Traf C Ow Eases As Ashghal Opens Duhail Al Gharrafa Bridge

QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune SUNDAY QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune AUGUST 16, 2020 DHU AL-HIJJAH 26, 1441 VOL.13 NO. 5026 QR 2

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Traf c ow eases as Ashghal opens Duhail Al Gharrafa Bridge Bridge opens six months ahead of schedule Parts of traffic signals at Duhail Interchange open

SANTHOSH CHANDRAN Road can take U-turn after the MoTC signs Amir greets DOHA opening of all U-turn exits on all streets. Indian prez THE Public Works Authority Due to its vital location at the MoU with (Ashghal) has opened Duhail Al northern gate of Doha city on on I-Day Gharrafa Bridge and parts of traf- Shamal Road, the new openings fic signals as part of the Duhail on Duhail Interchange will con- Ashghal on QNA Interchange Development Pro- tribute in enhanced traffic flow in DOHA ject on Shamal Road, six months the region. It will provide alter- ahead of schedule. nate routes to many schools and road projects HIS Highness The Amir The remaining parts of the educational facilities in the sur- of State of Qatar Sheikh Duhail Interchange project are rounding areas, including Qatar QNA Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani scheduled to open in September, University, North Atlantic College DOHA on Saturday sent a cable of within 18 months from the start and Education City. It will also congratulations to President of works on the project. serve commuters heading to other THE Ministry of Transport and Commu- of India Ram Nath Kovind on Duhail Al Gharrafa Bridge facilities and commercial entities nications (MoTC) has signed an MoU with the anniversary of country’s will provide a free flow of traffic in the region. the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) on Independence Day. between Al Khafaji Street and Al Eng Yousef Al Emadi, Direc- planning, studying, designing, maintain- Gharrafa Street and cut the travel tor of Projects Affairs at Ashghal, ing, and managing the road projects. time by 95 percent between areas said Ashghal continues its jour- The MoU is upgrading the level of col- of West Bay, Al-Markhiya, Madi- ney towards completion of vari- laboration, joint efforts, and constructive Amir congratulates nat Khalifa, and Duhail towards ous infrastructure projects, and cooperation between the two sides with Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Al Gharrafa prioritises major projects that the aim of providing a safe, integrated Congo president and Al Rayyan areas. The bridge serve a large section of people. He transportation system in line with the best HIS Highness The Amir of State consists of a 400-meter three- pointed out that Ashghal project universal practices and standards. of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin lane dual carriageway to accom- works are going on without in- The MoTC and Ashghal aim to develop Hamad Al Thani on Saturday modate about 12,000 vehicles terruptions despite the blockade and manage the mobility and transpor- sent a cable of congratulations per hour on both sides. or COVID-19, and the opening of tation projects as an integrated network to President of the Republic of In addition to Duhail Al- Duhail Al-Gharrafa Bridge and compatible with other modes of transpor- the Congo (Brazzaville) Denis Gharrafa Bridge, parts of traffic traffic signals prior to six months tation in an efficient, economic, safe, and Sassou Nguesso on the occa- signals under North Bridge are of the proposed schedule is testi- environment-friendly fashion. sion of his country’s National also open. Commuters from Sha- Street and vice versa. North Road and vice versa. Com- mony to that. The two sides also aim to fulfil Qatar’s Day. (QNA) mal can directly access Duhail Similarly, commuters from muters along Al-Gharrafa Street, needs for mobility and transportation in and West Bay through Al Khafaji Al Gharrafa can directly reach Al-Khafaji Street, and Shamal Continued on page 2  line with the Second National Develop- ment Strategy (2018-2022) and Qatar National Vision 2030. The MoU was signed by MoTC Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Land Trans- port Affairs Eng Hamad Essa Abdulla and President of Ashghal HE Dr Saad bin Lebanese Army chief thanks Qatar for support Ahmed Al Muhannadi. The MoU defines and explains the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK General Aoun praised the Qatari roles, missions and responsibilities of the BEIRUT army team for setting up two field hos- two sides based on the Amiri decisions in pitals at a record time to receive the such a way that avoids duplication and COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Leba- blast victims. General Aoun appreciated limits overlapping. nese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun the solidarity shown by the two Qatari The MoU puts in force a joint work- has thanked Qatar for always standing teams, which reflects the fraternal rela- ing mechanism for planning, studying, by Lebanon, especially in this tragic time tions between the two countries. designing, implementing, operating, following the Beirut blast. General Aoun expressed his inten- maintaining and managing the road He appreciated the initiative of tion to pay a visit to Doha to personally projects as per the approved plans, im- His Highness The Amir of Qatar thank and appreciate the senior officials plementation priorities and delivery Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in in Qatar. timelines. extending a helping hand to the Leba- For his part, the head of the Qatari This also includes taking all the nec- nese people and sending aircraft load- delegation, Lieutenant Colonel Abdul- essary measures and activating the road ed with fields hospitals and medical lah Eid Al Mohannadi, on behalf of the assets delivery mechanism after road pro- supplies. Search and Rescue Team, said the Com- jects have been carried out by the contrac- This came as the Lebanese Army mander of the Lebanese Army provided tor and at the end of the period dedicated chief received Qatar’s Ambassador to all facilities to the team in Lebanon. to maintenance. Lebanon HE Mohammed Hassan Al The Qatari ambassador reiterated Additionally, a joint working mecha- Jaber and a delegation from the search Qatar’s support for Lebanon and praised nism regarding putting the necessary and rescue team (Lekhwiya) and the Qa- the Lebanese army’s good management strategies and plans for maintaining and tari army team. The Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, General Joseph Aoun, met with of the crisis and the organization in re- managing road projects and networks. He praised the efforts made by the Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon HE Mohammed Hassan Jaber Al Jaber and a delegation ceiving and distributing aid in coordina- search and rescue team and Qatari army. from the Qatar’s search and rescue team and Qatari Army. tion with the authorities. Continued on page 2 

QU’s fall 2020 semester begins today COVID-19 recoveries reach 111,505 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK QATAR University’s (QU) fall semester will begin on Sun- DOHA day with the distance education system. Students will not be physically attending the classes until the end of Qatar on Saturday reported 277 coronavi- the third phase of lifting the restrictions, which are in rus (COVID-19) cases, the Ministry of Pub- force to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). lic Health (MoPH) said in its daily report. QU’s Vice President for Student Affairs Dr Iman Also, 247 people recovered from the Mostafawi emphasised the necessity for students to virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the attend the lectures remotely according to the aca- total number of recoveries in the country to demic calendar. 111,505. Sadly, two people – aged 75 and He said the students must remain alert and 81 – succumbed to the virus in the past 24 access their e-mails to follow the university’s depart- hours, taking the death toll in the country ments instructions. They also must follow the black- to 192. board system to ensure effective communication. In a statement, the Ministry of Public Dr Mostafawi also called on students to follow Health (MoPH) said all new cases have COVID-19 precautionary measures, such as measur- been introduced to isolation and are receiving temperature, wearing masks, observing social ing necessary healthcare. “Measures to distancing, and activating the Ehteraz application, in tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have succeeded the event that they visit the campus to receive text- in attening the curve and limiting the books. PAGE 2 spread of the virus,” the MoPH added. 02 Sunday, August 16, 2020

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Quick read Amir sends greetings to president of Republic of Korea QRCS renovates 25 damaged homes, The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Sat- urday a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in on the anniversary of his country’s Liberation Day. (QNA) provides medical assistance in Beirut Amir congratulates prince of Liechtenstein Tribune News Network supplies to the Lebanese Red Cross The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Sat- Doha at Martyrs’ Square emergency staff urday a cable of congratulations to Prince of the Principality of Liechten- in central Beirut, including 70,000 stein Hans-Adam II on his country’s National Day. (QNA) Qatar Red Crescent Society masks, face covers, gloves and sani- (QRCS) has renovated 25 homes tisers. Deputy Amir sends greetings to president of India as part of 500 homes that are to be In addition to repairing dam- repaired within seven to 10 days as aged homes, an early recovery plan The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent an immediate response to the Bei- is underway to provide medical and on Saturday a cable of congratulations to President of India Ram Nath rut Harbor blast. The initiative is ambulance assistance, fresh meals, Kovind on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) guided by the Regulatory Authority food supplies and hygiene kits for for Charitable Activities (RACA), in families. These activities cover Zone Deputy Amir congratulates prince of Liechtenstein partnership with the Lebanese Red 2 (Martyr’s Square), Zone 23 (Gem- The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Cross, as part of the Heart for Leba- mayzeh) and Zones 6 to 11 (Karan- sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to Prince of the Principal- non project co-launched by QRCS tina) near Beirut Harbour. ity of Liechtenstein Hans-Adam II on the occasion of his country’s and Qatar Charity. QRCS welcomes donations from National Day. (QNA) The QRCS relief groups are re- the people of Qatar via the website pairing homes damaged by the ex- (www.qrcs.org.qa), donor service Deputy Amir congratulates president of Republic of Korea plosion, using shelter kits sent from Repair of damaged homes line (66666364), home collector ser- Qatar as humanitarian aid to Beirut. vice (33998898), or RACA-licensed The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent The affected families will be able stages to eliminate the damage re- dressing their needs. donation collectors in malls and on Saturday a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Ko- to return to their homes quickly by sulting from the blast, thus alleviat- At the same time, QRCS repre- shopping centers to continue under- rea Moon Jae-in on the anniversary of his country’s Liberation Day. (QNA) fixing the doors and windows. More ing the cultural, health and mental sentation mission in Lebanon pro- taking humanitarian intervention Deputy Amir congratulates president of Congo reparations will be made at later impacts on the population and ad- vided the first shipment of medical over the coming period. The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to President of Congo (Brazzaville) Denis Sassou Nguesso on his country’s National Day. (QNA) Qatar University’s fall 2020 MoTC and Ashghal to develop PM sends greetings to Indian counterpart strategies to maintain projects Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa semester set to begin today Continued from page 1  bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to and expertise that each party can Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on the anniversary of his coun- Qatar University (QU) will kick off its fall Director of Academic Advising Center at make available for the other party. try’s Independence Day. (QNA) 2020 semester on Sunday (today) through QU Wedad Rebeeh said that the academic There will be an activation of a It’s worth mentioning that the distance education system. Students will counselling offices will continue to offer ser- joint working mechanism regard- Land Transport Affairs at MoTC PM congratulates Liechtenstein’s counterpart not be present on the campus until the end vices remotely until the start of the fourth ing putting the necessary strate- is preparing the necessary stud- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa of the third phase of lifting of the restric- phase of lifting the COVID-19 restrictions, gies and plans for maintaining ies for planning and designing bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to tions imposed by the country to prevent the adding that meeting with the academic and managing road projects and land transportation networks and Prime Minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein Adrian Hasler on his spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). advisor will not require the student to per- networks as well as coordinating railroads and governance of land country’s National Day.(QNA) QU Vice-President for Student Affairs sonally visit the campus, but rather book an on resolving the complaints from transportation systems in accord- Dr Iman Mostafawi stressed the necessity appointment to meet the advisor through the public, doing the necessary ance with the latest systems and PM sends greetings to Korean counterpart for students to attend lectures remotely ac- the Appointment Manager system, to be maintenance works, developing best global practices in the field. cording to the academic calendar, as well as contacted remotely by the advisor at the and boosting joint cooperation to This is aimed at widening Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa to follow their e-mails to be apprised of the scheduled date. benefit from their capabilities in the scope of the economic move- bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to circulars sent by the various departments at She invited the students to book their joint fields and stimulating sus- ment, catering for the require- Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Chung Sye-kyun on the anniver- the university, in addition to regularly fol- appointment with the academic advisors as tainable economic and social de- ments of national development, sary of his country’s Liberation Day.(QNA) lowing up the blackboard system to ensure soon as possible on the reservation system, velopment for Qatar. and achieving Qatar National effective communication. emphasising that the academic advisors are The MoU also covers activat- Vision 2030. Ashghal carries out PM congratulates Congolese counterpart Dr Mostafawi also called on students to working to facilitate the academic process ing community participation, infrastructure projects across the follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, for the students by guiding them to develop facilitating cooperation, trans- country according to the recom- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa such as measuring temperature, wearing the appropriate study plan and steps for reg- ferring knowledge and technol- mendations of MoTC and the bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to masks, observing social distancing and acti- istration. They also help the students adapt ogy for supporting the efforts of comprehensive plans, strategic Prime Minister of Congo (Brazzaville) Clement Mouamba on his coun- vating the ‘Ehteraz’ application, in the event to the university environment and achieve achieving Qatar National Vision studies, concept designs, priori- try’s National Day. (QNA) that they are on the campus to receive text- their personal, academic and professional 2030 in this domain, as well as ties, recommendations, reports, books. goals. (QNA) realising mutual benefits, services researches and the like.

Pakistani community celebrates 74th Independence Day with zeal Ashraf Siddiqui Doha

Members of the Pakistani community in Qatar celebrated their country’s 74th Inde- pendence Day with zeal and fervour while observing the Qatar government’s directives on COVID-19 safety protocols. The celebrations started with the flag hoisting ceremony at the Pakistani Em- bassy led by Ambassador of Pakistan HE Syed Ahsan Raza Shah on the new premises in Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar HE Syed Ahsan Raza Shah with Pak Youth Society members at the MeetwithRana online event Onaiza District diplomatic embassy officials at the official opening ceremony of the Consular area. Section on Saturday. nessman joined leading com- Pak Youth Society, a The event was attended munity members in a cake- 38-year-old community fo- by embassy officials and staff said Independence Day has ing them with excellent em- cutting ceremony. rum, organised online live only, unlike previous years inspired all Pakistanis to serve ployment opportunities and Besides, prominent Pa- speech contest in collabora- when the event was held in a the country with greater dedi- living conditions. kistani community members tion with MeetwithRana on- festive manner and attended cation. He said the bonds between led by Riaz Ahmad Bakali line platform. Twelve partici- by hundreds of community He praised members of Pakistan and Qatar are based gathered at a short event to pants took part in the contest. members, families and chil- his community in Qatar, say- on historical ties of a shared cut a celebratory cake while Mohammad Tahir Jamil, for- dren. ing they are filled with the zeal faith, heritage and culture. observing COVID-19 safety mer president of Pakistan En- On the occasion, the envoy to participate in Pakistan’s “The visits by HH the Amir measure. gineers Forum, was the chief officially opened the Consul Pakistan Ambassador HE Syed Ahsan Raza Shah (left) hoists the progress and development. to Pakistan in June 2019 and Syed Ali Ahsan, counsellor judge. Syed Okasha Bilal and Services Section in embassy. national flag of Pakistan. The envoy urged Pakistan- by Pakistan’s Prime Minister at Pakistan Embassy, was the Muhammad bin Amjad were He said the embassy is to present the true image of Imran Khan to Qatar in Janu- chief guest at a ceremony or- declared top position hold- building was inaugurated visitors have been facing nu- knowledge for prompt action. Pakistan in keeping with the ary 2019 and February 2020 ganised by Bangash Commu- ers in two categories of above in February by Foreign merous difficulties and issues He advised visitors to the true spirit of the ideals and have further strengthened re- nity members from Pakistani 11 years old and less than 11 Minister of Pakistan Shah at the previous building. I Consular Services section to teachings of founder of the lations between the two coun- province of Khyber Pakhtoon years old participants. Mahmood Qureshi but pub- thank them for their coopera- avoid carrying any electronic country Quaid-e-Azam Mu- tries,” the envoy said. Khawa (KPK). Qazi Asghar, prominent lic services were delayed due tion and patience. Now, the gadgets, including mobile hammad Ali Jinnah and Al- Throughout the day, Janan Bangash, Doha- Pakistani poet; Junaid Aziz, to the COVID-19 pandemic, advance and modern facilities phones, adding that fees lama Muhammad Iqbal. various community forums born President of Bangash Tahir Mahmood Chaudgary, adding that from Sunday, Au- at the Consular Section will payment will be acceptable He expressed his gratitude organised several events to Community Qatar, welcomed president PYS, Hafeez Ullah, gust 16, visitors will be avail- help in reducing their earlier through bank cards, while to Qatar’s leadership under celebrate the Independence the guests, among whom were Rashid Latif and Qaiser An- ing themselves of much im- issues.” bank counter facility will also the Amir His Highness Shiekh Day, including cake-cutting Abdul Qahar Khan, Saeed war were among the guests. proved and more comfortable He asked community be available for cash pay- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ceremonies and online pro- Gull, Mohammad Israr Ma- Syed Intrisar Hussain facilities. members who may face any ments. for hosting the Pakistani com- grammes. Aamer Khan, a lazai, Shaheen Ibrahim and sang national songs in his me- He said, “I do realise that problem to bring to it to his Ambassador Raza Shah munity in Qatar and provid- prominent Pakistani busi- Shahzad Mughal. lodious voice. Nation Sunday, August 16, 2020 03 Ooredoo partners Es’hailSat to launch Inmarsat satellite voice, data services Business customers can also turn their smartphones into satellite phones and communicate easily around the world tribune news network also turn their smartphones other activities. provided by Es’hailSat using doha into satellite phones and com- Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Presi- Inmarsat satellites complement municate easily around the dent & CEO, Es’hailSat, said: its existing portfolio of fixed Ku Ooredoo announced on world. “Whether drilling for oil off- and Ka band services and are Saturday a partnership with Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, shore or working on mega-pro- designed to provide customers Es’hailSat to deliver next-gen- COO, Ooredoo, said: “Oore- jects in-land, Es’hailSat’s exper- with the most flexible and reli- eration Inmarsat L-band voice doo is seeing strong demand tise in satellite communication able access to satellite connec- and data services that will en- for satellite services for mega- enables businesses of all sizes tivity services in the region. hance business communica- projects, specialised industries and verticals to adopt satellite Business customers can tions across Qatar and around and mission-critical situations. services for their mission-crit- leverage the Ooredoo Advan- the world. Thanks to our partnership with ical operations. By continuing tage, making Ooredoo “Best for Ooredoo will offer state-of- Es’hailSat, Ooredoo continues where around the world.” national relief agencies, oil and cover stories in remote loca- our partnership with Ooredoo, Business”, thanks to its breadth the-art satellite services to cus- to be Qatar’s leading provider of In particular, Ooredoo is gas exploration and drilling and tions, including international we are exchanging global best and depth of talent, best fixed tomers in Qatar, including pre- satellite services, with tailored targeting business custom- protection of critical national mega-events and disaster areas, practices to support Qatar’s mo- and mobile networks, broadest paid and post-paid global voice plans that let businesses have ers in key vertical sectors such infrastructure. and for Qatar’s fast-growing bile workforces and economic portfolio of ICT services and so- services and satellite broadband robust voice and internet when as government and the public Satellite services are also adventure travel industry for growth.” lutions, and trusted partner for plans. Business customers can and where they need it any- sector for diplomats and inter- ideal for media agencies that desert safaris tour guides and L-band satellite services 60 years. 170 youngsters boost skills Coronavirus: Scientist at HBKU Qatar addresses SEIR modeling at QatarDebate 2nd Kuwaiti Tribune News Network Doha

