BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR | Page 3 QNB posts full-year Qatar Airways net profi t of QR12bn earns highest in 2020, operating ‘Diamond Standard’ income up by 1% status in global Covid-19 audit published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11792 January 13, 2021 Jumada I 29, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Greek PM congratulates Sheikh Joaan meets IJF president Amir on GCC Summit outcome, reconciliation His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim Qmic launches bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday received a telephone call from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which he congratulated the Amir on the Gulf reconciliation and DriveSafe mobile the positive outcomes of the 41st session of the Supreme Council of the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). During platform to track the call, they reviewed the bilateral relations and means to enhance them in various domains. 930 vehicles cross users’ behaviour

Abu Samra border s part of its mandate to en- A total of 930 vehicles crossed able smart and safe living, Qa- the Abu Samra border in the first Atar Mobility Innovations Centre three days after the Land Customs (Qmic) has launched its latest mobile Department counters there resumed platform “DriveSafe.” work, the General Authority of This is an addition to Qmic’s wide Customs (GAC) said. A total of 835 suite of Intelligent Mobility Solutions vehicles crossed the border into addressing various local and regional Saudi Arabia, while 95 entered challenges, and one of many technolo- Qatar in the said period, according gies that help in improving road safety DriveSafe App to figures released by the GAC and achieving Qmic’s continuing ini- yesterday. The GAC resumed its tiative “roadmap to zero.” Users may also look into helpful tips Customs procedures for receiving DriveSafe, available for free on iOS and guidance about improving their travellers from both sides in and Android, aims at measuring cer- driving behaviour through the ‘Driving co-ordination with its partners in HE the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, yesterday met with tain driving behaviours and giving us- Tips’ section on the app. The content government agencies operating at International Judo Federation (IJF) president Marius Vizer who is currently visiting Doha to attend the IJF Doha ers a score based on their frequency is set to become more dynamic and in- Abu Samra on January 9. Page 12 Masters, Qatar News Agency reported. During the meeting, they reviewed sports co-operation between the two during a trip. The app measures four teractive in future editions of the app, parties and means of boosting it. HE Sheikh Joaan welcomed Vizer, noting the fruitful and deep relations between the driving behaviours or violations: where each user may have customised Colombo QVC to Qatari and international federations. He thanked the federation for the significant role it plays in developing the game Harsh acceleration, harsh braking, tips specifi cally addressing their be- and increasing its popularity around the world, aff irming that Qatar will continue supporting judo at all levels, in close overspeeding and severe overspeeding. haviour on the road. reopen on Jan 20 co-operation with the IJF. In turn, Vizer expressed satisfaction with the visit to Doha and the meeting of Qatari sports Each of them is considered to be unsafe This is the fi rst phase of this plat- The Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) in off icials, praising the international sporting status of Qatar and the organisational and technical level of the IJF Doha driving behaviours that may endanger form’s launch. DriveSafe is structured Colombo, Sri Lanka, will resume its Masters. Sport Page 1 lives on the road. to be an integral part of users’ daily operations from January 20, the trips, encouraging safety but also re- Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said. warding good driving behaviours. Fu- In a tweet yesterday, the MoI said ture iterations of this platform will booking of appointments to visit encourage safe driving behaviour by the centre will start today through rewarding users who score consistent- the QVC website, https://www. ly good results with various rewards, qatarvisacenter.com. QVCs have MME signs deal to set up including discounts and off ers. Qmic, been opened in diff erent countries together with its strategic partners, as part of the Qatari authorities’ will work a rewarding mechanism that eff orts to facilitate and streamline rewards safe driving behaviour, which procedures for bringing expatriates self-storage container city will hopefully encourage the rise of to Qatar. The Colombo centre was more safety-conscious drivers. inaugurated in October 2018 and Omar al-Jaber, Qmic’s head of Stra- was the first overseas QVC to open. QNA be operational in the first half of future in line with the emerging re- Omar al-Jaber tegic Partnerships & Outreach, said: Doha 2021. The aim is to provide logisti- quirements. “We fi rmly believe DriveSafe will help Qatargas ship-to-ship cal services related to distribution, The project includes buildings DriveSafe aims to measure and alert drastically in improving their safety storage and compensation for vio- for workers and observation, paved users when any of these violations oc- and enhance their driving perform- transfer of LNG cargo he Ministry of Municipal- lating stores that are to be removed roads, a fuel station, a loading and cur. This will enable users to better un- ance on the road. Our users are now Qatargas yesterday announced ity and Environment (MME) from farms and unqualified areas; unloading area, docks, a renewable derstand the situations which may cause able to see the full picture of their driv- the completion of the first-ever Tsigned a 10-year contract using government lands to provide energy generation plant, a service them react in an unsafe manner, and thus ing habits by tracking over-speeding, commercial ship-to-ship (STS) transfer yesterday to establish and operate a areas for storing camping equip- and maintenance centre, and space become more conscious of their actions, harsh acceleration/deceleration, ex- of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) self-storage container city project ment, bicycles, and machinery; to for future expansion. and hopefully, become safer drivers. cessive overspeeding and other bad cargo involving a Q-Flex LNG vessel. in the Bojoud area on Al Majd Road ensure that hygiene requirements MME’s Technical Offi ce manager Each trip will have an overall trip driving habits that can compromise The transfer took place at Subic Bay, opposite Birkat Al Awamer with are not violated after the end of Tariq Juma al-Tamimi explained score out of fi ve, based on the frequen- safety. After each trip, users can review Philippines. A full cargo of 212,000 Continental Commercial Company, the camping season and related there is a general tendency within the cy of these violations. Scores are then their overall score to see whether it cu m aboard the Qatargas-chartered in the presence of HE the Minister equipment is not left in residential ministry to involve the private sector complied into visual reports that can went up or down which ideally creates vessel ‘Mesaimeer’ was loaded at Ras of Municipality and Environment neighbourhoods or open lands; and in its projects to achieve the highest provide users with valuable insights a positive reinforcement. We will work Laff an Port on December 18, 2020 Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al- achieving a return on investment possible benefi t to society while en- about their driving behaviour as well as to form several national strategic part- and delivered as two separate parcel Subaie. return and providing a distinctive couraging and opening investment enabling them to track their perform- nerships to prepare for the next phase discharges. Business Page 1 The container city is expected to service that can be developed in the fi elds. To Page 7 ance over time. of this platform ”

Oman sultan’s eldest son QM makes new discovery in Asaila archaeological site becomes fi rst crown prince he Department of Archaeol- tion and dietary habits of people ogy at Qatar Museums (QM) who lived in this region in ancient Thas announced the discovery of times. he eldest son of Oman’s sultan new archaeological remains in Asaila, “The recent discovery at Asaila became the fi rst crown prince located west of Qatar, about 12km paves the way for a deeper under- Tin the country’s history yes- east of Umm Bab and said to be one of standing of past civilisations, which terday as the Gulf state published a the oldest archaeological sites in the will in turn enable QM to trace the new “fundamental law” stipulating country. infl uences they have had on shaping the line of succession. The initial excavation took place at Qatar’s heritage. We are honoured to The announcement was made a burial mound, dating back between be able to carry out this important through the Twitter account of the 300 BCE and 300 CE, according to a archaeological work to support the government’s communications offi ce. QM statement yesterday. preservation of Qatar’s history and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq had is- Although the tombs themselves had traditions,” QM CEO Ahmad Musa al- sued a decree on Monday setting a been robbed already in antiquity, a Namla said. “specifi c and stable mechanism” for team from the Department of Archae- Commenting on this finding, Fais- succession, providing for the ap- ology was able to uncover the remains al al-Naimi, director of the Depart- pointment of a crown prince for the Haitham’s eldest son is Dhi Yazan of important individuals, who were ment of Archaeology at QM, said: fi rst time. bin Haitham (pictured), currently buried on top of a plateau in large and “Excavation is one of the Depart- Offi cial media did not mention the minister for culture, sports and the carefully constructed burial mounds ment of Archaeology’s key focus ar- name of the crown prince, but Sultan youth. (AFP) together with personal items such as eas. Qatar’s sites and burial mounds a sword, metal tools and a golden ear- tell the stories of its past inhabitants. ring. Our work at Asaila is part of a wider Kuwaiti cabinet members resign The sacrifi cial burial of a camel and plan to be implemented over several its calf was found in a stone chamber years to uncover burial mounds in the The Kuwaiti government ministers Hamad Jaber al-Ali al-Sabah and the attached to one of the human graves. country, which will provide invalu- submitted their resignations yesterday ministers who tendered resignation The human remains will be subject able insights about how people lived to Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled of all the cabinet members, as a result to advanced palaeoanthropological on this land in the past. The findings al-Hamad al-Sabah. Kuwait News of current developments regarding and molecular analyses, including the from the excavation will contrib- Agency (KUNA) reported that the the relation between the National study of ancient genetic material. ute to preserving and documenting prime minister met with Deputy Prime Assembly and the government, and QM noted that the process is Qatari heritage, and linking it to the Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh what national interest warrants. aimed at understanding the migra- present day.” To Page 12 QM off icials during the excavation at Asaila. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 QATAR

Kosovo FM meets Qatar’s envoy FM receives message from Mali FM meets Qatar’s envoy Sudanese foreign minister

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Moham- ed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani received yesterday a written message from the Acting Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Sudan Omar Gammar-Eddin, pertaining Minister of Foreign Aff airs and Diaspora of Kosovo Meliza Haradinaj-Stublla met to bilateral relations and ways to enhance and develop them. HE the Minister The Minister of Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation of Mali yesterday with non-resident ambassador of Qatar to Kosovo, Ali bin Hamad of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi received the message Zeini Moulaye met yesterday with Qatar’s ambassador to Mali Ahmed al-Marri. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral co-operation and issues of during his meeting with ambassador of Sudan to Qatar Abd al-Rahim al-Siddig Abdulrahman al-Sunaidi. The meeting reviewed aspects of bilateral co- joint interest. Mohamed. operation and issues of mutual concern.

MoTC collecting data to develop Freight Master Plan

he Ministry of Transport QFMP aims to establish modern infrastructure for freight industry and Communications across country as part of integrated transportation system T(MoTC) is currently con- sidering the Qatar Freight Master Plan (QFMP), which is expected to junctions using cameras, meas- country as part of an integrated It is also preparing a freight route be fi nalised by the end of 2022. The uring trip duration on existing transportation system in such a designing guidebook and setting MoTC is at the stage of collecting roads, classifying the vehicles — way that upgrades the culture and systems and policies relating to data and conducting relevant sur- including all types of trucks, and service of freight in Qatar to the freight, its modes and work hours veys and questionnaires, accord- conducting surveys and question- best global standards and practices on well-considered routes in such ing to a statement yesterday. naires with employers and staff of in terms of traffi c safety and least a way that meets the expectations This eff ort includes collecting construction, logistics, heavy and possible environmental imprint, of developers and freight compa- a wide range of freight-related light transportation and freight the statement explains. nies in Qatar. information on origins, routes services companies, as well as with It will also contribute to eco- Additionally, the project is es- and destinations of freight move- harbours countrywide and Hamad nomic and urban growth and an tablishing an electronic GIS and ments, the fl ow rate of trucks at International Airport. improved road freight for people assistive smart applications to be major junctions, as well as other Based on this information, a and visitors of Qatar, thus meet- used by all the bodies concerned in qualitative and quantitative data traffi c model that simulates the ing the Qatar National Vision 2030 Qatar until 2050. on the performance of the freight reality can be developed supported objectives for sustainability, grow- Upon completing the stage of industry across Qatar in general, by an enhanced capability for un- ing economic productivity, social data collection and surveys, a spe- the ministry has said in a state- derstanding how variables are im- equity and liveable neighbour- cialised MoTC team will embark ment. pacting freight activity until 2050, hoods. on an integrated and sustainable Field surveys are being con- as well as the latest techniques This project is developing plans design for all freight modes, devel- ducted to collect data needed to deployed in the freight and deliv- for freight routes across the coun- op a freight route designing guide- develop the QFMP. Extensive data ery industry. The QFMP aims to try, be them private or joint. The book and develop relevant policies will be collected through traffi c establish a modern infrastructure aim is to reduce the impact of for the miscellaneous freight net- counts on roads, traffi c counts on for the freight industry across the freight traffi c on road congestion. works and systems. The MoTC is at the stage of collecting data and conducting relevant surveys and questionnaires. Sidra Medicine appoints Dr Barbro Friden as CEO

idra Medicine, a Qatar Founda- personalised patient experience with tion entity, has appointed Dr Bar- excellent medical outcomes built on a Sbro Friden as its chief executive strong research foundation of precision offi cer. She has extensive experience in medicine.” both the public and private healthcare Dr Friden is well recognised within sectors in Sweden and the Middle East. her fi eld having won ‘Leader of the Year’, Prior to joining Sidra Medicine, Dr a national award in Sweden in 2015 as Friden was the CEO of Sheikh Kha- well as ‘Infl uencer of the Year’ in 2014, lifa Medical City in Ajman and before a life science business national award. that, the CEO of Sahlgrenska University Dr Friden sits on the board on a variety Hospital, Scandinavia’s largest teaching of government and commercial boards hospital. Dr Barbro Friden related to healthcare including a leading She was previously the hospital di- medtech company and Sophiahemmet, rector of the Children’s Hospital at tremendous asset to our patient care a non-profi t healthcare provider under Karolinska University Hospital in Swe- model as we embark on strengthening royal stewardship that conducts educa- den. and expanding our services in Qatar. We tion, healthcare and research. Mohamed Khalid al-Mana, manag- look forward to Dr Friden’s stewardship Dr Friden received her medical de- ing director and member of the Board of over the next chapter of our journey gree from Umea University in Sweden, Governors at Sidra Medicine said: “We towards achieving our overall vision of specialising in obstetrics and gynaecol- are delighted to have Dr Barbro Friden becoming a beacon of learning, discov- ogy with a subspeciality in reproduc- join us at Sidra Medicine. ery and exceptional care.” tive medicine and IVF. She was also a “Her leadership experience in ob- Dr Friden noted: “Together with our visiting research fellow in reproductive stetrics and gynaecology and experi- diverse multidisciplinary teams, I look medicine at the University of Califor- ence in having led women’s and chil- forward to building on Sidra Medicine’s nia. She holds a PhD in Medicine from dren’s hospitals in Sweden will be a legacy of providing quality care and a Gothenburg University.

