with grammes and protecting educa- TRAINING workshops and Forum 2021 will include two a focus on the role of technol- tion of children in exceptional lectures of the Virtual Educa- keynote speakers – Vice- ogy and developments in post- circumstances. tion Forum 2021, organised Chairperson and CEO of Qatar COVID-19 education. Theme four talks about the by the Ministry of Education Foundation (QF) HE Sheikha The first theme will focus on role of educational supervision and Higher Education under Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and Integrating Education for Sus- and educational leadership in the slogan ‘Visions and Aspira- President of Qatar University tainable Development (ESD) promoting teachers’ sustain- tions...Beyond Challenges’, will Dr Hassan Al Derham. into school curricula, managing able professional development, begin on Saturday. In addition, Undersecretary the quality of input and design integrating ESD into teachers’ The virtual education forum of the Ministry of Education and in curricula, improving curric- professional development pro- will be held through an online Higher Education HE Dr Ibra- ula based on education outputs grammes, professionalising platform via the following link: him bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Dean and methodology of scientific education according to profes- https://www.eduforum2021. of College of Education at Qatar research and innovation and its sional standards and its role edu.gov.qa/ . University Dr Ahmed Al Emadi, role in promoting sustainability. in developing teachers’ perfor- Those wishing to participate Director of Research and Con- The second theme focuses mance and the role of educa- in the workshops should regis- tent Development at the World on aligning education outputs tional supervision in developing ter through the ink in order to Innovation Summit for Educa- with labour market and sustain- the 21st century teachers. get acquainted with the forum’s tion (WISE) Dr Asmaa Al Fada- able development needs, evalu- The fifth theme focuses on works, training workshops and la and Assistant Director of the ating education outputs in the fostering community partner- lectures. There are 31 training Educational Guidance Depart- context of sustainable develop- ships towards achieving ESD sessions, with the participation ment at the Ministry of Educa- ment, academic and profession- and discusses community part- Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti met with HE Ms. Nadia of 41 speakers, who were chosen tion and Higher Education Dr al counselling and its role in pre- nership and achieving the goals Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Tourism, Traditional Industry, Air Transport, and Social Economy of the sisterly carefully in line with the objec- Abdullah Ali Al Marri will speak university education, the role of of ESD and fostering national Kingdom of Morocco, via video conference on Thursday. The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen tives of the forum. in the plenary opening session. specialised schools in achieving identity and human values to cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the elds of air transportation, as well as other The ministry intends to hold In discussion sessions and sustainable development. achieve sustainable education areas of mutual interest. (QNA) the Virtual Education Forum workshops, the forum will ad- The third theme highlights as part of Qatar National Vision this year to promote develop- dress a number of topics and the new visions in early child- 2030. World Friday, April 2, 2021 03 India vaccination drive to Ousted Myanmar cabinet rescinds cover people above 45 yrs 2008 constitution DPA It was introduced by the YANGON military and changes to it On Thursday, India reported the biggest daily surge in virus cases since October, with 72,300 infections and 459 deaths are not possible without the OUSTED democratic lead- consent of the armed forces. DPA of July. ers in Myanmar have said Due to a constitutional NEW DELHI Domestic media reports they are rescinding the clause, Suu Kyi was never have said the poor, particu- country’s 2008 constitu- able to become president, INDIA on Thursday launched larly in the countryside and tion, which gave significant but de facto led the country the third phase of its COV- remote areas, are also not be- power to the armed forces. as state counsellor. ID-19 vaccination drive to ing covered under the drive. The Committee Repre- On Thursday, many peo- cover people above 45 years The Health Ministry has di- senting Pyidaungsu Hlut- ple in Myanmar celebrated of age, as the country faces rected states to minimize vac- taw (CRPH), or parliament, the CRPH announcement, a second wave of the pan- cine wastage to less than 1 per on Wednesday announced with protesters burning the demic. cent. Currently, the average the constitution would be constitution on the street. India began inoculating Covid-19 vaccine wastage is invalid from March 31. “We must win and the its 1.3-billion population in estimated at more than 6 per It is however unclear junta must fail. They have mid-January, in what is the cent. whether this move will have pay for what they have done world’s largest vaccination Health experts have also any consequences on the to civilians,” Kyi Min, an programme. voiced concerns about poor ground, given that the mili- entrepreneur, told dpa in Doses were initially lim- adherence to safety norms in- tary fully returned to power Yangon. ited to front-line workers, cluding were contributing to in Myanmar in a coup at the According to the news- followed by people over 60 the surge in cases. start of February. paper The Irrawaddy, many as well as those over 45 with Earlier this week, the pop- CRPH is an under- people were protesting multiple medical conditions ular spring festival of Holi was ground cabinet founded by again across the country. from March 1, but the drive celebrated with large crowds members of the National The military used violence has faltered with the slow without masks. Millions of League for Democracy against the demonstrators pace of vaccinations. Hindus are to take a ritual dip (NLD), the party of ousted again, with people injured Television channels in a holy river in north India civilian leader Aung San and killed, according to the showed people who registered this month during the Kumbh Suu Kyi. report. for the vaccination taking the Festival. The constitution After Suu Kyi’s NLD jabs at hospitals across India. Physical distancing rules brought an end to almost won a clear majority in elec- Health Minister Harsh have also been disregarded 50 years of military dicta- tions last November, the Vardhan assured there was A medical worker inoculates a man with a dose of the Covishield coronavirus vaccine, at Moti Lal Nehru at rallies and polling during torship, but it still gave the military staged a coup, ar- “no shortage of vaccines” Medical College in Allahabad on April 1, 2021. (AFP) the ongoing elections in some military automatically 25 guing the election had been and the government would populous Indian states. per cent of parliamentary rigged. Suu Kyi was arrested “continually replenish states’ Amid the slow roll-out, infections and 459 deaths. United States and Brazil, saw India also considered the seats and several important and has since then been im- supplies.” “In a country as India faces a formidable The surge is due to a new a downward trend in infec- world’s pharmacy, has so far ministries. prisoned. vast and populous as ours, challenge as the explosion in strain, with the situation ex- tions from the end of 2020, exported the same amount significant efforts have gone COVID-19 cases has resulted actly like the one in Britain but the numbers have risen of vaccines as have been ad- into strengthening end-to- in the overburdening of the when the virus underwent a sharply again in recent weeks. ministered locally. In view of end supply chain infra to healthcare infrastructure mutation around Christmas, At the same time, the vac- the rapidly increasing cases, ensure last-mile delivery of in cities like New Delhi and Randeep Guleria, a top medi- cination drive has to pick up exports have now been re- COVID-19 vaccine. Priority Mumbai. cal expert, told broadcaster pace since India has admin- stricted. This also affects the groups were inoculated first, On Thursday, India re- NDTV. istered only 64 million doses UN initiative Covax, which gradually increasing coverage ported the biggest daily surge India, which at over 12.2 so far, still far from the gov- is supposed to supply poor to other sections as well,” he in coronavirus cases since Oc- million has the third-largest ernment target of inoculating countries with vaccination said. tober, with more than 72,300 coronavirus caseload after the 300 million people by the end doses.

Bangladesh bans air travellers from Europe, 12 other countries Protesters burn copies of the 2008 constitution during a demon- stration in Yangon’s South Okkalapa township on Thursday. (AFP) DPA and last until April 18, accord- Along with European na- gers. Passengers from other current health guidelines, the DHAKA ing to a statement from the Civ- tions, Argentina, Bahrain, countries must still adhere to a government on Tuesday issued il Aviation Authority of Bangla- Brazil, Chile, Jordan, Kuwait, 14-day home quarantine. a new set of rules, including the BANGLADESH has imposed desh (CAAB). Lebanon, Peru, Qatar, South Bangladesh so far reported mandatory use of face masks a temporary ban on travel- CAAB said air passengers Africa, Turkey, and Uruguay 611,295 cases of novel corona- and limiting passengers on lo- lers from Europe and 12 other from Britain - where infection are also banned countries. virus with 9,046 deaths since cal transport. Commercial sale of COVID-19 countries after reporting a rates are generally lower than Airlines operating sched- the South Asian country traced The country reported a surge in coronavirus infections. on mainland Europe - would uled passenger flights from all the first cases in March last single-day record number of vaccine starts in Pakistan The two-week ban will still be allowed to enter the those countries will be allowed year. infections - 5,358 - on Wednes- come into effect on Saturday country. to carry only transit passen- With many flouting the day. DPA has been in cold storage in the ISLAMABAD port city of Karachi since then due to a disagreement with A private company in Pakistan the government over the sale DOUBTS OVER NORMALISATION OF TIES Thursday announced the start price. Pak lifts TikTok of commercial sales of a COV- Initially, the government ID-19 vaccine after a pricing fixed the maximum sale price ban but wants dispute with the government of the Sputnik vaccine at 8,449 Pak says trade with India not finalised yet was resolved amid a third Pakistani Rupees (54 dollars) ‘dirty’ videos wave of the pandemic hitting for two doses. AGP rejected DPA Committee (ECC) on allow- and India. The two coun- the country. the price saying it had import- shunned ISLAMABAD ing import of cotton and tries have fought two of their The roll out would make ed the vaccine at higher rate. sugar was a recommendation Since the ceasefire agree- three wars over Kashmir. Pakistan one of the first coun- Mukhtar said any citizen DPA PAKISTAN on Thursday de- that was not binding for the ment was signed in 2003, In 2019, an Indian deci- tries with private vaccination could get the vaccine from ISLAMABAD ferred a decision to lift ban cabinet. more than 300 Pakistanis sion to annex its part of the schemes. government approved health on trade with India, a move The decision came days have been killed in clash- region prompted Pakistan to “All the arrangements facilities. A Pakistani court on Thursday that has once again raised after the countries’ premiers downgrade diplomatic ties have been made and we are However, Science and lifted a ban on the video shar- doubts about normalisating expressed the desire for es across the Line of with India, suspend bilateral ready to roll out the vaccine Technology Minister Fawad ing platform TikTok but asked relations between the two peaceful relations in a letter Control trade and halt cross-border by tomorrow (Friday),” Umair Chaudhry told journalists that authorities to keep a check on nuclear-armed neighbours. exchange. transportation. Mukhtar, head of business price of the Russian vaccine “immoral content.” The Pe- “The government has In February, the two Human Rights Minister planning and corporate af- was not yet fixed. shawar High Court announced not taken any decision for countries agreed to uphold a across the Line of Control Shireen Mazari said Prime fairs at AGP, a pharmaceutical He said that the govern- the decision and directed the resumption of trade with In- ceasefire in the disputed re- (LoC), a 740-kilometre-long Minster Imran Khan had company, told dpa on Thurs- ment will arrange vaccina- Pakistan Telecommunication dia,” Science and Technology gion of Kashmir. de facto frontier that divides made it clear that there can day. tions for 98 percent of the Authority (PTA) to make sure Minister Fawad Chaudhry Since the ceasefire agree- Kashmir in two. be “no normalization of rela- AGP imported the first population. Private vaccina- questionable content is not told journalists. ment was signed in 2003, The scenic Himalayan tions” with India until they shipment of 50,000 doses of tion was allowed for those uploaded to the platform. He said a decision by more than 300 Pakistanis valley is at the centre of the reverse their illegal actions Russia’s Sputnik V to Paki- few who do not want to wait PTA said the ban was lifted Economic Coordination have been killed in clashes conflict between Pakistan regarding Kashmir. stan last month. The vaccine in the queue. and “TikTok App management has been told to ensure that vulgar and objectionable con- tent are to be made inaccessi- ble.” TikTok released a state- ment saying it was “pleased” 7 HK activists convicted over unauthorised protests to be once again available in Pakistan, Dawn newspaper re- security law for participating sincerely dialogue with Hong ported. Last month, Pakistan 72-yr-old media mogul Jimmy Lai, owner in an unofficial electoral poll, Kong people in a bid to resolve banned TikTok for the second of Apple Daily and Next Digital media which the government retro- disputes and bring peace back time in less than a year for not spectively deemed “illegal”. to the society there,” Chang moderating content in accord- group, was among those found guilty On Tuesday, China ap- said. Cedric Alviani, head of ance with local laws. proved an electoral reform Reporters Without Borders’ The app is popular with DPA rallied at the peak of anti-gov- which means voters will have Asia bureau, issued a state- young people around the HONG KONG ernment protests that began in less say in the make-up of ment condemning the charges world who post short videos June that year. Hong Kong’s legislative bod- against Lai and calling for his often featuring choreography, SEVEN high-profile Hong The defence team also ar- ies. It effectively reduces the release. comedy skits, challenges and Kong pro-democracy figures gued that freedom of assem- influence of any opposition in “By increasing the number memes. were convicted on Thursday bly is protected under Hong the legislature. of procedures against Jimmy Pakistan previously for taking part in unauthor- Kong’s constitution, while the Beijing has stated that it Lai, the Hong Kong govern- banned TikTok in October last ised protests in 2019. prosecution claimed that free- wants only what it calls “patri- ment seeks to take down a fig- year for failing to moderate Martin Lee, a 83-year law- dom is not absolute. ots” to govern in Hong Kong, ure of press freedom,” Alviani content, but authorities lifted yer who founded Hong Kong’s Most of the protests during namely politicians who sup- said. Hong Kong was handed restrictions within weeks re- Democratic Party, and 72-year the year-long movement were port the central Chinese Com- over to China by Britain in portedly after pressure from old media mogul Jimmy Lai, authorized by Hong Kong munist government. 1997. China, a Pakistan neighbour owner of Apple Daily and the police, but as the numbers of Taiwan’s government on Under the agreements re- and political ally. Pakistan Next Digital media group, participants increased, forc- Thursday condemned China’s quired for the transfer, the also banned live-streaming were among those found es started to halt the rallies, Pro-democracy activist Alexandra Wong (centre), also known as actions undermining democ- Chinese government allowed app Bigo Live for the same guilty. It was not clear when sometimes while they were grandma wong, is led off a driveway by police outside West Kowloon racy and freedom in Hong Hong Kong and its residents reason last year and warned the group would be sentenced. happening. In the last few court in Hong Kong on Thursday. (AFP) Kong, according to Xavier to retain many of the freedoms video-sharing platform You- The activists denied taking months, especially since the Chang, Taiwan’s presidential they had enjoyed as a British Tube to block “vulgarity and part in unauthorized demon- introduction of a controversial ists have been handed lengthy In March, 47 democracy office spokesperson. colony, including freedom of hate speech.” Dating app Tin- strations on August 12 and 18, national security law in June, prison sentences for relatively activists were charged with “We want to once again speech and a separate judici- der is blocked as well. 2019, when 1.7 million people numerous well-known activ- minor offences. subversion under the national call on Beijing authorities to ary, until 2047. 04 Friday, April 2, 2021