Dr. Halima Bensmail, Prin- debate training programme cipal Scientist and Associate Professor at the Qatar Comput- QNA ing Research Institute (QCRI), Doha part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, delivered a talk The QatarDebate Center, a titled “Towards a Successful member of the Qatar Founda- Reopening of the Economy: tion, has concluded the second Epidemiological Insights Kuwaiti debate training fo- SPECS.” rum, which was organised in The lecture was part of a partnership with the Kuwaiti webinar hosted by the Texas National Debating Team via Tech University (TTU) Obe- Dr Halima Bensmail, Principal Scientist at QCRI at HBKU. videoconferencing. sity Research Institute (ORI). The forum witnessed the Using the SEIR (Suscepti- ence the rate of transmission. As governments begin to participation of 170 regis- ble, Exposed, Infectious, Re- It also highlighted the impor- open their economies, public trants in the workshops out of covered) model, Dr. Halima tance of accounting for unre- safety remains a top priority, 220. The forum aimed to pro- discussed the different non- ported or asymptomatic cases along with the prevention of vide various training work- pharmaceutical mechanisms in implementing measures to possible medical relapse. Dr. shops at different levels for of the COVID-19 intervention control the spread of disease. Halima’s presentation illus- the debaters and arbitrators, and their efficacy in the con- Since the early stages of trated how epidemiological as well as the qualification of tainment of the disease. the pandemic, SEIR models data contributes to the devel- a group of debate trainers, She explained the rela- have been a key instrument opment of a strategy for eco- using training experiences at tionship between mobility, in the strategic implementa- nomic re-opening and gradu- the local and international the number of reproductions tion of preventive measures al easing of mobility following levels. and other factors that influ- against COVID-19. the COVID-19 restrictions. The workshops were held on the ZOOM electronic platform due to the current conditions of the COVID-19 pan- for dialogue with trainers and the forum and a member of demic. workers in the field of debate. the National Debating Team QCH to launch smartphone app The forum aimed to Assad said this was an ef- in Kuwait, Dana Al Khashan spread the culture of debate fort to attract a new segment said, “After the success of the over a wide range of civil so- of civil society interested in first Training Debating Fo- at beginning of Hijra New Year ciety to enhance the means debate by providing a safe rum, we were excited to hold of dialogue and respect for space for opinions and ideas, the second edition in partner- QNA on Android and Apple devices Doha as well as both Makkah difference of opinions. The raising the level of the debate ship with the Qatar Debate Doha free of charge, from Thursday, and Madinah, in addition to forum is also considered as a to participate in local and in- Center, the largest supporter the first of Muharram 1442 HA information about hunting and start for a coming season full ternational championships, of efforts to spread the cul- Qatar Calendar House (QCH) (August 20, 2020). agricultural seasons. of debating championships as well as qualifying cadres ture of debate and the art of is preparing to launch its ap- Ansari said the application The application will also and other events. of referees to involve them in dialogue in the world, in ad- plication on smartphones at will embody the spirit and mes- include the dates of the official Trainer and General Su- the upcoming events. dition to the logistical part- the beginning of the new Hijra sage of Qatar Calendar House, holidays approved in the coun- pervisor of the camp, Saad Al He added that as part took place using the Brit- ner, Schools Debating Club in year, in implementation of its as it provides basic materials for try and the academic calendar Assad of Qatar Debate Center, of the forum’s programme, ish Parliament approach. It Kuwait. new policy of developing and the calendar such as the times of for schools and universities in said the forum provided a dis- there was a training camp was a very useful system for She stressed the impor- bringing its services closer to entry of the zodiac, horoscopes Qatar. The application will also tinctive professional training for students that included a students, allowing them to tance of the forums, which the public. and Suhail star, sunrise and provide various astronomical environment for dialogue and number of workshops pre- participate in more than one are an investment in young Engineer Faisal Moham- sunset times and the expected calendar and Ramadan calen- exchange of ideas and opinions. sented by a group of the cen- situation. This is in addition people’s minds and their med Al Ansari, executive direc- astronomical phenomena dur- dar (Imsakiah Ramadan) to be The workshops were led tre’s trainers, ambassadors to the feedback, creative con- energies to give them a safe tor of Sheikh Abdullah Al An- ing the year. available to everyone at all time. by local and international and a panel of arbitrators tests and daily briefings pro- space to express their opin- sari Complex, which includes He added that the applica- Ansari urged residents to trainers offering practical ap- from Qatar, Kuwait, Libya vided by each panellist after ions while respecting and ac- Qatar Calendar House, said the tion also provides a service for download the new Qatari calen- plications, real effective par- and Sudan. each workshop and debate.” cepting difference of opinions ‘Qatari Calendar’ application determining the direction of the dar application to enjoy its vari- ticipation and an opportunity Assad said, “The debates General Coordinator of from others. will be available to the public Qiblah and the prayer times in ous services. QSST students win top prizes Indian women’s forum launches at global science competition drive to help flood-hit weavers QNA exchange of scientific ideas, in- level of participating teams in Doha terests and skills among young the fields of physics and engi- scientists worldwide. neering. Santhosh Chandran The Ministry of Education 93 research projects have The following three projects doha and Higher Education an- been submitted to the compe- received a certificate of appreci- nounced on Friday that stu- tition from all over the world. ation for the efforts made to de- IN an effort to support rural dents from the Qatar School of The competition is divided into sign and present projects at the weavers in the northeastern Science and Technology have two categories: the category of most prestigious scientific level Indian state of Assam, who won second and third place physics and engineering which in accordance with the terms of have been severely hit by worldwide in the Global Youth included 46 projects and the the international competition: the recent floods, a forum of Science and Technology Bowl category of biology and chem- 1- The Application of Ther- expatriate Indian women in (GYSTB2020) held online in istry in which 47 projects took moelectric Generators Using Qatar has launched a cam- Hong Kong on August 1. part. “Sandwich” Method project paign. Three of the participating The Medicine Tracker De- that was developed by students As part of the campaign, Qatari projects also received vice for Improving Medication Fahd Ali Al Hajri and Ahmed the forum ‘Sari Speak’ will certificates of appreciation for Adherence project, developed Khalid Al Zaman, under the procure handloom saris (a their project ideas and designs, by students Ghanem Abdul- supervision of Professor Zokir popular Indian women’s at- after five projects from Qatar’s lah Al Marri and Yousef Moaz Abdurakhmanov. tire), in association with Sak- Secondary School of Science Ibrahim under the supervision 2- The Using Hydrogels for sham Foundation, a charita- and Technology for Boys quali- of Professor Derar Mallah, won Agriculture and Flood Defense ble organisation in India, to fied for the final rounds. second place at the level of the project that was implemented support women’s empower- velopment of India’s rural help rebuild infrastructural The competition is a global participating teams in the fields by Jassim Sultan and Jassim ment and children’s educa- population. facilities for children’s edu- mote sari culture among event at which young people ‘s of physics and engineering. Mohammed Abdullah under tion in rural India. Priya Bhedi, founding cation.” women and benefit tradi- achievements in the field of sci- The Smart School Bus pro- the supervision of Professor The recent floods in As- member of Sari Speak, said, Sari Speak was estab- tional sari weavers in India. ence and engineering are pre- ject, developed by students Suleiman Mia. sam have affected over 5 “The initiative will not only lished in Goa in India to pro- “Sari Speak is strictly a sented. This aims to promote Hamad Abdulaziz Al Hur, 3- The Portable Fridge pro- million people in the state, help a number of sari weav- mote sari culture across the non-commercial organisa- the learning of science and Mohammed Abdulrahman Al ject by students Saud Abdul- including the rural weavers’ ers in the northeastern re- world in 2016 and has over tion and a common platform technology, provide a forum for Seqatri and Abdullah Abdul- rahman Al Malik and Abdulaziz community. gion of India by restoring 100,000 members across the for all women who are pas- youth around the world to grow rahman Mahmoud under the Ali Al Tamimi under the super- The production of han- their weaving equipment world. sionate about sari and its their imagination and scientific supervision of Professor Issa vision of Professor Nabil Salah dloom saris is considered and facilities that were dam- The forum also assumes tradition”, Bhedi said. orientations, and encourage the Sweidan, won third place at the Al-Din Ayoub. important for economic de- aged in the floods, but also that the initiative will pro- 04 Sunday, August 16, 2020 Nation

Independence Day of India Patriotic fervour marks virtual I-Day celebrations at BPS

Tribune News Network Doha

The 74th Independence Day of India was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the Birla Public School (BPS) at a virtual ceremony on Saturday, where Principal AP Sharma hoisted the national flag of India on the main campus of BPS. This was followed by a virtual assembly, where all members of the management, leadership team, teachers, students and parents congregated, and joined Rappai as well as Management Hindi patriotic songs. Two dance the school choir to sing the na- Representative Chindhu Antony shows by the versatile dances of tional anthem. Rappai. the school and a poem recitation In his Independence Day The patriotic song in Hindi, in Hindi by Lavanya Pillai added message, Chairman Gope Sha- delivered by a group of students, to line-up of programmes. hani urged the attendees “to hold received much appreciation The programme concluded on to our great past and carve from the virtual audience. This with a vote of thanks presented out an inspiring future for the was followed by a motivational by Neil Biju Samuel, speaker of next generation.” speech by Head Boy Varun Ad- the Student Council. The whole The programme also record- vani. program was orchestrated by ed the virtual attendance Direc- The tiny tots of the kinder- Anuja Shrivastava and Belvin tors Dr Mohan Thomas and C V garten presented a collage of Thomas. MES School celebrates I-Day Ideal Indian School marks Independence Day of India of India with gaiety and zeal Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network Doha Ideal Indian School (IIS) celebrated the 74th Independence Day of India with pa- MES Indian School marked the 74th In- triotic fervour. dependence Day of India with traditional IIS Principal Syed Shoukath Ali hoist- gaiety and patriotic fervour at the confer- ed the Indian flag amidst singing of the ence hall of the school on Saturday. national anthem. Chief Guest K Abdul Karim, president Speaking on the occasion, Ali urged officiating, MES Governing Board, un- everyone to imbibe patriotic feelings and furled the Indian national flag, which was be truthful and devoted to the cause of na- followed by the national anthem. In his tional integration. keynote address, Karim urged the students “It is a time to recall with gratitude to rededicate themselves for the unity and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters who prosperity of the motherland, dispelling gave us a country where our dignity and the ethnic and regional differences, and individual freedom are guaranteed by an called for fighting against social evils like enlightened Constitution,” he added. poverty, corruption and illiteracy. The ceremony was attended by the Guest of Honour P K Mohamed, gen- school administrative and other non- eral secretary, MES Governing Board, teaching Staff. All coronavirus (COVID-19) in his address remarked that as students safety protocols were followed during the are the pillars and assets of the promis- ceremony, including social distancing and ing world of tomorrow, they should uti- wearing of masks. lise their potential in the right manner to bring a positive change in the world. Principal Hameeda Kadar exhorted the younger generation to uphold the ideals taught and lived by the freedom DPS Monarch Int’l School celebrates fighters and persevere to excel in carving a niche for the motherland in the international arena. 74th Independence Day with fervour The school choir rendered a special patriotic song in virtual mode depicting Sameer Pande, a teacher at the De- Taniska Dandriyal and Nandini Rajag- Tribune News Network the glory of the ‘national movement’. A partment of Hindi, donned as Pandit opal compered the programme. Head Boy Doha video presentation entitled ‘A Tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, gave a surprise entry Toby James welcomed the gathering. The the Freedom Fighters’ which comprised and delivered the Independence Day mes- programme came to an end with a vote of THE DPS Monarch International School, the landmark events of the freedom strug- sage much to the jubilation of everyone. thanks proposed by Aushka Sumesh, cul- Doha, celebrated India’s 74th Independ- gle and students’ role-play of eminent Among those present on the occasion tural secretary, Girls’ Section. Students ence Day with traditional fervour on the freedom fighters delivering patriotic mes- were Director MC Muhammed as well as presented the day’s programme in the vir- school premises on Saturday. sages kindled the patriotic fervour. other invitees and school officials. tual mode uniquely for the first time. The ceremony started at 07:30 am in the school ground in the presence of some members of the school management and staff. The celebration started with hoisting DPS-MIS marks I-Day on solemn note amid COVID-19 of the Indian national flag by Chief Guest and school’s Vice-President Yasir Nai- THE DPS-Modern Indian School, Doha, celebrated the nar, along with other executive committee 74th Independence Day of India on Saturday with great members and Principal Ms Meenal Bakshi. solemnity, strictly adhering to the Government of Qatar’s To commemorate the sovereignty of the guidelines in view of COVID-19 pandemic. nation, all the attendees sang the Indian The Chief Guest and Vice President of DPS-MIS Yasir national anthem together, expressing the Nainar unfurled the tricolour in the presence of Principal joy of freedom and paying tribute to India’s Ms Asna Nafees and a few management and staff members. culture, tradition and its value system. All the attendees saluted the national flag of India and The celebrations also featured interest- joined in the rendition of the national anthem. ing online activities, such as making and To commemorate the day, two videos have been up- colouring of the Indian national flag, recit- loaded on the official page of DPS- Modern Indian School, ing patriotic poetry in traditional Indian at- signifying its love and unswerving patriotism towards the tire, writing the review of a patriotic Indian nation. film, poster making and enacting speeches Altogether, it was a day of joy and a day to express one’s of Indian freedom fighters by the students love for the country, instilling in the young minds the true of kindergarten to grade 9 at their respec- value of freedom and humanity. (TNN) tive homes with the help of their parents. DMIS celebrates I-Day with enthusiasm, solemnity

Tribune News Network Doha

The 74th Independence Day of India was celebrated at Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS) with great enthusiasm and solemnity, with COVID-19 protocols and guidelines in place. Chief Guest Jayashankar M Pillai, director of Taleb Schools, unfurled the tricolour. Sabu Thomas, academic auditor, Taleb Schools; Ja- cob Mathew, principal of activities, Taleb Schools; of Cambridge International principal-in-charge of Beta mini Venkatesh welcomed exhorted everyone to uphold the country. The event con- Ritula Singh, principal of School; Seema Arun, prin- Cambridge School graced the chief guest and other the great values of the nation cluded with a vote of thanks The Cambridge School; Vi- cipal of Alpha Cambridge the occasion. invitees to the event. The and work diligently for the by the Assistant Principal nod Kumar Bhatia, principal School; and Suja Sivadas, Principal of DMIS Pad- chief guest in his message growth and development of Ursula Sabu. CONDOLENCES

The staff of

extend their heartfelt condolences to the Editor-in-Chief of Qatar Tribune Dr. Hassan Mohammed Al Ansari

on the sad demise of his beloved Mother

We pray to Allah to have mercy on her soul and help the bereaved family to bear this great loss 06 Sunday, August 16, 2020

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

End Attack On Postal Service And Voting By Mail America’s Diminishing The White House should be delivering resources to restore Democracy Is Hurting postal service, not politically weaponising its curtailment