MME receives ISO certification

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Customer Service Department and the Unified Call Center, has become one of the first government entities in Qatar to obtain the ISO/10002/2018 Certificate for resolving complaints and customer satisfaction. Hamad bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi, director of the Customer Service Department and the Unified Call Center, said the certification reflects the commitment of the MME regarding its quality policy and ensuring the implementation of its mission and vision. Seen in the picture is Hamad bin Ahmed al-Mohannadi receiving the ISO certificate. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 3 QATAR

Indonesia vice-president, Qatar’s ambassador in virtual meeting Ahlibank names Al Rabeh QR2.022mn mega winner

hlibank has announced the win- ner of the December 2020 mega Acash prize Al Rabeh Savings Scheme QR2.022mn draw. Mona M al-Khayyat was the winner of the draw, conducted under the presence of a representative of the Ministry of Com- merce and Industry and Hassan al-Sai, who informed the winner of her big win. Al-Khayyat said: “I was very happy when I received a call from Hassan al-Sai to inform me that I was the winner of the Al Rabeh De- cember 2020 mega cash prize of QR2.022mn ing at building long-term relationships with scheme.” To save and win big with Al Rabeh prize. I have been a customer for over 25 our clients by providing the right products Savings Scheme, visit any Ahlibank branch years and have been extremely satisfi ed with and services. Al Rabeh Savings Scheme is a located across the country with a valid Qa- Ahlibank. The prize will help me diversify savings accounts with customers having a tari ID or passport. Vice-President of Indonesia Ma’ruf Amin met with ambassador of Qatar to Indonesia Fauziya bint my investments as I look to the future.” chance to enter the monthly and quarterly To learn more about the Al Rabeh Savings Edrees Salman al-Sulaiti. The meeting took place via video conference. The meeting reviewed Ahlibank Deputy CEO--Business Sup- draws. Our vision is to be a bank at the heart Scheme, visit any branch, call the contact bilateral co-operation and issues of joint interest. port, Services & Human Recourses Mo- of community and therefore we have cre- centre at 4420 5222, or visit www.ahlibank. hamed al-Namla said, “We are always look- ated the Al Rabeh as a ‘best in class’ savings com.qa. Qatar Airways conferred ‘Diamond Standard’ in global Covid-19 audit atar Airways has achieved National carrier achieves Airline Passenger Experience Association’s latest safety ment (PPE) for cabin crew ‘Diamond Standard’ in the benchmark following assessment of its robust Covid-19 hygiene, safety standards and a complimentary protec- QAirline Passenger Experi- tive kit and disposable face ence Association’s (Apex) Health shields for passengers. Busi- Safety Powered by SimpliFlying ness Class passengers on air- audit. craft equipped with Qsuite can The ‘Diamond Standard’ sta- enjoy the enhanced privacy tus, the highest level attainable, this award-winning business was announced by Apex and glo- seat provides, including slid- bal aviation marketing consul- ing privacy partitions and the tancy SimpliFlying following a option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb meticulous assessment of the (DND)’ indicator. airline’s robust Covid-19 hygiene Qsuite is available on fl ights and safety standards, Qatar Air- to more than 30 destina- ways said in a statement yester- tions, including Frankfurt, day. PCR tests, the level of health safe Kuala Lumpur, London and Qatar Airways Group chief ex- service both in-fl ight and on- New York. For full details of all ecutive HE Akbar al-Baker said: the-ground surpassed my highest the measures that have been im- “As an industry leader, we wel- expectations and even surpassed plemented onboard and in HIA, come the further recognition our best-ever pre-pandemic ex- one can visit qatarairways.com/ of Qatar Airways’ commitment perience on the airline.” safety. In addition to this, the air- to providing the most rigorous SimpliFlying chief executive line uses the most advanced HEPA and stringent virus monitoring, offi cer Shashank Nigam added: air fi ltration systems on board all detection and Covid-19 safety “Qatar Airways has raised the aircraft, and recently introduced programme throughout our end- bar for health safety standards in Honeywell’s state-of-the-art Ul- to-end passenger experience, in the industry by initiatives such traviolet Cabin System, operated existence within the global avia- as providing a face shield to all by Qatar Aviation Services, as a tion community. passengers, using Honeywell’s further step in the cleaning of its “The awarding of the Apex Qatar Airways has introduced Honeywell’s state-of-the-art Ultraviolet Cabin System. UV disinfection systems and ad- aircraft. Health Safety ‘Diamond Stand- vanced biosafety measures at its Qatar Airways currently oper- ard’ was the result of a thorough air travel does not need to be a related hygiene and safety re- Joe Leader said: “Qatar Airways’ singular philosophy: how can we hub in Doha. Taking such hospi- ates more than 800 weekly fl ights and extensive independent audit source of concern to passengers. views, and would encourage other Covid-19 protocols defi nitively innovatively maximise both our tal-grade in ensuring health safe- to over 110 destinations across of the airline’s comprehensive “As commercial aviation con- airlines to continue to build pas- met the highest marks for the Dia- customer service and passenger ty will help bolster trust among the globe. By the end of March, Covid-19 protection and preven- tinues to deal with the challenges senger confi dence and assist with mond certifi cation level backed by safety hand-in-hand. travellers.” Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its tion measures, both on board and and impact of the global pandem- the recovery of the industry by their extraordinary steps for cus- “Having fl own recently on Qa- Qatar Airways’ onboard safety network to 129. Many cities will at Hamad International Airport ic, we welcome the introduction participating wherever possible.” tomer safety. The actions taken tar Airways with my family to the measures include the provision be served with a strong schedule (HIA), and reinforces the fact that of this and other relevant Covid- Apex chief executive offi cer Dr by Qatar appear centred around a Maldives after negative Covid-19 of Personal Protective Equip- with daily or more frequencies.

Qatar’s travel industry poised for strong recovery Dr Hessa al-Jaber

By Joey Aguilar travel business will have a strong this year. “By that time, we might can they go but because of the elling to countries like Turkey. to chair CCQ’s Board Staff Reporter recovery,” a senior offi cial told be able to see some improvements Covid-19 issue, plus the restric- “We have seen some incremental Gulf Times. provided that the Covid-19 out- tions, people are a bit concerned,” bookings, but not a signifi cant Besides their interest and break is under control,” he noted. the offi cial added. one, but compared to what we of Trustees atar’s travel industry is keenness to travel, he stressed “It all depends on how the vi- However, he said that people have in the last several months, poised for a strong re- that Qataris, as well as many ex- rus moves forward, whether the are still hesitant to travel now due yes we have seen some incre- Qcovery given “the recent patriates, have high disposable vaccination gets completed ..., to seven to 14 days quarantine ment,” the offi cial said. E Dr Hessa bint Sultan al- and positive developments in the income. and if we don’t run into another in many destinations, including He expressed optimism that Jaber will chair the Board country and the region”, accord- Travel agencies and tour opera- problem defi nitely by the third Europe and the US. About book- with the vaccine rollout in many Hof Trustees of the Com- ing to a leading travel agency in tors, he said, are very hopeful that quarter the travel industry should ings, he noted that they have been countries, including Qatar, and munity College of Qatar (CCQ) Doha. “I can’t vouch for the rest their sector will recover by the see some improvement,” he said. receiving an increasing number with the gradual resumption of as per the Council of Ministers of the world, but defi nitely in end of the second quarter or the “We have a lot of customers who of inquiries, mostly from regular fl ights, more destinations will Offi ce Decision No 14 of 2020 on Qatar we are pretty positive that beginning of the third quarter of are calling us daily, asking where customers who have been trav- welcome visitors once again. restructuring the board to include three new members. Dr al-Jaber is a pioneer in the development process in the MoCI announces recall of Ferrari 812 Superfast models of 2017-2020 country and she had held sev- eral important positions. She is a HE Dr Hessa al-Jaber he Ministry of Commerce correct bonding of the rear win- consumers and ensure that car tomers to ensure that they have plaints, enquiries and sugges- member of the Shura Council and and Industry (MoCI), in dow glass. The rear window may dealers follow up on vehicle de- carried out the necessary repairs. tions through the call centre: the third Qatari woman to assume President for Faculty Aff airs, Di- Tco-operation with Al- not be properly secured to the fects and repairs. The ministry The MoCI has urged all cus- 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. a ministerial position in the state. rector of Foundation Programme fardan Sports Motors, dealer of vehicle. has said it will co-ordinate with tomers to report any violations qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, In- In 2013, she was listed among at Qatar University and the Chair Ferrari in Qatar, has announced The recall campaign comes the dealer to follow up on the to its Consumer Protection and stagram: MOCIQATAR, and the the 500 most powerful Arabs in of the World Commission on the a recall of Ferrari 812 Superfast within the framework of the Mo- maintenance and repair works Anti-Commercial Fraud Depart- ministry’s mobile app for An- the world on ‘Arabian Business’ Ethics of Science Knowledge and models of 2017-2020 due to in- CI’s continuous eff orts to protect and will communicate with cus- ment, which processes com- droid and iOS: MOCIQATAR. magazine. She was ranked 20th Technology in Unesco. on the 2013 Arabian Business’ Also remaining in the board list of 100 most powerful Arab are the vice chair, Dr Ibrahim women in April. She holds a PhD Mohamed al-Kaabi, as well as in Computer Science from George Dr Rashid Sultan al-Kuwari, Washington University, Wash- Soud Abdulaziz al-Tamimi, and ington, DC. Dr Abdulla Ibrahim al-Emadi as HSBC launches ‘Voice ID’ in Qatar Dr Nasser Mohamed Marafi h members. CCQ president Dr Mo- and Dr Khalid Abdulla al-Ali were hamed al-Naemi said: “As part of awarded the honour of member- our commitment to contribute to SBC has launched standing customer experience. secure way. The new form of ship in the board. Dr Marafi h is Qatar National Vision 2030, we ‘Voice ID’ in Qatar ena- With Voice ID our customers verification aims to make the the chief executive offi cer of the look forward to working together Hbling retail customers will have easier access to their process easier for customers by Ooredoo Group from 2006. He to enhance the College’s per- to access their accounts by us- accounts without compromis- reducing the need to memorise also served as Ooredoo Qatar CEO formance and off er the best pos- ing their own voice. HSBC is ing any of the secure features PINs and answer additional se- from 2002 until 2011. Dr Marafi h sible educational services to our already one of the world’s larg- as their voices will be their curity questions. holds a PhD in Communication students. est users of biometric technol- passwords. They will be able to “All customers over the age Engineering from George Wash- “We also extend our thanks ogy for financial services and enjoy a seamless and fast serv- of 18 can register for Voice ID ington University, USA. to the previous chairman, Ha- has invested $2.8bn globally in ice,” said Omar al-Ansari, head by calling our contact cen- Dr al-Ali is the director of mad Rashid al-Mohannadi, and technology in H1, 2020 to make (Wealth and Personal Banking) tre and following a few simple Higher Education Institutional the previous members Dr Khalid the bank simpler, safer and in Qatar. steps,” al-Ansari added. Aff airs and the acting undersec- Mohamed al-Horr and Hassan more personalised to customer With the use of voice bio- HSBC opened its first digit- retary for Higher Education in the Abdulrahman al-Ibrahim for all needs. metrics, HSBC Voice ID creates ally focused branch in Msheir- Ministry of Education and Higher their eff orts and achievements “We continue to upgrade a unique voiceprint for cus- eb in September 2020 as part Education in Qatar. He has served that strengthened the position and digitise our technology tomers, which is used to ver- of its ongoing investment in previously in several education- of the College and supported its infrastructure to deliver out- ify their identity in the most digital. Omar al-Ansari al posts such as Associate Vice educational process.” Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 QATAR Kahramaa in deal to benefi t from Qeeri laboratories he Qatar General Elec- aim to increase their eff orts to important research that will be economy in line with national tricity and Water Cor- develop the water sector, im- carried out. goals and objectives. Tporation (Kahramaa) and prove the environment, and Al-Kuwari said Kahramaa “I am confi dent our combined Hamad Bin Khalifa University build a sustainable economy in will benefit from the laborato- eff orts will contribute consider- (HBKU), represented by its Qa- line with the goals and objec- ries of the Qeeri in several sub- ably to innovative research and tar Environment and Energy tives of Qatar National Strategy jects, on top of which is water development and amplify our Research Institute (Qeeri), have 2018-2022, the agreement is to quality and measures of devices individual eff orts on renewable signed a co-operation frame- establish co-operation to de- and equipment used in the wa- energy.” work to benefi t from the Qeeri’s velop joint projects in relation to ter sector. This co-operation will laboratories. research regarding laboratories Dr Hasnah said: “Our col- contribute to achieving the The ceremony took place at and materials, especially those laboration will enable Kahramaa maximum benefit of natural the HBKU headquarters in the related to the fi eld of water and to leverage the Qeeri’s technical resources according to glo- presence of Kahramaa president its quality. and scientifi c expertise to sup- bal environmentally friendly Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari, HBKU It also includes service agree- port their institutional mandate, systems to provide a clean, president Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, ments for Kahramaa to benefi t and the country’s priorities, in healthy, integrated and safe and Qeeri executive director Dr from the expertise and resourc- the areas of renewable energy environment for future gen- Marc Vermeersch. es at the Qeeri, which are to be and water quality. erations. The agreement was signed provided as needed under this “Our joint activities will no “Such projects will support Kahramaa and HBKU off icials at the agreement signing ceremony. by Kahramaa’s technical aff airs agreement. doubt foster innovation that innovation and development in director Ahmed al-Nasr and Dr It also includes preparing re- meets the mutual interests of a way that will be refl ected on that meets smart cities’ mod- also support Qatar’s steps to- balance, to ensure the sustain- Vermeersch. ports that clarify the achieve- both institutions, especially Qatar’s objectives with regard ern life requirements,” said Dr wards a green future, achieve ability of water, energy and en- As Kahramaa and the Qeeri ments and the results of the toward building a sustainable to a self-sustainable society Vermeersch. “The projects will an economic and environmental vironment projects.”

