BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 QEWC to PSG sweat operate Umm over Al Houl Neymar INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX 2-8, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 project REGION 9 BUSINESS 1-7, 13-16 injury as from July 25,708.93 8,992.64 63.96 ARAB WORLD 10 CLASSIFIED 8-12 +398.94 -87.49 +0.41 INTERNATIONAL 11-21 SPORTS 1-8 Real loom +1.58% -0.96% +0.65% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 10742 February 27, 2018 Jumada Il 11, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Iraqi leadership thanks Emir for Qatar’s support

QNA people further development and In brief progress. Al-Jabouri also conveyed the thanks of Iraqi leadership and people is Highness the Emir Sheikh to the Emir for Qatar’s eff orts in sup- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani porting Iraq at various levels, espe- Hmet yesterday at his offi ce cially in the fi ght against terrorism, at the Al Bahr Palace with the visit- as well as the great support that Qatar QATAR | Decision ing Speaker of the Iraqi Council of has pledged for the reconstruction of Health certifi cates for Representatives, Saleem Abdullah Iraq at the international conference al-Jabouri, and his accompanying recently hosted by . laundry workers to stop delegation. On his part, His Highness the The Ministry of Public Health At the outset of the meeting, the Emir affi rmed Qatar’s fi rm stance announced that the Department Iraqi offi cial conveyed the greetings and support to the unity, security of Medical Commission will of Iraq President Fuad Masum and and stability of Iraq. stop issuing the annual health Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to The meeting reviewed the strong certificates for laundry workers as the Emir, wishing him good health bilateral relations between the two of the beginning of March. They and happiness and wishing the Qa- brotherly countries and ways to will only be obliged to undergo tari people more progress and pros- strengthen them, besides the lat- medical examinations at Medical perity. est developments in Iraq and the Commission when they enter the His Highness the Emir en- region. country for the first time for the trusted the Iraqi Speaker to con- The reception was attended by purpose of obtaining a work visa. vey his greetings to Iraqi president HE the Advisory Council Speaker, The decision is in accordance and prime minister, wishing them Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- with the recommendations of health and wellness and the Iraqi Mahmoud. Page 2 His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting the Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Saleem Abdullah al-Jabouri. the concerned authorities in the ministries of public health, municipality and environment, and economy and commerce, since laundry workers’ job does not pose a danger in the transmission of ‘Major sports Vodafone infectious diseases. events promote QATAR | Music FM urges rights Qatar Singer al-Kubaisi wins peace, human Golden Panther award appoints Well-known Qatari musician rights values’ Fahad al-Kubaisi new CEO won the ‘Best atar sees major sporting events council to end Male Khaliji as unique opportunities for odafone Qatar has appointed Singer Award’ Qspreading the values of broth- Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al- at the Golden erhood, solidarity, peace and human VThani as new chief executive of- Panther Music rights, HE the Deputy Prime Minister fi cer and Rashid al-Naimi as managing Awards 2018 in and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed director. New York, US. The artiste posted a bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has said. Al-Naimi, who is the chief executive message of thanks on Twitter along In his opening address at an event ti- siege violations of Qatar Foundation (QF) Endowment with a picture of him with the award. tled ‘Hosting major sports events: pro- and responsible for QF’s investment The Golden Panther Music Awards moting respect for human rights’, which E the Deputy Prime Minister ing that Qatar would spare no eff ort in portfolios, has been elected as manag- are described by the organisers as was held yesterday on the sidelines of and Foreign Minister Sheikh providing assistance. ing director with immediate eff ect. “the world’s biggest fan-voted” award the 37th session of the Human Rights HMohamed bin Abdulrahman The Foreign Minister said he had Sheikh Hamad will replace Ian Gray show, which pay tribute to “today’s Council in Geneva, Switzerland, HE al-Thani yesterday called on the Unit- briefed the council during its previous who has decided to retire and step most influential and iconic” artistes. Sheikh Mohamed said the absence of ed Nations Human Rights Council to session on the repercussions and vio- down following the company’s annual Besides being a singer, al-Kubaisi is fair play, honesty and neutrality results