HE US Postal Service delivered a dire ballot, so a 10-day delivery delay could warning that Washington state’s elec- mean ballots aren’t received until too late. Ttions may face collateral damage from Washington’s elections officials can India’s Too the agency’s ongoing machinations. A work around this and buy pricey postage July 31 letter from USPS general counsel for the late ballots. Similarly, state vot- Thomas J Marshall to Washington Secre- ers can overcome the challenges by using America is not inspiring India, and instead is making the Indian society more tary of State Kim Wyman said there’s “a county drop boxes or mailing their post- risk some ballots will not be returned by age-paid envelopes extra early. But none tolerant of the political overreach and social polarisation mail in time to be counted” during the fall of this ought to be necessary. The under- 2020 elections. mining of the United States Postal Service Manish Dubey The audacity. To even suggest the as a part of the war on accessible Ameri- Tribune News Service USPS will treat election ballots as any- can elections must end immediately. thing other than cargo precious to our de- Washington was the second state to go NDIA is struggling with COVID-19. mocracy is infuriating. to all-mail elections, after Oregon. Today, Case loads and deaths are mounting. Wyman is having none of it. Even if there are five such states and more are Testing rates are low. The pandemic’s the state needs to pay for first-class mail weighing it publicly, their decisions accel- pains have been acutely felt amidst service, ballots will be delivered on time, erated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The the country’s high poverty, weak so- she said. Wyman has pressed for and re- full federal government should be work- Icial safety nets, and an economy that was ceived assurances from ranking postal of- ing diligently to ensure the Postal Service slowing even before virus struck. And the ficials that this fall’s ballots will be USPS- can provide a strong foundation for this government’s economic stimulus pack- delivered with customary urgency. The growing mail-election architecture. age could have been more generous and all-mail elections Washington’s voters But that’s not happening. The tim- better-designed. cherish deserve this protection. Wyman ing could not be worse. Less than three Yet opinion polls reveal Indians to has addressed the cynical partisan under- months remain before Election Day; less be among the people most satisfied with mining with aplomb. than two months remain before the first their government’s COVID-19 response. Washington state officials built this ballots reach early voters. This owes much to the high approval rat- state’s vote-by-mail elections on the USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a ing Prime Minister Narendra Modi en- efficiently getting ballots to voters. That prominent donor to the president’s cam- joys and his ability to convert a national service has proven so trustworthy over paigns, has ordered destructive changes crisis into a rally around the flag (and by that American society holds problem- ing our problems as part of a global ma- the years that — overtime re- extension, his government) moment. atic biases too, that discrimination and laise shaped by global currents and won- county and state ductions, facility That said, the Indian government violence against specific social groups dering if we could remain untouched if governments reductions and would have faced more flak over its is too complicated an issue for even the greatest power of our time couldn’t, send out ballots operational shifts COVID-19 response if the United States America — with all its civil rights his- wondering if there’s a certain inevitabil- paying mass- — that have de- wasn’t busting the charts, so to speak. tory, high literacy, and emphasis on rule ity to our uneasy present. It makes us mail rates. That layed routine de- But America has some of the most un- of law — to address. more forgiving of governmental lapses saves millions liveries in at least flattering numbers on the planet, and There are reasons why we Indians, and lulls us to the dangers of social po- in Washington 18 states, Reuters one hears many Indians saying: If the like people in many other parts of the larisation. tax dollars com- reported. world’s mightiest country, much less world, compare ourselves and our situ- The need of the moment is to alert pared to paying The voting populous and with first world infrastruc- ations to America more than any other ourselves to the changes unfolding first-class post- public in states ture, is finding itself overwhelmed by nation: Because America has enviable around us and gear ourselves to re- age to get bal- leaning hard the pandemic, maybe our government economic and military muscle and has spond to them in our own immediate lots to 4.8 mil- on all-mail and isn’t doing too badly and needs to be cut shaped global ideas of cool for years. Be- local and country contexts — peacefully, lion registered absentee bal- some slack? (Interestingly, President cause we have aspired to be as muscular democratically, resolutely. Of course, a voters. It has lots deserves Donald Trump believes America is do- and cool as America. Because we have wider, international examination of the worked for years better. Federal ing better than other nations, including gathered from the American example forces shaping those changes, the tra- to provide “de- law states that India, which he says has a “tremendous that being a democracy need not hobble jectories they are taking, and the coun- pendable and the USPS “shall problem” on its hands.) our long-standing quest for global lead- ter-mobilisation happening against timely delivery provide prompt, This isn’t the only recent instance ership. them will help strategise our own re- of election mail,” in the words of a recent reliable and efficient services to patrons when Indians have drawn consolation America, then, for a long time, has sponses, much as our own experiences USPS bulletin. in all areas.” Trump should be delivering from what is happening in the United stoked our aspirations for a certain kind could inform those of concerned groups But the cautionary letter from a top resources to restore postal service, not po- States, feeling a little reassured about of global heft, debatable as its value may and individuals elsewhere. postal official must be regarded serious- litically weaponising its curtailment. discomfiting things happening here in be, offered pointers to policymakers and The American situation, indeed the ly as an ominous threat because of the The consequences are profound for India because similar things are happen- businesses to work toward that goal, and international situation, should not be surrounding climate. President Donald by-mail elections. In 32 states, including ing in the US too. created popular mindspace for market- lowering Indian expectations from gov- Trump has mounted incessant attacks Oregon and Idaho, a ballot delivered after Trump, his contempt of political ri- friendly economics, muscular foreign ernments and the political class and di- against all-mail elections, falsely accusing Election Day won’t be counted. Washington vals, public institutions, and the media, policies, consumerism and its dazzles. minishing our will to ask questions of them of fraudulence. These have been ac- does count late-arriving ballots, but they and the extremist voices he appears to Now with America losing its shine them. Instead it should be helping us un- companied by diligent subversion of the must be postmarked by Election Day — and have emboldened tell many Indians that and showing an underbelly that has sev- derstand present challenges, figure out Postal Service. getting a postmark has become a service a an angry, exclusivist political discourse eral blotches reminiscent of our own, it is ways and alliances to address them. India Special treatment is important be- customer must request in many cases. and concerns over institutional subver- doing something different, even opposite. or America, every country has reserves of cause other mass mail can take up to 10 This attack on the Postal Service, from sion aren’t issues unique to us. America is not inspiring India. Instead it the necessary wisdom and inspiration. days to deliver. Washington voters can its leadership and federal officials, must The Black Lives Matter movement, is, at least in the social and governance We just need to look harder and clearer. change their addresses up until eight days end. The damage to essential institutions the patently unwarranted police ac- space, nudging us to settle down, mak- before an election and receive a mailed from this partisan war is intolerable. tion that precipitated it, and the long- ing us more tolerant of the political over- (Manish Dubey is an India-based standing, barely concealed racial issues reach and social polarisation around us. governance expert, political (Tribune News Service) it brought attention to tell many Indians Essentially Indians have begun read- columnist, and writer) Children Suffer More Violence Amid COVID-19 Before COVID-19, nearly 10 million US children suffered domestic violence annually, that was already a child health emergency

Angelina Jolie have the moral strength to identify abuse additional protection, is harder than ent committing domestic violence against of children. Their needs in all these cas- Tribune News Service and put the health and safety of a child ever. The United Nations Secretary- the other parent in front of a child is a es should be the central consideration above all else. General Antonio Guterres has gone so form of child abuse. Or that children who — based on medical and trauma assess- E now know that many schools in At the same time, we’ve seen a surge far as to call for a “ceasefire” in domestic witness or are victims of violence “can ments, with appropriate screening for do- California and other states won’t reo- in domestic violence-related calls to po- violence globally. show symptoms of post-traumatic stress mestic violence specifically. Wpen for in-person classes this year. lice across the United States, which itself Before the pandemic, an estimated 10 disorder similar to those of soldiers com- Science has laid bare the impacts of While this is judged necessary to slow the suggests heightened danger to children. million children in America were exposed ing back from war,” in the words of the trauma and toxic stress on the bodies, spread of the coronavirus, it has frighten- In the majority of families in which a to domestic violence annually. This was UN special representative on violence brains and immune systems of children, ing implications for the psychological and woman is battered, children are also already a child health emergency. That against children. and the long-term damage it may cause physical well-being of vulnerable children. battered. Here in California, the Part- violence against children can be happen- These blind spots could not be more to their mental and physical health. Yet School closures have led to a dra- nership to End Domestic Violence is re- ing on such a scale without it being our serious. The Centers for Disease Control in America, only 16 percent of children matic fall in reports of child abuse across porting more calls to service providers most urgent priority reveals the extent to and Prevention estimated that 1,720 with a mental health condition receive the country since educators account for involving extreme physical violence, in- which it is normalised. American children died from abuse or any treatment — and 70 percent to 80 more than a fifth of reports of child abuse cluding strangulation. Victims of domestic violence often neglect in 2017, although it notes that percent of those who do, rely on schools and neglect — more than any other cat- At this rate, by the time we emerge face a culture of disbelief, compounded the actual figure is likely to be much to provide that service. This is one more egory of reporter. One analysis found from the pandemic, preventable violence by a lack of specialised training for those higher because there is no national way children are suffering as a result of that monthly state totals of child abuse will have scarred the lives — and even entrusted with decisions about the wel- register or a standard for categorising the pandemic. reports were an average of 40.6 percent cost the lives — of children in our state fare of children. Fewer than half of child abuse-related deaths. The long-term consequences of the lower in April and 35.1 percent lower in and country. welfare agencies in America engage in According to the Justice Depart- COVID-19 pandemic for children won’t be May compared with reports in those same For all the important steps taken to in- universal screening for domestic violence ment, 24 percent to 45 percent of those understood for years. But we can already months in 2019. crease funding for programmes and shel- in child abuse cases, and fewer than a cases involved families who were already see the heavy cost in missed schooling, If schools remain physically closed, ters to help domestic violence victims, no quarter require caseworkers to receive known to child protective authorities lost opportunities, mental anguish and teachers may need training and sup- one seems to have an answer to how to domestic violence training or any formal because of earlier problems. In the US, an increased exposure to life-changing port in identifying signs of abuse on- step forward and meet this moment. training in working with perpetrators an estimated 58,000 children a year are violence. It is time to elevate children’s line. Family members and friends need Across America, child protection of violence. And in the vast majority of court-ordered into unsupervised con- needs to the forefront of the discussion of to know that they are now the only in- agencies are conducting fewer visits to states in America, judges handling do- tact with a physically or sexually abusive how we build a better society. person witnesses. As hard as it is for any- vulnerable children. Access to essential mestic violence cases are not required to parent following divorce. one to accept that someone they know or domestic violence services, and in some have training in domestic violence. What is at stake is the mental health, (Angelina Jolie is a love is abusive, friends and families must areas court proceedings that can provide Nor is it widely understood that a par- physical safety and, ultimately, the lives filmmaker and activist)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Sunday, August 16, 2020 07 Zimbabwe inflation jumps to almost 840% Ethiopia holds opposition figures without charge, watchdog says Harare Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate soared to almost 840 percent in July, the national statis- Addis Ababa Ethiopian authorities have been detaining opposition members and journalists, often tics agency said Saturday, adding to the country’s desperate economic woes. without charge, since a recent spate of violent protests, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Saturday. News The southern African nation has been grappling with more than a decade of hyperinflation trig- The arrests were made after popular Oromo singer Hachalu Hundessa was shot and killed in the gered by economic mismanagement under former president Robert Mugabe, who was ousted by a capital Addis Ababa on June 29, with his supporters blaming security forces and “a political motive” in brief military coup in 2017. Many Zimbabweans have seen their savings evaporate and still struggle to for the crime. Police arrested more than 9,000 people in response to the unrest, HRW said in a new afford basic commodities such as sugar and the staple cornmeal. The figures were published just report. “The actions of Ethiopia’s investigative authorities raise concerns that they have not moved as the government issued a statement saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa had implemented on from past practices of arresting first and investigating later,” said RH W Horn of Africa director policies “that result in a robust economy” and had kept the country “commendably stable”. (AFP) Laetitia Bader. (DPA) Philippine security forces ‘alert’ for reprisals after militant held AFP detained in the southern city the country’s worst terror at- said Susukan was behind the “There is a strong possi- Police said they found him Manila of Davao and flown to the capi- tacks as well as kidnappings of April 2016 beheadings of Ca- bility” that Susukan was also in the home of Muslim re- tal Manila on Friday, where he foreign tourists and Christian nadian tourists Robert Hall behind the 2015 beheading of bel leader Nur Misuari, who Philippine security forces was being held at the national missionaries. and John Ridsdel, after Ma- Malaysian hostage Bernard is awaiting trial for an attack were on alert Saturday for police headquarters. “The Philippine National nila and Ottawa rejected the Then, who was abducted in carried out by hundreds of his possible reprisal attacks after He has been charged with Police along with the Armed kidnappers’ ransom demands. Malaysia’s Sabah state, Areva- armed followers on the south- arresting a key leader of an 23 murders, five kidnappings Forces of the Philippines re- In 2017 Susukan’s group lo told AFP. ern city of Zamboanga in 2013 Islamic State-linked militant and six attempted murders, a main alert and vigilant to also beheaded Jurgen Kant- The authorities said Susu- that left more than 200 people group accused of kidnapping police statement said. prevent and respond to any ner, who was abducted from kan had gone to Davao, near dead. and beheading several for- Listed by the United States reprisal attack,” police spokes- his yacht off the southern Phil- where the Canadians were ab- Despite the charges, Misu- Abu Sayyaf leader Abduljihad eigners. as a terrorist organisation, man Brigadier-General Ber- ippines the previous year, said ducted, to get a prosthetic arm ari has government permis- Susukan has his mug shot taken Abduljihad Susukan, a Abu Sayyaf is a loose network nard Banac told AFP. military spokesman Brigadier- after losing one in a clash with sion to live at his home and after his arrest in Davao City, in member of Abu Sayyaf, was of Islamic militants blamed for The Philippine military General Edgard Arevalo. security forces. travel. southern island of Mindanao. (AFP)

Date for Australia marks 75th Afghan Iran cries victory after anniversary of WWII end peace talks with limited ceremony DPA Troops then came home to still to be Sydney defend Australia against Japan in jungle warfare in the islands determined US bid to extend arms Australia marked the 75th north of Australia and naval anniversary of the end of World battles in the Pacific and Indian DPA War Two on Saturday with a Oceans. At the Australian War Kabul sombre and sparsely attended Memorial in Canberra in front ceremony and salutes to its few of surviving veterans and dig- A firm date for the planned embargo flops at UN surviving veterans. nitaries, Prime Minister Scott Afghan-Taliban peace talks One million Australians Morrison said August 15 - the was still to be determined AFP served in the war, out of a na- day Japan surrendered - was “a on Saturday after a grand Tehran tion of only seven million at great victory that changed the assembly approved the re- the time. Almost 40,000 were course of history”. lease of 400 hardcore Tali- Iran on Saturday hailed a UN killed and 30,000 taken pris- “Australia wasn’t alone. We ban members last week. Security Council vote rejecting oner, mainly by the Japanese. stood with allies and friends. The Afghan govern- a US bid to extend an arms em- Australians fought in many This was a global fight. All un- ment negotiating team bargo on the Islamic republic, theatres of the war - first in derstood that if tyranny was not was supposed to flyto the saying its foe has “never been North Africa, Greece and Crete confronted together, eventually Qatari capital of Doha on so isolated”. against Germany, Italy and Vi- it would be confronted alone,” Wednesday, but the trip President Hassan Rouhani chy France, in the air war over Morrison said before a small has been postponed, ac- said the US had failed to kill off Germany, and in sea battles in audience, due to concerns over cording to Hafiz Mansour, what he called the “half alive” the Mediterranean. the coronavirus pandemic. a member of the team. 2015 deal with major powers According to Mansour, that gave Iran relief from sanc- the trip was postponed as tions in exchange for curbs on 1,000 Taliban-held prison- its nuclear programme. ers have yet yet been re- “The United States failed in New Zealand’s coronavirus leased as agreed, an issue this conspiracy with humilia- which would be resolved tion,” said Rouhani. soon, he said. “This day will go down in cluster continues to grow A spokesman for the the history of our Iran and in DPA community. insurgent group, Zabiullah the history of fighting global ar- Wellington “There’s no shame or Mujahid, said on Saturday rogance.” blame in having either this vi- that the group has in fact Only two of the Council’s 15 New Zealand on Saturday re- rus or having any other infec- released 1,005 prisoners. members voted in favour of the ported seven new cases of the tious disease,” Bloomfield said. Meanwhile, another US resolution seeking to extend novel coronavirus. Tuesday’s cases were the member of the government the embargo, highlighting the UN Security Council vote rejected US bid to extend an arms embargo on Iran. Health officials could link first to be recorded in the team, Ghulam Farooq Ma- division between Washington six of the new cases to a family country after 102 days of no jroh, said that he was ex- and its European allies since was happy Iran won, but added “scandalous” UN vote. arms embargo, saying an ex- in Auckland who tested posi- community transmission. pecting to travel to Doha President Donald Trump with- that it “should interact with the “Iranian terrorism and ag- piry threatens stability in the tive on Tuesday, director gen- Prime minister Jacinda by the middle of next week drew from the Iran nuclear ac- United States and establish re- gression threaten the peace of Middle East. eral of health Ashley Bloom- Ardern on Wednesday swiftly and subsequently start the cord in 2018. lations”. the region and the entire world. However, their priority is to field told media. placed Auckland into a three- talks. Washington’s European The result increases the Instead of opposing weapons preserve the JCPOA. The remaining case was day lockdown, but restrictions It was previously ex- allies all abstained, and Iran likelihood the US will try to uni- sales, the Security Council is Apart from 11 abstentions, still under investigation. have since been extended until pected that that first round mocked the Trump administra- laterally force a return of UN encouraging them,” he said. Russia and China opposed the Officials had moved 54 August 26 as officials worked of talks would start on Sun- tion for winning the support of sanctions, which experts say “The State of Israel will resolution. people linked to the known to contain the outbreak. day in Doha. just one other country, the Do- threatens to plunge the Council continue to act with full force “The result shows again cluster to quarantine facilities The number of active cases The focus of the first minican Republic. into one of its worst-ever diplo- against whoever seeks to un- that unilateralism enjoys no in an attempt to control the in the country is 56, of which round of the talks would be “In the 75 years of United matic crises. dermine its security,” added support, and bullying will fail,” outbreak. 37 are from the community more on how to maintain a Nations history, America has US Secretary of State Mike Netanyahu. China’s UN mission tweeted. Almost 24,000 tests were outbreak and 19 were caught ceasefire, another member never been so isolated,” foreign Pompeo, on a visit to Poland The embargo on conven- Ambassador Gunter Sau- processed in the previous at the border. of the negotiating team, ministry spokesman Abbas on Saturday, made it clear the tional arms is due to expire on tter of Germany, which ab- 24-hours, Bloomfield said. The country has reported a Mohammad Nateqi, said. Mousavi tweeted. United States would press on October 18 under the terms of a stained, said “more consul- He commended those who total of 1,258 confirmed cases The news comes as “Despite all the trips, pres- despite the defeat at the UN. resolution that blessed the Iran tations are needed” to find a had come forward for testing of COVID-19, with 22 deaths a woman member of the sure and the hawking, the Unit- “It is unfortunate that the nuclear deal, officially known solution acceptable to all Coun- and “doing their bit” for the since the outbreak began. negotiating team, Fawzia ed States could only mobilise French and the United King- as the Joint Comprehensive cil members. Koofi, was slightly injured a small country (to vote) with dom... didn’t support what the Plan of Action. During a call between in an attack by gunmen on them.” Gulf states have demanded, Since Trump pulled out of Trump and French President the outskirts of Kabul prov- People on the streets of what the Israelis have de- the JCPOA and slapped unilat- Emmanuel Macron, the leaders ince late Friday. Tehran had mixed reactions. manded... I regret that deeply,” eral sanctions on Iran, Tehran “discussed the urgent need for Modi talks of vaccines, infrastructure She was injured on the “This is an American po- Pompeo told reporters in War- has taken small but escalatory UN action to extend the arms push on Independence Day Kabul-Parwan highway in litical game. One day they give saw. steps away from compliance embargo on Iran”. the area of Qarabagh, where a resolution to the Security “The United States is de- with the accord as it presses for Hours earlier, Russian DPA ed globally by COVID-19, the the Taliban have been at- Council, the next they say they termined to make sure that the sanctions relief. President Vladimir Putin ap- New Delhi disease caused by the virus. tacking members of the Af- have taken” Iranian fuel, said a Iranians and this regime, this European allies of the pealed to China, France, Rus- More than 2.5 million infec- ghan forces for some time. worker at the city’s Grand Ba- theocratic regime does not have United States -- who, along sia, Britain, the US, Germany Indian Prime Minister Nar- tions have been reported so far The Taliban however zaar who gave his name only as the capacity to inflict even more with Russia and China, signed and Iran to convene an emer- endra Modi talked of vaccines, and 49,036 deaths. denied any involvement in Ahmadi. harm on the world.” the deal with Iran -- have gency video summit to avoid further health digitalization and Modi said there would be an the incident. A drugstore employee Israeli Prime Minister Ben- voiced support for extending an escalation of tensions in the an infrastructure push on Inde- investment of $1.3 trillion in the named Abdoli told AFP she jamin Netanyahu denounced a the 13-year-long conventional Gulf. pendence Day on Saturday as National Infrastructure Pipe- the country struggles with the line Project, which has already coronavirus pandemic. been announced. Three vaccines were in vari- Modi also announced a ous stages of testing and could National Digital Health Mis- go in for mass production as sion which would use technol- Egypt, Sudan voice optimism over Nile dam talks with Ethiopia soon as scientists gave the green ogy to improve health services AFP tiations are the only way to re- source of tension in the Nile light, Modi said during his and provide each citizen with a Khartoum solve the problems of the dam”. River basin ever since Ethiopia speech from the ramparts of the “health ID” that would include The two premiers said they broke ground on the project in Red Fort in New Delhi. records of their history of ill- The prime ministers of Sudan were “optimistic regarding the 2011. India, a country of 1.3 bil- nesses, medication and other and Egypt on Saturday said outcome of the negotiations” Madbouli was accompa- lion, is among the worst-affect- information. they were optimistic that talks held under mediation by the nied to Khartoum by a delega- with Ethiopia on its controver- African Union, according to tion including Egypt’s minis- sial mega-dam construction on the statement. ters of water and irrigation, the Nile would bear fruit. “It is important to reach an electricity, health, and trade Talks between Ethiopia, agreement that guarantees the and industry. Egypt and Sudan were sus- rights and interests of all three During his visit, Mad- FOR RENT pended last week after Addis nations,” it said, adding that bouli is also expected to meet Ababa insisted on linking them a “mechanism to resolve (fu- with General Abdel Fattah new apartments to renegotiating a deal on shar- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli (left) and his Sudanese ture) disputes” should be part al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s ing the waters of the Blue Nile. counterpart Abdalla Hamdok address the press after their meeting in of any deal. ruling sovereign council, and in Mansoura Egypt and Sudan view the Khartoum on Saturday. (AFP) Earlier this month, Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance water ministry said that Ethio- council deputy chief and mili- (3) Bedrooms Qr. 5,000 Dam (GERD) dam as a threat On Saturday, Egyptian Khartoum last year. pia had put forward a draft tary general. to vital water supplies, while Prime Minister Mostafa Mad- Following his talks with Su- proposal that lacked a legal Hamdok’s office said the (2) Bedrooms Qr. 4,000 Ethiopia considers it crucial bouli made his first official visit danese Prime Minister Abdalla mechanism for settling dis- visit aimed to improve coop- for its electrification and devel- to Sudan since the formation Hamdok, a joint statement putes. eration between the two neigh- opment. of a transitional government in was issued saying that “nego- The GERD has been a bouring countries. 55555065 08 Sunday, August 16, 2020 World