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

Anti-Asian Hate Demands A Societal Response Vaccines Will End

ORRIFIC attacks against Asian Asian American man beaten and choked Americans and Pacific Islanders have on a subway train, then of a 65-year-old Hprompted marches and rallies nation- Filipino American churchgoer kicked re- The Pandemic wide, criminal prosecutions and now a peatedly in the head and upper body in response from the White House. On Tues- front of a residential building, whose staff day the Biden administration announced did nothing. Both episodes are being in- the revival of the White House Initiative vestigated as hate crimes. A new CDC study showing vaccines cut COVID-19 infections, not just on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, It is but the latest iteration of a pattern new funding for Asian American survivors of xenophobia rooted in the American past: symptoms, is the good news we’ve all been hoping to hear of domestic violence and sexual assault, the massacres of Chinese in Los Angeles and a renewed commitment to improve in 1871 and Rock Springs, Wyo., in 1885; health outcomes for Pacific Islanders. Im- the incarceration of Japanese Americans portantly, the announcement includes im- during World War II; the scapegoating of proved Justice Department enforcement, Muslims and South Asians after 9/11. data collection and transparency around This is a pivotal moment for Asian hate crimes; information on the federal Americans, many of whom only began hate crimes website will now be provided in identifying as such as a result of the civil Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese. rights activism of the 1960s. Not since the These steps are certainly welcome, 1982 killing of Vincent Chin — a 27-year- and yet much more will be needed, as the old Chinese American man attacked by scope of the bias and xenophobia routine- two Detroit autoworkers who believed he ly faced by Asian Americans comes into was Japanese and were enraged about the closer view. economic pressures on American carmak- Ten percent of Asian American and ers — have so many Asian Americans felt Pacific Islander adults have experienced outraged and galvanized by hate crimes. hate crimes or hate Many worry that incidents this year, when the media at- according to sur- tention subsides, so vey results released will the political ur- Tuesday by Survey gency around con- Monkey and AAPI fronting the causes Data, a repository of of hate. demographic infor- The sad fact is mation and policy that Asian Ameri- research. Conducted cans, no matter their online March 18- service to or achieve- Groups of people sit and chat together in the warm weather on Primrose Hill in London on March 29 25, the survey also ments in America, revealed that more are still too often FAYE FLAM Even before the new study came out, Of- last longer than antibodies and are what than one-quarter of seen as foreigners fit saw enough other evidence of decreased give vaccines the power to “remember” Asian Americans re- who don’t fully be- transmission from vaccines that he said he and fight a pathogen weeks or even months port having been vic- long in the United OLLOWING pandemic news too liked the idea of issuing vaccine passports later. tims of such crimes States. Their names, closely can be an emotional roller for travel, restaurants or other venues. Data He was also enthusiastic about the at some point in their languages and cul- coaster, with dire public health warn- from Israel, where most of the population is Johnson & Johnson vaccine, though it was lives. Asian Ameri- tures are mocked, ings immediately followed by hopeful already vaccinated, show rapidly dropping only used in five people in the CDC study. cans normally report and their humanity, new studies. The latest soaring dis- deaths and hospitalizations. “Nothing is That vaccine induces cellular immunity af- lower levels of hate distinctiveness and Fcovery: a new CDC study showing vaccines foolproof,” he says, but people will be much ter just one shot, he says, while the Pfizer crimes than Black dignity are denied. sharply cut all Covid-19 infections — not safer mixing with others who are vaccinated and Moderna vaccines induce T-cells only Americans, but this Violent attacks by just symptoms. That news puts to rest one than those who are not. after two shots. (For that reason, he does year the two groups are on par. complete strangers, and the degradation worst-case-scenario: that vaccines might The new study results should also allay not advise skipping the second shot of the The survey also confirmed the micro- of being spit or coughed on, are the tragic protect the vaccinated against hospitaliza- fears that the vaccines’ astounding clinical two-shot vaccines in order to conserve sup- aggressions that Asian Americans routine- consequences of a long-standing failure of tion, but allow millions of silent infections trial results wouldn’t hold up in the real ply.) ly face: being asked where they are from, American society to recognize Asian Amer- to continue circulating. world. One concern was a small sample Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease with the assumption that they are foreign- icans as individuals, worthy of respect and The new data were collected from 4,000 size. While there were thousands of people doctor at UCSF, said that she thinks the born; being encouraged to Americanize or consideration just like everyone else. health care workers, first responders, de- enrolled in those trials, infections were rela- shots will effectively end the pandemic be- “whiten” their names; having their names Beyond what President Biden an- livery workers and teachers who were vac- tively uncommon so only a small number of cause the T-cells can fight different variants. intentionally mispronounced; and even nounced Tuesday, there are many other cinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines people became infected in either the vaccine “I do understand it almost seems too good being spit or coughed upon. steps the federal and state governments between December 2020 and March 2021. arm or the placebo group. to be true that the vaccines will get us out of That last form of abuse is telling, as should consider, including victims’ com- The participants were asked not only to In this new study, there were 161 infec- this,” she says. “But they will.” the recent wave of attacks has been linked pensation funds, better tracking of anti- monitor symptoms but also to test them- tions in the control group of 994 unvacci- One thing we’ve learned is that it’s hard to the xenophobia stirred up by former Asian crimes, more language resources on selves weekly. The study authors concluded nated people. By contrast, among the 2,479 to predict the course of this pandemic — giv- President Trump early on in the COV- 211 and 311 hotlines and improved police- the vaccines caused a 90% reduction in all vaccinated participants, only eight became en how hard it is to predict human behavior ID-19 crisis. His use of hate-inducing, community relations. Perhaps, if the pan- infections. If people aren’t getting infected, infected between their first and second and the fast evolutionary path of the virus. finger-pointing language like “the China demic eases, so will the surge of attacks. they can’t transmit the virus to others. doses, which are given three or four weeks Even the vaccine optimists such as Gandhi virus” and “kung flu” — without bother- But the larger sickness is societal. The next drop on the roller coaster apart. Only three people were infected after and Offit don’t see eradication of the virus ing to distinguish between the policies of This month, Asian artists were recog- could come from new virus variants, some they were fully vaccinated (two weeks after in sight. But they do see the possibility the the Chinese government and the innocent nized in Oscar nominations like never be- of which have shown ability to evade anti- receiving the second shot). virus could become less of a threat to life lives of Asian Americans, many of whom fore, and fuller, richer storytelling about bodies generated by the original strain. But One reason Offit said he was so opti- and health than seasonal flu, after which it aren’t even of Chinese descent — stirred up the tremendous diversity of Asian experi- experts such as Paul Offit of the Children’s mistic was that the vaccines induce not just will be hard to hold back a return to normal this ugly surge. ences in the United States is long overdue. Hospital of Philadelphia are more optimis- antibodies, but so-called cellular immunity. life — one with restaurants, international But the anti-Asian bias has endured But until American society more thor- tic. The vaccines show some efficacy against That is, they stimulate production of spe- travel, and yes, roller coasters. even with Trump gone from Twitter and oughly confronts and overcomes its long all the currently known variants, and good cialized virus-fighting cells called T-cells, the White House. In New York City alone history of anti-Asian hate, the attacks are efficacy against one — the B.1.1.7 strain which can work against a broader range of (Faye Flam is a Bloomberg this week, footage emerged first of an likely to continue. identified in the UK last year. variants than antibodies. The T-cells also Opinion columnist)

Working In The Trades Pays Well — In Salary And Satisfaction LYNNE AGRESS ment rate.” climate change mitigation, transportation I still remember the young man, with (think automatic vehicles), are both neces- N a recent night, “PBS NewsHour” his even younger helper, who came to my sary and remunerative as well as challeng- business correspondent Paul Solman home in order to install Verizon FIOS. To ing. Ointerviewed a spokesman for the Se- me, the process seemed incredibly com- Taking pride in one’s job is extremely attle-based national company, Mr. Rooter plicated. There were wires, inside and out, important for self-esteem. When people Plumbing. Most licensed plumbers earn attached to fuses and other box-type appli- feel good about themselves, they make oth- $200,000 a year and even trainees are paid ances mounted on my laundry room walls ers feel good as well. a living wage, but the company has a hard — and yet when completed, my computer, Talk to any technical schoolteacher and time finding workers. my television and my phones all worked. they will tell you how few discipline prob- “It’s the perception of plumbing,” said Years later, they still do. lems they have. And good technical schools the spokesman, adding, “young people Ken, the installer, not even 30, told also require courses in English — writing think ‘just a plumber? It’s manual labor.’” me how much he loved his job, traveling and grammar — as well as civics so gradu- That perception has to change. To be throughout the state, meeting interesting ates know we have three branches of gov- successful, not everyone needs to go to people, including, he laughingly said, a ernment and nine Supreme Court justices college. But everyone does need to earn a teacher who grew a large marijuana crop in and they know who our senators and con- living. Today, one of the saddest results of her backyard! (This was before it was legal.) gresspeople are. COVID is that many people are no longer He said as soon as he graduated from The Ivy League and other good colleges able to work, to earn a living, to support a technical high school, he joined Verizon and universities are here to stay. And for themselves and their families. and they trained him to do what he now many students, they offer great opportu- However, with wider distribution of does. He proudly told me he owned a home, cession, President Obama said every child with a disinterested student, with or with- nities. But they are expensive and cannot new vaccines, with a unified federal re- two new cars and his wife was about to have should have a chance to go to college. Both out four years of partying, is not a ticket to guarantee employment for everyone. Tech- sponse to the pandemic along with strict their second child. presidents’ predictions did not exactly employment or success. nical schools can. adherence to scientific guidelines, by next Meanwhile, Ken’s younger brother, come true. On the other hand, learning skills in a year, perhaps even sooner, we once again who graduated from a local four-year col- To be sure, many parents, especially technical high school, as an apprentice, or (Lynne Agress, who teaches in can focus on education and training. lege, was still living with their parents be- those who didn’t attend college, definitely at a two-year community college — skills in the Odyssey Program of Johns Hop- And training is key. According to a No- cause he could not find a job. thought their children should. Even a third- technology, computing, health care, beauty kins, is president of BWB-Business vember trade industry research report from Indeed, college is not for everyone. rate institution or a large university with care, construction; learning to become an Writing At Its Best Inc. and author IBISWorld, “the demand for trade and In 1928, during the Great Depression, open admission was, according to some electrician, a plumber, an auto mechanic, of “The Feminine Irony” and “Work- technical schools is expected to surge … due President Herbert Hoover called for “a parents and students alike, better than no a long-distance trucker — plus skills in up- ing With Words in Business and Le- to the increase in the national unemploy- chicken in every pot”; during the last Re- college at all. But a useless major combined and-coming areas such as cybersecurity, gal Writing.”)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Friday, April 2, 2021 05 WHO warns of possible Berlin tightens restrictions as coronavirus surge during Ramadan and Easter DPA related-deaths, such as Jordan Merkel appeals for ‘quiet Easter’ AMMAN and Iran. “The situation is not get- A World Health Organization ting better and the direction DPA official has warned on Thurs- many countries are going to- BERLIN day of a possible surge in wards is worrying,” he said coronavirus infections in the during an online press brief- BERLIN city authorities on Middle East region during the ing. Thursday announced tougher Islamic month of Ramadan As Ramadan and Easter anti-coronavirus restrictions and the Easter holiday. approach, “there is a danger as the national government Some Christians will cel- of seeing [further] increases ramped up its vaccine roll-out ebrate Easter this weekend, in the cases as was the case at across Germany and Chancel- while others, such as Egypt’s the end of last year during the lor Angela Merkel pleaded for Coptic Christians, will cel- holidays. We realize that these a “quiet Easter.” Under new ebrate in May. are important occasions that rules to apply from Friday, Ramadan, where obser- deserve to be celebrated, but people in Berlin are only al- vant Muslims abstain from we urge you to protect your- lowed to be outdoors alone or eating and drinking from selves and others,” al-Mand- in pairs between 9 pm and 5 dawn to dusk, is scheduled to hari added. am, officials told dpa. start around mid-April. Some places in the region, The current rules for day- Muslims usually celebrate including Egypt and Dubai, time contacts are, however, to by large social and religious said they will ban public chari- remain in place, with gather- gatherings, such as mass ty banquets, an age-old feature ings outdoors and at home prayers, where mosques are of the month. limited to a maximum of five traditionally packed. Both said they will allow people from two households. Ahmed al-Mandhari, Ramadan’s nightly “taraweeh” Children are not included in WHO Regional Director for prayers, but limited them to the restrictions. the Eastern Mediterranean, half an hour. The regulations for private warned that 14 countries in In Jordan, worshippers indoor gatherings will also be the region have reported a will not perform taraweeh at tightened from next Tuesday, high increase in their daily mosques due to a night-time with only members of one coronavirus infections and curfew imposed until May 15. household plus one other per- son allowed to be together. No visits will be allowed between 9 pm and 5 am. Chancellor Angela Merkel also launched an appeal for WHO slams Europe’s Germans to stricly adhere to the government rules aimed ‘unacceptably slow’ stemming the spread of the virus over the Easter holiday A man walks past the entry to a shopping mall in Berlin on Thursday. (AFP) period. vaccination campaigns “With our behaviour, we fort with German Health Robert Koch Institute (RKI) ing its use to people over 60. can again slow down, stop and Minister Jens Spahn saying The regulations for private for disease control said on On Thursday, Germany’s then reverse the strong growth coronavirus vaccinations ad- indoor gatherings will also Thursday. 65-year-old President Frank- of infection figures,” Merkel ministered in doctors’ offices be tightened from next The RKI said on Wednes- Walter Steinmeier had his said in a video podcast. nation-wide are to be gradu- Tuesday, with only mem- day that 88 per cent of Ger- first shot of the AstraZeneca Doctors and nurses cannot ally ramped up. many’s coronavirus cases are vaccine. “I trust the vaccines win the fight against the pan- He said 35,000 practices bers of one household now of the more contagious approved in Germany,” he demic alone, she said. “We have ordered 1.4 million vac- plus one other person B117 variant. said. will defeat the virus together,” cine doses. allowed to be together. No But about 100 days af- But Germany’s 71-year- the chancellor said. She said More than 3 million doses visits will be allowed ter the German vaccination old Interior Minister Horst this means above all “that it per week would be provided to between 9 pm and 5 am. campaign was launched, only Seehofer has ruled out being should be a quiet Easter, one practices by the end of April, 5 per cent of the population immunised with AstraZen- in a small circle and urged Spahn said. In addition, the have received the second vac- eca, according to a ministry people to refrain from all non- 430 vaccination centres set so-called British strain of the cine dose and 11.6 per cent the spokeswoman. mandatory travel during what up across the country are to virus. first, the RKI said. Seehofer also rejected an she described as a really dif- receive 2.25 million doses per The number of new cases This also came against the appeal by Spahn to receive An elderly man receives a dose of AstraZeneca vaccine at the Poly- ficult phase of the pandemic. week. rose by 24,300 over the pre- backdrop of ongoing contro- the vaccine, telling the health clinic in Skopje on Wednesday. (AFP) But she said April will Germany is trying to stem vious 24 hours, up from the versy surrounding the Astra- minister: “I will not be pa- bring major steps forward in a third wave of infections 22,657 daily infections re- Zeneca vaccine, with Germany tronized,” according to a re- DPA past,” Kluge added. the nation’s vaccination ef- amid the rapid spread of the corded a week earlier, the and Canada this week restrict- port in the daily Bild. COPENHAGEN Ultimately, vaccines were the “best way out of this pan- THE slow vaccination cam- demic,” said Kluge. paigns in many European WHO Europe counts more countries are protracting the than 50 countries as belonging Biden proposes largest infrastructure and jobs plan since WWII coronavirus pandemic, accord- to the continent. In this area, ing to the Europe office of the only 10 percent of the total DPA The plan is expected to The approximately $2 vestments we have to make,” World Health Organization population have received their WASHINGTON “create millions of good jobs,” trillion package is a Biden said. “Put another way, (WHO). first jab, and only 4 per cent are with the White House compar- we can’t afford not to.” Biden WHO regional director fully vaccinated with two shots. US PRESIDENT Joe Biden on ing the size of the investment ‘once-in-a-generation will need to push the plan Hans Henri Kluge said the vac- Accelerating vaccinations Wednesday announced a mas- to when America “won the investment in America, through the US Congress. cine roll-out was “unaccept- was now decisive, while the sive plan to modernize infra- space race.” unlike anything we’ve seen During the election, the Dem- ably slow.” “Let me be clear: we number of new infections in structure, including the largest Biden said the plan was or done’ ocrats had spoken in favour of must speed up the process by the European region increases jobs programme the country necessary to position the a large package to improve in- ramping up manufacturing, re- in all population groups except has seen since World War II. United States to “out-compete Joe Biden frastructure. ducing barriers to administer- people over 80, said Kluge’s of- The approximately 2-tril- China,” emphasizing that “we However, for the adoption ing vaccines, and using every fice. lion-dollar package is a “once- have to do it.” The package also dedicated to improving of such a package, the presi- single vial we have in stock, With 1.6 million new cases in-a-generation investment includes the modernization of the quality of “crumbling” wa- dent will need the approval of now,” Kluge said. and 24,000 deaths last week, in America, unlike anything around 32,000 kilometres of ter systems, electrical grids, around 10 Republicans. “And as long as coverage the majority of countries in Eu- US President Joe Biden speaks we’ve seen or done,” Biden roads, 10,000 bridges, more high-speed Internet and to Senate Republican Minor- remains low, we need to apply rope are currently seeing a rise in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on said in Pittsburgh, in the state airports, and electric mobility. quality housing. ity Leader Mitch McConnell the same public health and so- in infections which was very Wednesday. (AFP) of Pennsylvania. Part of the programme is “Put simply, these are in- immediately rejected the plan. cial measures as we have in the worrying, the office said. Brazil detects new coronavirus Brazil appoints health expert as variant, patient had not travelled new army chief in surprise move DPA DPA The country passed the RIO DE JANEIRO RIO DE JANEIRO grim milestone of 3,000 COV- ID-19 related deaths for the BRAZIL’S President Jair Bol- ANOTHER coronavirus vari- first time a week earlier. sonaro has made his latest ant has been discovered in The full death toll in the move in the extensive Cabinet Brazil, health authorities said country now stands at 321,515, reshuffle that already cost six on Wednesday. while more than 12.7 million of his ministers their posts, Scientists identified the cases of coronavirus have been replacing the top brass in the variant in the city of Sorocaba confirmed. armed forces. near Sao Paulo and are doing The health system in the The new commanders of further research into the mu- country of 210 million people the army, navy and air force tation, which is similar to the has collapsed or is on the verge were announced by Bolsona- variant detected in South Af- of collapse in many areas. ro’s newly appointed Defence rica, the Butantan biomedical Medication, including in- Minister Walter Souza Braga institute said on Twitter. tubation for COVID-19 pa- Netto, according to a Defence The variant was detected in tients, is running out. Ministry statement from a 34-year-old woman who had Brazil’s right-wing populist Wednesday evening. minor symptoms, news site G1 president, Jair Bolsonaro, has Observers were especially reported. played down the threat posed surprised by the nomination of The patient said she had by the virus and expressed General Paulo Sergio Nogueira not recently travelled domes- Relatives of a victim of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 doubt at the effectiveness of de Oliveira as new command- tically or outside of Brazil, mourn as their loved one is buried at the Vila Formosa cemetery in vaccines. er-in-chief of the army as according to Paulo Menezes, Sao Paulo on Wednesday. (AFP) He has slightly softened he was not considered to be Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro talks to supporters in Brasilia on director of Sao Paulo’s corona- his tone recently. In the face among Bolsonaro’s top picks. Wednesday. (AFP) virus emergency centre. Previous notable coronavi- deaths. of increasing criticism of his General Nogueira de Ol- Mutations happen con- rus variants were first detected Brazil has been regularly government’s crisis manage- iveira previously served as the entered a kind of lockdown. a lockdown for economic rea- stantly in viruses and occur in Britain, South Africa and breaking its own daily record ment during the pandemic, head of the army’s health divi- In addition, it was running sons. when the genetic makeup Brazil. for coronavirus deaths. The Bolsonaro reshuffled his cabi- sion and was therefore respon- campaigns to advocate social In choosing Nogueira de changes during replication. Brazil is one of the hardest- health ministry on Wednes- net, replacing six government sible for the forces’ coronavi- distancing, mask wearing and Oliveira, Bragga Netto fol- Some changes provide ad- hit countries in the world by day announced a new record ministers. rus strategy. hand washing, Nogueira de Ol- lowed the rule of seniority, vantages to the pathogen. For the pandemic. Only the United of 3,869 deaths in 24 hours, The heads of the army, air In an interview with the iveira said. reportedly trying to avoid the example, they could make it States has recorded a higher breaking the record of 3,780 force and navy also vacated Correio Braziliense newspa- Bolsonaro is against many impression that the military easier to transmit the virus. number of infections and set the previous day. their posts. per, he said that the army had of these measures and rejects was politicized. ESG in ASEAN: A shared vision of recovery PAGE 8