Operation to find abandoned vehicles, illegal encroachments Invitation to ‘Brunch It Up’ at Maya and Zengo Doha

engo, the Pan-Asian restaurant at the that are, at the fi rst sight, not compatible, Kempinski Residences and Suites, but when carefully selected it becomes a Zand Mexican hotspot Maya, have perfect match,’’ added chef Sergio Galaz, partnered for an “extraordinary aff air” – head chef of Maya. “Brunch It Up”, a “unique experience com- “Brunch It Up” is available on Fridays bining the best of both worlds”. from 12.30pm to 4pm at Zengo Doha, locat- “From carefully crafted concoctions and ed at the Kempinski Residences and Suites. boldly fl avoured dishes, ‘Brunch It Up’ has the perfect ambiance to unwind and enjoy ‘Brunch It Up’ is available on Fridays from breathtaking views across Doha’s skyline,” 12.30pm to 4pm at Zengo Doha, Kempinski according to a press statement by Alfardan Residences and Suites. Hospitality. The menu includes a vast selection of Doha’s favourites, ranging from cold start- ers such as guacamole, maki rolls, ceviche and salads, hot starters such as mouthwa- tering quesadillas, tacos, and gyozas, and ending with a selection of tempting mains. “Not to mention the sweet surprise, delightful selection of desserts as a fi nal touch,” the statement notes. The dishes are paired with enhanced The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, represented by Al Rayyan Municipality, beverages for a total of QR420 per person, has carried out a two-day inspection campaign to spot violations of Law No 10 of 1987 or one can enjoy the meal with a choice of with regard to public and private property, in co-operation with the Ministry of fresh mocktails, soft drinks and water for Commerce and Industry. The campaign at Salwa Commercial Street was aimed at QR320 per person. ensuring the adherence of the commercial outlets with the stipulations of Law No 18 Little ones aged between six and 12 years of 2017 on Public Hygiene, and Law No 10 of 1987 and Law no 4 of 1985 on the are more than welcome for QR150 per per- organisation of buildings. The campaign resulted in spotting of 249 violations, and son. removal of some abandoned vehicles and encroachments on state property, Chef Alejandro Reyes, head chef of Zen- according to the Regulation and Control of the Placement of Advertising, in addition to go, said: “We are very excited for this col- encroachments on public squares and building without licence. laboration with Maya as it is the perfect way for guests to try the best dishes of Asian and Mexican cuisine in one afternoon.” “Our main goal is to combine fl avours

Three arrested for violating home quarantine rules

92 referred to Public Prosecution for not wearing masks The authorities warned that any- places where they are mandatory. one who violates the conditions The measure is in line with Law QNA able for, in accordance with the pro- for the home quarantine will be No 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, Doha cedures of the health authorities in subject to Article 253 of Law No 11 and the precautionary measures in the country. of 2004, provisions of Law No 17 force in the country to contain the The three being referred for pros- of 1990 on communicable diseases, spread of the coronavirus. he authorities arrested yes- ecution are: and Law No 17 of 2002 on protecting The authorities have called on terday three persons who „ Tanan Shakron Tantidam Ron- society. members of the public to adhere to Tviolated the terms of home jko Lasht The authorities have also re- the precautionary measures in place quarantine that they committed to „ Morali Kreishna Ako La ferred 92 people to the Public Pros- to ensure their safety and the safety following and are legally account- „ Osama Ismail Mohamed al-Asi ecution for not wearing masks in of others. – QNA

MoPH reports 142,938 total Covid recoveries

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 211 new confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) during the last 24 hours, of which 171 were from community infections, and 40 from travellers returning from abroad who are subject to quarantine. The MoPH also recorded 111 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases that have recovered in Qatar so far to 142,938. All new cases have been introduced to isolation and are receiving healthcare. Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 symptoms should either contact 16000 helpline or go directly to one of the designated health centres to undergo the necessary the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the checks: Muaither, Rawdat Al right treatment and recover from it. Khail, Umm Slal, or Al Gharrafa The MoPH urges people to visit its website for regular health centres. updates and new information on the coronavirus This is important as the earlier pandemic. – QNA Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 5 QATAR Qatar Charity QRCS gives assistance to provides medical refugees in Bangladesh

he representation mis- He listed the operations done sion of Qatar Red Cres- by QRCS in Bangladesh as fol- equipment for Tcent Society (QRCS) in lows: construction of water and Bangladesh has carried out sanitation facilities and collec- multiple activities for Myanmar tion of solid waste to preserve refugees and host communi- public health, improvement of ties, funded by the donations of healthcare services by deploy- Palestine hospitals charity payers in Qatar. ing and operating a fi eld hospi- In co-operation with Bang- tal, training and remuneration ladesh Red Crescent Society for local medical professionals, atar Charity (QC)’s offi ce (BDRCS), a new project was ini- distribution of food and non- in Palestine has provided tiated to provide adequate shel- food items, provision of safe Qmedical equipment and ter for the Myanmar refugees. shelter up to the Sphere Project supplies to Doctors without Bor- The construction of 100 standards, and installation ders (Médecins Sans Frontières shelters commenced at Camp of solar lighting systems, the - MSF) in co-operation with the 18 in Cox’s Bazar, following Together with BDRCS, QRCS has distributed 1,000 handwashing statement notes. Ministry of Health in Palestine. months of delay due to the containers to refugee families at Camp 18. Other activities include the The organisation has sup- coronavirus pandemic. deployment of medical delega- plied medical and laboratory Responding to the outbreak, ing hands regularly with soap executive director of the Relief tions in several vital speciali- equipment to the orthopaedic QRCS is promoting personal and water, given the fact that and International Development sations, emergency winterisa- department operated by Doc- hygiene practices among the hands are a common medium Division at QRCS, emphasised tion relief for those aff ected by tors without Borders at Nasser most vulnerable groups at for transmitting the virus from the importance of QRCS’s hu- cold weather, fl ash fl oods or Medical Complex in southern camps, according to a press person to person. manitarian activities in Bangla- tropical storms, construction Gaza Strip to enhance medical statement. A water well was dug by desh, amid lack of services. of water and sanitation at the services provided to Palestinian Together with BDRCS, QRCS QRCS’s mission to secure “Last year, QRCS off ered quarantine facility operated by patients. has distributed 1,000 hand- drinking and personal cleaning $2.6mn worth of aid for those QRCS inside the fi eld hospital, The project aims to improve washing containers to refugee water at the camps. in need,” said al-Emadi.“We operation of two health centres the quality of medical services, families at Camp 18. Another three water wells reached out to more than at Camp E8 and Camp 19 to of- healthcare and surgery provided The fi eld personnel launched are being in progress at other 728,000 benefi ciaries with fer primary healthcare services, by medical facilities and reduce an awareness campaign to ad- camps. health, shelter, food, water and and supply of medications and pressure on healthcare provid- vise the benefi ciaries on wash- Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, sanitation aid.” medical consumables. ers in the Gaza Strip, QC has said in a statement. QC has supplied medical and laboratory equipment to the “The project aims to reduce orthopaedic department operated by Doctors without Borders at Over 167,000 benefited from Hifz Al Naema humanitarian projects last year the healthcare costs for Pal- Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza Strip to enhance medical estinian patients. Qatar Char- services provided to Palestinian patients. ity works to promote medical More than 167,000 people and workers and 22,516 families. gatherings related to the Al Naema Yousef al-Khulaifi services in the Gaza strip amid that the project would greatly and protective gear, signifi cant- families have benefited from On the other hand, the “food mechanism and method of praised the solidarity of the the dire humanitarian condi- contribute to serving patients in ly improve the services provided the humanitarian projects basket” initiative launched by distribution. Qatari community and its great tions the Palestinian people are the orthopaedic department at for patients in such challenging carried out by Hifz Al Naema the Ministry of Endowments Meanwhile, charitable interaction with the centre’s witnessing due to the severe Nasser Medical Complex, Qatar circumstances,” he added. centre last year. and Islamic Affairs in co- warehouse department at the initiatives, especially in light shortage and economic chal- News Agency added. Hospitals and health centres The projects included food operation with the centre centre distributed thousands of the conditions resulted by lenges that health facilities are Dr Abdulatif al-Hajj, direc- in Gaza suff er from a severe donations, in-kind donations, included three phases — the of furniture, electrical and the spread of the coronavirus suff ering from. This negatively tor-general of International shortage of medical equipment, awareness activities and first benefited 1,100 families in electronic devices and about pandemic worldwide. impacts the health of patients,” Co-operation at the Ministry which jeopardises many pa- others. May, while the second and the 174 tonnes of clothes to He noted that the centre needs said Mohamed Abu Haloob, of Health in the Gaza Strip, has tients’ lives. The food aid provided by the third benefited 1,500 families workers and families in need more support from the public head of Qatar Charity’s regional praised the co-operation be- In co-operation with the centre’s food bank department in June and July, respectively. after studying their cases. and private institutions to help offi ce in Gaza strip. tween Qatar and the ministry Ministry of Health, the Qatar has the largest number of The centre maintained all In addition, the number of achieve its vision aiming at “The medical equipment pro- and the continuous support Charity offi ce has previously beneficiaries, as the number the precautionary measures beneficiaries from the in-kind reducing waste, whether from vided, including beds and labo- dedicated to improving the provided necessary medicines, of families approved by it followed in the country in donations reached 337 families surplus food or others, and to ratory devices, will help dozens health sector. supplies and protective gear to increased to 1,600 last year light of the difficult conditions and workers, and the centre achieve social solidarity, which of patients,” said Frédéric Bow- “Qatar Charity’s health quarantine centres and hospi- from 650 the previous year. the world is witnessing due also implemented many in turn will be reflected in the naut, head of MSF programme projects, particularly providing tals to curb the coronavirus in The number of meals reached to the coronavirus pandemic, seasonal projects. increase in the number of in the Gaza Strip. He affi rmed laboratory supplies, medicine various governorates. 204,153 benefiting 107,496 and was keen to cancel any Public relations officer at Hifz beneficiaries. (QNA) Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 QATAR In cooperation with Doctors without Borders and the Health ministry Qatar Charity provides medical equipment for hospitals in Palestine atar Charity’s office in health projects, particularly Palestine has provided Qatar Charity providing laboratory supplies, Qmedical equipment and medicine, and protective supplies to Doctors without Borders works to promote gear, significantly improve organization in cooperation with the services provided for the Ministry of Health in Palestine. medical services in patients in such challenging The organization has supplied the Gaza strip amid circumstances” he added. medical and laboratory equipment Hospitals and health to the orthopedic department the dire humanitarian centers in Gaza suffer from operated by Doctors without a severe shortage of medical Borders at the Nasser Medical conditions that equipment, which jeopardizes Complex in southern Gaza Strip to many patients’ lives. enhance medical services provided Palestinian people are In cooperation with to Palestinian patients. witnessing due to the the Ministry of Health, the The project aims to improve Qatar Charity office has the quality of medical services, severe shortage and previously provided necessary health care, and surgery provided medicines, supplies, and by medical facilities and reduce economic challenges protective gear to quarantine pressure on health care providers in that health facilities centers and hospitals to curb the Gaza strip. the Coronavirus in various Economic challenges are suffering from. governorates. This project aims to reduce the health care costs for Palestinian patients. Therefore, Qatar Charity works to promote medical services in the Gaza strip amid the dire humanitarian conditions that Palestinian people are witnessing due to the severe shortage and economic challenges that health facilities are suffering from. This negatively impacts the health of patients.” Eng. Mohamed Abu Haloob, head of Qatar Charity’s regional office in Gaza strip. “The medical equipment provided, including beds and laboratory devices, will help dozens of patients” said Mr. Frédéric Bownaut, head of MSF program in the Gaza strip. High-quality medical services Meanwhile, Dr. Abdulatif al-Hajj, Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, has praised the cooperation between the state of Qatar and the ministry and the continuous support dedicated to improving the health sector. “Qatar Charity’s Qatar Charity Launches Initiative to Alleviate Suffering of Refugees in Winter atar Charity launched an The charity also identified ways and initiative under the hashtag means of donation and participation Q#Million_Smiles, through in the initiative, noting that the winter social media platforms, as part of its winter campaign entitled “Warmth and Peace”, with the participation Qatar Charity of a number of media professionals, athletes, advocates and activists. initiative aims to Qatar Charity initiative aims to reach the displaced reach the displaced and refugees in countries that witness exceptional and refugees in conditions and face a harsh winter, by providing them with winter needs countries that such as food, heating materials, non- food items, health and education. witness exceptional The launch of the “Million Smiles” conditions and face initiative comes at a time when refugees and displaced persons live in a harsh winter, by harsh conditions, and their suffering is multiplied as well as their needs providing them for food, medicine, blankets and with winter needs shelter is increased, which requires philanthropists to come together and such as food, heating join hands to help these displaced persons and refugees who migrated materials, non-food from their homes because of the conditions under which they live. items, health and Qatar Charity called on benevolent education. people in Qatar to donate for the campaign and provide urgent aid to their brothers in order to alleviate the campaign will be implemented in 19 harsh conditions they face. It also urged countries around the world, while the activists on social media networks value of its targeted projects is more and the public in general to interact than QR 66 million, and the number of with its campaign and support it in all those targeted is expected to reach more possible ways in order to achieve its than one million people, depending on humanitarian goals. the donations and support received. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 7 QATAR