Poland sees POST-ELECTION CRISIS strengthened US ‘guarantee’ after military deal signed DPA Belarus strongman rejects Warsaw

Poland is on track to become a critical component of the US military presence in Europe foreign mediation, says Putin after it inked a deal on Saturday that will see 1,000 additional US troops and a part of the US army’s overseas headquarters command based there. ready to ‘help ensure security’ “This will also strengthen the guarantee that our soldiers AFP will stand shoulder to shoulder Minsk Thousands of opposition supporters have been taking to the Baltic states call for fresh in the case of any kind of dan- streets for days against Lukashenko’s claim to have won ger, whether it be a threat to Po- Belarusian President Alex- elections in Belarus land or one for the USA,” said ander Lukashenko on Saturday re-election last Sunday with 80% of the vote, in the biggest Polish President Andrzej Duda rejected offers of foreign media- challenge to his rule since he came to power in 1994 TALLINN: The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have after the ceremony. tion with a post-election opposi- called on the authoritarian head of state Alexander Lukashenko tion movement demanding his to conduct fresh elections in Belarus after a week of violence The deal, called the ouster, telling defence chiefs he following disputed polls. Enhanced Defence would not give up power. Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas, his Latvian counterpart “We will not give up the Krisjanis Karins and Saulius Skvernelis of Lithuania “call on Cooperation Agreement, country to anyone,” state news Belarus to conduct free and fair presidential elections in a trans- was signed by US Secretary agency Belta quoted Lukashen- parent way with the participation of international observers,” in a of State Mike Pompeo and ko as saying at a meeting at the joint statement issued on Saturday. Polish Defence Minister defence ministry. The three prime ministers also called on the Minsk leader- Mariusz Blaszczak at the “We don’t need any foreign ship to renounce violence and release detained demonstrators. Presidential Palace in governments, any intermediar- “It is also important that EU will find ways and means to ies,” he said. give more support to the Belarusian civil society as the Belaru- Warsaw on Saturday Thousands of opposition sian people deserve open and free society,” the Baltic heads of supporters have been taking to government said. US President Donald the streets for days against Lu- The Belarusian people should not be punished “for the ac- Trump concurred, in a state- kashenko’s claim to have won tions of their leadership,” the statement said. (DPA) ment released by the White re-election last Sunday with 80 House. percent of the vote, in the big- given to ensure the security of protests that have gained grow- “The agreement will en- gest challenge to his rule since Belarus.” ing support from Belarusians hance our military cooperation he came to power in 1994. Belarus and Russia have and drawn international con- and increase the United States In the meeting he claimed formed a “union state” linking demnation of police violence military presence in Poland families of servicemen had been their economies and militaries, and vote-rigging. to further strengthen NATO receiving threats and warned while the CSTO is a military al- The police reacted brutally deterrence, bolster European that the military was ready to The opposition in Belarus keeps up the pressure on President Alexander Lukashenko with a fresh demon- liance between six ex-Soviet against the demonstrators. security, and help ensure de- defend itself. stration in Minsk on Saturday. (AFP) states. Thousands were arrested in the mocracy, freedom, and sover- “Do not play with fire! Our Lukashenko had a phone biggest protests the former So- eignty,” it read. soldiers have enough resources tion. “If there are men among full assistance to ensure security Such situations fall under that conversation with Putin earlier viet republic has ever seen. The Along with the extra troop to protect themselves and their you, be men. If you want to fight in Belarus as thousands held agreement,” Lukashenko told Saturday and the Kremlin said protesters want Lukashenko, presence, the agreement would families and to ensure the se- and scuffle -- go ahead, but let’s peaceful protests against his defence chiefs, quoted by Belta the leaders “expressed con- who was declared the winner in make Poland the headquar- curity of the state.” He accused do it man to man. Don’t put rule. state news agency. fidence that all the problems a landslide for the sixth time in ters of the leadership of the opponents of using “girls” forward girls and threaten fami- “To talk about the military “I had a long, substantial that have arisen will be resolved a row, to step down. US Army V Corps, which is against his government, after lies.” element, we have an agreement conversation today with the soon”. The EU launched sanctions primarily based in Fort Knox thousands of women took to Lukashenko said on Satur- with Russia as part of the union Russian president... We agreed Russia has been the only on Lukashenko’s supporters on in Kentucky. About 200 mem- the streets this week in human day that his Russian counter- state and the Collective Security that at our very first request, neighbour of Belarus to back Friday in view of the violence in bers of that unit will now be in chains to support the opposi- part Vladimir Putin has offered Treaty Organization (CSTO). comprehensive help will be Lukashenko during the mass Belarus. Poland on a rotational basis.

News in brief Biden blasts Trump for ‘abhorrent’ birther rhetoric on Harris Rio reopens Christ the Redeemer, other AFP vice president. doesn’t meet the requirements,” Trump “has sought to fuel “So it’s unsurprising, but no Washington Biden named Harris, a Trump said on Thursday, citing racism and tear our nation less abhorrent, that as Trump sites after virus closure woman of colour who was born an article by a conservative law apart,” Biden spokesman An- makes a fool of himself strain- RIO DE JANEIRO: Major tourist sites in Rio de Janeiro, including White House hopeful Joe in the United States and is con- professor that questioned the drew Bates said in a statement, ing to distract the American the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the Brazilian Biden on Friday leveled fierce stitutionally eligible to be both immigration status of Harris’s referring to the “grotesque, people from the horrific tollof city, reopened to the public on Saturday after being closed for criticism at Donald Trump, vice president and president, as parents at the time of her birth. racist birther movement” led his failed coronavirus response five months due to the coronavirus pandemic. with his campaign saying the his running mate on Tuesday. Harris, 55, was born in by Trump that promoted the that his campaign and their al- “The reopening of the Christ (monument) symbolises the president has resorted to “ab- She quickly faced attacks that Oakland, California to a mother lie that Barack Obama, the na- lies would resort to wretched, reopening of Brazil to tourism,” Environment Minister Ricardo horrent” lies about Democrat Democrats deemed racist. from India and a father from tion’s first black president, was demonstrably false lies in their Salles said at a ceremony at the base of the statue. (AFP) Kamala Harris’s eligibility to be “I heard it today that she Jamaica. not born in the United States. pathetic desperation.”

Denmark to introduce mandatory use of face masks on public transport STOCKHOLM: Denmark is to introduce the mandatory use of Chinese restaurant apologises for ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTEST IN face masks on all public transport, Prime Minister Mette Fred- SOUTH KOREA ON LIBERATION DAY eriksen said on Saturday. weighing diners over food waste The decision will be effective as of August 22, she told a AFP virus pandemic and serious press conference. Beijing flooding last month have led to “We do this since infection rates are rising, while activity in a rise in food prices. society is also rising,” Frederiksen said, referring to the ongo- A restaurant in China has In response, regional catering reopening of Denmark. apologised for its controversial ing groups have urged custom- Denmark has recorded 621 coronavirus-related deaths policy of asking diners to weigh ers to order one dish fewer than and almost 15,400 infections. (DPA) themselves before entry in an the number of diners at a table overzealous response to a new -- an attempt to overturn the in- Venezuela sentences 15 people to 24 national campaign against food grained cultural habit of order- waste. ing extra food for group meals. years for plot to kidnap Maduro The beef restaurant in the Signs were displayed in the BOGOTA: Fifteen people have been sentenced to 24 years in central city of Changsha was beef restaurant reading “be prison each for involvement in a plot to kidnap Venezuelan heavily criticised on Chinese thrifty and diligent, promote President Nicolas Maduro, the country’s attorney general, Tarek social media as soon as it un- empty plates” and “operation William Saab, said on Friday. veiled the policy on Friday. empty plate” -- referring to the “They all form part of a group of soldiers and police offic- Customers were asked to nationwide campaign -- ac- ers who received training from US citizens in Colombian terri- stand on scales and scan their cording to photos published in tory, and went in speedboats with war material to Venezuelan data into an app that recom- local media. coasts on May 1,” the attorney general said on television and mended food choices based In a swift backlash, on Twitter. He said the leader of the group was Antonio Jose on their weight and the dishes’ hashtags related to the inci- Members of pro-US conservative right-wing and religious christian groups wave flags and shout Sequea Torres, a former national guardsman who reportedly calorific value, according to a dent have been viewed over slogans during an anti-government rally in the central Gwanghwamun area of Seoul on Saturday. turned against Maduro. report by the state-run China 300 million times on the social Thousands of anti-government protesters defied official social distancing warnings to hold rallies as Two US citizens had already been sentenced to 20 years News Service. platform Weibo. The restaurant South Korea reported its highest number of coronavirus infections in five months. South Korea was each for what the government says were incursions aimed at President Xi Jinping this said it was “deeply sorry” for its marking its 75th National Liberation Day, celebrating independence from Japanese colonial rule fol- taking Maduro to the United States. (DPA) week urged the nation to stop interpretation of the anti-waste lowing the end of World War II. (AFP) wasting food, as the corona- campaign. Britain marks 75 years since Japan’s defeat in WWII Japan ministers visit Yasukuni Shrine, first since 2016 DPA Germany - Japan’s ally - in May who fought in the Asia-Pacific London 1945. theatre of the Second World War. AFP Yasukuni honours 2.5 mil- Prince Charles, heir to the “Together, they comprised Tokyo lion war dead, mostly Japa- Britain on Saturday ob- British throne, and his wife, a force whose courage was as nese, who perished in the coun- served the 75th anniversary Camilla, attended a VJ Day na- remarkable as its diversity. Four Japanese cabinet min- try’s wars since the late 19th of the defeat of Japan in World tional service of remembrance Hundreds of thousands of isters paid their respects on century. But it also enshrines War II, with many events held at the National Memorial Arbo- troops from India, Burma, Chi- Saturday at a war shrine seen senior military and political fig- online due to the coronavirus retum. na and across Asia, were joined by neighbouring countries as a ures convicted of war crimes by pandemic. The royal couple led a na- by hundreds of thousands more symbol of Tokyo’s past milita- an international tribunal after Victory in Japan tional two-minute silence and from Europe, Africa, Australa- rism, in the first such visit since the war. (VJ) Day marks 75 years since laid wreaths at the Kwai Rail- sia and North America.” 2016. Education Minister Koichi Japan surrendered to the Allied way Memorial, with some war Prime Minister Boris John- Nationalist Prime Minister Hagiuda said he did visit the forces, ending hostilities. A for- veterans and their relatives son was also present. He had Shinzo Abe sent a ritual cash shrine to pay tribute to the war mal surrender ceremony was looking on from a safe distance. sent a letter to Far East veter- offering to the Yasukuni Shrine dead. The three others were held on September 2 on board In his speech, Charles said ans, saying: “You were the last in central Tokyo to mark Sat- Environment Minister Shinjiro the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. “Today we remember and give to come home but your achieve- urday’s 75th anniversary of Ja- Koizumi, Internal Affairs Min- Fighting in the Asia-Pacif- thanks for the extraordinary Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson elbow bumps a veteran after a ments are written in the lights pan’s surrender in World War ister Sanae Takaichi, and Sei- ic had continued for several bravery, resourcefulness and national service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum of the glittering capitals of the II but was not expected to visit ichi Eto, minister in charge of months after the defeat of Nazi tenacity demonstrated by those in Alrewas, central England on Thursday. (AFP) dynamic region we see today.” in person, local media said. territorial issues. ACC launches offer on all SUV range of MG page 11

Sunday, August 16, 2020

27,931.02 9,602.49 37,877.34 1,945.12 +34.30 pts +49.39 pts −433.15 pts Gold -0.44% QICCA and Doha Institute’s Dow QE sensex Excellence Centre ink deal page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 26.26 Brent 44.80 -0.36% WTI 42.01 -0.54% Silver -5.98% QNB gets two prestigious awards from Global Business Outlook

Tribune News Network hanced banking experience solutions, thus minimising the profits, efficiency rates and key Doha and a unique range of products Trade Portal need for original paperwork or performance indicators. and innovative services tailor- physical visits to branches. QNB Group’s presence QNB Group, the largest finan- made to its customers. These ●Under the current The Global Business Out- through its subsidiaries and cial institution in the Middle awards highlight the Bank’s environment, QNB has look awards aim to recognise associate companies extends East and Africa, recently re- long-term commitment and successfully launched a and reward excellence in busi- to more than 31 countries ceived two prestigious awards success in delivering the best campaign to provide online ness to companies all over the across three continents pro- from Global Business Outlook products and services. services to all corporate globe, both in the public and viding a comprehensive range (GBO). QNB’s digital solutions are customers through the private sectors. of advanced products and ser- QNB received the ‘Best designed to meet the needs Trade Portal platform The selection process for vices. Digital Bank - Qatar, 2020’ of individual and corporate The headquarters of Qatar National Bank in Doha. the awards is based on a wide The total number of em- and ‘Most Innovative Loan customers, allowing them to range of quality and quantity ployees is more than 29,000 Offering Bank - Qatar, 2020’ manage their daily financial Under the current environ- cessfully launched a campaign the Trade Portal platform, standards such as business operating through 1,000 loca- awards based on its continu- transactions more efficiently, ment, impacted by the COV- to provide online services to all providing one window for cus- size, innovation, leadership, tions, with an ATM network of ous efforts to provide an en- easily and safely. ID-19 pandemic, QNB has suc- corporate customers through tomers who seek trade finance credit ratings, asset quality, more than 4,200 machines. ME aviation al khaliji remains resilient sector may lose amid COVID-19: Report 1.5 mn jobs amid al khaliji has outperformed its peers with gain of 22 percent year-to-date, says QNBFS pandemic: IATA Satyendra Pathak by 4.1 percent YoY. Thus, Tribune News Network Doha the bank generated a cost- Doha to-income (C/I) ratio of 23.2 Al Khalij Commercial Bank percent against 27.2 percent Job losses in aviation and re- (al khaliji) has proven to be in the first half of 2019. The lated industries could climb to resilient so far in 2020 with bank’s C/I ratio has signifi- 1.5 million in Middle East this its bottom-line increasing by cantly improved from 42 per- year due to the sharp fall in 2.6 percent in the first half of cent in 2014,” it said. passenger traffic amid the cor- the year despite a spike in pro- “We foresee the bank re- onavirus pandemic, according visions due to the COVID-19 maining cost-efficient for the to the International Air Trans- pandemic, QNB Financial foreseeable future. Moreo- port Association (IATA). Services (QNBFS) has said in ver, based on our estimates, This is more than half of its latest company report. KCBK is expected to continue the region’s 2.4 million avi- On July 1, Masraf Al generating positive JAWS,” ation-related employment Rayan and Al Khalij Com- the report said. and 300,000 more than the mercial Bank announced a “The bank’s asset qual- estimates it released ear- COVID-19 potential merger between ity remained healthy in light lier this year, IATA said in a the two banks. Following the of current conditions. Non- statement. Full-year traffic Impact announcement, al khaliji’s performing loan (NPL) in- is expected to plunge 56 per ● The gross domestic shares rallied over several creased by 2.6 percent YTD cent year-on-year in 2020, a product supported by the sessions becoming the best to QR621.9 million. On the downward revision from ear- performing banking stock other hand, the NPL ratio lier 51 per cent estimate. aviation industry in the against its peers. marginally improved to 1.83 Middle East economies region may drop by up to The stock price of al khali- percent against 1.86 percent have struggled amid the Cov- $85 billion in 2020 ji is up 22 percent year-to- in 2019. Coverage of stage id-19 and without air con- ● Midde East air date (YTD), while most of its 3 loans remained flat at 79 nectivity “the socio-economic peers are in the red. percent against 80 percent impact is getting worse”, passenger traffic to more “Successful merger with in 2019. We expect the cov- Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s than halve this year due Masraf Al Rayan and an ex- erage ratio to be adequately regional vice president for Af- to virus pansion of attributable RoE maintained as management rica and the Middle East, said. beyond 12 percent will see exercises prudent risk con- Businesses, which con- improvement in the liquidity trol,” it said. tribute substantially to the Governments around of the stock,” it said. “Provisions for credit region’s economy and pro- the world are gradually eas- “As such, we raise our losses increased as a pre- vide thousands of jobs, are at ing travel restrictions as they 2019-24e earnings compound cautionary measure against risk without vital air connec- reopen their economies. How- annual growth rate (CAGR) COVID-19. Provisions in- tions to the rest of the world, ever, demand for air travel has from 9.3 percent to 11.2 per- creased by 53.5 percent YoY he added. not picked up as fast as indus- cent notwithstanding fur- to QR107.8 million in the first IATA said gross domes- try experts had anticipated. ther ramifications from the half of 2020,” the report said. tic product supported by the To minimise the impact on COVID-19 pandemic. We also Headquarters of al khaliji in Lusail City. The bank’s asset quality remained healthy in the first half of 2020. “We expect al khaliji’s aviation industry in the re- jobs and the economy, an ‘ac- have better visibility on re- capitalisation to remain on gion may drop by up to $85 celerated recovery’ is required, turn on equity (RoE) genera- Given the bank’s asset percent of the bank’s assets rate environment.” the high side in 2020 and the billion in 2020. It had earlier which can be achieved through tion and hence raise our price and liability interest rate are repriceable within one “Management continues coming years. Strong capitali- predicted a fall of $66 billion focusing on harmonising the target from QR1.4 to QR1.554 gap, QNBFS said, “We ex- year against 74 percent of li- to operate efficiently. Core sation levels could help it ab- for the region. restart of air transport across but maintain, while maintain pect further margin expan- abilities to total assets. This opex excluding QR20 million sorb any further unexpected Midde East air passenger the region and continued fi- our ‘market perform’ rating,” sion beyond our previous should lead to some margin in goodwill impairment in shocks arising from the coro- traffic to more than halve this nancial and regulatory sup- it said. positive estimates. Almost 60 expansion in a low interest the first half of 2020 dropped navirus,” the report said. year due to virus, says IATA. port, IATA said.