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021

33,108.18 10,457.30 50029.83 1,728.90 +126.63 PTS +55.80 PTS +520.68 PTS GOLD +0.78 % ‘Islamic nance can contribute to DOW QE SENSEX economic recovery post-virus’ PAGE 7 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 24.93 BRENT 64.63 +3.01 % WTI 61.26 +3.55 % SILVER +1.60 % QSE market cap Qatar’s 2020 Q4 nomial rises 2.9% to GDP grows 7.4% QoQ QR608 billion SATYENDRA PATHAK investors also remained bear- DOHA ish with net selling of QR230 Qatar’s real GDP contracts 3.9 percent to QR163 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 million against net selling of THE Market capitalisation QR54 million. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of the Qatar Stock Exchange Foreign retail investors DOHA (QSE) crossed QR600 billion ended the week with net sell- mark to reach QR608.2 bil- ing of QR24 million against QATAR’S gross domestic lion at the end of the trading net selling of QR2 million in product at current prices week that saw the QSE gen- the previous week. Accord- (nominal GDP) in the fourth eral index close higher by 2.84 ing to an estimate by QNB quarter of 2020 is estimated percent compared to the week Financial Services (QNBFS), at QR136.73 billion, an in- before. foreigners were net buyers of crease of 7.4 percent com- The total wealth of inves- Qatari stocks worth $352 mil- pared to the revised estimate tors rose by 2.9 percent to lion as of Wednesday closing. of QR127.31 billion in third QR608.2 billion as compared quarter of the same year, to QR590.9 billion at the end according to the latest data of the previous week. released by Planning and Trading value during Statistics Authority (PSA) on the week rose by 25 percent Thursday. to QR2.478 billion against The preliminary esti- QR1.982 billion in the previ- mates of GDP at current ous trading week. IGRD was and constant prices for the the top value traded stock dur- fourth quarter of 2020 re- ing the week with a total trad- leased by PSA, however, ed value of QR214.4 million. showed that the GDP at Trading volume increased current prices represents a by 4.6 percent to 1,192 billion Qatar Life and Medical In- decrease of 14.4 percent shares against 1.139 billion surance Company (QLM) was compared to QR159.65 bil- Qatar’s GDP estimates have been produced with data collected through the Quarterly Economic Indicator Survey and from other sources. shares in the previous trading the best performing stock for lion in the fourth quarter of week. the week, with a gain of 7.8 2019. by 3.3 percent in the fourth decrease of 0.5 percent was the fourth quarter of 2020, Compared to the revised The number of transac- percent. On the other hand, Al The PSA data revealed quarter of 2020 compared to recorded. which shows a decrease of estimate of QR93.61 bil- tions also rose by 14.8 percent Meera Consumer Goods was that Qatar’s gross domestic the same quarter in 2019. The nominal gross val- 3.3 percent compared to the lion in the previous quarter, to 52,223 against 45,480 in the worst-performing stock product at constant prices Gross value added at ue added estimate of min- estimate of QR62.40 billion a n i n c r e a s e o f 4 . 4 p e r c e n t the previous week. IG R D was with a decline of 7.8 percent. (real GDP) decreased by 3.9 constant 2018 prices for ing and quarrying activities in the fourth quarter of 2019. was recorded. the top volume traded stock Industries Qatar (IQ), Qa- percent in the fourth quar- non-mining and quarrying stood at QR38.99 billion in Compared to the revised es- The real gross value during the week with a total tar Islamic Bank (QIB) and ter of 2020 compared to the activities decreased by 4.2 the fourth quarter of 2020, timate of QR63.01 billion in added of non-mining and traded volume of 263.2 mil- QNB Group (QNB) were the same quarter in the previous percent in the fourth quarter which shows a decrease of the third quarter of 2020, a quarrying activities was esti- lion shares. primary contributors to the year. of 2020, year on year. 28.9 percent over QR 54.81 decrease of 4.3 percent was mated at QR102.69 billion in Foreign institutions re- weekly index gains. IQ was The estimates have been The quarterly GDP at billion recorded in the fourth recorded. the fourth quarter of 2020, mained bullish throughout the biggest contributor to produced with data col- constant prices showed a quarter of 2019. When com- The nominal gross value which shows a decrease of the week with net buying of the index’s weekly rise, add- lected through the Quarterly decrease of 3.9 percent in pared to the revised esti- added estimate of non-min- 4.2 percent over the esti- QR302 million against net ing 57.7 points to the index. Economic Indicator Sur- the fourth quarter of 2020 mate of QR33.70 billion in ing and quarrying activities mate of QR107.24 billion in buying of QR20 million in the QIB pushed the index up by vey and from other source to QR163 billion compared the third quarter of 2020, an was estimated at QR97.74 the corresponding quarter in previous week. another 56.4 points. Further, agencies. to QR169.64 billion in the increase of 15.7 percent was billion in the fourth quarter 2019. When compared to the Qatari institutions, how- QNB contributed 53.4 points The report said that gross fourth quarter of 2019. When recorded. of 2020, which shows a de- revised estimate of QR100.81 ever, turned negative with net to the index. value added at constant 2018 compared to the revised esti- The real gross value add- crease of 6.8 percent over the billion in the third quarter of selling of QR48 million against Of the 48 listed compa- prices for mining and quar- mate of QR163.82 billion in ed of these activities was es- estimate of QR104.84 billion 2020, an increase of 1.9 per- net buying of QR36 million in nies, 29 companies ended the rying activities decreased the third quarter of 2020, a timated at QR60.32 billion in in the fourth quarter of 2019. cent was also recorded. the week before. Qatari retail week higher, while 16 fell. Vaccine rollout to boost Qatar’s growth: Report