MoI to hold Qatari faculty at MME signs deal to set up traffi c awareness Tamuq publishes self-storage container city seminar second edition he Traffi c Awareness De- partment in co-operation Twith the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of of textbook Interior (MoI) will organise a virtual awareness seminar on Traffi c Law No 19/2007 on Janu- ary 17. The seminar will be held from 10am and 11.30am through Zoom. The ministry has invited in charges of transport and traf- fi c safety in companies and or- ganisations to participate the seminar, which will be attended by offi cers from the Traffi c De- partment. The offi cers will share information related with Traffi c Law No 19/2007 in order to raise the awareness among drivers. There will be an opportunity to Dr Nayef Alyafei interact with offi cers from the Traffi c Department and clear any r Nayef Alyafei, assistant professor of petroleum engi- doubts related with the services neering at Qatar Foundation partner university Texas rendered by the department. DA&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), has published the Participants can attend the second edition of his textbook, Fundamentals of Reservoir Rock seminar by fi lling the google Properties. form: (https://forms.gle/rVy- Alyafei said he wrote the textbook after his fi rst semester HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie with off icials of the MME and Continental vioWiL1cMGguw9) and the teaching the reservoir petrophysics course for Tamuq petroleum Commercial Company at the signing ceremony yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam admission to the seminar is re- engineering students. The book covers the essential concepts of stricted for 1,000 people on a rock properties aiding students, petroleum geoscientists, and From Page 1 tions and fi res and to establish a systematic ment and machinery instead of placing fi rst-come-fi rst-serve basis. engineers to understand petroleum reservoirs. Alyafei is a Class model that provides alternatives,” he said. them in homes or companies, farms and The link, ID and password of of 2009 petroleum engineering graduate of Tamuq who earned “The MME faces great challenges in Continental Trading Company board open lands. He explained that the project the Zoom meeting is: https:// his PhD at Imperial College London before returning to Tamuq terms of random storage, whether on farms member Ahmed Sultan al-Kuwari said that will include all features that are of interest us02web.zoom.us/j/6186754109 as a faculty member. In 2018, Alyafei was named the university’s or with small and medium-sized compa- the project provides an excellent service to to individuals and container companies in ?pwd=Z2M0VmtGc1RjOTZ5OG Alumnus of the Year and in 2020 was named an Energy Infl uencer nies, as well as at the level of individuals, so all citizens and residents, especially as it the areas of storage and distribution and xtakc4eWE3UT09 (Meeting ID: by The Way Ahead, a publication of the Society of Petroleum En- it has resorted to this project to avoid viola- includes spaces for storing camping equip- prices that suit everyone. 618 675 4109 Passcode: 12345). gineers. WCM-Q research reviews implications of Covid telehealth surge

he Institute for Popula- dom, followed by Italy, India, munications infrastructure in Furthermore, some insurance tion Health (IPH) of Weill Canada, Australia, France, Chi- lower income countries might companies did not provide TCornell Medicine – Qa- na, Spain, and Singapore, in de- lead to widening inequity coverage for healthcare deliv- tar (WCM-Q) has published creasing order. across various population sub- ered via telehealth approaches, a scientifi c review of research A key finding of the review groups with the increasing use posing a headache for patients, detailing the dramatic upswing was that 7.7% (42/543) of the of telehealth. administrators and healthcare in the use of telehealth services published scientific articles A further observation of the professionals. The researchers of the project. prompted by the Covid-19 pan- focused on the provision of WCM-Q study is that many The fi rst author of the study, demic. telehealth related to Covid-19. countries relaxed previously Dr Sathyanarayanan Do- establish a global consensus on Medicine; Dr Sohaila Cheema, the extraordinarily rapid growth Researchers at the IPH car- The other 92.3% (501/543) of strict laws and regulations re- raiswamy, assistant director of defi nitions, boundaries, pro- assistant dean, IPH; and Dr of telehealth during the pan- ried out an exhaustive review the articles reported provi- lating to telehealth in order to the IPH, said: “Many legal and tocols, monitoring, evaluation, Amit Abraham, instructor of demic presents a huge oppor- and analysis of 543 articles on sion of healthcare support for a allow healthcare professionals practical barriers to the delivery and data privacy.” Population Health Sciences/ tunity for the healthcare sector the subject of telehealth pub- wide variety of communicable to continue to treat their pa- of telehealth were removed very The WCM-Q study, titled Projects Specialist. to leverage technology to both lished in 331 scientifi c journals diseases, such as tuberculosis, tients while physical distanc- quickly as governments and Use of Telehealth During the The study also pointed to a expand and enhance the deliv- during the fi rst peak of the pan- HIV and non-communica- ing protocols were in place. healthcare systems reacted to COVID-19 Pandemic: Scop- need to update the curricula of ery of care. But urgent work is demic (from January 1, 2020 to ble diseases such as diabetes This raises the concern that the urgent need to provide care ing Review, has been published medical schools and continu- needed to ensure we have the June 10, 2020). They found that and stroke. The research also regulations designed to ensure while observing physical dis- in the prestigious Journal of ing professional development correct training and regula- the majority of scientifi c stud- noted that the vast major- accountability, ethical medi- tancing protocols to prevent the Medical Internet Research. The programmes to ensure health- tory frameworks to provide tel- ies focused on telehealth were ity of studies were conducted cal practice, and patient data spread of the coronavirus. This other authors of the study are Dr care professionals have the skills ehealth in a way that protects conducted in the United States, by scientific professionals in privacy have been removed ex- has undoubtedly saved many Ravinder Mamtani, vice dean, needed to provide high-quality the rights, safety and dignity of with the next highest number high-income countries, raising tremely rapidly, which could lives, but our review also reveals Student Aff airs-Admissions, care via telehealth approaches. those giving and receiving care,” published in the United King- concerns that lack of telecom- cause unexpected challenges. that there is an urgent need to Population Health, and Lifestyle “Our research highlights that Dr Cheema added.

Partial traffic closure of Ali Bin Blended learning planned at Abdulla Intersection CNA-Q for winter semester

ollege of the North At- more, students have the oppor- lantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) tunity to join clubs and a wide Cis following blended variety of sports teams. learning with 50% attendance Commenting on the start of for the winter semester 2021 as the new semester, CNA-Q’s part of the preventive and pre- acting president, Dr Salem al- cautionary measures against Naemi, said: “We are pleased Covid-19, it was announced to welcome all new and return- yesterday. ing students. College of the Within this framework, three North Atlantic – Qatar is an orientation sessions, includ- excellent choice to follow an ing two online, were off ered to applied education and prepare new students. More than 3,629 for a successful career. We are students joined the college for particularly contented with the winter semester, across dif- the increasing number of Qa- ferent schools from Business tari students, and hope that the Management and Informa- campus life will enable every tion Technology to Engineer- student to develop not only on ing Technology and Industrial the academic level but also on Trades, Health Sciences and the personal one as well.” Foundation Programme. The college is following strict This year saw an increase of preventive measures to protect almost 140% in the application its students and faculty mem- rate of Qatari students, after bers against Covid-19. The se- announcing that the College’s curity team has been trained Board of Trustees agreed to ex- to ensure best practices are empt both Qatari citizens and in place. The college has also The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has During the closure, road users wishing to use children of Qatari women from launched the student ‘Covid-19 announced a partial closure of Ali bin Abdullah this direction on Ali bin Abdullah Street, can the payment of tuition fees. Ambassador Programme’, de- Intersection on the lanes heading from Al Koot make U-turn on Grand Hamad Street to reach During orientation sessions signed to provide people with Fort Intersection to Al Mirqab Roundabout the other side of the Intersection, or use the organised by the Student Af- proper protocol against the and vice versa from January 17. The closure in alternative roads to reach their destinations as fairs department, new joiners pandemic. The ambassadors co-ordination with the General Directorate of shown on the map. toured through the many ad- also organise virtual sessions, Traff ic is to enable expansion and upgrading Ashghal will install road signs advising motorists vanced laboratory and simula- and can inform fellow students works at Grand Hamad Street and Ali Bin Abdulla of the temporary closure and urged all to follow tion facilities that the campus College of North Atlantic – Qatar of the services available includ- Street within Doha Central Development and them and abide by the speed limit to ensure boasts, and were able to meet ing Zoom counselling sessions Beautification Project – Package 3. safety. highly skilled faculty mem- bers who will be leading them through their studies. Further- and virtual clubs. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Food for thought FM rejects US Tunisia lockdown claims that Iran from tomorrow is ‘new Qaeda Reuters home base’ Tunisia unisian Health Minister Faouzi Mahdi said yesterday that his country will enforce a gen- AFP Teral lockdown for a period of four days, start- Tehran ing from tomorrow, with the continuation of the im- plementation of measures below the comprehensive lockdown level until January 24 to combat the sharp ran’s Foreign Minister yesterday dismissed increase in cases of coronavirus infection. allegations by his US counterpart that the Is- Mahdi said the situation was very critical and that Ilamic republic had become the new “home the vaccination would not be possible until February. base” for Al Qaeda. Other measures include implementing a rotation system “No one is fooled,” Mohamed Javad Zarif tweet- among government employees, to reduce numbers of ed after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s com- staff in offi ces and transportation, to close schools, and ments. to increase curfew hours, and to remove seats from cafes. “From designating Cuba (as a state sponsor of On Monday, Tunisia registered 3,047 coronavirus terror) to fi ctitious Iran ‘declassifi cations’ and cases, a new record for confi rmed cases in one day, as (Al-Qaeda) claims, Mr. ‘we lie, cheat, steal’ is pa- the intensive care units in most public hospitals had thetically ending his disastrous career with more become overcrowded. warmongering lies,” said Zarif. Thursday is an offi cial holiday marking the 10th an- He was referring to Pompeo’s 2019 comments niversary of the Tunisian revolution, and a previous about his experience at the head of the US Central general lockdown in the spring succeeded in contain- Intelligence Agency, in which he said: “We lied, we ing the virus, but it caused great fi nancial diffi culties in cheated, we stole.” a country whose economic problems have undermined The secretary of state said in a speech yesterday, confi dence in successive democratic governments. a week before leaving offi ce, that “Al-Qaeda has a President Kais Saied called for partial isolation of the new home base. It is the Islamic Republic of Iran”. Young Palestinians, holding banners with Arabic slogans like “We are all hungry”, take part in a protest against what they say areas where the infection is spreading at a rapid rate. Tu- “I would say Iran is indeed the new Afghanistan are food aid cuts by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip nisia banned travel between governorates in the country — as the key geographic hub for Al-Qaeda — but yesterday. (AFP) and extended the night-time curfew from 4pm until 6am it’s actually worse,” he added. in October, in an eff ort to contain the pandemic.