end the violations resulting from the lations of human rights due to the il- general assembly, scheduled to be held also known as a “record producer, in irresponsibility and violations of rules illegal siege and unilateral coercive legal and unilateral coercive measures on March 19, 2018. fashion model and human rights and regulations, the Ministry of Foreign measures taken by the siege countries taken by the siege countries against Sheikh Hamad, who holds a BA in activist”. Aff airs (MoFA) said in a statement. against the Qatari people, and to hold the Qatari people. Computer Science from the University In the absence of accountability for accountable those responsible for the “This was reaffi rmed in the last re- of Ottawa in Canada, currently holds ARAB WORLD | Confl ict these violations, the “rules are absent violations while compensating the port of the technical mission of the the role of Vodafone Qatar’s chief op- and thus the game itself is absent”, it victims. Offi ce of the High Commissioner for erating offi cer. Russia calls daily truce was observed. Sports and human rights Speaking yesterday during the high- Human Rights after visiting Qatar in Since joining Vodafone Qatar in in Eastern Ghouta reinforce each other, he stressed, and level segment of the 37th session of the November (2017),” Sheikh Mohamed 2013, he has served in several roles in- Russia called a daily “humanitarian sports can become a universal language Human Rights Council in Geneva, HE said. “It included an objective de- cluding senior business development pause” in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta, because it has strong potential for the Sheikh Mohamed also stressed the scription of the grave and fl agrant manager, head of public sector sales bowing to pressure to halt the development and protection of human need for the international community HE the Deputy Prime Minister and violations of human rights by the siege and sales director. carnage in the rebel-held enclave rights and fundamental freedoms for all, to reach a political settlement for the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin countries against the citizens and Under his leadership, Vodafone Qa- where bombardments eased late in a way that can greatly contribute to the Syrian crisis and provide humanitar- Abdulrahman al-Thani addressing the residents, be it in Qatar or in their own tar’s enterprise market share grew sub- Monday after hours of deadly raids. promotion of solidarity, diversity, equal- ian assistance to the people there in United Nations Human Rights Council countries, and this continues to this stantially as did the company’s position A UN Security Council resolution ity, tolerance and justice. To Page 3 order to meet the urgent needs, stress- in Geneva yesterday. very day. To Page 3 as an ICT (information communica- for a 30-day truce had remained tion and technology) and mega projects a dead letter since it was passed service provider. Before joining Voda- on Saturday, and Moscow, the fone Qatar, he held multiple ICT-relat- Damascus regime’s main backer, ed roles in the oil and gas sector. ended up setting its own terms to “We are at the beginning of a jour- stem one of the worst episodes of ney that will bring us closer to provid- bloodletting in Syria’s seven-year-old Qataris satisfi ed with govt’s performance ing a converged digital ecosystem with conflict. Page 9 smart solutions. I am certain that Vo- s many as 98% of Qatari na- the study’s project manager Dr Majed Sayed noted that the study showed noted that 62% of Qatari nationals fi nd dafone Qatar will play a crucial role in INDIA | Bollywood tionals are satisfi ed with the al-Ansari, QU College of Business and that around 62% of Qatari nationals that Qatar should achieve full inde- driving the digital transformation in Agovernment’s performance Economics dean Dr Khalid Shams M agree and 17% of them do not agree pendence of regional alliances, which support of the Qatar National Vision Superstar Sridevi died during the crisis and 88% believe that A al-Abdulqader, QU Sociology Pro- that the participation of citizens highlights the lack of trust in the re- 2030,” Sheikh Hamad said. Business of ‘accidental drowning’ Qatar is able to survive under this cri- gramme co-ordinator Dr Fatima Ali through elected councils does not lead gional environment. In this context, Page 1 Bollywood superstar Sridevi died sis for many years, a Qatar University Hussain al-Kubaisi, and Ministry of to the fast deterioration of political 86% of Qatari citizens fi nd that Qatar of accidental drowning in Dubai, (QU) survey has found. Foreign Aff airs offi cial spokesperson confl icts between countries. should explore alliance opportunities the city’s police department said The Social & Economic Survey Re- Lulwah al-Khater, as well as a number The study revealed that 67% of na- with new countries in the region. yesterday. The post-mortem search Institute (SESRI) at QU yester- of Qatari research assistants at SESRI. tionals fi nd that it is important to live Dr al-Ansari also noted that 79% report showed that the actress day unveiled the results of the survey on The study was conducted in No- in a democratic country. These results of Qatari nationals consider that Al died due to drowning in her hotel the Qatari citizens’ points of view about vember 2017 through telephone in- show an improvement as they doubled Jazeera Channel serves the Qatari in- apartment’s bathtub after she lost the Qatar’s blockade from a legal, polit- terviews. A random sample of 889 since a recent study conducted a few terests and has played an important consciousness. The 54-year-old ical, economic, and social perspective. Qatari nationals (aged 18 and above), months prior to the blockade (34%). role in resisting the “media war” by the actress, known simply as Sridevi, Titled “Qatar against the blockade”, who are currently in Qatar, provided From the political perspective, Dr media outlets of the siege countries died on Saturday. The cause was the survey was supervised by a team their points of view about the Qatar’s al-Ansari observed that 90% of Qa- against Qatar. The results also showed initially reported to be cardiac of Qatari experts and researchers in- blockade from a legal, political, eco- tari nationals are interested in watch- as Qatar’s fi rst ally (72%), while arrest. Sridevi was in Dubai to attend cluding SESRI director Dr Hassan al- nomic, and social perspective. ing the news in order to get acquainted Kuwait came second (16%), followed Vodafone Qatar’s new CEO Sheikh a family wedding. Page 17 Sayed, policy department head and From the legal perspective, Dr al- with the daily progress of the crisis. He by other countries (12%). Page 2 Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani Jewellery and watches show concludes on a high note

he 15th edition of the Doha Jew- Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser topics related to the jewellery and watch the show,” Qatar Tourism Authority’s to business events and the tourism sec- On behalf of Fifty One East, Bader ellery and Watches Exhibition bin Khalifa al-Thani, featured more than industry. exhibitions director Ahmed al-Obaidli tor as a whole in pursuit of a more di- Abdullah al-Darwish, chairman and T(DJEW) 2018 concluded yester- 490 international brands, representing “DJWE is a true model of success, said. verse national economy.” managing Director, said: “In every edi- day on a high note, recording more than a wide variety of luxury watches and sustainability and development. Over “The increase in exhibition area, visi- The huge exhibition space at DECC tion of the DJWE, since its inception, 21,000 visits to the prestigious event jewellery. the past 15 years, the exhibition has tors, side events and sales are all testa- allowed fine jewellery shops in Qatar Fifty One East, the eldest and most over six days at the Doha Exhibition and DJWE 2018 also provided visitors succeeded in reinforcing its position ment to the exhibition’s success,” he to showcase their collections in their prestigious department store in Qatar, Convention Center (DECC). with the opportunity to acquire new on the global calendar of jewellery added. “This remarkable performance pavilions, offering visitors a fascinat- has been off ering a new touch that en- The exhibition, under the patronage knowledge through the fi rst forum, daily events, as evidenced by the attendance is thanks to the support provided by HE ing journey of art, elegance and herit- riches the fair.” To Page 8 of HE the Prime Minister and Interior sessions and workshops that discussed of top executives of major brands at the Prime Minister and Interior Minister age. See also Pages 4,5.6,7,8 Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, February 27, 2018 QATAR

PM receives message from Iraqi premier Deputy PM holds meetings in Geneva Advisory Council discusses report on National Tourism Council draft law

QNA Doha

he Advisory Council held yesterday its regular Tweekly session under the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al- Mahmoud. At the outset of the meeting, HE al-Mahmoud briefed the Council on the meeting held HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani last Tuesday with a delega- meeting the Swiss Foreign Minister, Ignazio Cassis on the sidelines of the 37th session of the Human tion of senior offi cials of the US Rights Council, in the Swiss city of Geneva yesterday. HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Congress, and his meeting on HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani al-Thani also held separate meetings with Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Aff airs, Manabu Sunday with the Speaker of the received a written message from the Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, pertaining to bilateral Horii; UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid bin Ra’ad al-Hussein; International Iraqi Council of Representa- relations between Qatar and Iraq and ways to develop them, as well as topics of mutual interest. The Labour Organisation Director-General, Guy Ryder; and International Committee of the Red Cross tives and his accompanying message was delivered by Charge d’ Aff aires at the Iraqi embassy in Qatar, Dr Abdel Sattar al-Janabi, (ICRC) President, Peter Maurer. The meetings reviewed bilateral relations, enhancing prospects of delegation, adding that during while meeting the prime minister yesterday. co-operation, and regional and international issues. the two meetings parliamentary relations between the Advisory Council and the US Congress and the Iraqi Council of Repre- sentatives and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of issues of com- Qatar and mon concern were discussed. The Council then discussed the supplementary report pre- Kazakhstan pared by the fi nance and eco- Environmental impact of nomic committee on a draft law establishing the National Tour- hold meeting ism Council, as well as the com- mittee’s report on a draft law on tourism regulation. QNA The Council members’ dis- projects constantly reviewed cussions focused on the neces- Astana sity of developing the tourism QNA ance of Qatar Environment Day sector in the country because he fi rst session of the Doha reaffi rms the importance of pro- of its economic, social and cul- political consulta- tecting the environment of the tural benefits, in accordance Ttions between Qatar country and its natural resources, with public order and public and Kazakhstan was held atar constantly takes and the keenness to preserve the morals, in a way that does not yesterday at the Ministry into account the envi- environment, leaving it clean and affect the safety of society or of Foreign Aff airs of Kaza- Qronmental impact of healthy for the future generations. the security and stability of the khstan in Astana. projects, HE the Minister of Mu- Talking to reporters, the min- country. The Qatari side was chaired nicipality and Environment Mo- ister called for preserving the The Council also discussed by the Secretary General of hamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi green areas and refraining from during the meeting the report of the Ministry of Foreign Af- has said. misusing them by stepping on the fi nance and economic com- fairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Taking part in the Ministry of plants and driving over them. mittee on the draft law on busi- al-Hammadi, while the Ka- Municipality and Environment’s He said it was the collective ness sectors. zakh side was chaired by the celebration of Qatar Environ- responsibility of citizens and ex- Additionally, the Council ap- Deputy Minister of Foreign ment Day 2018, held annually on patriates, and not only that of the proved the three draft laws, and Aff airs of Kazakhstan, Akyl- February 26, the Minister said government, to protect the envi- decided to submit its recom- bek Kamaldinov. that the government has brought ronment. HE al-Rumaihi said the mendations thereon to the cabi- The ambassador of Qatar in several pieces of legislation Al Majda area has become a natu- net. to Kazakhstan, Ahmed bin and regulatory laws to protect ral reserve that visitors and hikers Meanwhile, the Finance and Ali al-Tamimi, and the Di- the environment. can access without cars to avoid Economic Aff airs Committee rector of Asian Aff airs De- The Minister also stressed the damaging its elements and trees. at the Advisory Council held partment at the Ministry of government’s eff orts to protect The Minister added that the a meeting yesterday within Foreign Aff airs, Khalid bin Qatari farms in order to achieve future plans of the Ministry in the 46th Ordinary Session, Ibrahim al-Hamar attended a qualitative balance in produc- this context are to expand over- chaired by its rapporteur Ali the session. tion and a large percentage of sight and the scope of environ- bin Abdullatif al-Misnad al- The consultations touched self-suffi ciency by 2020. mental protection. Mohannadi. on the means of enhancing This year’s Qatar Environ- As part of the event, activities At the meeting, the Commit- and developing bilateral re- ment Day event was organised related to environmental protec- tee examined a draft law regulat- lations in all fi elds of mutual under the slogan “Our Environ- tion, such as cleaning and land- ing the investment of non-Qa- interest, as well as exchang- ment Our Heritage” at the Al scaping, were held, in addition tari capital in economic activity ing views on developments Majda area in Shamal. to workshops and entertainment HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi plants a sapling to and decided to continue study- in the Gulf and Middle East. HE al-Rumaihi said observ- programmes for children. mark Qatar Environment Day 2018. ing it at its next meeting.