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA WTO revises trade growth forecast upwards to 8% QATAR’S economy will continue to expand steadily this year as QNA percent in 2020, continuing its trade, and lagging vaccination the vaccination rollout has gained GENEVA rebound from the pandemic-in- timetables, particularly in poor momentum in the country, Ox- duced collapse that bottomed out countries. COVID-19 continues ford Economics has said in its PROSPECTS for a quick recov- in the second quarter of last year. to pose the greatest threat to the latest report. ery in world trade have improved It added that trade growth outlook for trade, as new waves of According to the latest Mid- as merchandise trade expanded should then slow to 4 percent in infection could easily undermine dle East Economic Update report more rapidly than expected in the 2022, and the effects of the pan- any hoped-for recovery. for the first quarter of 2021 from second half of last year, according demic will continue to be felt as WTO Director-General Ngozi Oxford Economics and commis- to the World Trade Organization this pace of expansion would still Okonjo-Iweala said, “Keeping in- sioned by ICAEW, Qatar’s non-oil (WTO). leave trade below its pre-pan- ternational markets open will be sector, which grew by an average According to new estimates demic trend. essential for economies to recover of 1.2 percent per annum in 2017 from the WTO, the volume of The relatively positive short- from this crisis and a rapid, global to 2019 and contracted by an es- world merchandise trade is ex- term outlook for global trade is and equitable vaccine roll-out is timated 3.9 percent in 2020, is pected to increase by 8 percent marred by regional disparities, a prerequisite for the strong and expected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2021 after having fallen 5.3 continued weakness in services sustained recovery we all need.” in 2021. Michael Armstrong Scott Livermore An increase in vaccination rates and the expansion of vaccination Although trade performance cit to around 4 percent of GDP. quences of the blockade, a rebound Middle East’s GDP forecast for this their non-oil revenues. Govern- centres distributing both the Pfizer remains disappointing, vaccination FCA and ICAEW Regional Di- in visitor numbers from the rest of year stands at 2.5 percent, similar ments must remain proactive and and Moderna vaccines will facili- progress globally will support ex- rector for the Middle East, Africa the GCC would stimulate the post- to the average pace of 2.6 per cent continue to support their econo- tate the lifting of restrictions by the ternal demand as the need for social and South Asia Michael Armstrong COVID recovery.” from 2010 to 2019. This follows mies with pro-growth initiatives to second half of 2021 and lead to a re- distancing restrictions fades and said, “While the oil sector remains “More harmony in the GCC the unprecedented decline seen in bounce back quickly,” he said. acceleration in economic growth, borders re-open. This combined a drag on overall growth for the would boost the region’s attractive- 2020, estimated to be five percent. The report noted that expecta- the report said. with the recent increase in natural Qatar economy, preparation for the ness to foreign investors as the global Armstrong said that while vac- tions of strengthening activity and Overall, the report forecasts gas prices should also support a re- 2022 World Cup could play a huge economy recovers. While the upside cine rollouts are underway, Middle rising demand have lifted senti- GDP growth of 2.8 percent this covery in export and budget receipts role in an economic rebound. With potential would be greatest for Qatar, Eastern governments must continue ment, pushing oil prices up to $66 year, after an estimated 3.1 per- in the coming months. the COVID-19 vaccine drive under- the benefits could accrue in the rest to develop sectors and industries that per barrel in late February. The oil cent fall in 2020. It also states that Qatar has based its 2021 budget way, the Qatar government must of the region too,” Livermore said. generate net value for the economy. price outlook has also been sup- growth will continue to expand on a conservative assumption of continue to ramp up economic di- The mending of relations be- “Increasing non-oil revenues is a ported by ongoing supply restraint steadily because of ongoing invest- a $40 per barrel oil price, slightly versification efforts by developing tween Qatar, the rest of the GCC challenging task in these times so in- from Opec+ producers. The group ment ahead of World Cup 2022 above the fiscal break-even point sectors and industries that generate and Egypt is unlikely to provide an novation will be vital to the region’s plans to increase output only mod- and rising gas production. recently estimated by the IMF of net value for the economy and foster immediate boost to growth, but the economic recovery,” Armstrong said. estly in the months ahead, to sus- The impact of the decline in non- about $38 per barrel in 2021, the innovation, in line with the Qatar Economic Update report predicts Livermore said the pandemic tain a reduction in inventory levels, oil GDP on jobs has been relatively lowest in the GCC. National Vision 2030.” that it will act as a foundation for brought Middle East economies to with Saudi Arabia maintaining an modest. Qatar stands out for its This will lead to another year of ICAEW Economic Advisor and post-COVID-19 recovery, particu- a temporary standstill in the first additional voluntary production cut dependence on the contribution of deficit, with low oil and gas prices Chief Economist at Oxford Econom- larly when borders re-open and quarter of 2020. “Today, we are of 1m barrels per day through April. expatriates. While the expat popula- continuing to take a toll and gov- ics Scott Livermore said, “We are en- travel resumes. encouraged by the steps regional “While the current oil price tion declined by around 4.5 percent ernment spending rising. However, couraged to see the important steps “Overall, GCC GDP will grow by governments are undergoing to level is still much lower than the between March 2020 and January spending restraint particularly that the GCC and Egypt have taken 1.4 per cent in 2021, after an esti- bring back normalcy. However, the GCC has been used to, it provides 2021, it is expected to gradually re- project spending limited the dete- in amending their ties with Qatar. mated 5.4 percent contraction in continued uncertainty in the global a reprieve to budgets and eases the turn as the economy recovers from rioration in public finances in 2020, Although the Qatari economy had 2020,” the report said. market puts more pressure on the pressure for further fiscal consoli- the pandemic. which will likely cap the budget defi- adapted well to the economic conse- According to the report, the oil-reliant economies to increase dation,” it said. Economy & Business Friday, April 2, 2021 07 Microsoft wins 7TH DOHA ISLAMIC FINANCE CONFERENCE CONCLUDES $22 billion deal to make AR headsets ‘Islamic nance can contribute for the US Army to economic recovery post-virus’ AGENCIES raise for U.S. troops but in- cluded cuts to the headset Speakers addressing the seminar agree that Islamic nance is an important factor in nancial stability MICROSOFT won a near- initiative. ly $22 billion contract to Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode supply U.S. Army combat Island Democrat who leads troops with its augmented the Senate Armed Services reality headsets. Committee, said Wednes- Microsoft and the Army day that the technology is separately announced the promising but its results deal Wednesday. must be closely tracked “and The technology is based it’s our job to raise issues if on Microsoft’s HoloLens the technology isn’t meeting headsets, which were origi- the needs of our troops now nally intended for the video and in the future.” game and entertainment Microsoft President industries. Brad Smith told Reed’s Pentagon officials have committee in February that described the futuristic the system could integrate technology — which the thermal night vision and Army calls its Integrated facial recognition to provide Visual Augmentation Sys- soldiers with “real-time tem — as a way of boosting analytics” on remote bat- soldiers’ awareness of their tlefields. He also described surroundings and their how it could help in plan- ability to spot targets and ning a hostage rescue op- dangers. eration by creating a “digital Microsoft’s head- twin” of the building. mounted HoloLens dis- A group of Microsoft plays let people see virtual workers in 2019 petitioned imagery superimposed over the company to cancel its the physical world in front initial Army deal, arguing it of them — anything from would turn real-world bat- holograms in virtual game tlefields into a video game. worlds to repair instruc- Microsoft is among sev- tions floating over a broken eral tech companies that gadget. have sought to wow the The Army’s website says gaming world with glitzy soldiers tested the gadgets new virtual reality gog- last year at Fort Pickett in gles over the past decade, Virginia. It said the system though the efforts have could help troops gain an largely fizzled. Microsoft advantage “on battlefields pivoted away from con- that are increasingly urban, sumer applications for its congested, dark and unpre- second-generation Holo- Speakers addressing the seventh Doha Islamic Finance Conference, which came to an end on Thursday. dictable.” Lens 2, introduced in 2019, The Army first began which is the basis for the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the workpapers presented 6. The flexibility of Sha- can play a role in dispelling testing Microsoft’s system Army’s new gadgets. DOHA by the involved specialized Recommendations ria makes Sharia provisions these concerns through Shar- with a $480 million con- Although Microsoft re- scholars and academics along accommodate the develop- ia controls for protecting indi- tract in 2018 and said the cently demonstrated a way WHILE the effects of the with the discussions and in- ● Conference ments of financial transac- viduals’ rights and the general headsets could be used for to use the goggles to play COVID-19 pandemic may terventions that enriched the recommends that more tions, including digital finan- morals of society. both training and in ac- the hit game Pokemon Go, continue for a longer period, conference. attention be paid to cial transactions, as well as 9. The Islamic economy is tual battle. The new con- it mostly pitches the de- Islamic finance can contrib- The conference put forth participatory products, as the Sharia controls represent characterized by its tools that tract will enable Microsoft vices as work tools to help ute to economic recovery, the following visions and rec- solutions to the problems paved the way for the global to mass produce units for surgeons, factory crews and speakers at the seventh Doha ommendations: they are the pillars for arising from these transac- agendas in the sustainable more than 120,000 soldiers others. Users can often con- Islamic Finance Conference 1. The research discussed achieving comprehensive tions, protect clients from development, including the in the Army Close Combat trol what’s on their screens agreed as the three-day on- showed that the features of development. fraud and manipulation, and achievements of Zakat and Force. Microsoft said the using hand gestures or voice line event came to an end on the economic recovery began ● protect the general order of Waqf institutions throughout contract will amount to up commands. Thursday. to appear after the pandemic, It also recommends society. history in preserving indi- to $21.88 billion over the The headset deal is part Islamic finance is seen as but the strength of this re- banks to take into 7. The digital world has viduals, environment and so- next decade, with a five- of Microsoft’s broader work an important factor in finan- covery is still uncertain and account the authenticity led to the emergence of a ciety. Hence, we recommend year base agreement that as a defense contractor. The cial stability as well, as its shrouded with several chal- and true representation of largely anonymous and un- seeking to activate the role of can be extended for another Pentagon in September re- tools contribute to developing lenges, including the high sharia principles in these controlled financial system social finance institutions and five years. affirmed Microsoft as win- the financial sector, achiev- number of pandemic infec- products that has sharia, legal and ethi- their tools in order to achieve It’s not clear how it cor- ner of a cloud computing ing sustainable development tions, the delay in the distri- cal repercussions, along with Sharia objectives and social responds to the $740 bil- contract potentially worth and enhancing welfare, they bution of vaccines, and the the absence of developed and justice. lion defense policy bill that $10 billion, although the noted. high levels of debt, while the tional products, seek to dis- specialized laws to regulate 10. The participatory Congress passed in January work has been delayed by a The conference, held un- effects of the pandemic relat- cuss potential risks with sha- this world’s transactions and economy significantly helps after overriding a veto by legal battle over rival Ama- der the patronage of Prime ed to development may con- ria, legal and technical bodies, address its violations as well in overcoming crises by President Donald Trump. zon’s claim that the bidding Minister and Minister of tinue for a longer period. and comply with controls to as the attempts to implement breaking barriers, alleviating The bill affirmed a 3% pay process was flawed. Interior HE Sheikh Khalid 2. Islamic finance can avoid those risks.” laws governing traditional poverty, filling the gaps be- bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al contribute to the economic 4. The central banks and transactions on this world. tween supply and demand, Thani and the exclusive spon- recovery through its char- supervisory bodies shall be Therefore, we recommend and optimal use of resources. sorship of strategic partner acteristics, as it is seen as an called to enact laws support- addressing this urgent need Hence, we recommend that Dukhan Bank, was organised important factor in financial ing participatory contracts in for coordination between gov- government agencies shall by Bait Al-Mashura Finance stability as well as its tools Islamic finance institutions, ernment agencies and various enhance opportunities for Consultations. It was held in contribute to developing the and protective funds and in- institutions in the world and participatory economy by en- cooperation with the College financial sector, achieving vestment funds shall be es- contributing to highlighting acting supporting laws and of Sharia and Islamic Stud- sustainable development and tablished to enhance these the importance of ruling Sha- encouraging innovations that ies at Qatar University, the enhancing welfare. products. ria to control this world. have social and economic im- College of Islamic Studies at 3. Participatory prod- 5. The Sharia has laid 8. It is expected that the pact. Hamad Bin Khalifa Universi- ucts are the basis on which down general principles for digital future of global econ- 11. The conferees praise ty and the University of Cen- Islamic banks are based and the provisions related to fi- omy after Covid 19 will be the pioneering experience of tral Lancashire in the United are the pillars for achieving nancial transactions that do shaped by the rapid spread the State of Qatar in the digital Kingdom. comprehensive development. not differ according to time of digital technologies in the field, e-commerce platforms, During the scientific ses- “Therefore, we recommend and place but left the details public and private sectors, and digital Islamic financial sions of the conference, the that Islamic banks pay more that may differ according to and the rapid growth of digi- technology, and recommend three main themes were dis- attention to these products, different customs and chang- tal markets. The data forms more coordination between cussed including “The Global take into account the authen- ing conditions and environ- the backbone of this transfor- private sector institutions and Economic Recovery after the ticity and true representation ments to be subject to juris- mation, facing obstacles most government agencies to sup- Crisis”, “Virtual World Econ- of sharia principles in these prudence and development in notably the attempts of local port digital transformation omies” and “Role of Social products, take into account light of the objectives of Sha- systems to control and local- in line with Sharia objectives Finance in achieving Sustain- development and innovation ria and the general principles ize data due to concerns of and in order to achieve Qatar able Development” through away from imitating tradi- of Sharia. uncertainty. Islamic finance Vision 2030.

US factory activity expands at fastest pace since 83 Taiwan chip maker TSMC to AGENCIES eries and petrochemical plants Most economists expect offline. Measures of new orders, inflation will pick up in the invest $100 bn to grow capacity U.S. manufacturers expanded Measures of new orders, production, and hiring all coming months but will do so in March at the fastest pace in production, and hiring all jumped, and more compa- only temporarily. As supply AGENCIES pandemic, meanwhile is rev- sung Electronics and other chip 37 years, a sign of strengthen- jumped, and more companies nies reported optimistic bottlenecks are resolved, infla- ving up demand for electronic makers also have been boost- ing demand as the pandemic reported optimistic outlooks outlooks about future tion should ebb, analysts say. MAJOR Taiwan computer chip devices as the world relies in- ing investments to meet rising wanes and government emer- about future business condi- Americans have shifted maker Taiwan Semiconduc- creasingly on digitalization. demand and joust for market gency aid flows through the tions. Many firms, however, the ISM’s manufacturing busi- their spending during the tor Manufacturing Co. plans “TSMC is working closely share in advanced semicon- economy. also reported difficulties in ness survey committee. pandemic, as most consumers to invest $100 billion in the with our customers to address ductors. Most semiconductors The Institute for Supply keeping up with demand, as Those concerns may wors- have been reluctant or unable next three years in expanding their needs in a sustainable used in smartphones, medi- Management, a trade group snarled supply chains have en fears that inflation will to eat out, shop, or visit movie its manufacturing capacity and manner,” the company said in cal equipment, computers and of purchasing managers, said delayed the shipment of parts rise in the coming months, theaters as often as in the past. supporting research and de- an emailed statement. It did other products are made in Tai- that its measure of factory and many firms have struggled as a post-pandemic jump in Instead, they have spent more velopment, the company said not give further details about wan, South Korea and China. activity jumped to 64.7 last to hire enough new workers. spending could continue to on factory goods, such as new Thursday. planned investments. Last week, Intel announced month, from 60.8 the previ- “Extended lead times, outstrip supply. International cars, furniture for expanded The world’s biggest contract TSMC makes processor plans to pour $20 billion into ous month. That’s the highest wide-scale shortages of critical shipping has been snarled by home offices, and workout producer of semiconductors, chips for major brands like Ap- expanding production, build- since December 1983. Some of basic materials, rising com- delays at ports that often have bikes. TSMC said it anticipates faster ple Inc. and Qualcomm Inc. ing two new factories in Ari- the gain may reflect a bounce- modities prices and difficul- fewer workers to prevent viral Factories have stead- growth thanks to long-term Surging demand pushed its zona. The company is building back from February, when ties in transporting products spread. The Suez Canal block- ily re-hired workers since last trends like the introduction of revenue 18% higher in Janu- up its foundry business but lags harsh winter weather in Texas, are affecting all segments of age, which is still being un- spring, but have still only re- next-generation telecommuni- ary-February from a year ear- behind TSMC in developing a Louisiana and other southern the manufacturing economy,” wound, has further disrupted couped about two-thirds of the cations and high-performance lier, it reported earlier. next-generation chip-making states knocked some oil refin- said Timothy Fiore, chair of international shipping. jobs lost to the pandemic. computing. The coronavirus Intel, South Korea’s Sam- process. 08 Friday, April 2, 2021 Economy & Business