Israeli army Jordanian gets death Iran wants ‘snapback’ arrests for tourist stabbings Jordan’s state security court sentenced a man to death yesterday for the 2019 stabbing of eight people, four of them foreign tourists, at one Lebanese of the kingdom’s ancient sites. The victims, who included one Swiss and three Mexican tourists, all erased from N-deal survived the November 2019 knife attack in the ruins of the ancient shepherd Roman city of Jerash, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the capital Amman. AFP The text also contains a nei) was against this snap- rolled back most of its key Mustafa Abu Ruwais, 24, was sentenced to “death by hanging for the Tehran “snapback” mechanism that back mechanism, which was commitments under the ac- AFP terrorist knife attack on tourists,” the court said. could be triggered in case of designed against his wishes,” cord, arguing that it is permit- Beirut There is no right of appeal against the decisions of Jordan’s state “signifi cant non-perform- said key Khamenei diplomatic ted to do so under the deal in security court. ran wants to remove a ance” of its commitments by adviser Ali Akbar Velayati in light of US moves. Abu Ruwais, a Jordanian of Palestinian origin, was at the time of the clause from a 2015 nuclear Iran. an interview published on US President-elect Joe Bi- n Israeli army patrol seized attack a resident of the Souf camp in Jerash, which houses some Ideal that allows for UN This would allow the United Khamenei’s website. den, who takes offi ce on Janu- a Lebanese shepherd yes- 20,000 Palestinian refugees. sanctions against it to be re- Nations Security Council to “In the coming negotia- ary 20, says he wants to rejoin Aterday in the border area He was arrested immediately afterwards and charged with terrorism instated, a senior offi cial has reimpose all the sanctions it tions, this mechanism will the pact. between the two countries, Leba- off ences in January last year. said, hinting Tehran would be had imposed between 2006 certainly need to be aban- But Khamenei insisted last nese state media reported. The charge sheet alleged that Abu Ruwais “follows the ideology of open to negotiations on the is- and 2015 over Tehran’s nuclear doned, because it’s absurd.” week that “we are in no rush” The shepherd was “kidnapped” the Daesh terrorist gang”, a pejorative reference to the Islamic State sue. activities. The nuclear deal has come to see the US rejoin the accord, at 4pm (1400 GMT) in the Kfar- jihadist group, and has been “in contact with one of the members of The agreement between the The administration of Unit- close to collapse since the demanding that the US fi rst chouba area in southern Lebanon this organisation in Syria” who gave the green light for the attack. Islamic republic and six ma- ed States President Donald withdrawal of the United remove all the sanctions it had and taken into Israeli territory, the But there was never any formal claim of responsibility for the attack. jor powers had provided for Trump last year attempted to States, which under Trump has imposed or reinstated since National News Agency said. IS led a self-proclaimed caliphate across large swathes of Iraq and Syria the lifting of sanctions in ex- trigger the mechanism, but adopted a hardline policy of 2018. The Israeli army told AFP that between 2014 and its collapse in 2019. change for stringent checks on the move was rejected, as the “maximum pressure” against Tehran has ruled out a full during routine activity in the dis- Jordanian forces played a significant part in a US-led coalition that Tehran’s nuclear programme US had unilaterally withdrawn Iran, reimposing crushing US overhaul of the deal, but says puted Mount Dov area, its troops helped defeat the jihadists. and guarantees that it could from the nuclear deal in 2018. sanctions that have devastated the US rejoining it must be “apprehended a suspicious shep- At yesterday’s hearing, the court also found two other defendants not seek to acquire a nuclear “From the outset, (Iran’s the Iranian economy. the result of further negotia- herd who intentionally crossed guilty, sentencing one to life imprisonment and the other to seven weapon. supreme leader Ali Khame- In response, Tehran has tions. the Blue Line from Lebanon into years for complicity. Israeli territory”. Both are Jordanians of Palestinian origin like Abu Ruwais. The Blue Line is the United Na- The Jordanian victims included a tour guide and a security off icer who tions-drawn frontier established attempted to intervene. in 2000 after Israeli troops with- It was not the first time a Jordanian tourist attraction had been drew from southern Lebanon and attacked. France fl ays Israel plan to build more settler homes is patrolled by a UN peacekeeping In December 2016, in Karak, home to one of the region’s biggest mission, UNIFIL. Crusader castles, 10 people — seven police, two Jordanian civilians and “The suspect was transferred to a Canadian tourist — were killed in an attack that also left 30 wounded. AFP cupied territory, it said: “(We) call on the peared timed to set Israel’s blueprint in security forces for further ques- That attack was claimed by the Islamic State group, and 10 people Paris parties to avoid any unilateral measures indelible ink before Joe Biden, who has tioning,” the army added. were later convicted of carrying out the assault, two of them that could jeopardise the two-state so- been critical of its settlement policies, UNIFIL will launch an investi- sentenced to death. lution founded on international law and becomes US president on January 20. gation into the circumstances of Tourism is a key lifeline for Jordan, a country lacking in natural rance yesterday condemned Israel’s agreed parameters.” The Trump administration has ef- the incident, “including the exact resources and reliant on foreign aid. plan to advance construction of 800 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- fectively endorsed Israel’s right to build location where the man was ar- The sector accounted for 14% of GDP in 2019, but has since been Fmore Jewish settler homes in the yahu’s offi ce said on Monday that about West Bank settlements by abandoning a rested,” said force spokesman An- ravaged by the collapse in international travel that resulted from the occupied West Bank in a move to cement 800 homes would be built in the settle- long-held US position that they break in- drea Tenenti. coronavirus pandemic. the projects shortly before pro-settle- ments of Beit El and Givat Zeev, north ternational law. Trump has also delighted Mission chief Major General The kingdom, which borders conflict-torn Syria and Iraq, had been ment US President Donald Trump leaves of Jerusalem, and in Tal Menashe, Rehe- Israeli leaders and angered Palestinians Stefano Del Col has contacted the working to revive its tourism industry. offi ce. lim, Shavei Shomron, Barkan and Karnei by recognising contested Jerusalem as Is- various parties to obtain the shep- Jordan boasts 21,000 archaeological and historical sites that span In a statement, the French Foreign Shomron in the northern West Bank. It rael’s capital and moving the US embassy herd’s release, he added. millennia, according to the tourism board. They include the Roman Ministry urged Israeli authorities to drop gave no starting date for construction. there. The Lebanese army said it did ruins of Jerash, the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi al- the plan. Referring to Israel and the Pal- Palestinians have condemned such Most countries view Israeli settlements not yet have any information on Kharrar. estinians, who seek a state in Israeli-oc- construction as illegal. The move ap- as violating international law. the matter..

The great Beirut rush Plan for Riyadh airport expansion ‘put on hold’

Reuters dition of anonymity because the matter Dubai is private. “It has been put on hold, postponed. They are prioritising projects based on audi Arabia has put on hold fi - budgetary needs,” a second source said. nancing plans potentially worth The Saudi government did not im- Sbillions of dollars for the expan- mediately respond to a request for com- sion of Riyadh’s airport, sources said, ment. a sign that the kingdom is re-assessing Saudi Arabia suspended international strategic priorities after the coronavirus fl ights in the aftermath of the coronavi- crisis. rus outbreak, which has brought global Riyadh Airports Company, which aviation to its knees. manages and operates King Khalid In- The kingdom had begun preparations ternational Airport in the Saudi capi- in 2017 to sell a minority stake in Riyadh tal, approached banks last year with airport, the second biggest in the coun- a request for fi nancing proposals on try. Those plans were also suspended, the planned airport expansion, which sources told Reuters in 2018. sources said would have been worth Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest several billions of dollars. oil exporter, saw its economy contract The expansion was part of the coun- sharply last year due to the impact try’s aim to diversify the economy, cre- of lower petroleum revenues and the ate jobs and reduce dependence on oil coronavirus crisis. It plans to cut state revenues. spending this year by about 7% to tame The company has now halted the a yawning fi scal defi cit. process, three banking sources said. Meanwhile, the country this week People shopping at a supermarket in Beirut yesterday as they stock up on provisions two days before a total lockdown due to the spread of the Covid-19 “At this stage, it’s been cancelled,” announced plans worth hundreds pandemic. A total lockdown set to start this week will exacerbate the suff ering of vulnerable Lebanese families struggling to make ends meet unless the said one of the sources. “In this environ- of billions of dollars to build a zero- government off ers assistance, a charity has warned. Lebanon, a country of more than six million, is grappling with its worst economic downturn since ment, I guess they have decided that it carbon city at NEOM, a 26,500sq km the 1975-1990 civil war and since last year a spiralling coronavirus outbreak has compounded the crisis, forcing businesses shut and denying daily wage doesn’t necessarily make sense to bor- (10,230sq-mile) high-tech develop- earners an income. (AFP) row money to expand the airport right ment on the Red Sea planned for com- now,” said the source, speaking on con- pletion in 2025. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 9 WORLD India FM expects vaccine exports to be determined in few weeks

Reuters gest producers of vaccines and deployments are going to be. shipments of the vaccine from “A number of countries are developed with a government ourselves, probably the world as New Delhi generic drugs, is expected to be And we will keep our global role SII by Jan 25. in touch with us... and what we institute. Four more vaccines well. And if you recall the kind a key manufacturing centre for very much,” he said. Last week, India has to balance the needs are telling them is, look, this are in clinical trials, Jaishankar of apocalyptic scenarios around Covid-19 vaccines. Brazilian President Jair Bol- of its own population, which is is the first month,” he added. said. the summer of 2020, at the end ndia will be able to decide Jaishankar told the Reuters sonaro wrote a letter to Indian set to receive the first shots “The production is now coming Zydus Cadila’s ZyCoV-D and of the year, it is very visible who on exports of coronavirus Next conference that India un- Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend, with that of for- into stream. There is a certain Russia’s Sputnik V are among came through better, and who Ivaccines within the next derstood the anxieties of for- asking to expedite a shipment eign countries, Jaishankar said, amount of stock taking going those being tested. came through less,” he said. few weeks, Foreign Minis- eign governments about getting of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vac- speaking from Delhi at the vir- on.” Jaishankar said India had India, which has the world’s ter Subrahmanyam Jaishankar the vaccines delivered to their cine, which is being made by tual conference. Along with AstraZeneca’s lo- done well to control the pan- second highest number of said yesterday, as governments populations. Serum Institute of India, the “The policy of course is we cally branded Covishield, In- demic, beating grim forecasts coronavirus infections – near- abroad seek to shore up sup- “We will get clarity pretty world’s biggest producer of will start the rollout in India. dia’s drug regulator also cleared about the virus’ tearing through ly 10.5mn – after the United plies. soon on what our own con- vaccines. Bangladesh this week We have our own challenges,” an indigenous vaccine devel- the world’s second-most-pop- States, has among the lowest India, one of the world’s big- sumption is going got be, (what) said it expected to receive initial Jaishankar said. oped by Bharat Biotech, jointly ulous country. “We surprised coronavirus fatality rates.