More rain expected today, tomorrow Qatar, Ecuador ‘keen to boost bilateral trade’

he wet spell is expected to urged people to be cautious and sity but may become thundery at By Ramesh Mathew joint venture between Qatar and of South American countries resume in the country as check weather conditions before times in some areas, accompa- Staff Reporter Ecuador or as Qatar’s own ven- to travel to the Gulf region, if Tthe Qatar Met department venturing into the sea in view of nied by strong winds, according ture. Russia’s Gazprom is also direct flights are operated be- has forecast scattered rain – the expected conditions. to the forecast. evincing interest for a tie-up for tween Qatar and Quito”, said which may be thundery at times In a report yesterday, the de- The prevailing winds will be atin American nation Ec- building the refi nery,” said Cam- the minister, while remind- — today along with strong winds partment said weather charts northeasterly to southeasterly, uador is seeking co-op- pana Saenz. ing that there are two weekly in some places. indicate that there are chances moderate to fresh. Leration, if not assistance, Currently there are three cargo planes operated by Qa- Some rain is likely tomorrow of rain in the country on Tuesday Today, the wind speed may from Qatar for realising its long- smaller refi ning facilities in Ec- tar Airways between Doha and as well. and Wednesday (February 27 and go up to 25 knots inshore during time dream for a large petroleum uador, which together could Quito. The weather offi ce has issued 28). The weather is expected to thundershowers and 22 knots refi nery, with a capacity for re- refi ne about 170,000bpd. Ecua- Yesterday, the minister also a warning for similar conditions, gradually become partly cloudy off shore, with the sea level rising fi ning approximately 325,000 dor’s daily production is close met the offi cials of Qatalum, ex- as well as high seas, in off shore to cloudy and there is a chance of to 7ft. The temperature in Doha barrels of crude per day (bpds), to 545,000bpd. About 65% of ploring possibilities for ventures areas, too. scattered rain, which will mostly is expected to range from 19-25C said the country’s Minister for its oil is used for meeting Ecua- in Ecuador. Campana Saenz also The Met department has be light to moderate in inten- today; yesterday, it was 18-24C. Foreign Trade and Investments dor’s own requirements and the Pablo Campana Saenz sought Qatar’s co-operation Pablo Campana Saenz. remaining is exported to neigh- PICTURE: Ram Chand in investing in a massive so- Interior Ministry issues tips for safe driving during rainy conditions The minister informed this in bouring countries, said the min- cial housing project, numbering an interaction with journalists ister. neurs from Ecuador would visit approximately 325,000 homes With Qatar receiving rain recently and more advised to follow safety guidelines during bad who met him on Sunday night While expressing happi- Qatar towards the end of April across Ecuador. expected in the coming days, the Ministry of Interior weather to enhance traff ic safety and prevent at a reception held in his honour ness at the deliberations he had and a Qatari business delegation Replying to a query, the min- (MoI) has issued an advisory on safe driving in accidents. “Driving during bad weather requires by Ecuador’s ambassador to Qa- with Qatar’s Minister of Econ- would reciprocate it with a visit ister said Ecuador is ready to rainy conditions. The advisory includes a series of greater care, concentration and non-engagement tar Ivonne A-Baki at her offi cial omy and Commerce HE Sheikh of Quito sometime in June. share its expertise in such areas dos and don’ts for motorists to ensure the safety of with other things, especially when it rains and residence. A number of ambas- Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed In his talks with the Qatar as mining, construction, serv- road users. Rainfall causes slick conditions, which visibility is low,” the advisory notes. “Park your sadors, and others diplomats al-Thani, Qatar Airways CEO Airways, the Ecuador minister ices sector and shrimp farming. increases the chances of vehicles skidding on the vehicle off the road if you cannot see the road, so serving in Qatar, besides a host Akbar al-Baker, representa- reiterated his country’s appeal While hoping that their dol- roads. “The best way to avoid skidding is to slow that you ensure your safety and that of others.” If of Qatari offi cials and business- tives of the Qatar Chamber, Qa- for a direct passenger