QIB bags two awards for digital banking innovations in Middle East

Tribune News Network vices that meet all customers’ tinos Constantinides said, and developing its online Doha needs. “QIB is pleased to once again platforms to ensure individ- Headquartered in New be recognised for providing ual and corporate customers Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), York with offices around exceptional digital banking always have easy, secure, and the largest private bank in the world, Global Finance’s services in Qatar. Our digital convenient banking experi- Qatar, has been recognised audience includes senior transformation journey start- ences from the comfort of the with two prestigious awards corporate and financial of- ed six years ago, and we have homes and offices,” Constan- at the Middle East World’s ficers responsible for mak- since built our own repertoire tinos said. Best Consumer Digital Banks ing investment and strategic towards a full digitisation of In 2020, QIB has been Awards 2020 by Global Fi- decisions at multinational our banking services, and to awarded a number of pres- nance Magazine, winning companies and financial in- make banking in Qatar sim- tigious awards in recogni- Best Mobile Banking App in stitutions. pler, faster and better.” tion of its innovative digital Qatar, and Qatar’s Best Social The magazine regularly “The ongoing changes in banking services, including Media Marketing and Ser- selects the top performing customer needs and behav- Best Digital Bank in MENA, vices awards for the second banks and other providers iours, and the importance Best Digital Bank in Qatar, consecutive year. of financial services, and of digital banking is becom- and Most Innovative Retail The awards reflect QIB’s its awards have become a ing widely more popular, Banking App in MENA by excellence in providing the trusted standard of excel- and based on the selection of tal customers, the success in the design and functionality precisely mobile banking, Global Banking & Finance best and most innovative lence for the global financial the editors of Global Finance. getting clients to use digital of online tools, in addition to and customers expect bank- Review, Best Digital Bank in digital banking services in community. The selection of winners offerings, the growth of digi- the strength and success of ing services to be available Qatar by The Asian Banker, the market, and its contribu- The recognition of QIB achieved excellence across tal customers, the breadth digital products and services. wherever they are and at any and Qatar’s Best Digital Bank tion to reshaping the banking was announced following a range of criteria including of product offerings, the ex- Commenting on the time. With this in mind, QIB of the Year and Best Mobile scene in Qatar through seam- an evaluation process by a the strength of strategy for istence of tangible benefits awards, QIB Chief Strategy has continuously invested Banking App by The Asset less digital solutions and ser- world-class panel of judges, attracting and servicing digi- gained from digital initiatives, and Digital Officer Constan- in upgrading its Mobile App Magazine. 10 Sunday, August 16, 2020 Economy & Business QNB ECONOMIC COMMENTARY QICCA and Doha Institute’s Continued but gradual capital flows to EMs expected Excellence Centre ink deal

OVID-19 has led to substantial Several training programmes in law, trade and investment to be rolled out as part of deal downward revisions to global GDP Cgrowth forecasts. For example, the IMF lowered its forecast for 2020 to -4.9% in the July, down from +3.3% in January. The impact of COVID-19 on global GDP is therefore markedly worse than the global financial crisis in 2009, when global GDP fell by -2.1%. We started the year with a view that robust capital flows toE merging Markets (EM) were likely to continue in 2020. But then COVID-19 hit the global economy leading to a sudden reversal of capital flows. Fortunately, massive policy support from major central banks, eg, US Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of Japan, has enabled flows toE M to rebound, with both EM equity and debt posting a second month of positive inflows in July (Chart 1). With this in mind, we highlight three factors buffeting capital flows. First, interest rate cuts and massive liquidity injection by major central banks are a tail-wind for capital flows toE M. Loosen- ing of monetary policy in major advanced economies is often referred to as a “push factor” for capital flows toE M. The logic for this is simple. For example, when the Fed lowers interest rates in the US, it flows through to lower returns for depositors holding money in US banks, which “pushes” Qatar Chamber Director-General Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, QICCA board member for international relations Dr Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani them to investment in other more risky and Director of Excellence Centre for Training and Consulting Dr Farid Al Sahn are seen at an event formalising the deal between QICCA and the assets and currencies, such as EM debt and Excellence Centre equity. Second, an improvement in market sen- Tribune News Network bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Dr equip legal and administrative timent, with an easing of risk aversion and Doha Abdulwahab Al Afandi, Dean QC Director-General Saleh trainees, besides law students, flight-to-safety dynamics, are a tail-wind Our base case outlook assumes that of the Faculty of Social and bin Hamad Al Sharqi said to meet the needs of the evolv- for capital flows toE M. The Fed lowering significant policy support is maintained and The Qatar International Cen- Human Sciences at the Doha this deal was the start of ing Qatari labour market. interest rates and injecting liquidity into that the virus is gradually brought under tre for Conciliation and Arbi- Institute for Graduate Studies Sheikh Thani stressed the financial markets, alongside other policy control in most countries. That should tration (QICCA) at the Qatar also attended the ceremony. many more to come. leading role played by QICCA support from governments, has supported lead to a continued recovery of the global Chamber has signed an agree- Dr Sahn said a strategic in providing the legal sector and improved market sentiment. Market economy during the second half of the year. ment with the Excellence Cen- partnership with QICCA was of the Doha Institute for signing with qualified practitioners participants have gained confidence that Considering the three factors mentioned tre for Training and Consulting significance because the centre the agreement, QC Director- and arbitrators with legal and markets will continue to function reasona- above, we expect the tail-winds to be mar- at the Doha Institute for Grad- was specialised in arbitration, General Saleh bin Hamad Al technical skills necessary to bly smoothly, which encourages or “pushes” ginally stronger than the head-winds: (1) uate Studies. negotiation and settlement of Sharqi said this deal was the manage the cases. them to invest more in riskier EM assets. continued low interest rates are a persis- The deal will pave the way commercial disputes. start of many more to come. “QICCA has qualified many Third, concerns about still-high levels tent tail-wind;(2) adequate market senti- for the implementation of He noted that the training Sharqi said it was possible arbitrators who have succeed- of infections in some EM, and resurgence ment isalso a persistent tail-wind;and (3) many training programmes in programmes were tailored to to enable the private sector to ed in resolving commercial of the virus in others,are a head-wind for moderating rates of infection are an easing law, trade and investment for reflect the needs of trainees in benefit from the programmes disputes and providing legal capital flows to EM. Many countries in Latin head-wind. Together, we expect these three individuals and companies in several fields. and training being offered by consultations, as well as pro- America and South Asia are experiencing factors to support continued, but moder- the academic year 2020-2021. Dr Sahn expressed hope the institute. viding workshops and semi- still-high levels of virus infections. High lev- ate, capital flows toE M over the second The agreement was signed of expanding the cooperation Dr Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al nars related to various legal els of virus infection either directly slow the half of the year. Therefore, despite the fall by QICCA board member for with the Qatar Chamber to Thani said the agreement came aspects.” economy, by taking workers away from their in GDP in 2020 being larger than in 2009, international relations Dr serve its members and contrib- within the framework of QIC- Sheikh Thani said partici- jobs, or indirectly via tighter social distanc- the impact on portfolio flows to EM is likely Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani ute to achieving the Qatar Na- CA’s efforts to inculcate a cul- pants attending the training ing measures and localised lockdowns that to be smaller (Chart 2). Nevertheless, flows and Director of Excellence tional Vision 2030, which fo- ture of arbitration and enhance programmes will receive a are required to control the virus. We expect will still be much weaker in 2020 than they Centre for Training and Con- cuses on human development the skills of professionals in certificate approved by QICCA this to recover once the virus eases. were in 2019. sulting Dr Farid Al Sahn. for nationals and expatriates. various aspects of arbitration. and the Excellence Centre for QC General Manager Saleh Expressing his gratitude to The training courses aim to Training and Consulting. Trump targets TikTok again with new order QAC continues to offer AFP by critics who said it appears San Francisco unconstitutional and akin to extortion. free AC check, gas refills US President Donald Trump Last week’s move also late Friday lashed out anew at threw into doubt the US opera- ByteDance, issuing a fresh ex- tions of WeChat’s parent firm, for Mitsubishi vehicles ecutive order stating the Chi- Tencent, a powerful player in nese internet giant must sell the video game industry and its interest in the Musical.ly one of the world’s richest com- Tribune News Network Mitsubishi vehicles, by highly app it bought and merged with panies. Doha The main QAC Mitsubishi skilled professional staff, who TikTok. China condemned the service centre is located in undergo regular training. The order builds on sweep- move as “arbitrary political Qatar Automobiles Com- Industrial Area’s Wakalat, Customers can now book ing restrictions issued last week manipulation”. pany, the authorised general Street 10, while other cen- their service appointment at by Trump that TikTok and We- Trump has claimed TikTok distributor of Mitsubishi Mo- tres are located in Abu QAC service centres by phone Chat end all operations in the could be used by China to track tors in Qatar, has said that it or by email, saving time and US, his latest explosive moves US President Donald Trump’s latest executive order states that the the locations of federal employ- was continuing its exclusive Hamour, Duhail and Wakra. effort. aimed at countering China’s TikTok parent ByteDance must sell its interest in the Musical.ly app it ees, build dossiers on people air-conditioning offer for Mit- The main QAC Mitsubishi rising global power. bought and merged with TikTok. for blackmail and conduct cor- subishi vehicles, providing is thrilled to present the best service centre is located in In- ByteDance bought karaoke porate espionage. customers with ultimate cool- offers to help their valued cus- dustrial Area’s Wakalat, Street video app Musical.y from a ByteDance said in response to It also ordered that any TikTok -- used by as many ing and comfort during hot tomers maintain their vehicles 10, while other centres are lo- Chinese rival about three years an AFP inquiry. saved user data be destroyed. as a billion people worldwide to summer times. in the best way. Due to the high cated in Abu Hamour, Duhail ago in a deal valued at nearly a “We’re committed to con- Trump last week made make quirky, short-form vid- Mitsubishi service centres temperatures and the possi- and Wakra. billion dollars. It was incorpo- tinuing to bring joy to fami- good on threats against We- eos on their cellphones -- has are now offering free AC check- bility of AC dysfunction, our The centres are open for rated into TikTok, which be- lies and meaningful careers to Chat and TikTok -- two Chi- repeatedly denied sharing data ups and free AC gas top-ups exclusive offer comes to assist customers from 7 am to10 pm came a global sensation. those who create on our plat- nese-owned apps with major with Beijing. for all Mitsubishi vehicles, by customers in checking their car from Saturday to Wednesday Trump’s order contends form for many years to come.” audiences that US officials say WeChat is a messaging, so- professional and expert techni- AC and gas for free, so they can and from 7 am to 5:30 pm pm there is “credible evidence” The order set to take effect pose a national security threat. cial media and electronic pay- cians. enjoy the real cooling and com- on Thursdays. leading him to believe that in 90 days retroactively pro- Through an earlier execu- ment platform and is reported QAC general manager fort when driving Mitsubishi.” The Al Khor service cen- ByteDance’s take-over of Musi- hibits the acquisition and bars tive order he gave Americans to have more than a billion us- Hesham Al Sahn said, “Since Qatar Automobiles Com- tre is open from 7 am to 8 pm cal.ly “threatens to impair the ByteDance from having any in- 45 days to stop doing business ers, with many preferring it to most people are spending their pany and Mitsubishi service from Saturday to Wednesday national security of the United terest in Musical.ly. with the platforms, effectively email. summer vacations in Qatar, centres provide premium and from 7 am to 3:30 pm on States.” Trump ordered that any setting a deadline for a poten- The latest US actions follow Qatar Automobiles company maintenance services for all Thursdays. “As we’ve said previously, sale of interest in Musical.ly in tial, under-pressure sale of Tik- a protracted battle over Hua- TikTok is loved by 100 mil- the US had to be signed off on Tok to Microsoft. wei, the Chinese network and lion Americans because it is a by the Committee on Foreign Trump has also called for smartphone giant accused by home for entertainment, self- Investment, which is to be giv- the US government to be cut in the Trump administration of expression, and connection,” en access to ByteDance books. on the deal, a stance slammed being a tool for espionage. Japanese oil tanker splits in two off Mauritius