OXFORD BUSINESS GROUP REPORT ESG in ASEAN: A shared vision of sustainable recovery ASEAN presents a range of ESG opportunities: green infrastructure will boost ‘E’ developments; alternative nancing will support ‘S’ impact; and enhanced ‘G’ collaboration could facilitate a coordinated recovery from worst economic consequences of the pandemic

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK moderately increased their ESG the pandemic-related reassessment London Stock Exchange. Mean- DOHA investment as a result of Covid-19. of inequality to be a key factor. while, Bursa Malaysia ranked 22nd Meanwhile, 60% of the region’s In a nutshell and Singapore Exchange 24th, ENVIRONMENTAL, social and investors plan to incorporate ESG ● ‘S’ needs within ASEAN vary both placing considerably above governance (ESG) criteria are in- into their investment analysis and Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are growing in by market and by context. the New York Stock Exchange creasingly shaping the global cor- decision-making processes by the signi cance globally For instance, enabling inclusive (40th). porate agenda, according to Oxford end of 2021. ● ASEAN member states are increasingly oriented to ESG standards access to Sharia-compliant financ- However, the absence of com- Business Group (OBG). ASEAN across the board ing will be imperative for both Bru- mon, international standards presents a range of ESG oppor- ‘E’ infrastructure develop- nei and Indonesia, the world’s most can limit a country’s ability to tunities: green infrastructure will ments ● Green infrastructure, social impact and transparency are among the populous Muslim nation. Malaysia strengthen governance: a lack of boost ‘E’ developments; alternative Covid-19 has highlighted the key focus areas could serve as a regional model in measurable, comparable data often financing will support ‘S’ impact; relationship between the health of this: the country was global leader constitutes the biggest hurdle to and enhanced ‘G’ collaboration communities and that of the envi- ● Coordinated efforts to boost ESG could spearhead the bloc’s for sukuk (Islamic bond) issuances assessing, and thereby enhancing, could facilitate a coordinated recov- ronment, as well as underlining the Covid-19 recovery in 2020, with 32% of the total val- progress in the global ESG ecosys- ery from the worst economic conse- importance of green space in areas ue, according to global credit rat- tem. quences of the pandemic. with high population density, as ing agency Moody’s, which expects Within the bloc, efforts are ESG standards are used by in- Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-gen- cording to the Asian Development all 10 members releasing at least Malaysia to remain in pole position under way to start addressing this vestors around the world to evalu- eral of the Eastern Economic Cor- Bank Institute (ADBI). one stimulus package by the end this year. substantial challenge. ate potential investments, as well ridor Office of Thailand, told OBG The first green bond to be is- of April 2020. Many of these tar- Meanwhile, in an early indica- For instance, in 2017 the as to enable business leaders to for- in June last year. sued in ASEAN came from a Phil- geted priority areas that fell within tion of its commitment to the twin ASEAN Capital Markets Forum mulate responsible and sustainable In light of such considerations, ippine geothermal company – for a the UN’s Sustainable Development pillars of ‘E’ and ‘S’, it was Indone- (ACMF), which brings together corporate strategies, as OBG has ASEAN is increasingly focused on $226m renewables project in early Goals. sia that issued the world’s first sov- securities regulators from all 10 recently outlined. green infrastructure developments 2016 – and Indonesia, Malaysia, Alongside short-term relief ereign green sukuk in 2018. members of the bloc, launched re- There is growing recognition as a way to drive a sustainable re- Singapore and Thailand have since measures, all bloc members took gional standards based on inter- that the adoption of ESG principles covery from the pandemic. followed suit at the corporate and steps to protect vulnerable socio- ‘G’ reporting standards national frameworks to guide the not only generates positive pub- “Governments across ASEAN government level. economic groups over the longer As companies increasingly view issuance of green bonds, followed licity and enhances a company’s are gradually shifting their policy These green bonds have pre- term. Among these, Singapore in- their investments and business ac- in 2018 by standards for both sus- reputation, but also creates real focus from economic stabilisa- dominantly been channelled into troduced incentives to promote tivities through the ESG lens, gov- tainability bonds and social bonds. shareholder value and opens up tion to recovery and long-term green building developments employment, such as job support ernance will to some extent grow ESG is the ACMF’s develop- new capital access opportunities. growth,” Omar Shahzad, group (43%), according to the ADBI, schemes and training grants to up- organically. The very act of produc- ment focus for 2021-25 as the or- According to global investment CEO of Meinhardt Group, told while energy projects have received skill workers in affected industries; ing an ESG report – or even a report ganisation aims to facilitate sus- management company Fidelity In- OBG. “Alongside efforts to address around one-third of the allocation. Vietnam launched a finance scheme focused solely on one of the three tainable growth across the region’s ternational, ESG-rated stocks and the region’s broader infrastructure This trend is specific to the region: for small and medium-sized enter- components – inevitably enhances capital markets. bonds outperformed their competi- deficit, we are seeing rising interest globally speaking, such bonds have prises; and Brunei, Cambodia and accountability and transparency. Thus, the bloc has demonstrat- tors over the first nine months of in affordable housing and sustain- primarily been used to fund energy Laos facilitated loan restructuring. The region’s stock exchanges ed a clear, collective commitment 2020 and were less vulnerable to able, green projects.” projects (38%), with green build- In some cases, this pandem- already require or recommend ESG to ESG. Driven by green infrastruc- the risks associated with market Green bonds are an appealing ings accounting for just 18% of the ic-related focus on social impact disclosures. ture developments and an expand- volatility. finance instrument for such pro- total. translated into greater emphasis on The Stock Exchange of Thai- ing alternative financing ecosys- Within the Asia-Pacific region, jects, and the region is well rep- the ‘S’ element of ESG. Over one- land was ninth in a global ranking tem, enhanced coordination could a survey conducted in September resented in the global green bond ‘S’ impact commitments third (36%) of global respondents of exchanges based on sustainabili- help ASEAN businesses, investors 2020 by global investment research ecosystem: of the 58 countries to ASEAN authorities acted swift- to MSCI’s survey wanted ‘S’ to com- ty disclosure – released by research and communities realise the full firm MSCI reported that 79% of have issued a green bond so far, 15 ly to address the socio-economic prise a larger proportion of the ESG firm Corporate Knights in 2019 – potential of an ESG-enabled recov- respondents had significantly or are in the Asia-Pacific region, ac- implications of coronavirus, with mix in 2021 – with some reporting putting it six places ahead of the ery from Covid-19.

OPEC, allies agree to gradually boost crude oil output, prices up Frontier Airlines hopes IPO AGENCIES Minister Abdulaziz bin Sal- rides wave of travel recovery man, who has urged careful THE OPEC oil cartel and allied approach with the recovery AGENCIES Frontier faces obstacles. countries said Thursday that still uncertain, said that “the Despite the growing crowds they have decided to add grad- cautiousness is still there” in FRONTIER Airlines is bet- at airports, air travel is still ually add back some 2 million the group’s approach. Ahead ting that the budding recov- down nearly half from this barrels per barrel per day of oil of the meeting, he had warned ery in leisure travel is for time in 2019. There is tough production from May to July, that “until the evidence of real. and growing competition for moving cautiously in pace recovery is undeniable, we Shares of the discount leisure travelers. with the recovery of the global should retain this cautious carrier began public trading And Frontier has its own economy from the COVID-19 stance ... the waves are still tall Thursday, edging lower in reputation issues — it had the pandemic. and the seas remain rough.” midday trading. The Denver- highest complaint rate of any The group is gingerly add- pace has been uncertain. They One reason is the new wave based airline and its private U.S. airline last year, mostly ing back production that was face conflicting pressures. of infections in Europe, which owners hope to raise $570 over refunds, according to slashed last year to support Raising production before the is holding back the economy million before costs from the government figures. Some prices as demand sagged dur- demand is there risks sending amid a slow vaccine rollout. IPO after pricing 30 million customers are surprised to ing the worst of the pandemic prices lower. But lower pro- He noted that the reduc- shares at $19, the low end get hit with a fee for carry-on recession, which sapped de- duction levels deprive national tions would only take effect of a $19 to $21 target. The bags that go in the overhead mand for fuel. The group will budgets of money at a difficult from May, meaning that the stock opened at $18.61, then A Frontier Airlines jet heads down a runway for take off from Den- bin. add back 350,000 barrels per time. Saudi voluntary cut still had a bumped up to $19.06 before ver International Airport. Frontier, along with fel- day in May, 350,000 in June, Oil prices were trading month to run. dipping back down to $18.54. low budget brands Spirit and and 400,000 in July. higher despite the decision to Oil markets continue to CEO Barry Biffle said The IPO timing is inter- international travel remain Allegiant, have ruffled the Meanwhile Saudi Arabia increase production, suggest- react with mixed feelings to Frontier will remain focused esting, coming just as Ameri- deeply depressed. U.S. airline industry by of- will restore an additional 1 ing markets see more than ad- the outcomes of the OPEC+ on the leisure-travel market, cans are starting to fly in Biffle said after a year of fering cut-rate fares aimed at million barrels per day in cuts equate demand for the added meeting, with both the WTI unlike bigger airlines that numbers not seen since the lockdowns, there are “lots of leisure travelers. The larger that it made on its own. oil. Crude oil traded 4.0% and Brent benchmarks rising depend on high-paying busi- coronavirus pandemic hit. people with a lot of money in airlines, which depend more OPEC members, led by higher at $61.56 per barrel in up to 2% on the day before ness travelers. United Airlines CEO Scott their pockets and with a burn- on business travelers, coun- Saudi Arabia, and nonmem- trading on the New York Mer- the news broke, but giving up “It’s not going to change Kirby said this week that de- ing desire to get out of their tered with their own no-frills bers, led by Russia, have been cantile Exchange while Brent some gains shortly after the how we run the business,” mand for domestic leisure house and get back to living. tickets called Basic Econo- meeting monthly to determine crude rose 3.5% per barrel to group decided to gradually in- Biffle said in an interview. travel “has almost entirely re- I think there will be plenty of my rather than surrender a production levels as they face $64.96. crease oil output over the next “The strategy is the same.” covered,” while business and demand. It’s a great time.” chunk of the market. a recovery in demand whose Saudi Arabia’s Energy three months. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune TISSOT Grand QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Prix of Doha MotoGP begins at Losail International Circuit PAGE 10 FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021

QATAR GOLD SWORD & TROPHY DAY

HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presented the Qatar Gold Sword to Abdulla Rashid Al HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presented the HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presented the Qatar Kubaisi, on behalf of Umm Qarn, owner of Tayf, winner of the feature event of the Qatar Gold Sword Day Qatar Gold Trophy to Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik, owner of Silver Sword to Mohammed bin Hamad Khalifa Al Attiyah, owner of for Purebred Arabians at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. SeeYouByMe at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. Sir Monlau, at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. HE Sheikh Thani crowns the winners as Tayf and Seeyoubyme shine TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