fl ight to lar-based economy and political down the vehicle. Driving at a slower pace aff ords water vapour accumulates on the windscreen, one men also attended the dinner tar Businessmen Association, Quito from Qatar. A few weeks stability would help his country enough control and allows more of the tyre’s tread should run the airconditioner to clear it for better reception. Katara Hospitality chairman ago Ecuador ambassador A-Baki attract investments from abroad, to make contact with the road, which leads to better visibility. Also, a motorist should check the validity While speaking about the pro- among others, Campana Saenz had also made a similar request, including Qatar, Campana Saenz traction,” the advisory states. It takes about three of the vehicle’s sign lights and windshield wipers. posed petroleum refi nery, the said Qatar and Ecuador ex- citing the Ecuadorian capital’s said Ecuador is also off ering tax times longer to brake on wet roads than on dry “Turn on the windshield wipers to remove water on minister said it would be one of pressed their desire to increase accessibility and proximity to benefi ts to foreign business- ones, the MoI points out, stressing that “as more the car’s glass,” the MoI says. During rain, one should the largest foreign investments the bilateral trade to signifi - at least three South American men, investing in projects in the distance is required to brake, it is important not to avoid applying too much pressure on the brakes as in the entire South America, to- cant levels, capitalising on the countries. country’s economic zones. “Re- tailgate. Keep more than usual distance between this may cause the car to slip due to diff iculties in talling approximately $10bn. strengths of each other. “Ecuador is at the centre of markably good tax benefi ts of you and the vehicle in front of you.” Motorists are retaining control, the advisory adds. “We are exploring various The minister said a 25-mem- the Earth and it would be con- up to 20 years are given to such possibilities like setting it up as a ber team of private entrepre- venient for people of a number investors,” he added. Over 80% of Qataris have positive view about nation’s economy

ore than 80% of citizens have improved compared to around 55% from portunities and 34% are planning pointed to high quality and 71% to of the crisis, while 69% were able to with their relatives did not change a positive view about Qatar’s a study conducted in January 2016. to start an entrepreneurial project. their availability. meet their relatives in Qatar. despite blockade, while 26% said that Meconomy, a latest survey by “The expectations of Qatari citizens On product prices, the results re- From the social perspective, QU So- Dr al-Kubaisi observed that 52% their relations have deteriorated. the Social & Economic Survey Re- with regard to the future of business vealed that 31% of Qataris consider ciology Programme co-ordinator Dr of Qataris were able to connect with QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham search Institute (SESRI) at Qatar Uni- and trading in Qatar have also im- that the product prices are not high, Fatima Ali Hussain al-Kubaisi noted their relatives through telephone calls, said, “The study provided a realistic versity (QU) has revealed. proved to reach 96% after the block- while 27% consider that products that 75% of citizens have relatives at and 20% connected through What- and academic analysis on the economic, QU College of Business and Econom- ade, while they were 72% before the are expensive and 33% consider that the siege countries, which highlights sApp, while 10% could not connect social and political reality in Qatar after ics dean Dr Khalid Shams M A al-Ab- blockade,” he explained. the prices of some products were the deep social, religious and cultural at all, refl ecting the negative impact the unjust blockade. The announce- dulqader observed that 84% of Qataris On entrepreneurship, the study high and some not high. Regarding bonds in the Gulf. She also noted that of the blockade on social and familial ment of the study’s results today with were positive about Qatar’s business showed that 77% of Qataris con- products quality and availability in 70% of Qatari citizens were not able to relations. Additionally, 47% of Qatari transparency shows that Qatari society and trading, noting that the results have sider there are many investment op- the market, 88% of Qatari nationals see their relatives since the beginning citizens confi rmed that their relations lives in an atmosphere of pure freedom.”