DPA ent environmental consultant about 1,000 tons of fuel oil ship on Saturday. Cape Town Sunil Korwarkasing told dpa into the popular honeymoon Mauritius declared an after he viewed drone footage resort’s pristine coastal waters, environmental state of emer- The Japanese fuel oil tank- of the vessel. an area home to much rare gency last week, but authori- er that caused an environ- In a race against time, heli- flora and fauna. ties have been accused of being mental disaster when it ran copters have been flying be- On Thursday, Nagashiki slow to act. aground on a coral reef off tween the ship and the coast Shipping, the Japanese com- Environmental watchdog Mauritius has split in two, an since early Saturday to siphon pany responsible for the acci- Greenpeace is demanding a environmental expert said off the remaining fuel from the dent, said the removal of the full investigation of the acci- Saturday. ship, according to Korwarkas- remaining 3,000 tons of fuel dent, saying it was unclear why “Since this morning, se- ing. oil from the ship was almost the vessel had sailed so dan- curity has been reinforced all The tanker, which ran complete. gerously close to the reef and along the shoreline. It’s a full aground the Indian Ocean is- It was unclear how much why it took authorities days to state of emergency,” independ- land on July 25, has leaked fuel oil still remained on the arrive at the scene. Economy & Business Sunday, August 16, 2020 11 FB joins attack on Apple over App Store commission AFP and host paid events from San Francisco concerts and theatrical per- formances to yoga classes Facebook on Friday and cooking lessons. joined the attack on Ap- It is being tested for use ple’s operation of its App with “more personal gath- Store after the iPhone erings” at Messenger group maker refused to forgo its video chat feature Rooms, commission on live online according to Simo. events hosted on the social “With social distanc- network that allow people ing mandates still in place, to make money during the many businesses and crea- pandemic. tors are bringing their The comments from Fa- events and services online cebook come in the wake of to connect with existing a blockbuster lawsuit from customers and reach new video game sensation Fort- ones,” Simo said. nite maker Epic Games on Thursday which accused Apple of abusing its mo- The comments from nopoly position in its online Facebook come in the marketplace. wake of a blockbuster Facebook said it would lawsuit from video game not collect any fees from sensation Fortnite paid online events that edu- maker Epic Games on cators, entertainers, or others can host due to a fresh Thursday which accused addition to the platform, but Apple of abusing its A once busy shopping district in Manhattan stands nearly empty of pedestrians in New York recently. (afp) that Apple declined to back monopoly position in its off from its standard share online marketplace of transactions which are handled through the App Store. Facebook’s criticism US retail sales, industrial “We asked Apple to re- comes amid heightened duce its 30 percent App scrutiny of Apple’s policies Store tax or allow us to offer for its online marketplace. Facebook Pay so we could Apple has defended the absorb all costs for busi- commission to cover the nesses struggling during costs of managing the App output post modest gains COVID-19,” Facebook vice Store and protecting users president Fidji Simo said in security, but critics say the a blog post. “Unfortunately, commission is an abuse of ‘We’re coming back very strong. We should have a very good third quarter,’ says Donald Trump they dismissed both our re- its position. quests and (small- and me- The latest version of AFP Economists warn that the While the July data bode But the report said: “The dium-size businesses) will Fortnite contains a pay- Washington massive aid deal approved well for the third quarter, Di- overall confidence in eco- only be paid 70 percent of ment system that lets player by Congress in late March, ane Swonk, chief economist at nomic policies fell to the low- their hard-earned revenue.” transactions bypass Apple’s The US economy continues including expanded federal Grant Thornton, warned that est level since Trump first The new paid events App Store and Google’s to regain ground as the coro- unemployment benefits, has the final three months of the entered office. The policy feature was launched by Fa- Play, preventing the firms navirus crisis drags on, with supported the economy in year could see a slowdown -- gridlock has acted to increase cebook in response to the from collecting their typical retailers and manufacturing recent weeks but that could Warning especially if the fall brings a uncertainty.” global coronavirus pandem- 30 percent cut. posting gains, but new data change if the expiring pro- new wave of COVID-19 infec- Industrial production rose ic which has forced the can- Fortnite sought to direct on Friday show progress is grams are not replaced. Economists warn that the tions. 3.0 percent in July, the third cellation of many in-person users around the App Store slowing and the recovery is in “Our ‘friends’ in Wash- massive aid deal approved by “Our greatest concern is monthly increase but a slower gatherings. and found itself booted off doubt amid a political stale- ington seem to be doing eve- Congress in late March, the fourth quarter, the most gain than in June, the Federal The feature lets Face- the platform, and Epic im- mate over a new aid package. rything possible to kill the including expanded federal important time of the year Reserve said Friday. Output book Live streaming service mediately filed an antitrust “We’re coming back very recovery,” economist Joel unemployment benefits, has for retailers. Halloween is the rose in all major sectors, in- be used to create, promote complaint. strong. We should have a Naroff said in an analysis. supported the economy in second largest holiday next cluding a 3.4 percent increase very good third quarter” He said it was the govern- recent weeks but that could to Christmas for consumer in manufacturing. and an “unbelievably good” ment’s “welfare programs that change if the expiring programs spending,” she said. However, after dramatic next year, President Donald have supported household are not replaced Naroff warned, “Don’t be declines in March and April Trump told reporters Friday and business spending. With surprised if there is a weak- as the coronavirus crisis took when asked about the indus- the Senate on vacation... the ening not only in consumer hold in the US, total output trial production increase in funds flowing to unemployed demand but in hiring as well.” remains more than eight per- July. workers and supporting busi- increase in June, and the gain Consumers are likely to cent below July 2019, while But he remained steadfast nesses are disappearing.” puts sales 2.7 percent higher become more cautious in the manufacturing is down by 7.7 in opposing a spending pack- US retail sales increased than the same month of 2019, absence of a deal between percent. age that would include help 1.2 percent last month com- the Commerce Department Congress and Trump’s eco- The largest gain in July -- for ailing cities and states. pared to June, a more mod- reported. nomic team -- and the recent 28.3 percent -- was in motor “They want $1 trillion to est rise than economists had But for the first seven rhetoric does not bode well vehicles and parts. go to their friends doing a been expecting, held down months of the year, a large for an agreement. In contrast, the retail sales bad job running certain cities by a decline in auto sales, ac- part of it spent under corona- The University of Michi- report showed auto sales fell and states that are doing very cording to government data virus lockdowns, sales were gan consumer sentiment in- 1.3 percent compared to June. badly,” Trump said, adding released Friday. 2.1 percent lower as com- dex showed confidence was Excluding that decline, total that Democrats are to blame It was the third straight pared to the same period of flat in earlyA ugust compared retail sales rose 1.9 percent, for the impasse. increase after the 8.4 percent last year. to July. according to the data. ACC launches summer offer on all SUV range of MG vehicles tive, futuristic design that is instant- increased MG branding and a deli- Running until August 31, the offer is valid ly recognisable, notably at the front cate front end give the car a refined where the stylish square LED head- look that carries through its sweep- on MG RX8, MG RX5, MG HS and MG ZS lamps, imposing wing-shaped grille ing corners to the robust rear end. A and innovative fog lamps endow it combination of quality and a premi- Tribune news network chased with no down payment and with real on-the-road presence. um finish have been at the heart of Doha with the option of inhouse financing MG’s design philosophy for the MG with special rate interest through MH HS ZS, with every surface, material and Auto Class Cars (ACC), the author- NBK Financial Services. Offering a 231hp 2.0L Turbo en- fitting selected for its visual impact, ised distributor of MG in Qatar, has Hesham al Sahn, General Man- gine mated to a 6-speed dual clutch as well as durability and longevity. launched new summer offer on SUV ager at Auto Class Cars said, “We gearbox, Super Sport button, bucket The MG ZS is available in NSE range of its MG vehicles that allow are thrilled to launch this special racing seats and red racing calipers, Major 1.3L Turbo engine or 1.5L new buyers to leverage from wide offer on our amazing SUV vehicles. the all-new HS brings MG’s cel- engine, giving it unrivalled fuel ef- range of benefits and own their fa- MG enthusiasts can now buy their ebrated sporting heritage to a state- ficiency for its class. Delivering true vourite cars with monthly install- favourite car at special monthly in- of-the-art SUV. driving excellence, the MG ZS of- ments. stallments and leverage from wide The sporty look of the MG HS fers three power assisted steering Running until August 31, the of- range of benefits that will reduce combines soft curves with the sleek modes – Urban, Normal and Dy- fer is valid on MG RX8, MG RX5, the cost of service on the medium lines that flow from the bonnet and namic – which are designed to give MG HS and MG ZS. on long term. Auto Class Cars will down the side before rising at the the driver complete control. It is ACC said in a statement that stay committed to the local commu- rear to sweep over the rear lights, equipped with a 6-speed automatic customers can visit the company’s nity and offer best deals that reflect which consist of 21 individual LEDs gearbox. showroom on Salwa Road or check the strong relations with our valued that light up sequentially. While Since its acquisition of MG Mo- MG Qatar website to buy any of customers”. chrome mouldings feature both on tor, SAIC Motor, as a Global Top those cars. the largest third-row space in its especially younger buyers looking the side and below the rear bumper. 500 company, has opened a new The vehicles are available at MG RX8 segment. An array of premium ma- for value for money in a stylish, The cabin of the all-new MG HS chapter for this British-born brand. starting monthly installments A robust and spacious SUV – terials including wood grain and technologically-advanced package simply oozes class, reinforcing the The introduction of the all-new MG of QR999, or a grace period of 3 with the largest wheelbase in its seg- soft-touch trim gives the RX8 a that allows them to stand out from brand’s reputation for delivering 6 follows the launch of two SUV months. Buyers can benefit from a ment - the new seven-seater intro- high-class feel. And, modern fea- the crowd. Equipped with a 1.5T premium finishes at non-premium models earlier this year, the MG package of added features including duces MG Motor to a segment it has tures such as a 10-inch touch screen petrol engine or 2.0L and 7-speed prices. Some 85% of the interior is RX5 compact SUV and the MG ZS free car registration and compre- previously never been present in. in-car entertainment system, venti- automatic gearbox the MG RX5 is covered with soft material, while SUV, as well as the second-gener- hensive insurance for one year, and The MG RX8 is a fully equipped 4x4 lated seats and wireless mobile de- available as entry level standard or customers can opt from three at- ation of MG GS. Together, these with the longest warranty period with six different driving modes. Its vice charging capabilities make the mid-range COM models. The more tractive interior colour schemes. models join the existing MG 360 to available in the market of 6 years/ strong truck chassis frame is capa- RX8 the perfect partner for an ac- powerful 2.0T power plant is mated complete the brand’s Middle East 200,000 KMs (whichever comes ble of handling the toughest off-road tive family. to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and MG ZS line-up. first) and free service for 2 years terrains, and is powered by an effi- is offered for either COM or top-of- The MG ZS is the perfect option The MG line up of cars are avail- / 30,000 KMs (whichever comes cient 220HP 2.0-litre turbo engine. MG RX5 the-range LUX trim levels, with the for buyers seeking a good-looking, able now at Auto Class Cars show- first). Its spacious modular interior The new MG RX5 will appeal latter featuring All-Wheel Drive well-equipped, well-built car at a room on Salwa Road from Saturday Any of these vehicles can be pur- features adjustable rear seats and to a range of customers in Qatar, The MG RX5 boasts an attrac- sensible price. A distinctive grille, to Thursday from 8 am to 9:00 pm. Barcelona inquest opens after ‘historic humiliation’ page 13

SUNday, AUGUST 16, 2020 Hamilton roars to sizzling Spanish Grand Prix pole AFP a second down, went third and Barcelona Sainz fourth. The second run was pre- Lewis Hamilton roared to a ceded by desultory preparation record-increasing 92nd For- laps, as they preserved their soft mula One pole position of his tyres, before in the final seconds Groundstaff mop up water on the third day of the second Test be- career on Saturday when he Gasly jumped to fifth and, in the tween England and Pakistan which was washed out at the Ageas outpaced Mercedes team-mate process, dumped the luckless Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. (AFP) Valtteri Bottas in a sizzling Sebastian Vettel out of the top qualifying session for the Span- 10 shoot-out by 0.002 seconds. ish Grand Prix. The four-time world champion England’s Crawley warns The championship leader was 11th ahead of Daniil Kvyat and six-time world champion of Alpha Tauri, Daniel Ricciar- bad light can cause clocked a best lap of one minute do of Renault, Raikkonen and and 15.584 seconds to take the Esteban Ocon. prime starting slot ahead of title Starting Grid ‘life-changing’ injuries rival Bottas by 0.059 seconds. Front row: Lewis Hamilton (GBR/ It was Hamilton’s fourth Mercedes), Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mer- AFP taking Pakistan to 223-9 in their pole of the year and fifth in Spain cedes); 2nd row: Max Verstappen Southampton first innings at stumps. and brought with it his 150th (NED/Red Bull-Honda), Sergio Perez For Crawley, recalled in front row start from a session (MEX/Racing Point-Mercedes); England batsman Zak Craw- place of star all-rounder Ben that may have seen Mercedes 3rd row: Lance Stroll (CAN/Rac- ley sympathised with fans frus- Stokes, missing this match for enjoying their ‘party’ qualifying Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (right) speaks to Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen after ing Point-Mercedes), Alexander trations’ but said bad light could personal reasons, there were engine mode for the final time. securing the pole position during the qualifying session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Albon (THA/Red Bull-Honda); 4th cause “life-changing” injuries. mixed emotions. “I couldn’t go quicker on Barcelona on Saturday ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix. (AFP) row: Carlos Sainz (ESP/McLaren- Rain, which had already “Definitely frustrating,” the my second lap, which I thought Renault), Lando Norris (GBR/ caused several previous inter- 22-year-old batsman, looking I could, but the first lap was Hamilton, was 0.708sec back Gasly of Alpha Tauri. top while Raikkonen, for the McLaren-Renault); 5th row: Charles ruption, meant there was no for the first century of his seven- a good job thankfully,” said in third. The Dutchman was On a hot summer’s day at first time this year, proceeded Leclerc (MON/Ferrari), Pierre Gasly play at all on the third day of the Test career, told reporters on Hamilton. ahead of the two Racing Points the Circuit de Catalunya, the to Q2 leaving his Alfa Romeo (FRA/AlphaTauri-Honda); 6th row: second Test between England Saturday. “You always want the “I was here with my guys of Sergio Perez, back in action air temperature was 30 degrees team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari), Da- and Pakistan at Southampton game moving forward, especial- until 10 O’clock (2000 GMT) after missing two races with celsius and the track a swelter- 20th and last. niil Kvyat (RUS/AlphaTauri-Honda); on Saturday -- a match being ly when I’d like a bat. But I was last night just looking all the coronavirus, and Lance Stroll. ing 50 degrees as Q1 began The Italian was eliminated 7th row: Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/ played behind closed doors beat deep square when a couple of details and how to improve Alex Albon took sixth place in with the Williams drivers lead- along with both Williams driv- Renault), Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Alfa cause of the coronavirus. balls got hit out and I didn’t see because the Red Bull guys are the second Red Bull. ing the way. ers, Nicholas Latifi and George Romeo Racing-Ferrari); 8th row: Only 40 overs took place on them at all really. super fast.” “This is our maximum, but A gusty wind had arrived Russell, Romain Grosjean and Esteban Ocon (FRA/Renault), Kevin Friday, with the umpires ending “I don’t know if anyone else Bottas said: “I knew it was I hope we can do better in the since the final practice in the his Haas team-mate Kevin Magnussen (DEN/Haas-Ferrari); the second day’s play because of was feeling the same. It’s a diffi- going to be close with Lewis -- race. Tomorrow is a different morning, adding another fac- Magnussen. 9th row: Romain Grosjean (FRA/ bad light even though the Ageas cult one, if someone cops one on as always. The start will be my day again!” Verstappen said. tor to the struggle for grip ex- The Q2 segment started Haas-Ferrari), George Russell (GBR/ Bowl ground floodlights were the head because they didn’t see best chance.” Carlos Sainz was seventh perienced by most drivers. with both Mercedes out early Williams-Mercedes); 10th row: on full beam. Certainly, Mo- the ball in the field or a batsman Red Bull’s Max Verstap- ahead of his McLaren team- Hamilton topped the initial on soft tyres, Hamilton pip- Nicholas Latifi CAN( /Williams-Mer- hammad Rizwan appeared to in cops one on the arm and miss- pen, who is second in the over- mate Lando Norris, Ferrari’s runs ahead of the two rapid ping Bottas by one-tenth of a cedes), Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/ no difficulty, with his 60 not out es the rest of the series, that’s all standing 30 points behind Charles Leclerc and Pierre Racing Points and stayed on second before Verstappen, half Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari). in bowler-friendly conditions life-changing.” India legend Dhoni retires from international cricket