Indian women to be Smoggy day inducted as Army pilots: Army chief

Women will be inducted as pilots India begins in the Army Aviation Corps from next year, Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said yesterday. Till now, women are only part of ground duties in the Army Aviation Corps. Women pilots would be flying distribution helicopters to forward locations and be part of operations at the borders, the Army chief said, adding that the proposal has been cleared. The Indian Air Force has 10 women fighter pilots. In the Indian Navy, women pilots are of Covid-19 flying the Dornier aircraft and also as observers on board helicopters and P8I surveillance aircraft. Other than the 10 fighter pilots, the IAF has 111 women pilots who fly transport planes and choppers. During his annual press vaccines People exercise by the Arabian sea on a smoggy day in Mumbai. conference in New Delhi, General Naravane said: “Last month, I Reuters had initiated a proposal that New Delhi women off icers can be recruited to Army Aviation. The next course which will begin in July this year, ndian airlines started deliv- will induct women for training ering batches of Covid-19 purposes in flying branch and Ivaccines nationwide yester- India top court orders after one year they will be able to day, preparing for the launch of a join in operational duties.” campaign to off er shots to 1.3bn The Indian Army raised the Army people, in what offi cials call the Aviation Corps on November 1, world’s biggest vaccination drive. 1986 and it comprises helicopters Vaccinations are set to begin on stay on new farm laws that fly in conflict and peace Saturday in an eff ort that author- zones. The Aviation Corps is ities hope will see 300mn high- critical for the Indian Army as it is risk people inoculated over the Reuters Chief Justice Sharad Bobde farmers unions, Bharti Kisan Un- pressed into action for evacuation next six to eight months. New Delhi told a hearing the Supreme Court ion. “The protests will continue of injured troops during First to get the vaccine will be would set up a panel to hear the until demands are met.” operations or health emergencies 30mn health and other front- farmers’ grievances. India says the laws aim to in high altitude areas. Army line workers, followed by about ndia’s Supreme Court yester- “We have the power to make modernise an antiquated farm- Aviation Corps choppers are 270mn older than 50 or deemed Health workers carry a box of Covishield vaccine to a cold storage day ordered an indefi nite stay a committee and the committee ing system, bedevilled by wast- also used for reconnaissance, high-risk. Airlines were due to unit at the Regional Vaccine Storage centre in Chennai yesterday. Ion the implementation of can give us the report,” he said, age and bottlenecks in the supply observation, casualty evacuation, deliver 5.65mn vaccine doses yes- new agricultural laws that have ordering the stay for an undis- chain. essential load drops, and combat terday to various cities, Aviation sity. “We’ve given a special price authorities in eastern and western triggered widespread protest closed period on the laws passed But farm leaders say the re- search and rescue. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said of 200 rupees ($2.73) for the fi rst states said they would make use of from farmers, saying it wanted to in September. “We will protect forms are an attempt to erode a The helicopters participate in on Twitter. 100mn doses only to the govern- experience gained from running protect farmers and would hear farmers.” longstanding mechanism that Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Offi cials in Prime Minister ment of India on their request,” regular child immunisation pro- their objections. There were no immediate fur- ensures farmers a minimum Relief (HADR) operations across Narendra Modi’s western home Adar Poonawalla, the fi rm’s grammes for polio to ensure full For more than a month, tens ther details. Farm leaders said support price for their crops. the country. The corps has played state of Gujarat said vaccine dis- chief executive, told Reuters tel- coverage in what they called the of thousands of farmers have their demand for a full repeal of The government has said there an important role in the past in tribution was their top priority. evision’s India partner ANI. The world’s biggest vaccination drive. camped on the outskirts of New the laws remained unchanged. was no question of dropping operations like Kargil but has also “These vaccines will be taken price represented a gesture of But creaking transport net- Delhi, the capital, to protest “We are grateful to the Su- the reforms and eight rounds of been at the forefront carrying out to the cold storage from the air- support for the common man, works and a crumbling healthcare against reform measures that preme Court for its positive talks have failed to fi nd common varied tasks during the ongoing port and swiftly delivered to vac- those who are poor and vulner- system add an enormous layer of they say benefi t large private response,” said Rakesh Tikait, ground. The two sides are set to India-China military standoff in cination booths,” said Nitin Patel, able, and healthcare workers, he complexity, they said. buyers and harm growers. president of one of the largest meet again on Friday. Ladakh. the state’s deputy chief minister. said, adding, “After that we’ll be India’s tally of close to 10.5mn Modi’s government signed pur- selling it at 1,000 Indian rupees in infections is the world’s second chase pacts on Monday with vac- private markets.” highest after the United States, Malaysia declares cine maker Serum Institute of In- While AstraZeneca has said it although the rate of increase has dia (SII), based in the western city would not profi t from the vaccine been slowing. Yesterday, India virus emergency of Pune, for its Covishield shot, during the pandemic, neighbour- added 12,584 cases, for its lowest Indonesia recovers fi rst black more than a week after approving ing Bangladesh is expected to pay daily increase in several months, Malaysia’s king declared a the vaccine developed by Britain’s about $4 a dose, and pricing in while the death toll exceeds nationwide state of emergency AstraZeneca and Oxford Univer- Britain is as yet unknown. Health 151,000. yesterday to fight a coronavirus surge and parliament was box from crashed plane debris suspended, with critics charging it was a bid by the unstable government to cling to power. AFP The surprise move came a Jakarta Ugandan opposition candidate day after the prime minister announced sweeping new curbs across much of the Southeast black box from the crashed Asian nation, including the Indonesian passenger jet says soldiers raided his home closure of most businesses, and A has been recovered, offi - warned the health system was cials said yesterday, a discovery “at breaking point”. that could off er critical clues to Reuters at previous polls, the run up to ruption and nepotism. Museveni Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad explaining why the plane with Kampala this year’s vote has been espe- said on Twitter that he would ad- Shah agreed to declare an 62 people aboard slammed into cially violent. In November, 54 dress the nation at 7pm on Tues- emergency until August 1 the sea. Divers just off the coast people were killed as soldiers day ahead of the presidential and following a request from Prime of the capital Jakarta hauled the gandan opposition presi- and police quelled protests af- parliamentary votes on Jan 14. Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, jet’s fl ight data recorder to the dential candidate Bobi ter Wine was detained. Wine The European Union is not the national palace said in a surface, as the hunt continues for UWine said soldiers raided said the raid on his compound deploying election observers as statement. its cockpit voice recorder. his home yesterday and arrest- in Kampala and the arrest of his advice from previous observers It is the first time Malaysia Indonesian transport min- ed his guards, two days before guards happened while he was about how to make the polls fair has declared a national state ister Budi Karya Sumadi told an election pitting the singer- doing an interview with Kenya’s went unheeded, the bloc’s am- of emergency in over half a a live television briefi ng that National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) off icials hold a part turned-lawmaker against one of Hot 96 FM radio station. “I have bassador to Uganda has said. The century and Muhyiddin, in a the box had been found – after of the retrieved black box of Sriwijaya Air flight SJ 182, which crashed Africa’s longest-serving leaders. to end the interview because I African Union will deploy ob- televised address, confirmed the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737- into the sea at the weekend off the Jakarta coast. Patrick Onyango, police can see soldiers beating my secu- servers. Yesterday, many people parliament would be suspended 500 plunged about 10,000ft spokesman for the capital Kam- rity guards,” he said. reported being unable to access and elections would not take (3,000m) in less than a minute assisted by dozens of boats and Okky Bisma’s wife Aldha Refa pala, denied Wine’s home had Wine also said a team member Facebook and WhatsApp. Dur- place for the time being. But before slamming into the Java helicopters fl ying over small is- wrote on Instagram. been raided or that anyone was who works mainly as a mechanic ing the 2016 election, both social the leader, whose 10-month-old Sea Saturday. lands off the capital’s coast. The There were 10 children among arrested, saying: “We were just was shot dead by the military media networks were shut off for administration is showing signs An AFP reporter on a navy agency deployed a remotely op- the passengers on the half-full rearranging our security posture overnight. Reuters was not im- days around the vote. of falling apart, insisted that ship said investigators started erated vehicle to assist the divers. plane, which had experienced in the area near his home, spe- mediately able to verify the Uganda Communications “the civilian government will picking up strong signals from Scores of body bags fi lled with pilots at the controls as it left Ja- cifi cally removing some check- claim and a military spokesmen Commission spokesman Ibrahim continue to function”. an area where they were search- human remains were being taken karta bound for Pontianak city points.” did not respond to a call seek- Bbossa and a spokeswoman for “The emergency declaration... ing, with divers able to retrieve to a police morgue where foren- on Borneo island on a 90-minute Campaigning ahead of Thurs- ing comment. Museveni, 76, has Facebook in Nairobi did not im- is not a military coup and a the box in about an hour from sic investigators hope to identify fl ight. A transport safety agency day’s vote has been marred by won every election since the fi rst mediately respond to requests curfew will not be enforced,” the wreckage-littered seabed. So victims by matching fi ngerprints investigator has said the crew did crackdowns on opposition ral- under his presidency in 1996, for comment. Wine and his sup- he said. far authorities have been unable or DNA with distraught relatives not declare an emergency or re- lies, which the authorities say though they have been tarnished porters have been using Face- He insisted he was committed to explain why the 26-year-old – some held out hope of survi- port technical problems with the break Covid-19 curbs on large by intimidation of the opposi- book to relay live coverage of his to holding a general election plane crashed just four minutes vors. plane before its dive, and that the gatherings. Rights groups say tion and accusations of vote rig- campaigns and news conferences once the country’s outbreak is after takeoff . Black box data – “We haven’t accepted it yet,” 737 was likely intact when it hit the the restrictions are a pretext for ging. Uganda is a Western ally, a after he said many media outlets brought under control. which record information about Inda Gunawan said of his brother water. Search-and-rescue agency muzzling the opposition. At 38, prospective oil producer and is had declined to host him. The announcement came the speed, altitude and direction Didik Gunardi who was on the chief Soerjanto Tjahjono echoed Wine is half the age of President considered a stabilising force in Most radio and TV stations after Muhyiddin’s key coalition of the plane as well as fl ight crew doomed Saturday fl ight. that view earlier Tuesday, pointing Yoweri Museveni and has at- a region where war has plagued are owned by government allies allies started withdrawing conversations – helps explain “Our family is still hoping for to the relatively small area where tracted a large following among some neighbours. It also con- while the country’s leading daily support, which could have nearly 90% of all crashes, ac- a miracle that he is still alive.” debris was scattered in about 23m young people in a nation where tributes the biggest contingent is state-run. Museveni and his led to the collapse of the cording to aviation experts. Su- Authorities have identifi ed fl ight (75ft) of water. “The size is con- 80% of the population are under of an African Union force fi ght- supporters have also been using government and snap national madi added offi cials believe the attendant Okky Bisma, 29, as sistent with the assumption that 30. He is considered the front- ing insurgents in Somalia. Facebook, though the US me- polls that some feared could cockpit voice recorder is nearby the fi rst confi rmed victim after the plane didn’t explode before runner among 10 candidates While Museveni was wel- dia giant said on Monday it had worsen the outbreak. A local that of fl ight data recorder. matching fi ngerprints from a re- hitting the water,” he added. challenging the former guerrilla comed for bringing stability after taken down a network linked to election last year has been “We strongly believe it’ll be trieved hand to those in a govern- “The damage seen on the re- leader who seized power in 1986. the brutal reigns of two dictators, the ministry of information for blamed for triggering a new found soon,” he said. ment identity database. trieved fan blade also shows that While security forces have opponents say his government posting from fake and duplicate wave of infections that spread Some 3,600 personnel are “Rest in peace up there dar- the engine was still working” at cracked down on the opposition has become riddled with cor- accounts. nationwide. taking part in the recovery eff ort, ling and wait for me... in heaven,” the time of the crash. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Rights over data: WhatsApp’s new privacy rules

Just as 2bn-plus active users wake up and go to sleep on WhatsApp across the world, the messaging behemoth has more than a quarter of the global population in its fold. For a perspective, Telegram accounts for 400mn and Signal around 20mn monthly active users. Armed with that unmatched leverage, WhatsApp is now reserving the right to share data it collects about its users with its broader parent network, Facebook, which includes Instagram, regardless of whether you have accounts or profi les there. Facebook says it needs our data to help operate and improve its off erings. Diabetes research in era of But more broadly, it’s about monetising WhatsApp data in the ledgers of the social media giant. Almost all of the $21.5bn in revenue Facebook generated in its third quarter of 2020 came from ads, and there are none in WhatsApp, according to a Bloomberg report. The company wants to be able to serve more targeted ads to precision medicine, Covid people on Facebook and Instagram by also knowing their usage habits on WhatsApp. patients with T2D are at high risk of pandemic, it emerged that people comparing the eff ects of a low-calorie Facebook says it cannot read WhatsApp. The conversations are developing DKD, with rapid decline in who are obese or have diabetes are at diet meal replacement followed by encrypted end-to-end, meaning not even WhatsApp itself can kidney function leading to an eventual increased risk of developing severe food reintroduction and increased access them. need for renal dialysis and kidney and life-threatening symptoms of physical activity to maintain weight However, by using transplantation. It is not currently Covid-19. The causative Sars-CoV-2 loss, with usual medical care. The key WhatsApp, users possible to identify these patients virus binds to angiotensin, converting fi ndings were remission of T2D in 61% Facebook told may be sharing with in the early-stage of the disease enzyme-2 to gain entry into cells. It of participants and normoglycemia in EU regulators in Facebook their contacts when drug treatment would be most infects lung cells, and also cells that are 33% of participants in the intervention list, location, fi nancial eff ective. dysfunctional in diabetes, including study group after 12 months. 2014 it technically information and usage So, currently, when patients with those of blood vessels and kidneys. Remission of T2D – reduction or data, as well as the T2D develop early indications of kidney QBRI refocused eff orts to study disappearance of the symptoms of T2D wasn’t possible phone’s unique identifi er, dysfunction – increased urinary albumin how Covid-19 impacts on diabetes – has now emerged as a key treatment among other types of so- or microalbuminuria – all are given and developed strategies for risk option. It is associated with a decrease drugs that are renoprotective. QBRI prediction diagnostics, repurposing of in fat deposition in the liver and to integrate called metadata. has identifi ed biomarkers that provide anticancer drugs for the treatment of pancreas and a lifting of hepatic insulin The data may be WhatsApp data strong and conclusive evidence of Covid-19, and repurposing of a dietary resistance. If remission of diabetes linked to users’ identity, which patients will develop future DKD supplement developed to correct can be achieved and sustained in the according to WhatsApp on with rapid renal function decline. The insulin resistance and prevent T2D, long term for a wider group of patients with its other Dr Paul Thornalley, scientific its listing in Apple’s App institute is working on further validation for the prevention of decline in lung with T2D, this will be a remarkable director at the Diabetes Research services Store, and it’s this data the of this, which may then be used to direct function and prophylaxis for Covid-19. achievement and a major turning point privacy policy stipulates Center (DRC) at Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI). drug treatment to those patients with These studies are ongoing. in the treatment of diabetes. must now be agreed can be shared with Facebook. T2D who need it most — application of In this section, Dr Thornalley However, there remains concern The fallout, for sure, is widening. precision medicine to DKD. iabetes is a major healthcare examines the major developments in that this approach may not be eff ective diabetes research in Qatar in 2020, for all patients and, furthermore, it Technology billionaire Elon Musk has endorsed rival app Signal challenge and priority in Advances in the application of important events, research progress, does not correct insulin resistance to his 42mn Twitter followers. Qatar, with its prevalence human pluripotent stem cells in and the emerging role of precision in skeletal muscle – a key driver The registration service for Signal crashed after an infl ux of new currently at 17% twice the users overwhelmed its servers. D diabetes research medicine in the battle against diabetes of development of T2D. Other global average. Ten percent of diabetes QBRI is studying human pluripotent during 2020. interventions to counter this, such The Turkish Competition Board said on Monday it launched an cases are type 1 (T1D) and 90% are type stem cells to investigate the as pharmacological interventions investigation into WhatsApp and its owner Facebook. 2 (T2D). A further 20% of the popula- molecular mechanisms underlying Diabetes Leadership Forum 2020 with dietary supplements or drugs, To address the growing global concerns, WhatsApp says the tion have prediabetes, with a high risk the development of diabetes and to In February 2020, Qatar’s Ministry may provide further support for the change in its policy “does not aff ect privacy of messages with of developing T2D. generate functional pancreatic beta of Public Health organised the Diabetes prevention and remission of T2D. friends or family”. “Instead, this update includes changes related A dominant driver of the cells for therapeutic use in diabetes. Leadership Forum in collaboration with These approaches are currently under to messaging a business on WhatsApp”. development of prediabetes and The institute is involved in a major the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), investigation at QBRI. It is likely But WhatsApp’s latest data policy change doesn’t come with a T2D is being overweight and obese. research collaboration with Harvard Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), that a multiplicity of approaches will Approximately 70% percent of the one-size-fi ts-all global reach. Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), and research Primary Health Care Corporation be required to prevent and induce population of Qatar is overweight and, There’s a diff erence in the text for Europe compared with the projects are investigating mechanisms (PHCC), and the Qatar Diabetes remission of T2D in Qatar. rest of the world. of this, about 40% is obese. A further of production of insulin producing Association. The forum reviewed European data protection authorities, which under the concern are the vascular complications beta cells from iPSCs, immunological progress made since the launch of Diabetes research and emerging European Union’s strict privacy laws, are empowered to fi ne of diabetes, which can cause damage responses in T1D, and beta cell Qatar’s National Diabetes Strategy approaches to precision medicine companies as much as 4% of global annual revenue if they breach to the kidney, retina, and nerves dysfunction produced by a rare genetic 2016-2022 and discussed the Strategy Precision medicine is a concept the bloc’s rules. in the arms and legs, and bring an mutation found in the Qatari population. Action Plan for the next two years, that involves the customisation of EU antitrust authorities in 2017 fi ned Facebook $134mn for increased risk of cardiovascular disease This fi ve-year joint project with launching the National Agenda for healthcare with decisions on treatment misleading regulators during a 2014 review of the WhatsApp (CVD). The prevalence of vascular HSCI will make use of the unique Diabetes Research and CVD risk and care tailored to an individual takeover. Facebook, in fact, had told EU regulators during the complications is 30-40% in the integrated expertise at QBRI and factors. The forum emphasised the person. This is based on the predicted review it technically wasn’t possible to combine WhatsApp data diabetic population. HSCI and will enable researchers importance of the national programme risk of an individual to develop a with its other services. In this section, Dr Paul J Thornalley, from the stem cell biology, diabetes, for prevention of T2D, which now disease or respond to a particular scientifi c director at the Diabetes In a wider sense, much of WhatsApp’s latest policy is broadly genomics and structural biology to includes an increasing role concerning therapeutic approach. Research Center (DRC) at Qatar in line with what came before. The option to share data with collaborate and utilise diverse tools to early-stage remission of T2D, and also The implementation of precision Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), discern the function of transcription stressed the need for further research on medicine requires the measurement Facebook has existed for years, but it was just that: optional. From discusses below the research being February 8, it becomes mandatory. factors expressed during pancreas understanding the disease mechanisms. of disease risk and treatment response carried out at QBRI’s DRC, and the development and play a critical indicators or “biomarkers”. Biomarkers Across the world, there have for long been calls for better impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. regulatory safeguards over cross-platform data sharing by the Big role in -cell functionality. Clinical Landmark study on remission may be genetic polymorphisms, Tech. trials arising from agreement will be of type 2 diabetes by intensive proteins, metabolites, or other Emerging innovative diagnostics conducted with QBRI stakeholders, lifestyle intervention indicators. Access to clinical samples The WhatsApp update should also serve as an occasion for in diabetes research such as Hamad Medical Corporation In June 2020, the outcome of the via Qatar Biobank (QBB) and genomic social media users to think over what they put online and their QBRI is exploring the application and Sidra Medicine. DIADEM-I study performed by sequence data via the Qatar Genome rights over their personal data on the Net. of transcriptomic, proteomic, and investigators at QMI, HMC, and Program (QGP) greatly facilitates And here’s the old saying: “If you are not paying for some metabolomic biomarkers for the Covid-19 pandemic and diabetes PHCC was published. The study research for the development of product or service, you are the product or service.” diagnosis of patients at risk of research at QBRI detailed a clinical trial of patients with precision medicine. QBB and QGP have developing diabetic kidney disease From the earliest stages of the T2D within three years of diagnosis, recently merged to become the Qatar (DKD) with rapid decline in renal Precision Medicine Institute (QPMI), To Advertise function. The institute is also which sees these eff orts consolidated. [email protected] investigating biomarkers for the About Hamad Bin Khalifa University diagnosis of comorbidities of diabetes, Conclusion Display such as CVD, stroke, and dementia, Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow QBRI is looking forward to further and are working with teams at the studies in translational medicine to assist 44466621 44418811 College of Health and Life Sciences Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), human capacity through an enriching in the implementation of a precision a member of Qatar Foundation for academic experience, innovative at HBKU, HMC, and Weill Cornell medicine approach to the care and Classified Education, Science, and Community ecosystem, and unique partnerships. Medicine – Qatar. QBRI investigators, treatment of people at risk of developing Development (QF), was founded HBKU delivers multidisciplinary 44466609 44418811 in collaboration with Qatar Computing in 2010 as a research-intensive undergraduate and graduate T2D and patients with T2D at risk of Subscription Research Institute at HBKU, have also university that acts as a catalyst for programmes through its colleges, and developing vascular complications developed a risk score to screen for transformative change in Qatar and provides opportunities for research and co-morbidities in Qatar. DRC [email protected] prediabetes. the region while having global impact. and scholarship through its institutes investigators are applying their ingenuity DKD is often considered the most Located in Education City, HBKU is and centres. For more information and skills to developing new tools aiming feared vascular complication of committed to building and cultivating about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa for risk prediction, prevention, and © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved diabetes. Approximately one in three treatment of diabetes and Covid-19. Gulf Times Wednesday, January 13, 2021 11 WORLD German authorities take down world’s largest darknet marketplace