HIS Excellency Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned the winners of the Qatar Gold Sword & Tro- phy Day at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday after Umm Qarn’s Tayf and Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s Seeyoubyme won the Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred features respectively. Umm Qarn’s Tayf (Amer x Djelmila) was right in his comfort zone as far as the dis- tance goes as the Alban Elie De Mieulle-schooled horse land- ed the Qatar Gold Sword (Gr1 PA) (Far Bend) (4YO & older) for the first time in three at- tempts in all these years. The Qatar Arabian World Cup winner had Ronan Thom- Jockey Ronan Thomas guides Umm Qarn’s Qatar Arabian World Cup winner Tayf to land the Gr 1 PA Qatar HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and other dignitaries during Qatar Racing & Equestrian as for company in the 2000m Gold Sword on turf at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. Club’s 44th Race Meeting – the Qatar Gold Sword & Trophy Day at Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. outing and the Frenchman gave his 9yo mount the go ahead right at the top of the straight and the grey horse obliged, first taking a narrow lead and then pressing his ad- vantage even as HE Sheikha Yasmeen bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Mon’nia (Amer x Margouia) and HE Sheikha Reem bint Moham- med bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Ebraz (Amer x Massamarie), two of the three Julian Colin Smart wards in the run gave chase on the straight. Tomas Lukasek was astride the HH The Amir Ahmed Salam Al Ali, Program Manager, The Social & Sport Contribu- QREC’s Acting CEO Bader bin Mohammed Al Darwish presented the Sword winner Mon’nia, while tion Fund (Daam) presented the Qatar Silver Trophy to Abdulla Rashid Al Wajba Trophy to Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari, owner of Pom Malpic, Alberto Sanna partnered the Al Kubaisi, representing Umm Qarn, owner of Sealine. winner of the Qatar Gold Sword Day. Taxiwala, winner of Sealine Sprint Trophy, being honoured. prolific Ebraz, and both the contenders fell short as Tayf Anqa) registered his first vic- won by a length, even as a neck tory in Qatar in a fine win in separated the runner up and the Qatar Silver Sword (Pure- the third place finishers. bred Arabians 4YO Only). Hassan Ali Alabdulmalik’s With Soufiane Saadi in the Seeyoubyme (Siyouni x Pei- saddle for the first time, the Al- nted Song) raced to his first ban Elie De Mieulle schooled black type victory in comfort- 4yo was coming off a forgetta- able fashion as the Deborah ble outing over C&D. The bay Amanda Clare Mountain sad- colt put up a fantastic run as dled gelding landed the Thor- the duo entered the frame and oughbred feature of the day the winner’s circle for the first – Qatar Gold Trophy (QA Gr1) time on these shores, winning (Far Bend) (Thoroughbreds by a length and a quarter. (Class 1) 4YO & Older). Umm Qarn’s Sealine Qatari jockey Faleh Bughanaim guides Eng. Hassan Ali With talented Qatari jock- (Amer x Jaljalah) led a one two Alabdulmalik’s Seeyoubyme to win the Qatar Gold Trophy Al Arabie, winner of Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, Equinoxe, winner of the Local Thoroughbreds race, representative ey Faleh Bughanaim astride, for the colours and the trainer at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. representative receives the trophy. receives the trophy. the 5yo went past the post two Alban Elie De Mieulle when lengths and three quarters the 7yo landed his first victory. in February before landing a was away, winning by five and Umm Qarn’s Al Arabie in front of HE Sheikha Reem In the Qatar Silver Trophy novice last month. Results a half lengths at the post. (Al Mamun Monlau x Altesse bint Mohammed bin Khalifa (Local Purebred Arabians 4YO Stepping up to the longest QATAR GOLD SWORD (Gr1 PA) (Far Bend) AL WAJBA TROPHY Umm Qarn’s Equinoxe D’aroco) bounced back from Al Thani’s Pedro Cara (Pedro & Older), Carlos Henrique and race of her career at 1850m, Tayf (FR), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas, Pom Malpic (FR), Ali Yousuf Al-Kubaisi, Tomas Lukasek, (Atlantic Air x Thurayya) had a forgettable finish last time $142,500 $45,600 The Great x Magic Cara), the his 7yo mount was locked with the Ali Yousuf Al Kubaisi- QATAR GOLD TROPHY (QA Gr1) (Far Bend) SEALINE SPRINT TROPHY never finished outside the top round at Al Uqda Complex to Gassim Ghazali ward who was stablemate Aahil, ridden by schooled filly landed the Al Seeyoubyme (FR), Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, Taxiwala (IRE), Osama Al-Dafea, Ronan Thomas, two in seven starts, including register her first career win. ridden to runner up finish by Ronan Thomas, in the final Wajba Trophy (Thorough- Faleh Bughanaim, $142,500 $45,600 three wins, coming into Thor- The Alban Elie De Mieulle- JP Guillambert. stages of the mile long run. breds (Class 2) 3YO only) in a QATAR SILVER SWORD LOCAL THOROUGHBREDS oughbreds run. trained filly was faced with Sir Monlau (FR), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Soufiane Saadi, Equinoxe (QA), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas, Abdulatif Hussain Al Ema- Sealine managed to edge out thrilling finish that saw Tomas $85,500 $45,600 The Alban Elie De Mieulle- a much longer trip than her di’s Pazeer (Siyouni x Paran- Aahil by a neck at the post for a Lukasek and his partner edge QATAR SILVER TROPHY PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE schooled colt added a fourth promising first runs last deh), trained by Bader Al close victory, only second this out Soufiane Saadi ridden Sealine (QA), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Carlos Henrique, Al Arabie (FR), Alban Elie De Mieulle, Ronan Thomas, victory to his tally in the month but was much at home Balushi, rounded out the top campaign. Devious Company by half a $45,600 $17,100 1850m run. in the seven furlong Purebred three in the 2200m run under Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Ku- length. Helmed by Ronan Thom- Arabian Maiden Plate. Alberto Sanna. wari’s Pom Malpic (Pomellato Osama Omer Al Dafea’s nant win in the Sealine Sprint on his first two starts in Qa- as, the 4yo colt had little trou- Ronan Thomas guided Mohammed bin Hamad x Havanna Lady) had shown Taxiwala (Holy Roman Em- Trophy (T/B 3yo & older). tar back in January 2020, was ble building a good advantage the 4yo to a comfortable vic- Khalifa Al Attiyah’s Sir Mon- potential when runner up in peror x It’s True) completed Ridden by Ronan Thomas, in the saddle again and along over his rivals to win by two tory with three lengths and a lau (Al Mamum Monlau x Al the Al Biddah Mile (Gr2) back a C&D hat-trick with a domi- who had helmed the gelding with the owner-trained 4yo and a half lengths. quarter to spare. 10 Friday, April 2, 2021 Sports TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha: Riders expecting the rivals to get quicker

Losail International Circuit set as MotoGP returns with excitement TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK for any situation. Anyway, we LOSAIL know we have a good potential and we will try to fix it if we EXPECTATIONS were high cannot go at the maximum. ahead of the season-opening “I think all the riders can Qatar GP and they are even make a step, we will also try higher as MotoGP returns to to make a step. It is very im- Losail International Circuit for portant to improve day by day the TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha and for sure all the riders siting starting Friday (April 2-4). here, and in the top 10, will be On Thursday, the top six in faster. We will try to be a lit- the standings looked ahead to tle bit faster, and we will see. the weekend as last Sunday’s What we can understand is the race winner Maverick Vinales tyre demands are very high, we (Monster Energy Yamaha Mo- need to manage really well and toGP), Johann Zarco (Pramac for sure we will work on that Racing), Francesco Bagnaia during the weekend,” he said. (Ducati Lenovo Team), World One rider who did exactly Maverick Vinales of Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), World Champi- Champion Joan Mir (Team that at Misano was Qatar’s on Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) during the pre-event Suzuki Ecstar), Fabio Quarta- third place finisher Bagnaia. conference for TISSOT Grand Grix of Doha at Losail International Circuit on Thursday. raro (Monster Energy Yamaha A maiden MotoGP po- MotoGP) and Alex Rins (Team dium came the Italian’s way at The Schedule Suzuki Ecstar) explained how the San Marino GP, before he Qatar vs Doha everything may well change. looked set to win the Emilia Ro- Friday Saturday 19:20-19:50: MotoGP: FP4 IT’S the same circuit, but a completely different weekend. The 13:25-14:05: Moto3:FP3 In 2020, we saw five cir- magna GP. Both he and Zarco 13:50-14:30hrs: Moto3: FP1 20:00-20:15: MotoGP: Q1 riders will all – hopefully – nd improvements, some more than 14:45-15:25: Moto2: FP1 14:20-15:00: Moto2:FP3 20:25-20:40: MotoGP: Q2 cuits host back-to-back Grands will be hoping to manage the 15:40-16:25: MotoGP: FP1 15:15-16:00: MotoGP:FP3 Sunday others. It’s going to be another fascinating MotoGP encounter 17:30-17:45: Moto3:Q1 14:40-15:00: Moto3:Warm Up Prix. Only the Circuito de rear tyres better so they can put 18:10-18:50: Moto3:FP2 across Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the desert, with the rst Abdulrahman Al Mannai, Jerez-Angel Nieto witnessed up a fight in the closing stages, 17:55-18:10: Moto3:Q2 15:10-15:30: Moto2: Warm Up premier class track action getting underway with free practice 19:05-19:45: Moto2:FP2 18:25-18:40: Moto2:Q1 15:40-16:00: MotoGP: Warm Up President, Qatar Motor and the same winner twice in a but the duo isn’t worried about 20:00-20:45: MotoGP:FP2 18:50-19:05: Moto2:Q2 17:00: Moto3: Race (18 laps) (FP1) at 15:40 local time (GMT+3). Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) row, giving us an early indica- potentially not winning at a and Losail Circuit Sports Club. tion that Yamaha and Vina- track that is a favoured Ducati need to be fast so let’s see how Aragon. Both missed out on “I expect to change a little tough race because a soon as I les can’t go into this weekend stomping ground. to manage this Sunday. Our a podium last weekend – Mir bit the qualifying or the first overtook Jack, I had good pace QMMF president complacent – and they won’t. “I think it’s as Maverick target is to have more pos- by a matter of metres – but the laps of the race. We were really but I felt the rear tyre drop im- Title-race leader Vinales says, the construction of the sibility to be fast at the end duo also showed, once again, strong in the last part but also, mediately. I slowed down the pleased was quick to suggest that no tyre is always hard to man- of the race like Maverick did, mesmorising Sunday pace. we recovered, we closed a lot pace but automatically my rear weekend is ever the same, and age. My race, staying second, and fight with him or another Mir and Rins did admit that the gaps and also used more tyre was spinning a lot, I think with Qatar’s he expects all of his rivals to me and Pecco and then try to rider, to be able to fight for vic- starting in the front group, or the tyre than normally what that it’s also great because last gain some speed. Therefore, follow Maverick I think helped tory, not just a podium chance. being in the front group from you have to. year in that situation I would hosting of he and Yamaha need to find me a lot to be competitive until “If we don’t get any victo- Lap 1, is essential if they are to “It will be important to have dropped many posi- something extra to stay ahead. the end and even have…. Mir ries in Qatar, we don’t need to win in Doha. start with the first group and tions,” replied El Diablo. MotoGP rounds “No. It’s never perfect, very at the end overtook me, almost be worried because we are so “It was a difficult weekend then manage the race with “I found another way to difficult to be perfect at all the at the end of the last lap and competitive,” continued the because I struggled a lot to them and to see in the last part make a great lap time, with TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tracks,” quipped the Spaniard, this gave me the possibility Frenchman, responding to find the correct feeling with of the race where we are so this braking. Braking so hard but it DOHA dismissing the thought that to overtake him again,” com- whether Ducati should be wor- the front, I was having a lot of is the main goal for the week- was tough. Exit of Turn 6 was his opening race of 2021 was mented Zarco. ried about not winning either problems and this was making end,” he added. one of the worst points but ABDULRAHMAN Al Man- perfect. “We have to improve “For Pecco, I think he race in Qatar. everything really difficult. Fifth place Quartararo also it’s good because I can see the nai, President of the Qatar and do something different his doesn’t want to lead the race Two riders who were able “Hopefully in warm up we admitted that he’s understood data of the winner last week. Motor and Motorcycle Fed- weekend. Not every weekend is again to save the tyres. This to perform well in consecutive found something interesting some things from last Sun- We saw some points where eration (QMMF) and Losail the same, we saw last year that is the key point, the one who weekends, at the same track, and I got the feeling again a day’s outing, with the French- we were really aggressive for Circuit Sports Club, said he when there was two weekends leads the race maybe will have in 2020 were Mir and Rins. bit better, and I was able to man looking to be a smoother nothing, so I think I’ll be a bit was pleased and proud in a row, everything changed more problems in the second Most notably at the Red make a good race,” said the operator in Doha. smoother during the weekend that Qatar is hosting the a lot. So we have to be ready half but at the same time we Bull Ring and MotorLand world champion. “Yeah honestly it was a and I think it will help a lot.” two rounds of the MotoGP championship. Last weekend the new MotoGP season opened at the Losail International Cir- Sparks set to y as MotoGP round two rolls out at Losail cuit with the Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar, which was won by Yamaha rider Mav- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK erick Viniales. From today, LOSAIL the Tissot Grand Prix of Doha will be held. AFTER a barnstormer to wel- Al Mannai said: “It’s ex- come back the world’s fastest ceptional and evidence of motorcycle racing champion- and Losail Circuit Sports ship at Losail International Club’s readiness to suc- Circuit, there’s plenty to look cessfully host the MotoGP forward to on a take two that championship in the cur- sees the grid arrive with one rent climate. We saw very man in the crosshairs: Maver- impressive racing in the first ick Vinales (Monster Energy round, where new circuit re- Yamaha MotoGP). cord was broken. As wins go, Vinales’ first of “We expect the same in the year was definitely a hard- Maverick Vinales of Monster the next round, given the ex- earned one, as well as his sec- Energy Yamaha. perience gained by the teams ond at Losail. From lights out in the first round, which it was an all-Ducati affair at Iwata marque machines. gives them the ability to the front in the initial stages, That included new Mon- make the necessary changes leaving the eventual winner ster Energy Yamaha MotoGP to provide better perfor- with plenty of work to do. But teammate Fabio Quartararo, Another cracker of a contest is expected from the world’s top motorcycle riders at Losail over the weekend. mance on Sunday. that he did, slicing his way and the Frenchman will be Al Mannai praised the through to the front and then having a hard look through the bridging an unexpected gap, Team Gresini, with a nearly his belt is welcome – as it is for impressive gain on take two at cooperation and coordina- pulling the pin. So can those data to see where Viñales had for the newcomers it’s a bless- all-new bike, will be another continuing, temporary team- the same track. tion between the QMMF, he defeated fight back? the edge, as will Jack Miller ing to have another race at the outfit making good use of mate Stefan Bradl. That bodes well for the and Losail Circuit Sports With a race of data and (Ducati Lenovo Team) as the same track. more information. Aleix Es- On the other side of the Doha GP, as does the ability Club and all state institu- a fair few more sessions be- man fastest in testing ended Enea Bastianini (Esponso- pargaro impressed once again coin, Alex Marquez (LCR of Miguel Oliveira to continue tions and agencies in prepar- fore the lights go out, the men the first race in ninth – and rama Racing) starts the second as he ended the race in seventh Honda Castrol) and Takaaki taking to full factory life like a ing for the event, especially closest on the chase – Jo- new teammate Bagnaia put it race weekend of the year as top but only 5.934s off race winner Nakagami (LCR Honda Ide- duck to water. Teammate Brad the Ministry of Health, the hann Zarco (Pramac Racing), on the podium. The wealth of rookie following an impressive Viñales, which is the closest mitsu) will be looking for solid Binder most definitely got his Ministry of Interior, in addi- Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati information is only a positive top ten, and he’ll know what gap to the winner of an Aprilia finishes and points this time elbows out in the first race of tion to Hamad International Lenovo Team) and reigning though, and neither should be went right and what could go in the MotoGP™ era. Can they around, both crashing out in the year too, so it’s not all fall- Airport, the General Author- Champion Joan Mir (Team counted out from a launch up better. Jorge Martin (Pramac equal or even better the best the Qatar GP after a difficult en into place yet but the light ity of Customs, the Supreme Suzuki Ecstar) will be eager the timesheets this time round Racing) will also be able to look result for the Noale factory in time at Losail so far. at the end of the tunnel likely Committee for Projects and to try and bridge that gap or – something Valentino Rossi through the numbers from bikes MotoGP™ of sixth? A difficult time at Losail starts with more track time Legacy and the Ministry of leapfrog Viñales, and Mir es- (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and on the podium, and the Span- The man Aleix Espargaro so far is also true for KTM, to gain more information on Culture and Sports. pecially will take heart from teammate Franco Morbidelli iard will likely also have taken duelled for that seventh place even since they debuted in a circuit that has never been Meanwhile, due to re- an impressive Sunday despite will be looking for too. more than just another glance was another great storyline MotoGP™. Some tracks suit KTM’s best hunting ground. strictions imposed to com- some struggles earlier in the Information is always key, at his stunning race start, gain- too, as it was none other than some better than others, some That track time begins bat the spread of COVID-19 first race weekend of the year. but maybe even more so in the ing ten places in the blink of an his younger brother Pol Espar- tracks are easier to test at and again on Friday as the grids and to ensure the safety What may worry them in Doha Grand Prix. From veter- eye. Repeating that but making garo. The newly-arrived Rep- some tracks saw no premier head back out to battle Losail of everyone, the QMMF Viñales’ pace, however, is that ans outfoxed by teammates to it stick a little longer is the name sol Honda Team rider had a class race action in 2020 just International Circuit, with an- has decided to postpone conditions got worse from Sat- those still adapting or just set- of the game. Luca Marini (Sky solid first outing in a different to add another extra chal- other 25 points on the line as the third round of the Baja urday – Yamaha’s traditional tling into MotoGP™, there’s VR46 Esponsorama) will want shade of orange, and was just lenge. But if we saw one thing the lights go out for the second FIM World Cup 2021 until day of searing pace – but the a lot to learn. For the Millers more too, the Italian’s progress 0.056 off seventh place after from the Austrian factory last stunner of the season at 20:00 further notice. number 12 was able to drop and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki steadier so far. a drag to the line. As he’s con- year, aside from pretty con- on Sunday. It’s advantage everyone, including his fellow Ecstar) of the grid it’s about Meanwhile Aprilia Racing tinuing to adapt, a race under tinual excellence, it was an Vinales, but for how long? Sports Friday, April 2, 2021 11

AMIR CUP VOLLEYBALL: AL ARABI TROUNCE POLICE SC, AL RAYYAN PREVAIL OVER AL AHLI

Al Arabi (in white) defeated Qatar league champions Police SC (In blue) 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-18) in the rst tie of the best-of-three Amir Cup volleyball semi- nal at the QVA Hall yesterday. (Right) In the rst tie of the second semi- nal, Al Rayyan (in black and red) defeated Al Ahli (in green and white) 3-1 (25-17, 27-29, 25-19, 28-25). The second leg of the semi- nals will be played on April 4 and if the teams are tied the, third leg will be played on April 7 to decide the nalists.