AFP winner, Suresh Raina, also an- India batting great Sachin New Delhi nounced his international re- Tendulkar paid tribute to his tirement. former teammate under whom MSD changed face of Indian Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Dhoni quit Tests in 2014 he won the ODI World Cup in Saturday retired from India’s and has not played for the na- Mumbai. cricket: Pakistan’s Misbah national team ending one of tional side since India’s World “Your contribution to Indi- the most heralded international Cup semi-final loss against New an cricket has been immense,” AFP “He’s got all the trophies in cricket careers ever. Zealand in England last year -- Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. Southampton his bag,” added the former bats- The 39-year-old wicket- his 350th one day international. “Winning the 2011 World man, a member of the Pakistan keeper and batsman is India’s Cup together has been the best Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq side that suffered a dramatic most successful captain having Records galore moment of my life.” said M.S. Dhoni had “changed five-run defeat by arch-rivals In- won the World Cup, the inau- He holds the record for most in- Former England captain the whole face of Indian crick- dia in the 2007 World Twenty20 gural T20 World Cup and the ternational matches as captain, Nasser Hussain rated Dhoni as et” after the former captain final in Johannesburg. Champions Trophy. 332, and his 195 international the best ever captain in limited- announced his international Dhoni was also renowned Dubbed ‘Captain Cool’ be- stumpings is also the most by overs cricket. retirement on Saturday. for his ability under pressure, cause of his unflappable style, any wicket-keeper. “Great captain. Probably Dhoni, a 39-year-old wicket- a talent he demonstrated Dhoni is also one of India’s best Tributes poured in for the the best white-ball captain there keeper and batsman, is India’s during his 91 not out against loved sports personalities and player who led India to the has ever been and also a cool, most successful skipper, Sri Lanka in the 2011 World his fans have been dreading this Twenty20 World Cup in 2007, calm customer under pressure,” having played a starring role in Cup final in Mumbai where he decision for months. the 50-over event in 2011 and the cricketer-turned-commen- their 2011 World Cup final win sealed a six-wicket win in style Dhoni posted a four minute the Champions Trophy in 2013. tator said on Sky Sports. on home soil and also guided with a towering six off Nuwan seven second video of his career He scored 10,773 runs in “He is a great finisher of them to victory in the inaugural Kulasekara after promoting highlights on Instagram and ODIs and is the only captain to a game and until recently he T20 World Cup final and the himself up the batting order. added in a caption: “Thanks a have led a country to victory in In this file photo taken on January 8, 2010, India cricket captain Mahendra paced the innings perfectly. He Champions Trophy. “He was such a cool cap- lot for your love and support all three International Cricket Singh Dhoni (left) and teammate Suresh Raina walk off the pitch after was involved in some of the “He’s a big name in Indian tain on the outside, but from throughout. From 1929hrs con- Council trophies. victory in the Tri-Nation tournament against Bangladesh at the Sher-e great moments of Indian cricket cricket, he’s served Indian the inside such an aggressive sider me as retired.” “The boy from Ranchi, who Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Dhoni’s teammate in the Chennai and did things his own way. cricket very well,” Misbah, who player,” said former Pakistan Dhoni did not say whether made his ODI debut in 2004, team Suresh Raina also announced his international retirement. (AFP) After his debut, 16 years played against Dhoni, told AFP skipper Misbah. this meant all cricket but Chen- changed the face of Indian ago, Dhoni captured the imagi- after the third day’s play in the “He was such a ‘shrewd’, nai Super Kings chief executive cricket with his calm demean- “His leadership qualities much more. What you’ve done nation of fans with his swash- second Test between England you could say, captain – the Kasi Vishwanathan told AFP our, sharp understanding of have been something which will for the country will always re- buckling batting. He played 90 and Pakistan at Southampton way he handled the team, the that Dhoni would still lead the the game and astute leadership be hard to match.” main in everyone’s heart,” Kohli Tests, scoring 4,876 runs. was washed out. way he just developed the team in the Indian Premier qualities,” the Board of Control India skipper Virat Kohli wrote on Twitter. Suresh Raina said it had “One of the greats I think, team and changed the team League starting in the United for Cricket in India said in a tipped his hat to his former cap- “but the mutual respect and been “nothing but lovely” to be the way he changed the from seniors (senior players), Arab Emirates next month. statement confirming Dhoni’s tain in an emotional message. warmth I’ve received from you in teams with Dhoni as he also approach and especially he brought up some juniors.” Dhoni arrived in Chennai move. “Every cricketer has to end will always stay in mine. The announced his departure from achieved so much for Indian “He changed the whole on Friday to train with the team “It is the end of an era,” his journey one day, but still world has seen achievements, the national team on Instagram. cricket, winning the World Cup, culture of the team, the whole before they leave for Dubai next said Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI when someone you’ve gotten to I’ve seen the person. Thanks for “With my heart full of pride, winning the Champions Trophy, face of Indian cricket -- a won- week. Dhoni’s Chennai team- president and himself a former know so closely announces that everything skip. I tip my hat to I choose to join you in this jour- winning the T20 World Cup,” derful servant of the game,” mate and fellow World Cup national captain. decision, you feel the emotion you.” ney,” he declared. said Misbah. opined Misbah. ‘Captain Cool’: From railway ticket collector to Indian cricket icon AFP Holding the inaugural before working as a ticket success on the field to fuel such batsman whom they’re going to New Delhi World T20 trophy in Johannes- collector on the railways in a lifestyle. come against and they see how burg, in a half-sleeved India vest Kharagpur in West Bengal, N. Srinivasan, the indus- he got out, what’s his strength, When Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2007 and hitting that six in to Indian cricket’s poster boy trialist who owns the Chennai what’s his weakness etc. smashed the six that won the the World Cup final against Sri with a fleet of superbikes, Dho- Super Kings, where Dhoni “So, MS Dhoni doesn’t at- World Cup for India in 2011, it Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede ni’s life has even been chroni- will remain captain in the In- tend this, he’s a pure instinct instantly became an iconic mo- stadium will forever remain cled in a Bollywood biopic. dian Premier League despite man. The bowling coach, (head ment in cricket and established etched amongst the most mem- His countless endorsement announcing his internation- coach Stephen) Fleming will the man who started out as a orable Dhoni moments. deals and TV ads not only made al retirement on Saturday, be there and everybody will be railway ticket collector as one of Many will remember him as him a sports superstar to rival hailed him as the supreme there, everyone is giving opin- the game’s greats. an accumulator of runs after be- Sachin Tendulkar but also put “instinct” player. ions, (but) he’ll get up and go,” Hard-hitting, unruffled no ing appointed India’s one-day him in the Forbes list of the “We’re awash with data just Srinivasan said. matter the pressure, the record captain in 2007, but it was his world’s richest athletes. now,” Srinivasan said in a re- “In the context of instinct, In this file photo taken on October 25, 2011, Mahendra Singh Dhoni of ‘Captain Cool’ — and India’s style which set Dhoni apart. In 2015, his income was es- cent interview with the Scroll he feels that okay he can assess rides a bike he won as the man of the tournament as teammate Praveen most successful captain — will From humble beginnings timated to be $31 million. news website. a batsman or player on the field, Kumar (centre) and Suresh Raina ride with him after winning the final ODI be virtually impossible to beat. in the eastern city of Ranchi, But he had to keep up the “They play videos of every that’s his judgement.” match against England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (AFP) Sports Sunday, August 16, 2020 13 PSG, Leipzig hail unlikely heroes Choupo-Moting and Adams DPA England’s third tier with Her- Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig Berlin eford United. Hamburg-born striker will meet in the Champions League It remains to be seen whether Choupo-Moting also knows Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting about relegation in England, semi-finals on Tuesday and Tyler Adams will get more going down from the Pre- playing time when Paris Saint- mier League with Stoke City Germain meet RB Leipzig in the in 2017-18. Football trivia ex- Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (right) reacts after Bayern Munich’s second goal during the Champions League semi-finals perts quickly pointed out that if UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Luz stadium in Lisbon on Friday.(AFP) on Tuesday but for now the two Choupo-Moting plays on Tues- are unlikely heroes for their day it would mark the 11th time clubs. since 2005 that a player from Choupo-Moting, 31, was not that doomed Stoke squad would Barcelona inquest opens even in Paris Saint-Germain’s feature in a Champions League original squad for the knock-out semi-final. rounds but then came off the The fact that Choupo-Mot- after ‘historic humiliation’ bench to score PSG’s stoppage- ing only got to play in the quar- time 2-1 quarter-final winner ter-final because of a changed DPA tion. Let’s not prolong the against Atalanta. squad list after the coronavirus- Barcelona Barcelona are in agony or lose any more pre- He got a very special reward related delay in place of Edison shambles after a cious time. We need Bartomeu because superstar Neymar gave Cavani makes his story even It is not often that sports pa- to resign and for elections to him the man-of-the-match tro- more extraordinary. pers in Catalonia and in the shocking 8-2 take place.” Veteran defender phy he had won. “I really liked Plenty of eyebrows were rest of Spain agree on a head- Gerard Pique called for change what he did,” Choupo-Moting already raised when he joined line but both Barcelona-based Champions League because “we must accept that said of the gesture. PSG in 2018 to play alongside Diario Sport and Madrid- debacle, and calls for we have hit bottom. Not just Adams, 21, was also a sub- Neymar, Angel di Maria and based Diario AS headlined players the but, as a club, we stitute when he netted in the Kylian Mbappe - by request their front pages “Historic Hu- change at the one aren’t on the right road. 88th minute for a 2-1 upset of of coach Thomas Tuchel who miliation” on Saturday morn- proud club have “If I have to go in order to Atletico Madrid, his first-ever knew the player from their ing after Barcelona’s 8-2 de- change things I’ll be the first Leipzig goal and also making Mainz days. feat to Bayern Munich. already started to accept that. This was a hor- him the first American to score He made headlines for a the Spain is licking its wounds rible game, it’s a dreadful feel- in the later stages of the Cham- wrong reasons last year when after the quarter-final results El Mundo Deportivo was ing. It’s shameful. Structurally pions League. he missed a sitter in a league left it without a representative no more forgiving. It called we need changes at all levels.” “I’m not really a goalscorer, match against Strasbourg, but in the semi-finals for the first the 8-2 the “mother of all Elections are however unlike- but of course it makes me proud now in Lisbon it was Neymar time in 13 years, as Atletico debacles” and highlighted ly with the president expected to score such an important goal who wasted two big chances went out a day earlier, also the fact that on loan Philip to hang on into his final year in the Champions League quar- before Choupo-Moting was on against German opposition in Coutinho’s late goals only and concentrate on finding a ter-finals,” he said. target to see them through after the form of RB Leipzig. added to the sense of embar- new coach. Mauricio Pochet- Midfielder Adams spent coming on late. But all the focus was on the rassment. Not only had Bay- tino has been installed as the Paris Saint-Germain’s Cameroon forward Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting several months of his first sea- “When I came on, I told impending upheaval at chaos ern thrashed Barcelona but early favourite. (right) claps the fans as he arrives at the hotel in Lisbon after his son at the eastern Germans on myself that it wasn’t possible club Barcelona. they had done it with the help He is available, talented team’s victory in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against the sidelines with injury before to head back to Paris with AS said Bayern had “flat- of a Barcelona player. and speaks Spanish. He also Atalanta at the city’s Luz Stadium last Wednesday. (AFP) on Thursday making the depar- the team we had, we had to tened” a “pathetic” rival that “We are going to take cer- recently stepped back from ture of star forward Timo Wer- score. I always believed,” said currently exists in a state of tain decisions,” said Barcelona comments that he would rath- ner to Chelsea fade from the Choupo-Moting whose PSG “painful ridicule”. president Josep Bartomeu. er “work on his farm in Argen- memory. contract is expiring. In one opinion piece Sport “Some were already taken be- tina” than coach Barcelona, Leipzig have several players “I’m very happy to have said that Bayern had “ridi- fore the game.” But there were because of his history as a within in their ranks who were scored that goal. It was crazy culed Barcelona” on a “night- calls for one of those big deci- player and coach at local rivals already at the club when they and the emotions were incredi- mare evening”. sions to be the announcement Espanyol. played in the lower leagues. ble.” Tuchel said: “It was a great In its player ratings only of elections one year ahead of Pochettino told El Pais: Those include goalkeeper opportunity for him tonight to Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba the official end of Bartomeu’s “Espanyol is where I made my Peter Gulacsi who, in 2009, be with us, I had confidencein were giving marks as the rest mandate. name but I am not arrogant the year the Leipzig club was him, it was his time to do great were graded zero for their per- Potential presidential can- and I don’t like having made a founded, was relegated from things. He was exceptional.” formance. didate Victor Font said: “It is statement like that one. Sport’s verdict on Barce- too many years of shame and “Perhaps now I would lona coach Quique Setien’s sadness. not have said that because in Beach and pool day for Leipzig; performance was headlined “The feeling for this night life you never know what will Sabitzer eager for PSG clash “Sacked” in anticipation can only be called humilia- happen.” of what will happen to the RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann allowed his players to hit 61-year-old. the beach or chill by the hotel pool in Lisbon on Saturday before re- Its analysis continued: suming preparations for their semi-final. Tuesday’s clash with Paris “He cannot last not even one Saint-Germain is arguably the biggest game in the short history of more day in the job. The task the Leipzig club who flew through the German leagues backed by has been far too big for him. energy drink manufacturer Red Bull. He has nothing to offer.” While lunch and dinner were taken communally, the players had “Verguenza” meaning Embar- otherwise free choice of how to spend their time at the Palacio rassment, shame or disgrace, Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa on the outskirts of the Portuguese capital. was the single word plastered “It’s definitely an exciting task,” said midfielder Marcel Sab- across the front page of Marca. itzer. “I still trust myself to say if we have a really good day like The Spanish sports daily against Atletico, with a bit of luck we could win the game. “But declared this season, the first that PSG are of course favourites is self-explanatory.” Even so, the without a trophy since Frank 26-year-old Austrian Sabitzer is eyeing the August 23 final in the Rijkaard’s final campaign in Stadium of Light, the same venue as their last four clash.“It will 2008, the “end of an era” at be a unique experience for us,” he said. “We’re up for it.” Beating the club. Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals extendedL eipzig’s stay in the Its match report was titled bubble of the closed door tournament arranged due to the coro- “Historic debacle” and only Leipzig’s US midfielder Tyler Adams (left) and Austrian mid- navirus playing havoc with the season. “We have a beautiful hotel three players – Marc Andre ter fielder Konrad Laimer celebrate their win at the end of the UEFA with two or three minutes to the beach,” said Sabitzer. “We were Stegen, Frenkie De Jong and Bayern Munich’s German midfielder Joshua Kimmich celebrates Champions League quarter-final match against Atletico Madrid already down there once or twice. It does not get boring.” (DPA) Lionel Messi – got any marks after scoring his team’s fifth goal against Barcelona and Bayern at the Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon on Thursday. (AFP) in its ratings. Munich at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on Friday. (AFP) Paris Saint-Germain Academy Qatar resumes training

Tribune News Network ers and coaches are extremely (2nd-29th) at Doha sports before and in between ses- by coinciding with the ministry Doha pleased to be back on the pitch. park in Lusail and College of sions, coaches are required to guidelines” as stated by Fabien After a long period away the North Atlantic in Duhail. wear masks and gloves, and Dilem, General Manager of the With over 220 technical from the training grounds, Due to the current global players are required to have Paris Saint-Germain regional videos produced, a 10-week Paris Saint-Germain Academy pandemic, the renowned their temperatures taken and office in Doha. remote training program de- Qatar is finally back to train- academy follows a strict safety sanitize their hands upon en- Cyril Klosek, academy livered, 45 live sessions issued ing. The French academy is protocol before and during tering the field. Technical Director stated: “Our through various digital plat- currently hosting a football each training sessions in or- “Covid-19 is still very pre- training sessions differ from forms, and a 6-week online and handball summer term for der to ensure the safety of all sent today, therefore it is ex- the usual training format. We summer camp, Paris Saint- more than 200 kids running participants. tremely important for us to modified our structure by re- Germain Academy Qatar play- through the month of August All equipment is sanitized take all the necessary measures ally emphasising on the technical and tactical aspect of game, all while continuing to implement the Paris Saint-Germain Methodology. Each coach has a maximum of 8 players in their group in order to remain safe, and moreover, focus on each players development and understanding of the game. Our coaches have worked diligently to create drills that cater to all skill levels. We’ve taken out the contact aspect and have included challenges, which include skill, accuracy and relay races, just to name a few, in order to keep that competitive atmos- phere throughout training sessions. The kids love it!” 14 Sunday, August 16, 2020 Sports Antar, a new winner for Sheikh Abdullah at San Sebastian QREC Spanish track of Sebastian, into the straight, jockey Emi- Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Doha with Antar sitting just behind lien Revolte sat quietly with Arabes PA (three times), the the leaders with no cover. The plenty of confidence in his French Arabian Breeders’ Cup HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khal- jockeys took the field towards mount before unleashing him Mile PA, the HH The Amir ifa Al Thani had a new winner the outside of the track to find in the final 200 metres. With Sword PA (twice), the Qatar on Saturday when Antar (Al the better ground. Coming great ease, Antar took the lead International Trophy PA (four Mamun Monlau x Al Dahma) into the turn, the pace stead- and won by almost two lengths times), the HH Sheikh Mo- ran out the impressive winner ied and they came back to the under top weight from a fast hammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani of the Premio Sheikh Man- rail, with Antar sitting on the finishing Rannan (No Risk Al Trophy PA, the Qatar National soor Festival Maiden, a mile rail behind the pace setter Bo- Maury x Pralinedo). Day Trophy PA (twice), the for three-year-old and older vary De Pompadour (Madjani The bay colt ANTAR, also Dubai International Stakes Purebred Arabians at San Se- x Berenice Royale). Perfectly bred by HH Sheikh Abdullah PA, the President Cup, and the bastian, Spain. placed coming off the turn bin Khalifa Al Thani, is by Al Malazgirt Trophy. The three-year-old colt is Shaqab Racing Purebred Ara- After generating the cham- trained in France by Didier HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al bian sire Al Mamun Monlau, pion Yazeed (Munjiz), Al Dah- Guillemin and this was his Thani’s homebred Antar wins the who stands at Haras du Grand ma has also produced Marid first win, following two prom- Premio Sheikh Mansoor Festival Courgeon. He is out of the pro- (TM Fred Texas), a dual Gr1 ising second places and a fifth Maiden at San Sebastian, Spain, lific Al Dahma (Amer) – the PA winner, and the top-rated in the Qatar Coupe de France on Saturday. Jockey Emilien Re- winner of 25 races from the French colt of 2018, and Cha- des Pur-Sang Arabes (Gr2 PA). volte rode the D. Guillemin-trained ages of 3 to 8. mekh (Munjiz), whose third The runners were sharply 3YO colt to a 2-length victory. She recorded notable wins, racecourse appearance was in away over 1,600 metres on the (Pic: Hippodromo San Sebastian) including the Gr1s PA: the the HH Amir Sword (Gr1 PA).

Evenepoel Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab Round 11 plunges off bridge during Tour of Lombardy Haidan wins his first Big AFP Como (Italy)