By Deborah Cole, AFP Police in the northern city cryptocurrencies – changing the data saved there to launch DarkMarket came to light in the authorisations, ensuring ano- dors involved in selling opioids, Berlin of Oldenburg “were able to ar- hands, prosecutors said. new probes against the mod- course of major investigation nymity for users. methamphetamine and other rest the alleged operator of the At current exchange rates, that erators, sellers and buyers of the against the webhosting service They have faced increased illegal goods on the Internet un- suspected world’s largest illegal represented turnover valued at marketplace,” prosecutors said. Cyberbunker, located in a former pressure from international law derground, in what Europol offi - German-led police sting marketplace on the darknet, the €140mn ($170mn). The prime suspect was North Atlantic Treaty Organisa- enforcement in recent months. cials said at the time put an end has taken down the DarkMarket, at the weekend”, The marketplace off ered for brought before a judge but de- tion (Nato) bunker in southwest- The EU narcotics agency to the “golden age” of dark web A“world’s largest” darknet prosecutors said in a statement. sale “all kinds of drugs” as well as clined to speak. ern Germany. sounded the alarm in September markets. marketplace, whose Australian “Investigators were able to “counterfeit money, stolen and The US Federal Bureau of Three Dutchmen, three Ger- that the pandemic was failing to Some 121 suspects were ar- alleged operator used it to fa- shut down the marketplace and fake credit card data, anonymous Investigation (FBI), Drug En- mans and a Bulgarian are believed disrupt drug smugglers and deal- rested in the US, followed by 42 cilitate the sale of drugs, stolen turn off the server on Monday,” SIM cards, malware and much forcement Agency (DEA) law to have provided the infrastruc- ers, as users and sellers were us- in Germany, eight in the Neth- credit card data and malware, they added, calling it the culmi- more”. enforcement division and In- ture for illegal online activities ing the web for their supply. erlands, four in Britain, three in prosecutors said yesterday. nation of a months-long inter- A 34-year-old Australian na- ternal Revenue Service (IRS) tax before they were arrested in Sep- While street dealing had been Austria, and one in Sweden. At the time of its closure, national law enforcement opera- tional believed to be the Dark- authority took part in the probe tember 2019. aff ected by restrictions during That so-called Operation Dis- DarkMarket had nearly 500,000 tion. Market operator was arrested along with police from Australia, They have been on trial since the pandemic, it said consumers rupTor followed a law agency users and more than 2,400 ven- A total of at least 320,000 near the German-Danish bor- Britain, Denmark, Switzerland, last October in the German city and dealers had been turning to shutdown in May 2019 of the dors worldwide, as the corona- transactions were carried out via der, just as more than 20 servers Ukraine, and Moldova. of Trier. online “darknet” markets, social Wall Street Market, the sec- virus pandemic leads much of the marketplace, with more than it used in Moldova and Ukraine Europol, Europe’s police agen- The secret “darknet” includes media and home delivery. ond largest dark Web exchange, the street trade in narcotics to go 4,650 bitcoin and 12,800 mon- were seized. cy, played a “co-ordinating role”. websites that can be accessed Also in September, a global which had more than 1.1mn users online. ero – two of the most common “Investigators expect to use The German prosecutors said only with specifi c software or police sting netted 179 ven- and 5,400 vendors.

Canada’s Trudeau shuffles cabinet ahead of possible spring election Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced yesterday a mini cabinet shuff le – notably replacing his foreign minister – ahead of possible snap elections in the coming months. Former astronaut Marc Garneau sheds his transport ministry Trump rejects blame responsibilities to take over as foreign minister from Francois- Philippe Champagne, who was reassigned to the post of industry minister. The swearing-in ceremony lasted mere minutes and was held on Zoom due to strict coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions on in-person gatherings. Parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, Omar Alghabra, meanwhile, takes over the transport ministry, where he will need for Congress attack to make urgent decisions on a Canadians airlines bailout and when to allow the Boeing 737 MAX to fly again in Canadian airspace Defiant president says a second impeachment. offi cials quitting the government following two deadly overseas crashes. impeachment causing No longer able to use Twitter – most recently the acting head Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who’s been tipped to ‘tremendous anger’ and Facebook – two platforms of the Department of Homeland eventually succeed Trudeau as prime minister, was handed the integral to his shock rise to power Security Chad Wolf on Monday finance portfolio. AFP in 2016 – Trump is for the fi rst – it’s also clear that Trump’s grip Washington time struggling to shape the news on power is tenuous. message, a censoring by Big Tech In an interview yesterday on that he called a “catastrophic ABC News, Health Secretary Alex Mexican president details plan to resident Donald Trump mistake”. Azar did not dismiss outright the ‘de-fang’ independent watchdogs emerged from isolation at His trip to Alamo, Texas, option of removing Trump, say- Pthe White House yesterday where he will tout claims of suc- ing: “I’m not going to get into Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has laid out plans to deny responsibility for a mob cess in building a US-Mexican or discuss the 25th Amendment to restructure the country’s freedom of information institute, along of his supporters storming Con- border wall, is his fi rst live pub- here.” with other autonomous watchdogs and regulators, a move that gress, and warning that his im- lic appearance since last week’s Democrats will follow up the critics say would weaken checks on government power. minent impeachment is causing chaotic events. 25th Amendment vote with im- Lopez Obrador has long criticised government watchdogs and “tremendous anger”. This is not the same Alamo as peachment proceedings in the regulators as a waste of budget better used for education and Trump – set to become the the famous fortress in another House on Wednesday. welfare. fi rst president in US history part of Texas, but the trip still The single charge of “incite- The government itself could handle public information requests impeached for a second time – marks something of a last stand. ment of insurrection” is all but without the need for a separate institution, he said on Monday. made clear that he takes no blame Ever since the November 3 sure to get majority support. “Why have a very expensive transparency apparatus if the for the January 6 speech in which election, the Republican real es- DON’T BLAME ME: President Donald Trump speaks to the media The Republican-controlled government is (already) obliged to report and make everything he urged supporters to march on tate tycoon has been obsessively before boarding Air Force One to depart Washington on travel to Senate, however, is in recess it does transparent?” Lopez Obrador said at his regular news Congress. pushing a lie that he, not Demo- visit the US-Mexico border wall in Texas. until January 19, and its leader- conference, adding that the freedom of information institute known “They’ve analysed my speech crat Joe Biden, was the real win- ship says there is no way to rush as INAI costs about $50mn a year. in my words and my fi nal para- ner. Trump, however, clearly re- to get Vice-President Mike Pence through an impeachment trial Critics, however, see the planned reform as an attempt to graph, my fi nal sentence, and Then last week, in a speech on mains in denial. and the cabinet to invoke the US before Biden takes over the fol- consolidate power, removing checks and balances and leaving the everybody to the tee just thought the National Mall, he called on He has yet to congratulate Constitution’s 25th Amendment, lowing day. government to police itself. it was totally appropriate,” the huge crowd to go to Congress Biden or urge his supporters to which would declare Trump unfi t This means that Trump, who “You become a player and a referee on the same field if you absorb Trump said before fl ying to Tex- and “show strength”. stand behind the incoming presi- to perform his duties and install was acquitted in the Senate last those functions,” said Ernesto Piedras, head of Latin American as. Amped up on Trump’s rheto- dent after he is inaugurated on Pence as acting president. year after his fi rst impeachment, market consultancy The CIU. “It would be centralising too much.” He called his scheduled im- ric, the mob burst into Congress, January 20 – a gesture of political This is unlikely to happen. would not be forced out of offi ce peachment in the House of Rep- fi ghting with police, trashing of- unity considered all but routine Although Pence is reportedly early. resentatives today a “continua- fi ces and forcing lawmakers to after US elections. furious about Trump’s behav- Not even all Democrats are 9,000 died in Irish homes for mums tion of the greatest witch hunt in suspend briefl y a ceremony le- And according to Axios, iour last week, the two met at the gunning whole heartedly for a the history of politics”. gally formalising Biden’s victory. Trump and the top Republican White House on Monday for the trial, worried that this would and ‘illegitimate’ infants: report And he warned that while “you The crisis galvanised many of in the House of Representatives, fi rst time since the Congress at- overshadow Biden’s fi rst days in have to always avoid violence”, Trump’s former boosters in the Kevin McCarthy, had a stormy tack and had “a good conversa- offi ce. Some 9,000 children died in Ireland’s “mother and baby homes”, his supporters are furious. corporate and sporting world to phone conversation yesterday in tion”, according to a senior ad- The new president will already where unmarried mothers were routinely separated from their “I’ve never seen such anger as turn their backs. which Trump continued to push ministration offi cial. face the challenges of an out-of- infant off spring, according to an off icial report published yesterday. I’ve seen right now,” he said. In the Republican party, which his conspiracy theory that he was That signalled that whatever control coronavirus (Covid-19) Ireland’s Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby With only eight days left in has been in thrall to the populist the true election winner. Pence and the dwindling number pandemic, the stumbling vac- Homes (CIMBH) found “disquieting” levels of infant mortality at the his single-term administra- leader for four years, even ultra- McCarthy reportedly inter- of White House offi cials feel, cination programme, a shaky institutions, which operated in the historically Catholic nation as tion, Trump fi nds himself alone, loyal senior fi gures like Senator rupted, telling him: “Stop it. It’s they are committed to keeping economy, and now the aftermath recently as 1998. shunned by former supporters, Lindsey Graham have fi nally told over. The election is over.” the presidency limping along un- of violent political opposition Studying such homes over a 76-year period through 1998, the barred by social media, and now Trump that he must accept elec- The House of Representatives til January 20. from parts of Trump’s huge voter CIMBH determined that 9,000 children died in them, or 15% of facing the unprecedented stain of tion defeat. was due to vote on a longshot bid Still, with a string of cabinet base. those who passed through.