Qatar to feature in first West Insipid Germany stunned at Asian e-soccer tournament TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA home by North Macedonia THE Qatar Football Associa- tion (QFA) will participate in DPA back into the game with 20 the first West Asian e-soccer DUISBURG (GERMANY) minutes left when Spain keep- tournament (April 2-4). er Simon came a long way out Teams of Qatar, Kuwait, Ali Salat, Head of Communica- JOACHIM Loew’s final World of his area to chase the ball. Saudi Arabia and the United tions, Qatar Football Association. Cup qualifier as Germany Besar Halimi got to the Arab Emirates (UAE) – who are coach ended in a shock defeat ball first and scored into an members of the International ers in the world, according to to North Macedonia as Eljif unguarded goal with an pre- Federation of Electronic Games the FIFA classification. He has Elmas struck late to give the cise shot from distance. – will take part in the event. competed in more than 20 lo- visitors a 2-1 win in Duisburg. But Spain extended their Youssef Darwish, Rashid cal, regional and international Elmas nudged home from lead once more just five min- Ahmed, Youssef Hani and Jasim competitions. close-range, with the aid of a utes later when substitute Rashid will represent Qatar. Youssef Hani is the fifth best slight deflection, five minutes Gerard Moreno nodded in a The West Asian event is Playstation player in Qatar in from time after veteran Goran corner to make it 3-1. a preparatory tournament the top 150 players from West Pandev had given North Mac- The result leaves Spain top for member associations and Asia (FIFA ranking). He has edonia the lead in first half of Group B with seven points players before they can par- competed in more than 10 local, injury-time. from three games ahead of ticipate in the Asian Nations regional and international com- Ilkay Guendogan levelled Sweden who have a point less Championship to be organized petitions, reaching the semi- from the spot midway through but have a game in hand. by FIFA later this year. finals of the FIFA 20 World Cup the second half and Timo Wer- In the other game in the All e-matches are sched- Middle East Qualifiers. ner mis-kicked a rare chance North Macedonia players celebrate as Germany’s forward Timo Werner walks past after the FIFA World group on Wednesday Greece uled to be broadcast live on the Ali Salat, Head of Com- with the goal at his mercy to Cup Qatar 2022 quali cation match in Duisburg, western Germany on Wednesday. (AFP) drew 1-1 with Georgia. Sweden YouTube channel of the West munications at Qatar Foot- give Germany the lead. host Spain in the next round of Asian Football Federation ball Association, said on But North Macedonia will His farewell continues Enis Bardhi brilliantly con- Spain survived a goalkeeping games on September 2. (WAFF) and on various other Thursday: “The QFA thanks feel their win was deserved, with tune-up against Denmark trolled the ball in the box and blunder to beat Kosovo 3-1 social media accounts. the West Asian Football especially as Emre Can es- on June 2 while his successor crossed to give 37-year-old in Seville on Wednesday and Maguire strikes late as Qatar’s Youssef Darwish Federation for organizing caped a blatant handball in the - as yet undecided - will debut Pandev a tap-in for his 37th move top of World Cup quali- England beat Poland for is considered the second best the first electronic football box and with no video review away to Lichtenstein on Sep- international goal. fying Group B. third straight win Playstation player in Qatar tournament. This event has referee available their protests tember 2 when Germany re- Alioski clipped Leroy Sane Keeper Unai Simon came Harry Maguire volleyed a and among the top 50 play- received great interest from were ignored. sume the path to Qatar 2022. in the box to let Guendogan charging out of his goal in late winner as England beat ers from West Asia (accord- fans around the region.” The win takes North Mac- Leon Goretzka hit the bar level and Germany should hopeless pursuit of a loose Poland 2-1 on Wednesday to ing to the FIFA rankings). He He added: “There is tre- edonia second in Group J on early for Germany and Serge have won the game when Wer- ball ahead of Kosovo’s second make it three victories out of has competed in more than mendous demand for this six points, above Germany Gnabry shot over from a clever ner was set up perfectly only to half goal. But it was incidental three in their World Cup qual- 30 local, regional and interna- kind of event and the youth in on goals scored, three shy of header by Robin Gosens, who duff his shot wide. in the final score as Luis En- ifying games. tional competitions including Qatar are active participants shock leaders Armenia, who was brought into the team on That would have been rique’s side recorded an im- Harry Kane put England the quarter-finals of the West in e-gaming. QFA intends to beat Romania 3-2 to have a the left after injury. cruel on North Macedonia, pressive win. ahead from the penalty spot Zone Regional Qualifiers. organize many tournaments, perfect nine points from the But North Macedonia, who who moments earlier had a Spain took the lead on on 19 minutes at Wembley Rashid Ahmed is the regional or at the Arab level”. opening triple-header. qualified for their maiden fi- stonewall penalty not given for 34 minutes when Dani Olmo after Raheem Sterling was fourth best PlayStation player He added: “This tourna- Iceland won 4-1 at Li- nals at Euro 2020 through the Can’s handball at a corner. curled a right foot shot past felled. in Qatar and among the top ment comes as a great oppor- chtenstein in the other game. Nations League and play-offs, They were not to be denied Samir Ujkani from the edge of Jakub Moder took ad- 100 players from West Asia. tunity to emphasize the im- Loew will end his 15-year were solid and only a quick though and Arijan Ademi’s the area. vantage of a mistake by John He has competed in more than portance of linking football in reign as national coach, which reaction from Marc-Andre ter cut-back was met by Elmas to Ferran Torres doubled the Stones to equalize on 58 min- 20 local, regional and interna- a way that suits the needs and included the World Cup win in Stegen, deputizing in goals secure a famous win. lead two minutes later with a utes but the Manchester City tional competitions. preferences of our youth and 2014, after Euro 2020 delayed for Manuel Neuer, kept out rasping right foot drive cutting defender headed a corner back Jassim Rashid is the best to promote public participa- to summer because of the cor- Ezgjan Alioski’s free kick. Spain cruise to top spot in from the right. for Maguire to lash in the win- Xbox player in Qatar and tion in the most popular game onavirus pandemic. The goal did come when despite keeper clanger Kosovo looked to have got ner five minutes from time. among the top 200 Xbox play- in the world”.

Medvedev sent packing in Miami; Sinner sails into semis Spectators barred from torch relay in Japan

DPA have gone on to top the ATP rankings, An- DPA BERLIN dre Agassi (1990), Lleyton Hewitt (2000), TOKYO Rafael Nadal (2005), Novak Djokovic DANIIL Medvedev’s drought against (2007) and Andy Murray (2007). THE Olympic torch moved to nemesis Roberto Bautista Agut continued Sinner drew high praise from a central Japan on Thursday, after the Miami Open top seed crashed stunned Bublik post-match in Miami. but organizers barred specta- out in the quarter-finals. “He’s not [human]. That’s a fact,” tors from parts of the relay and Medvedev had never beaten Bautista said Bublik. “I asked him if he’s a human the day’s major event marking Agut prior to Wednesday’s showdown - the or not, because for me, it’s very surpris- its arrival amid a spike in coro- world number two upstaged in the 2017 ing that the guy at his age has this mental navirus infections. Maharashtra Open final and last year’s toughness that many, many other players The Nagano prefectural gov- Western & Southern Open quarter-final. don’t have. I called him a robot a couple ernment decided not to allow The Russian star was once again unable of times during the match, but I do it in fans to see the relay of the post- to solve the Bautista Agut riddle, upstaged a very sincere way because he’s a really, poned Tokyo Games in a sec- 6-4, 6-2 at the ATP 1000 tournament. Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain returns a really a great player.” tion of the city of Nagano, which Bautista Agut - the seventh seed and shot to Daniil Medvedev of Russia in their On the women’s side, Canadian Bian- hosted the 1998 Winter Olym- This handout photograph taken and released on March 28, 2021 by oldest player remaining in the draw - quarter- nal match of the Miami Open in ca Andreescu battled to another three-set pics, to prevent a large crowd Tokyo 2020 shows a Japanese torchbearer carrying the Olympic torch broke for a 5-4 lead in the opening set and Florida on Wednesday. (Getty Images/AFP) victory to complete the lineup of semi-fi- from gathering after it raised its on a boat during the torch relay in the eastern city of Tochigi. (AFP) never looked back against the 2021 Aus- nalists. In two hours and 36 minutes, the own coronavirus alert level. tralian Open runner-up. face Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of No.8 seed beat Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-4, Ahead of the start of the the virus. the COVID-19 pandemic. The only player in the last eight to the Miami Open. 3-6, 6-3. torch relay in Fukushima on Japanese organizers and Meanwhile, Osaka Gover- have reached the quarter-final stage pre- Italian Sinner proved too good for Al- “After the first set, I was honestly so March 25, organizers decided the International Olym- nor Hirofumi Yoshimura said viously, Bautista Agut continued where he exander Bublik 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in the day’s tired, but we both fought really hard,” An- to encourage people to watch pic Committee decided last on Thursday the torch relay left off in the second, making Medvedev early match. dreescu said on-court after the match. the event online and ask road- month to prohibit overseas should be cancelled in the city, uncomfortable as he booked a spot in the Sinner, 19, became just the eighth “She’s an incredible fighter. I have no side spectators to wear masks spectators from attending the largest in western Japan, semi-finals. teenager to reach the semi-finals in the idea how I pushed through, but I fought as and not to shout or cheer to this summer’s Tokyo Olym- as the region has seen an in- Spanish veteran Bautista Agut will tournament’s history - five of those men hard as I could and I’m super happy.” curb the potential spread of pics and Paralympics due to creasing number of infections. 12 Friday, April 2, 2021 Nation HBKU College of Law examines legal compliance of Qatar’s sports events e discussion highlighted the broad inuence of legal norms in reshaping major sport events across the world

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK anti-doping, and labour rights. International Labour Organisa- DOHA The session examined the A major theme from the tion, Doha; and Zachary Calo, treaties, rules, regulations, session was the need for trans- professor at the College of Law, THE College of Law at Hamad and norms that govern parency, integrity, and good HBKU, who teaches a course on Bin Khalifa University (HBKU prestigious sporting compe- governance, both as to the Sports Law. HBKU College of Law) recently held a webinar titions against the back- games and the environment in Law Dean Susan L Karamanian titled ‘Legal Compliance and which they are hosted. A sec- chaired the session. Major Sports Events’ focusing ground of the broad spec- ond overriding lesson is that Speaking after the event, on international legal stand- trum of legal challenges for major sports events have the Dean Karamanian said: “Ma- ards as they relate to major governing bodies, public potential to build an economic, jor sports events involve many sports events such as the Olym- agencies, and other stake- social, and environmental leg- participants and spectators, pics, FIFA World Cup and the holders. The discussion acy. The session identified the along with substantial invest- Asian Games. drivers of this legacy. ment, whether from the host The session highlighted specifically broke down the The panel featured Nicola city or country as well as the how sports, which were tra- complexities of regulating Bonucci, managing director, private sector. The issues dis- ditionally self-regulated, have anti-corruption, anti-doping, Global Trade and Investigations cussed in the HBKU Law fo- become subject to intense le- and labour rights and White Collar Defence, Paul rum, including ones related to gal scrutiny. It examined the Hastings LLP (Paris) and the procurement, labour reform, treaties, rules, regulations, and for governing bodies, public previous legal director of the sustainability and legacy, are norms that govern prestigious agencies, and other stakehold- Organisation for Economic De- highly relevant to Qatar as sporting competitions against ers. The discussion specifically velopment (OECD); Alix Nasri, it prepares to host the FIFA the background of the broad broke down the complexities technical specialist, Labour World Cup 2022 and other ma- spectrum of legal challenges of regulating anti-corruption, Migration and Employment, jor sports events.” Qatar Post launches commemorative Sensory rooms to provide safe space for Qatari stamp of FIFA WC Qatar 2022 fans with special needs at WC stadiums TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE ability to enjoy a match in a fun and exciting environment is one of the many pleasures for football fans. Yet, for people with cognitive disabilities, experiencing games and the stadium atmosphere can pose certain challenges. With the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world set to take place in less than two years, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) initiative to ensure the tournament is acces- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the rich history of football in Qatar. ficial FIFA milestones including the sible to all fans, regardless of their DOHA The issues will also include VIP fold- opening and closing ceremonies. disability, has seen the creation of ers, first-day covers as well as com- The FIFA World Cup stamp is- sensory rooms in stadium skybox- the sensory room prior to, dur- ful to our local service providers in QATAR Postal Services Company memorative stamp sets, bringing to sues programme is an opportunity es. Ahead of World Autism Aware- ing and after the match, allowing the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, (Qatar Post) has signed a licence life Qatar Post’s innovative designs for Qatar Post, as the national postal ness Day on April 2, qatar2022.qa them extra time to acclimatise to Qatar Foundation’s Renad and Aw- agreement with FIFA, the interna- using state-of-the-art augmented re- service provider, to showcase Qatar takes a closer look at this impor- their new surroundings and avoid saj and the Ontario Centre for Spe- tional governing body of football, to ality technology for the enjoyment of as the host of the FIFA World Cup tant project. crowds when entering and leav- cial Needs for their partnership in be the provider of Qatari stamps for customers. 2022, as well as Qatar’s history and Sensory rooms provide a safe ing the stadium. The fans, who making the sensory room initiative the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. “Qatar Post and FIFA are proud culture as a sporting nation. Cur- space for fans with neurobehav- were mostly children, were able a reality. Under the licence agreement Qa- that the first official stamp issue will rently, Qatar Post is also in the pro- ioural needs to retreat to during a to enjoy an interactive projector, “Football is more popular than tar Post will issue a programme of also be the first FIFA World Cup cess of collaborating with other FIFA match and enjoy proceedings in a soft toys and beanbags in a super- ever in Qatar and fans who invest eleven stamp issues during 2021 to 2022 Official Licensed Product to licensees to bring new and exciting space that is fitted with equipment vised environment while having in their club should be able to watch 2022, starting with the launch of the reach costomers in Qatar,” Qatar high-quality products for the benefit designed to engage the senses, such the opportunity to step out into their favourite team play, with equal first stamp featuring the Official Em- Post said in a press statement. of customers in Qatar and across the as controlled lighting, interactive the stadium and enjoy the football opportunity to attend, participate blem of the FIFA World Cup Qatar The stamp issues will document world. projections and different toys. from a row of dedicated seats. This and contribute to the atmosphere. 2022 on April 1, 2021. Qatar’s rich heritage in hosting ma- Qatar Post invites customers and First piloted during the 2017 modified environment created an By designing special services like The stamps are designed to cel- jor football events, the history of collectors in Qatar and around the Amir Cup final at Khalifa Inter- inviting and stimulating internal stadium sensory rooms, our goal of ebrate each stage of the preparation football in Qatar, the history of the world to enjoy this stamp issue as national Stadium, the project atmosphere adjacent to the stands making football accessible to all is leading up to the FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums and part of the celebration of the FIFA was also delivered successfully at where users of the room could in- on course to being fulfilled for next in 2022, in addition to recognising moving on to highlight a string of of- World Cup Qatar 2022. Al Janoub Stadium for the 2019 teract with the crowd at their own year’s World Cup and beyond.” Amir Cup final and most recently pace. Future events such as the up- at Education City Stadium for the “Our efforts with the sensory coming FIFA Arab Cup in Decem- FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 rooms have provided valuable ber will provide further opportuni- final between Bayern Munich and feedback to our aims of providing ties for the SC to develop the sensory Ooredoo expands access to 5G network Tigres UANL. a safe space for fans with cognitive room initiative and ensure that all During those match days, fans disabilities in our stadiums,” said fans can look forward to experienc- with neurobehavioural needs and Samantha Sifah, the SC’s Head of ing football’s showpiece event when further with latest Samsung smartphone their families were able to access Fan Engagement. “We are thank- it takes place in Qatar in 2022.