Belgian cyclist Remco Eve- nepoel has suffered multiple Tour title of the season injuries after plunging several metres down into a ravine in a dramatic crash on the Tour Hamad Nasser of Lombardy on Saturday, the one-day classic won by Den- Al Qadi ends as mark’s Jakob Fuglsang. Race favourite Evenepoel runner-up but lost control on the steep descent from the Colma di Sormano jumps into that leads to the race finish at overall lead Lake Como, hitting a bridge wall and plunging six metres Tribune News Network into a ravine. Doha The 20-year-old was taken to the Sant-Anna hospital in It is never too late to score a Como where he remains under top podium finish. Mohamed observation for 24 hours, but Saeed Haidan’s hard work early tests showed a fractured bore fruits for this rider in the Omar Al Mannai, Vice-Chairman, Organising Committee Hathab pelvis, right lung contusion, 11th and penultimate round Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour, honours Open Class winner cuts and bruising. of Longines Qatar Equestrian Jaber Rashid Al Amri at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Deceuninck-QuickStep Tour Hathab 2019-20 as he Indoor Arena on Saturday. team manager Patrick Lefevere clinched his first BigT our conceded the rider’s promising victory of the season at Qa- season was now “practically tar Equestrian Federation’s Hathab resumption is a over”. “Remco suffered multi- Indoor Arena behind closed ple injuries,” the team said. doors on Saturday. continuation of our “(He) was conscious at all Haidan, astride 12-year- times as he underwent a series old mare Miss Chili, displayed of examinations to reveal the excellent form as the pair Badr Al Darwish, Member, Organising Committee Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab, with Round 11 commitment, objective, extent of his injury. Unfortu- clocked the fastest time of Big Tour podium finishers Mohammed Saeed Haidan, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, and Saeed Nasser Al Qadi at nately, the X-rays showed a 40.52 seconds in round two of the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Indoor Arena on Saturday. says Omar Al Mannai fractured pelvis and a right lung the competition. contusion, which will keep him Earlier, Haidan and Miss fair and will be conducted at Vinay Nayudu Mannai said it could be in the on the sidelines for the upcom- Chili were also the quickest in Results the same venue from August Doha new season in October. ing period. Our rider will re- the first round despite conced- Big Tour | Winning Round, Art. 276.2.1 | 130/145cm | Prize QR 35,000 27-29. “We don’t have a plan as main in the hospital overnight ing eight faults. 1. Rider: Mohammed Saeed Haidan; Horse: Miss Chili; Faults; 8 Time: 63.57secs; Winning The organising commit- The restart of the Lon- yet to have audiences to be under observation, before flying “This is my first win of the Rd faults: 0; Time: 40.52secs; Prize: QR 9,625 tee thanked and appreciated gines Qatar Equestrian Tour able to watch the events as on Sunday to Belgium.” Big Tour this season and I’m 2. Hamad Nasser Al Qadi; SIEC Lonnie; 9; 85.45secs; 0; 43.70secs; QR7,875 the contribution of the volun- Hathab 2019-20 at the Qa- we are really focused on the Evenepoel had won four very happy with my horse’s teers of Red Crescent team, tar Equestrian Federation’s riders and the horses to be 3. Saeed Nasser Al Qadi; Andreas SPB Z; 0; 65.68secs; 0; 49.21secs; QR5,250 stage race this season in the performance. I am more fo- who have worked during the indoor arena last fortnight safe and to finish the season Tour de San Juan, Tour of the cused on the Medium Tour Open Class | One round against the clock, Art. 238.2.1 | 115/125cm | QR15,000 10th and 11th rounds of the and the just-concluded 11th in the best way possible. The Algarve, Tour de Burgos and the and I will look forward to the 1. Jaber Rashid Al Amri; Canavaro De Muze (E.T.) ; Faults: 0; Time: 46.30secs; Prize: QR3,750 equestrian series headed by and penultimate round of final round of Longines Qa- Tour of Poland last weekend. grand finale two weeks from 2. Nasser Al Ghazali; Hurry Up; 0; 51.24secs; QR 3,000 Mrs. Mona Fadhel Al Sulaiti, the annual domestic series tar Equestrian Tour Hathab And he had been favourite now. It was a tight competi- 3. Maryam Ahmad Al Boinin; Vol De Nuit Tardonne; 0; 58.32secs; QR2,250 Director of the Development highlights the popularity of 2019-20 is in two weeks’ time to lift his first ‘Monument’ race tion and I enjoyed it immense- Sector for ensuring the safety the sport in the country as in the end of August. on Saturday. ly,” Haidan, who pocketed QR of everyone. also the commitment of the “We shall have the new Fuglsang, 35, crossed the 9,625 in prize money, said. “I was aiming at a top- ninth with The Toymaker. Sal- Abdul Rahman Al Mahdi, organising committee. season later in October and line alone after the 231km race Hamad Nasser Al Qadi three finish because I needed man had led the standings the volunteer officer at the Flawless and to the clock’s maybe by then the opening from Bergamo to Como, finish- riding his 15-year-old gelding the points for the final rank- when the Hathab resumed last Qatar Equestrian Federation, precision, the events are being of phase 4 (by the Ministry of ing 31 seconds ahead of New SIEC Lonnie came home in ing, I succeeded in the mis- weekend after a four-month said the Qatar Red Crescent conducted in a professional Public Health and State of Qa- Zealand’s George Bennett, rid- 43.70secs and ended up run- sion. I’m not very disappoint- break forced due to the out- is participating with a distin- manner as befitting as any in- tar) will see the return of fans ing for Jumbo-Visma. ner-up. The finish, however, ed with the final result. It was break of coronavirus pandemic. guished number of volunteers ternational event but for the at equestrian venues as well,” saw him jump into overall lead a good show,” Hamad said. Earlier, Jaber Rashid Al since the restart of the absence of fans who though he said. in the Big Tour with a total Al Ajami, meanwhile, Amri won the Open Class with showjumping competition. are enjoying it through live tel- On the choice of QEF be- tally of 180 points. could only come seventh with Canavaro De Muze (E.T.). The Abdullah Al Marri, Sports ecast on television. ing the venue for the final Hamad was third in the Ulano. The pair had won Big pair put on a faultless round Coordinator of the champion- Omar Al Mannai, the three rounds post resump- points tally coming into the Tour class in the 10th leg. in 46.30secs to top the 125cm ship also expressed his thanks Vice-Chairman of the Or- tion, Al Mannai said it was 11th leg of the series, but now Khalid Mohammed Al class. and appreciation to the organ- ganising Committee for Lon- the ideal solution. “The Qatar has taken a three-point lead Emadi, who finished fifth with Nasser Al Ghazali was sec- ising committee at the restart gines Qatar Equestrian Tour Equestrian Federation indoor over Faleh Suwead Al Ajami Zorro Z, is third in the overall ond with Hurry Up in 51.24 of Hathab tour and for bring- Hathab, attributed the con- arena is comparatively smaller Quick Step Belgium rider Remco (177) with just one round re- tally with 175 points, five be- secs, while Maryam Ahmad al- ing back life to the equestrian tinuation and success of the and has a limited space for the Evenepoel after he crashed dur- maining. hind Al Ajami. Boinin came third with Vol De field after a long absence domestic tour to the organ- audience so it helps to control ing the 114th edition of the giro Hamad and Saeed Nasser Salman Mohammed Al Nuit Tardonne in 58.32 secs. thanks to the concerted efforts ising committee members, implement social distancing di Lombardia (Tour of Lombardy) Al Qadi was third with Andre- Emadi (173) has slipped to The 12th and final and of all who strive to making the riders, horses and those in comparison to Al Shaqab on Saturday. (AFP) as SPB Z in 49.21secs. fourth after finishing a lowly 12th leg will be a three-day af- equestrian season a success. working around the event. which is large venue. This “This is a continuation of venue was the best solution our commitment to the riders, for us for the resumption of horse owners, sponsors that the Hathab series. the season is completed also “Also majority of the hors- Lost In Space, a new 2YO winner for Qatar Racing Limited inkeeping with Qatar Eques- es are from the QEF and they trian Federation’s collabora- are all used to this arena.” QREC phy to accelerate at the 400m tion with the Qatar Olympic The Hathab series, Doha post, the colt responded will- Committee and as per the launched in 2017, is an ini- ingly and came smoothly up protocols and measures set by tiative of HE Sheikh Joaan Lost In Space (Dark Angel x the rail to hold all his chal- the Ministry of Public Health,” bin Hamad Al Thani, Presi- Alexander Queen) justified his lengers at bay. He won by two said Al Mannai when asked dent, Qatar Olympic Com- favourite status to run out the and three-quarter lengths for about the return of the tour mittee, and consists of 12 impressive winner of the Bet- trainer John Gosden in front behind closed doors. rounds with the best seven way Novice Stakes over seven of Alba Rose (Muhaarar), with “Normally our season results choosing the overall furlongs at Lingfield on Friday. Power Station (Footstepsin- ends in April but since we national champions in vari- In the colours of Qatar thesand) another two lengths had an enforced break due to ous categories of competi- Racing Ltd and ridden by their further back. the novel coronavirus (COV- tion. The vision for Hathab retained rider Oisin Murphy, Lost In Space was pur- ID-19) situation of over four is to inspire Qatar’s next Lost In Space was having his chased by Qatar Racing as months we’ve been working generation of international fourth career start, having a yearling at the Tattersalls very hard to find safe solu- champions and promote never been out of the first four December Yearling Sale. He tions to complete the season horsemanship and tradition. in his young career. is out of the King’s Best mare without any harm or risks “The continuation of the The two-year-old colt was Alexander Queen, dam of to our riders and the people Hathab series helps us achieve quickly out of the gates and seven winners from her seven who are working around the our objective of increasing picked up the running on the foals of racing age including event,” he added. awareness and participation rail. The turf track was good- Stakes performer Alkasser On when the return of fans of the horse loving commu- to-firm and he set a good pace. (Shamardal). She is a sister to Lost In Space emerged as impressive winner of the Betway Novice Stakes over seven furlongs at Lingfield at the venues is targeted, Al nity,” said Al Mannai. Asked by a cool-headed Mur- speedy sire Dandy Man. on Friday. (Pic: John Hoy) Sunday, August 16, 2020 15 Report by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or Ailyn Agonia Kabayan Corner Ailyn Agonia call (974) 4000 2222 Ailyn Agonia

Pandemic brings out the green thumb blessings in many Pinoys

Decorative planters by Robin Oira The pandemic has brought about myriad changes into Aisha’s plant collection at home the lives of people as they are struck at home; some have turned into bakers, while others have taken to growing plants for comfort

hile being stuck at home during the both ends meet during this time of crisis. pandemic has turned many people into Entrepreneur Aisha al Baker also shared how bakers, others have turned to growing she discovered her inner “plantita” because of plants for comfort. the pandemic. She said she considers among the WProfessional photographer Leo Bautista was blessings of the pandemic to her the many time among those who recently revived his love of she has on her hands to ponder on life including plants and became a certified “plantito” in the exploring her newfound love for plants. Aisha midst of the health crisis. added that gardening has become an important “Plantito” is a play on words between part of her daily routine. “plant” and Filipino word “tito” which means “I have many realisations during this time “uncle”. Plantito, or plantita for female with of pandemic including what really matters in the word “tita” meaning “aunt”, are widely used our lives and the search for inner peace. Also, I among Filipinos to describe people who are discovered gardening as a worthwhile stress re- into urban gardening. liever during this time. So far I have around 15 But in the case of Leo, gardening did not just plants including indoor plants. I even requested become a hobby or an activity to pass time. It is for more plants from Baladiya so I can continue now a source of alternative income for him. growing my passion. This activity simply brings Leo has been into photography for 17 years. me joy,” said Aisha. His clients in Qatar are some of the top brands For emerging artist Robin Oira, the grow- and establishments including hotels. His servicing number of plant hobbyists in the country es, which include videography, is also in demand has provided him another opportunity to ex- during events. He said, as many companies and pand his craft. Aside from painting landscapes individuals cut advertising and publicity budgets on canvas, he now resorted to turning plain at this time, booking photography and videogra- planters into a piece of art. phy gigs have become challenging for him and to “During this time of pandemic, I tried to find Robin Oira colours a clay pot. many of his colleagues. some ways on how am I going to continuously “I have some knowledge in gardening as my express my love and deep passion for painting. parents and relatives are based in Bukidnon Art is everywhere and as a self-taught artist, I Province in the Philippines. It helped me a lot believe that art should be accessible to all. Since to pursue this passion and even more during the there’s a growing number of plant hobbyists pandemic. I have a variety of succulents, rub- currently here in Qatar and I guess around ber plants, calatheas, monstera deliciosa (swiss the world, the idea of creating my customised cheese plant), among others. All are easy to care hand painted planters came up. The attractive for especially for those who just started collecting and colorful decorative planters add more good plants or interested in turning it into a hobby,” vibes not only to indoor plants but to someone’s Bautista said. abode,” said Robin. Luckily, he had already started gardening He added, “For now, I am using the acrylic before the lockdowns when he moved to another pouring technique in my customised planters. place with ample space for such activity. With It may seem easy to do but it’s takes a lot of pa- more time on his hands now, he was motivated tience and practice in order to perfect the con- to learn more about growing indoor plants. He sistency and color combination of the overall started posting his plants on his social media ac- paint mixture.” count and the interest from many of his friends For his new business venture, Robin has cre- encouraged him to market them online. ated an account on Instagram called pots.ology. He created a Facebook page he named Plant- He said if prospective client wants to order for erra.Qa as well as an Instagram account to for- a customised planter, it may take around three mally launch his new venture. His plants are days depending on the size and shape of pre- sold between QR70 to QR180. His customers are ferred planter. plant hobbyists both Filipinos and non- “Nowadays, it’s a bit challenge to find a spe- Filipinos. He said he is keen to grow cific planter because the demand is high con- his business which has been sidering our present situation as well. For helping him a lot every customised hand to make painted planter that I create, for me it is a piece of art and not just an object. Interested plant hobbyists can send a direct message via my account “pots.ology” on Instagram,” Robin said.

Leo Bautista’s plant collection 16 Sunday, August 16, 2020 The Last Word Indian Embassy marks 74th Independence Day with fervour

Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal offers floral tribute to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi during the 74th Independence Day celebrations in Doha.

event was held in accordance with Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. patriation of stranded Indian na- Celebrations were held in the local regulations and guidelines, The event ended with the pres- tionals successfully and welcomed maintaining social distance during entation of a cultural programme the announcement of the air bubble accordance with Qatar’s the celebration. The event was live- by the students of Indian schools in between India and Qatar. He com- guidelines for COVID-19 streamed for the Indian community Doha. The event was attended by a mended the efforts of the Indian on Twitter/Facebook/YouTube. select community members and the community during the COVID-19 Tribune News Network The Ambassador of India to Qa- mission’s staff and their families. pandemic to help fellow Indians in doha tar HE Dr Deepak Mittal unfurled On this auspicious occasion, the distress. the tricolour, which was followed by ambassador underscored the cordial Ambassador Mittal also planted THE Embassy of India, Doha, cel- the presentation of the national an- ties between Qatar and India. a sapling on the embassy premises, ebrated the 74th Independence Day them. Independence Day message He also thanked the coopera- along with the heads of the apex of India on Saturday with patriotic from the president of India was also tion extended by the Government community organisations working fervour and zeal. Considering the read out on the occasion. The am- of Qatar in carrying out the Vande under the aegis of the embassy and HE Dr Deepak Mittal hoists the national flag of India. ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the bassador paid floral tribute to the Bharat Mission for facilitating re- other community members.

Ashghal commences work on QA, QC deliver more than 100 roads, infrastructure projects tonnes of food aid to Beirut in Al Ebb, Leabaib–Package 4 QNA stated that the project provides Qatar’s main sewage network The assistance is expected to benefit some 11,000 families affected by the blast Doha services for 1,049 residential with increased capacity, to pro- plots in Al Ebb and Leabaib ar- vide proper protection for the Tribune News Network The Public Works Authority eas. These include infrastruc- entire area from flooding. doha (Ashghal) has announced the ture services and enhanced The implementation of up- commencement of the Roads local streets to provide connec- grading works is divided into AS part of the cooperation be- and Infrastructure Project in Al tivity to the main network of four geographical zones which tween Qatar Airways (QA) and Ebb and Leabaib (Package 4), road, as well as public facilities will be carried out successively. Qatar Charity (QC), two planes which is located east to Al Sha- in the vicinity such as schools, The duration of each phase will carrying over 100 tonnes of mal Road at Al Kheesa Inter- mosques, commercial com- be one year while the full com- food aid have arrived in Beirut, change and west to Street 245. plexes, he said. pletion of the project is sched- the capital of Lebanon where The project’s geographi- Eng Al Kaabi added: “The uled for Q3 2024. Qatar Charity’s field teams cal scope covers part of Al Ebb project’s scope of works in- Eng Al Kaabi also pointed continue to distribute urgent and Leabaib Area south to Al volves developing a roads net- out that in line with Ashghal’s food aid to those affected by Kheesa Road as well as a part work with a total length of 32 support to local manufactur- the Beirut explosion. of Jeryan Jenaihat Area to its km equipped with road safety ers and in line with Ta’heel The consignments were north. features and street lighting as initiative which was launched received by the Qatari Ambas- This newly launched pro- well as road signs and mark- by the Authority in 2017, local sador to Lebanon HE Muham- ject aims to develop internal ing. The project also features materials and manufacturers mad Al Jaber, members of the and main streets in the area a 64-km-pedestrian and cycle will be relied on for most of the embassy and the representa- such as Al Kheesa Road, and lanes and will provide approxi- project’s work. Materials and tive of Qatar Charity in Leba- provide paths dedicated to pe- mately 5750 parking slots.” elements that will be supplied non. The assistance is expected destrians and cyclists. In addi- The project scope includes from local manufacturers in- to benefit 11,000 affected fami- tion, the project aims at devel- a 29 km-long foul sewer net- clude gabbro, lighting poles, lies in Beirut. The consignments were received by the Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon HE Muhammad Al Jaber, members oping infrastructure facilities work and 28 km of surface luminaires and directional Faisal Rashid Al Fahida, of the embassy and the representative of Qatar Charity in Lebanon. in the area including storm- and groundwater drainage signs, in addition to sewage, assistant CEO for the Interna- water and foul sewer drainage network, along with a 17-km surface water and rain water tional Operations and Partner- networks. Treated Sewerage Effluent drainage pipes, asphalt, con- ships Sector at Qatar Charity, The ‘Lebanon in Our Hearts’ Eng Ali Mohamed Al Kaabi, (TSE) network. In addition, crete, rebar and prefabricated said, “We have been keen to campaign kicked off under Al Ebb and Leabaib Area pro- new sewage pipelines along manholes. The local Qatari carry out humanitarian inter- the supervision of the jects manager at the Northern with a new system to ensure component that will be used vention since the second day Regulatory Authority for Areas Section in Ashghal’s the flow distribution will be on the project is planned to of the massive explosion that Charitable Activities Roads Projects Department, provided and connected with reach 85 percent. rocked the port area of Beirut, aiming at delivering the urgent (RACA), in cooperation with food and medical aid to the af- QRCS and Qatar Media fected through our field teams Corporation, to extend in Lebanon.” assistance to the victims of ‘Ashghal projects least affected by COVID-19’ He added that Qatar Char- the Beirut blast ity continued its cooperation Santhosh Chandran to deliver the projects on or with companies, including Duhail before time. Our contractors Qatar Airways and Ali Bin Ali gramme for their invaluable are cooperating with us by Holding Group to garner sup- support.” Ashghal projects are least providing additional workers port for its ‘Lebanon in Our The ‘Lebanon in Our affected by the COVID-19 pan- and increasing the number of Hearts’ campaign and deliver- porate Communications, Ms Cargo to Beirut. We partnered Hearts’ campaign kicked demic, and most of them are shifts, benefiting themselves ing aid quickly to the affected Salam Al Shawa said: “In re- with Ali Bin Ali Holding so that off under the supervision of progressing ahead of schedule, and Ashghal.” in Lebanon. sponse to the tragic events that people could easily purchase the Regulatory Authority for Director of Projects Affairs at Assistant Project Man- Fahida also thanked Qatar took place in Beirut, it has been items from Monoprix Qatar, Charitable Activities (RACA), the Public Works Author- ager of Projects Affairs at Airways, the Ali Bin Ali Group touching to see the community and with Qatar Charity who in co-operation with Qatar ity (Ashghal) Yousef Al Emadi Ashghal Sheikha Al Mansoori and all those who supported in Qatar come together to stand ensured that these donations Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has said. said that 75 percent works of the campaign, in adding to behind the people of Lebanon. were distributed effectively on and Qatar Media Corporation Speaking to Qatar Tribune Yousef Al Emadi Duhail Interchange devel- thanking the Qatari ambassa- “Qatar Airways’ aid pro- the ground. (QMC), to extend support and on the sidelines of the opening opment project have been dor to Lebanon for facilitating gramme focused on enabling “On behalf of everyone at assistance to the victims of the of Duhail-Al Gharrafa Bridge, of Duhail–Al Gharrafa Bridge completed in record time of the delivery of the Qatari relief our staff and members of the Qatar Airways, I would like to Beirut blast. The campaign Emadi said, “Ashghal projects and traffic signals six months less than 18 months, and the assistance to the victims. public in Qatar to donate es- thank our partner Qatar Char- continues to receive donations are going on without interrup- ahead of schedule testifies it. remaining works are in full Qatar Airways Senior Vice sential supplies that we could ity, and everyone who contrib- to maximise the number of tions despite the blockade and Our partners are always coop- swing to finish the project in President, Marketing and Cor- ship through Qatar Airways uted to this important pro- beneficiaries. COVID-19, and the opening erative with us and are eager 2021.” ‘Duhail Al-Gharrafa Bridge to reduce travel time by 95 percent’ Continued fom page 1 

Eng Bader Darwish, manager of Highway Projects Depart- ment, confirmed that Duhail Interchange is considered a vital infrastructure project, as it is the gateway to Doha city on Shamal Road, and once completed, it will bring radical change in traffic flow. He said the new bridge would shorten the distance and save travel time by more than 95 percent after the renovation of Duhail Interchange, because Assistant Project Manager change development project ject in 2021. traffic lights at the interchange schools and institutions. ject works are locally manu- previously road users had to use Eng Sheikha Al Mansoori from have been completed in record She pointed out that the coincides with the opening of Eng Saad Al Dousari clari- factured, such as iron bars, the congested signal-controlled Projects Affairs said 75 per- time, and the remaining works inauguration of Duhail Al- schools for the new academic fied that almost 60 percent concrete, fittings and most Duhail Roundabout. cent of works on Duhail Inter- are in full swing to end the pro- Gharrafa Bridge and parts of year, as the area has several of materials used in the pro- asphalt.