Coronavirus herd immunity No picnic for unlikely this year, says WHO teddy bears in pandemic AFP/Reuters/Internews similar criticisms levelled by Presi- into recession last year. Geneva dent-elect Joe Biden. Ukraine has agreed to buy some In Russia, a woman who was ad- vaccines from China and also ex- ‘hibernation’ mitted to hospital heavily pregnant pects to secure some under the glo- cientists at the World Health and with what doctors said were bal Covax programme for poorer Organisation (WHO) warned potentially fatal levels of Covid-19 countries. By Krisztina Fenyo, Reuters Sthat mass vaccinations would lung damage was reunited with her But it has dismissed calls from a Harsany, Hungary not bring about herd immunity to newborn baby after spending 51 days Russian-leaning opposition leader the coronavirus this year, even as on a ventilator and giving birth by C- to buy vaccines from Russia. one leading producer boosted its section. The neighbours are estranged n a small village in eastern Hungary, more than production forecast. Oksana Shelomentseva was hos- over Russia’s annexation of Crimea 20,000 teddy bears are “hibernating” in a ware- The Covid-19 respiratory disease pitalised in the Siberian city of in 2014 and its support for rebels in Ihouse, waiting for the coronavirus pandemic to is caused by the coronavirus. Irkutsk in the 32nd week of her preg- eastern Ukraine. ease so they can bring joy to children in local nurseries. Infections numbers are surging nancy, having had a high fever for “Today, for all countries of the Nicknamed “Teddy Bear Mama”, Valeria Schmidt around the world, especially in Eu- three days. Eastern Partnership initiative, in Valeria Schmidt, nicknamed ‘Teddy Bear Mama’, hugs teddy bears in looks after her precious collection of bears, now rope where nations have been forced A scan showed catastrophic lung particular Ukraine and Moldova, the Harsany, Hungary. The toys are meant for children in local nurseries, but the packed up in plastic bags for their unusually long to ramp up virus restrictions even as damage and that her unborn baby issue of obtaining vaccines is impor- pandemic has meant that the teddy bears have been put in ‘hibernation’. winter sleep as Hungary remains in partial lockdown vaccines are rolled out. was not receiving enough oxygen. tant,” Zelenskiy said in a televised due to a resurgence of the virus. The WHO’s chief scientist Sou- “My temperature rose to 38° Cel- statement while hosting Moldovan the lockdown until April and that ures to limit social mixing. “I give away teddy bears to nurseries, pre-schools mya Swaminathan warned on Mon- sius and I battled with it for three President Maia Sandu in Kyiv. “The she had not warned of a ten-fold in- “It is preposterous to me that any- and poor families. I make exhibitions for (children’s) day that it would take time to pro- days, but it became clear I could not countries of the Eastern Partnership crease in infection numbers in Ger- one could be unaware of our duty to institutions, a kind of therapeutic teddy bear corner duce and give enough shots to halt do that independently,” Sheloment- should be given increased attention many. do all we can to stop the spread of with about 30-50 bears which the children can play the spread of the virus, which has seva said. by the EU states in matters of joint “Merkel said the coming eight to the virus,” Dick wrote in the Times with,” Schmidt said. “Unfortunately, because of the infected more than 90mn people Doctors immediately performed procurement procedures and accel- ten weeks would be very hard if the newspaper. “We have been clear that virus situation, I cannot do these now.” worldwide with deaths approaching a Caesarean section to deliver baby erating the supply of vaccines.” British variant spreads to Germany,” those who breach Covid-19 legisla- The 62-year-old Schmidt, who has four adult chil- two million. girl Liza, but still feared for the re- Germany’s Chancellor Angela one of the people said, adding the tion are increasingly likely to face dren, has been collecting teddy bears for 40 years and “We are not going to achieve any covery of the mother who went on to Merkel has told lawmakers in her chancellor had referred to a ten-fold fi nes.” entered the Guinness Book of Records in 2019 for the levels of population immunity or spend almost two months on a ven- conservative party that she expects surge in infection numbers in Ireland In Pakistan, more than 13,000 world’s largest collection of them. herd immunity in 2021,” she said, tilator to help her breathe. a lockdown in Germany to curb the due to the new variant. healthcare workers have been infect- Her passion for the bears stems from her childhood stressing the need to maintain phys- Shelomentseva was discharged on spread of the coronavirus to last un- In the United Kingdom, police ed with the novel coronavirus across traumas. ical distancing, hand-washing and Monday and returned home to her til the start of April, top-selling Bild will get tougher on those who fl out the country since the pandemic hit Schmidt’s parents divorced when she was four, mask-wearing. husband and three children, includ- daily cited participants at the meet- rules aimed at stopping the spread late February. she grew up in very poor conditions and her mother In the United States, New York ing baby Liza. ing as saying. of Covid-19 and stricter measures Data issued by the National drank heavily. City could run out of its Covid-19 Ukraine’s President Volodymyr “If we don’t manage to stop this could be brought in, the country’s Command and Operations Centre “Not only we did not have toys but we barely had vaccine stock “by the end of next Zelenskiy has asked European Union British virus, then we will have 10 top offi cer and the minister respon- (NCOC) showed that up until Janu- clothes,” she said. “That is why I wanted a teddy bear week”, Mayor Bill de Blasio told jour- countries for more help in procuring times the number of cases by Easter. sible for policing said yesterday. ary 11, 2021, at least 13,053 medics so I could hug it and get some love from it.” nalists yesterday, calling on the fed- coronavirus vaccines after his gov- We need eight to 10 more weeks of The capital’s police chief Cressida have contracted the deadly virus, the She hugs and strokes her teddies many times a day eral government and laboratories to ernment resisted turning to Russia tough measures,” Bild quoted Merkel Dick, the country’s most senior of- majority (60%) of which are doctors. and she says they have cured her soul. prevent a dearth of doses. for assistance. as saying. fi cer, said that offi cers would take Paramedics and other staff make up “Now these teddy bears make up for all the hunger, “The federal structure is going The pandemic has killed more Three participants of the meet- tougher action to enforce lockdown for 26% and nurses 14%. all the lack of love, lack of toys and everything. Espe- way too slow in terms of getting vac- than 20,000 Ukrainians and plunged ing told Reuters that Merkel had not rules amid concern that some people A total of 113 healthcare workers cially when I see children coming to see my exhibition cine to us,” de Blasio said, echoing one of Europe’s poorest countries explicitly spoken of an extension of were continuing to ignore the meas- have died. and I see the joy and happiness in their eyes.” Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 QATAR

Qatar Museums makes Qatar Custom new discovery Show revving to in Asaila The newly excavated graves also revealed an untouched burial of From Page 1 a camel in its natural resting position with its legs folded under the body. Extensive data revealed that Asaila still has numerous undis- ial of a camel in its natural resting was led into the burial pit, made start tomorrow covered archaeological remains. position, its legs folded under the to kneel, and slaughtered along- The newly-excavated graves body. side with its calf. By Mudassir Raja also revealed an untouched bur- This suggests that the camel This spectacular fi nding will Staff Reporter provide new information about the domestication and usage of camels, and the ritual practices ll is set for the three- that existed in pre-Islamic Ara- day Qatar Custom Show bia. A(QCS) at the Qatar Rac- In 1961, a similar grave con- ing Club (QRC) tomorrow (Jan- taining the remains of a drome- uary 14). dary-Bactrian hybrid camel was The show off ers a platform for excavated at Mezruah. people who own uniquely cus- The Asaila tombs are one of tomised cars and motorbikes to several burial sites that the QM showcase their designs and vie plans to excavate as part of the for awards. National Priority Research Pro- The show will be held from gramme “Human Populations 3pm-10pm each day. and Demographics in Qatar from It will have soft opening on the Neolithic to the late Iron the fi rst day for visitors to view Age”, led by Sidra Medicine and the cars and bikes. funded by the Qatar National Re- The second day will see the search Fund (Grant No NPRP10- main event, where the judges A golden earring found in a burial mound. 0208-170411). will announce the winners, and the trophies given away. The third day is specifi ed for Event organisers (from left) the competition to award the Thaib al-Qubaisi, Mohamed al- best photo taken at the show. Hajjaj, Ghanim al-Naeemi, Abdul This year, the show includes a Nasir Hilal, and Abdul Hayder. “Thank You Kuwait” motorcy- PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam cle parade in recognition of the eff orts put in by Kuwait to end “So far we have 110 cars and the blockade of Qatar. 80 bikes. The numbers have in- This was shared by Khalid al- creased despite the pandemic Hammadi, founder and organ- and people from other GCC iser of the QCS, while talking to states not being able to come,” Gulf Times. he said. “It is a very popular “We as organisers are really show, with people making spe- thankful to HE Sheikh Khalid cial projects for it. bin Hamad al-Thani, president “Car or bike builders work a of the QRC, for hosting the whole year on their projects to show for the fi rst time since we take part in the show.” started it in 2013,” he said. “Pre- To get the new and unique viously we have organised the ideas, the builders often buy toy show at Aspire, Sheraton Park, cars. and Katara. “They select a toy car and Al-Hammadi: started the QCS in 2013. “This year I think we have make it their project. They then come to our home – the QRC. buy a similar car, and get it cus- terested in customising trucks.” The organisers will hold the I am also thankful to our spon- tomised. The judges for the QCS are all “Thank You Kuwait” motorbike soring companies for making “Most of the customisation car builders and have vast expe- parade on January 15. the show possible.” takes place in Qatar … some- rience and knowledge of cus- “We will move from Qatar Al-Hammadi is a customised times they do get it done abroad. tomisation. Sports Club at 2pm on Friday. cars and bikes enthusiast, who They shape their car or bike the “The judges have to be build- The bikers will pass through started the show to appreciate way they want,” al-Hammadi ers themselves. They should be the Corniche and Airport Road, the art and the hobby in Qatar, said. “The current trend is for the winners of previous shows. before they end their ride at besides bringing like-minded customised cars, though more They are experts and have the the QRC,” said parade organiser Excavated and unexcavated graves at Asaila. people together. and more people are getting in- knowledge.” Ghanim al-Naeemi. 930 vehicles cross Abu Samra in fi rst three days

total of 930 vehicles crossed the Abu Samra Aborder in the fi rst three days after the Land Customs Department counters there re- sumed work, the General Au- thority of Customs (GAC) said. A total of 835 vehicles crossed the border into Saudi Arabia, while 95 entered Qatar in the said period, according to fi gures re- leased by the GAC yesterday. Murshid Shaheen al-Kuwari, director of the department, said Customs operations resumed at Abu Samra soon after receiving instructions in this regard. He said that a large number of screening devices have been pro- vided to ensure that the work is carried in line with the highest international standards. The GAC resumed its Cus- toms procedures for receiving travellers from both sides in co- ordination with its partners in government agencies operating at Abu Samra on January 9. Murshid Shaheen al-Kuwari During a tour of the Customs facilities there, Abdul Rahman al-Obaidli, the head of the pas- Customs off icials and personnel carrying out a thorough inspection of the vehicles before being allowed sengers section at GAC, said that to cross Abu Samra border. all the necessary procedures were being followed at the border. Technology Department careful- sponse as well as other govern- sued regarding the entry and exit “Once directives were received ly reviewed all systems, devices ment agencies that helped the of travellers. to open the port for travellers, and networks. GAC resume operations. The department, according to the Land Customs Department Network communication sys- Explaining the procedures at him, also ensures that the ad- carried out the required works, tems and other facilities were Abu Samra, he said that Cus- equate quantities of protective covering all administrative and replaced, while the GAC’s elec- toms offi cials receive vehicles equipment such as masks, gloves technical aspects,” he said. tronic system (Al-Nadeeb) was and passengers and ensure that and sanitisers are distributed In less than 24 hours, the em- installed at the border. they meet the health standards among workers responsible for ployees were contacted and fa- The Financial and Administra- and also undergo the procedures the inspection process, as well as miliarised with the work mecha- tive Aff airs Department provided of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). those at the entry and exit gates. nism there. all business needs by replacing After this, a thorough inspec- Abdullah al-Nuaimi, head The number of employees and seals and providing sanitisers, tion of the vehicles is carried out of the Land Customs security their distribution in diff erent protective masks, and gloves. to ensure that they are not carry- department, said the presence shifts were determined in keep- It also provided general serv- ing prohibited items. of Customs security at the in- ing with the expected volume of ices and carried out maintenance The GAC offi cial added that ternal entrances and exits was work. works, he informed. the procedures are completed in strengthened according to the Other procedures were co- Al-Obaidli thanked the GAC under fi ve minutes. new work instructions. ordinated with state agencies op- chairman for his support in pro- He said the department works He said that there is co-or- erating at the border according to viding for all the needs of the in co-ordination with the Min- dination with the relevant MoI the directions of the government, Land Customs Department at istry of Public Health (MoPH) to department regarding the work al-Obaidli explained. Abu Samra, all the Customs de- implement all relevant corona- mechanism and the application He added that the Information partments for their quick re- virus (Covid-19) instructions is- of Customs procedures.