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK lighted to be expanding, yet again, DOHA the range of devices with which our customers can access our incred- OOREDOO, Qatar’s leading tel- ible 5G network and experience the ecommunications operator and the full potential of this next-generation region’s 5G pioneer, has announced technology. Our goal is complete that Samsung’s latest 5G-enabled customer satisfaction, and leverag- smartphone is now available for ing innovation and technology to purchase. tinct colourways. achieve this goal is a key component The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G The new Samsung Galaxy A52 of our corporate strategy. By bring- smartphone is 5G-enabled and 5G smartphone is available for QR1, ing this new Samsung smartphone comes with 128GB of memory and 679 through Ooredoo’s digital chan- to our customers in Qatar, we will be 8GB of RAM, as well as access to nels and retail stores. able to provide even more of them Ooredoo’s groundbreaking 5G net- Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Direc- with the best of the internet, enrich- work. The device comes in three dis- tor PR at Ooredoo, said: “We’re de- ing their digital lives.” VCUarts Qatar students and alumna capture GWC’s corporate spirit in paintings

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK interior design company tasked synergistic opportunity that If completing 29 paintings DOHA with fitting out the interiors of presented itself when cooperat- under a tight deadline is a chal- the new GWC regional centre, ing with the artists from the VC- lenge for most – following the STUDENTS and an alumna to create artwork for their cli- Uarts Qatar community.” eight weeks spent in conceptu- from the Department of Paint- ent. Over a series of meetings Following the initial meet- alisation, the execution process ing + Printmaking (PAPR) at with the design company, and ings, Yigit reached out to Awad itself was wrapped up in 20 Virginia Commonwealth Uni- then with the marketing and and Aslem. Before beginning days – it was more so for Aslem versity School of the Arts in communications team and the paintings, the trio created and Yigit, who, as full-time Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) helped leadership of GWC, Yigit famil- the frame-mounted canvases students, had to balance their capture Gulf Warehousing iarised herself with the creative meant for each artwork, from course work with the project. Company’s (GWC) corporate proposal and conceptually de- scratch – including procuring The experience, according to culture and vision in a series of veloped the paintings over eight the best canvas material availa- Aslem, gave her “a taste of what bespoke artwork for their new weeks. ble locally from Souq Waqif, and it was like to build a career in a Regional Centre at Ras Bufon- “The brief that GWC pro- then manipulating them onto creative profession”. tas Free Zone recently. vided was quite specific,” ex- purpose-built wooden frames. “On a broader level – and Ece Yigit and Alice Aslem, plains Yigit. “The artwork had “Having artwork in work- thanks to the support of our two PAPR students, and Salma to be in the form of paintings. spaces has a huge positive im- Professor Michael Perrone who Awad, a PAPR alumna, created Most of these paintings had to pact on one’s mood, productiv- guided us throughout the pro- 29 paintings for various sec- be abstract, complementing the tics provider of the FIFA World marketing and communication is a part of our vision for foster- ity and wellbeing,” says Awad, cess – we were introduced to tions of GWC’s office including interior decor and incorporat- Cup Qatar 2022. It was a pro- director, further elaborated on ing the drive and tenacity to in- who recently participated in the commercial aspects of crea- the main reception lobby, meet- ing GWC’s corporate culture cess which, thanks to VCUarts the project. novate and deliver. Qatar Museum’s Jedariart pub- tive processes, such as drawing ing rooms and various locations and vision. Qatar – where learning to inter- “GWC strives to create an “For this specific project, lic art initiative, and in an art up proposals and quotations, within the building. “The company also wanted pret a brief and create artwork environment of productivity we wanted to incorporate the workshop for those with differ- discussing budgets, overseeing Yigit, due to her experi- a few paintings in a more real- based on specific requirements and creativity throughout our local and national character, ing abilities. To be able to work logistics including the packag- ence in collaborating with local istic style; these were meant to of a client was part of our PAPR locations and operations,” she while reflecting the intent and with a team, and that too, for ing and transporting of finished fit-out companies for custom- highlight the positioning of the curriculum – we were familiar says. “To this end, we support capabilities of our new GWC the official logistics provider for pieces, and how to build a two- ised artwork, was initially ap- company as a regional leader in with.” local talent and youth develop- regional centre at Ras Bufontas the upcoming world cup, was a way communication channel be- proached by 1000 Walls, an logistics and as the official logis- Jawaher Al Khuzaei, GWC’s ment, whenever possible. This Free Zone. The result was this special experience.” tween us and a corporate client. The Last Word Friday, April 2, 2021 13

AMIR AWARDS CAMEL RACE WINNERS

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday attended the nal four rounds of the annual festival of the purebred Arab camel race for His Highness’ Sword for the 2020-2021 season, which took place at Al Shahaniya Race- track. The Amir awarded the winners of the four main nal rounds for camels of Their Excellencies sheikhs with golden symbols, with ‘Mardia’ receiving the golden sword, ‘Samha’ the golden shalfa, and ‘Mazaal’ and ‘Al Shahm’ the golden daggers. The Amir also crowned the silver sword on Nasser Abdullah Al Misnad, owner of ‘Fann’, after he won the sons of tribes competition held on Wednesday. He also recognised the festival’s sponsors. The races and awards ceremony was attended by Their Excellencies sheikhs, tribe members and fans of the sport. (QNA) Qatar and UK expand defence partnership

QNA DOHA

QATAR, represented by the Amiri Air Force, and the United Kingdom, represented by the Royal Air Force, have signed a memorandum of understand- ing (MoU) aimed at expanding the current partnership between both air forces. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Attiyah attends proactive Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mo- hammed Al Attiyah and Brit- ish Defense Secretary Ben ghting system course Wallace. The MoU includes joint training between the Qatari graduation ceremony Amiri Air Force and the Brit- ish Royal Air Force on the Hawk squadron, in addition QNA tronage and in the presence Ghanim. to utilizing Voyager aircraft to DOHA of Deputy Prime Minister and A group of officers and of- provide air-to-air refueling for Minister of State for Defense ficer cadets from some units of Qatari forces aircraft. QATAR Armed Forces, Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mo- the armed forces, along with Al Attiyah said the agree- Miqdam Self-Defense Center, hammed Al Attiyah. the Lekhwiya force, participat- ment is an important step celebrated the graduation of The graduation ceremony ed in the course, which aims to in the ever growing military the founding course No 1 for was also attended by Chief develop combat efficiency. partnership that joins Qatari the proactive fighting system of Staff of the Armed Forces The ceremony was attend- Amiri Air Force and British (PFS) at the National Service HE Lieutenant General (Pi- ed by a number of senior offic- Royal Air Force. Academy camp, under the pa- lot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al ers of the armed forces. The joint Hawk training squadron is an integral com- ponent in increasing inter- operability and coordination between both airforces, lead- ing to closer cooperation and alignment in future military and peacekeeping efforts. The British Defence Sec- retary said that collaboration with their international al- lies is necessary to “tackle out shared security challenges and our long-standing relationship been chosen to base the his- vanced training for pilots of squadron, this partnership with Qatar exemplifies this”. toric second UK-Qatari joint the Qatari Amiri Air Force will deepen the defence rela- “By working together we squadron, which recognizes and the Royal Air Force, and tions between the two coun- continue to share skills and the globally-held high regard a Voyager aircraft is expected tries, and will enhance the expertise whilst promot- of RAF flying training,” he to arrive in Qatar in early July ability of the two countries to ing global security and driv- said. 2021. face common security chal- ing prosperity at home. I’m It is noteworthy that the Along with the success lenges in the region and con- delighted RAF Leeming has squadron will provide ad- of the joint Typhoon No. 12 tribute to its stability.

Qatar sees 840 new COVID-19 IPA plans helped overcome COVID-19 challenges: Official cases and 423 QNA cies. Two scientific meetings have also been sent, and an reason for not attending. talent to do so. recoveries DOHA for department directors, introductory film about reg- He emphasised that the The Director-General assistant managers, and de- istration and remote partici- general training plan re- said at the conclusion of his TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ABDULAZIZ Al Majali, partment heads are part of pation details has been pub- sponds to the needs of vari- talk with QNA that 2020 was DOHA Director-General of the In- the overall training plan. lished. ous authorities, and that the a difficult filled with chal- stitute of Public Adminis- This year, it is expected that He said that in parallel The training plan for 2021 most important pillars of its lenges, given that it was im- QATAR on Thursday reported tration at the Ministry of approximately 16650 people with that, experts at the in- includes 1110 training preparation were the state’s portant not to stop the train- 840 coronavirus (COVID-19) Administrative Develop- from various government stitute were trained to im- general directions and strat- ing process, and stay abreast cases -- 746 from community ment, Labour, and Social agencies will participate in plement remote training, programs, 676 of which are egy, as well as the results of of developments and deal and 94 from travellers return- Affairs, has said that the the programmes. There are and the need to ensure qual- administrative, 378 are the training needs survey. with the challenges. ing from abroad, the Ministry institute’s plans for the cur- programmes that will be ity through interaction and specialised training, and 56 According to Al Majali, He noted that the COV- of Public Health (MoPH) has rent year have overcome the provided physically, while making tests at the end of are special training the institute serves sev- ID-19 pandemic forced a said. challenges it faced last year others will be provided re- each day was emphasised to programs, which were eral functions, the majority change on the 2020 train- Also, 423 people recovered as a result of the COVID-19 motely, as well as programs measure the level of knowl- of which are related to the ing plan, resulting in a stop- from the virus in the past 24 pandemic. that will be held during the edge and provide activities, submitted to ve implementation of special start training activity for hours, bringing the total num- In an interview with Qa- morning and evening hours exercises and training cases government agencies workshops for graduate stu- more than two months from ber of recoveries in Qatar to tar News Agency (QNA), he of the employee’s choosing. appropriately. dents, such as a program March to June. 164,544. said the institute will pro- The Director-General He added that a require- that provides graduates with He said that some rever- The ministry reported vide more virtual training, added that they decided ment is to have a govern- the necessary qualifications sion to normal activities only four new deaths, aged 34, 36, with additional training to to use Microsoft Teams to ment email for the employee ployees’ awareness of the to prepare them for the la- occurred at the beginning of 44, and 81, who were receiv- be provided once life returns implement remote train- on the training portal within importance of training in de- bor market. It familiarises June, with virtual training ing the necessary medical to normal. ing programmes, and that a the Mawared system to par- veloping knowledge, skills, graduates with Human Re- starting at the beginning of care. He said the ministry is- monthly plan was prepared ticipate in remote training and job performance. He sources Law and Qatari La- September. The MoPH said a total of sued a training plan for the for the programs that would programs. also stated that any trainee bor Law, as well as impor- He noted that the insti- 842,000 COVID-19 vaccine year 2021, which includes be implemented remotely, In terms of trainee par- who fails to attend the train- tant CV preparation tips and tute was able during 2020 doses have been administered 1,110 training programs, in- with invitations sent to em- ticipation in training pro- ing program is notified via the skills needed to make a to hold 917 training pro- since the start of the National cluding 676 administrative ployees to register in the grammes, Al Majali empha- text message, along with his good impression in job in- grammes and train 12,000 COVID-19 Vaccination Pro- training programs, 378 spe- programmes through the hu- sised that there is a high employer. The trainee would terviews. and 123 employees. gramme. As many as 25,516 cialized training programs, man resources departments level of cooperation and also be barred from attend- He went on to say that he Training programs were vaccine doses have been ad- and 56 special training pro- of government agencies. commitment on the part of ing the same training pro- strongly believes in the im- in generally focused on the ministered in the past 24 grams, which were submit- Instructions for regis- the trainees. He attributed gram for the rest of the year portance of training Qatari field of preparing trainees hours alone. ted to five government agen- tration in the programmes some of this to Qatari em- unless he or she provided a cadres and relying on Qatari for their career paths.