QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Thursday October 15, 2020 Safar 28, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5078 qR 2

Fajr: 4:16 am Dhuhr: 11:20 am fine Asr: 2:39 pm Maghrib: 5:08 pm High : 34°C LOW : 25°C Isha: 6:38 pm

Nation 3 Business 8 Sports 12 Qatar attends WHO QIB posts net profit Qatar to play South meet to discuss of QR2.2 bn in Korea in Austria on response to COVID-19 9 months November 17th

Amir sends message to Kuwait Amir Minister outlines MoEHE’s strategic plans before Cabinet M oEHE aims to offer world-class education at all stages: Minister QNA try will be to oversee a world-class scientific track in public or private Qatar securing Doha education system that provides fair schools that follow the national cur- opportunities to students to access riculum. top rank on DARE The Minister of Education and high-quality education, and pro- ● Increase the enrollment rate Higher Education presented the vides students with the necessary of students with disabilities aged Index represents ministry’s strategic plan 2018 - 2022 skills to reach their potential and 4-18 years in the general education great growth of before the Cabinet on Wednesday. achieve their ambitions. In all this, system. The Cabinet meeting was there will be focus on reinforcing ● Reducing the percentage of IT sector: PM chaired by Prime Minister and Min- the values of Qatari society, pro- dropouts from education at all edu- ister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid moting the value of tolerance and cational levels. Tribune News Network bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. respecting other cultures. ● Raising the absorptive capac- Doha The education minister said vi- Specific axes, intermediate re- ity of student enrollment in govern- His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on sion of the Ministry of Education sults and goals of the ministry: ment and private education to meet Prime Minister and Minister of Wednesday sent a written message to HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh and Higher Education (MoEHE) Enrollment: Equitable op- current and expected needs. Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. The message pertains to bilateral relations and will be to take leadership in provid- portunities for all learners to enrol ● Providing and expanding en- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani has the ways to support and develop them. The message was handed over by Deputy ing sustainable and innovative ac- in high-quality educational pro- rollment opportunities for qualified expressed his pride over Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- cess to education that benefits Qa- grammes. students, citizens and residents, to securing the first rank worldwide man Al Thani during a meeting with HH the Amir of Kuwait on Wednesday. At the tari society. Objectives are: enroll in local universities in all spe- on the Digital Accessibility Rights beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister conveyed the greetings of HH The ministry’s message will be ● Increase the enrollment rate cialisations. Evaluation Index 2020 (DARE the Amir to HH the Amir of Kuwait, and wishes of good health and happiness for to regulate high quality education of children aged 4-5 years in early ● Legalising majors and select- Index 2020). HH the Amir of Kuwait, and of continued progress and prosperity for the people of of all stages, with the goal of de- childhood education programmes ing foreign universities to be in line The PM said Qatar secur- Kuwait. HH the Amir of Kuwait entrusted Deputy Prime Minister with his greetings to veloping the skills of individuals in in kindergarten and pre-school. with the country’s current and fu- ing the top rank represents the HH the Amir, wishing him good health and happiness, and the Qatari people further the Qatari society in line with their ● Raise the enrollment of high ture needs. great developments Qatar has development and growth. (QNA) abilities and the national values and school students in science and en- achieved in the telecommunica- needs.The main goal of the minis- gineering majors (STEM) or the Continued on page 2  tions and information services sector. In a tweet, the PM said, “We are proud of Qatar being ranked We are building something really out of this world: Al Baker first on the global AD RE Index for enabling community members to access digital information, including those with disabilities. This is an important achieve- EI xpanded H A will be a destination ment and represents one of the manifestations of the develop- ment of the telecommunications and information services sector for passengers of future: QA chief in our country, which has made important strides at the regional Tribune News Network terminal’s annual handling capacity to over and global level.” Doha 55 million passengers by 2022, when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup. Qatar is pressing ahead with the Hamad Immediately after the world cup — International Airport (HIA) expansion to from January 2023, Baker said, the HIA achieve a capacity to handle more than would undergo the final expansion. 55 million passengers ahead of the FIFA The expansion in the later phase would World Cup 2022. take the airport’s capacity to more than 65 “We are building something really out million passengers annually. Attiyah attends opening of joint of this world. We are expanding a huge area “We are also hoping that this will be of the western runway. We are also building We are expanding a huge a huge showcase not only for my country squadron command office in UK Al Wakra Hospital the north node of the Hamad International area of the western runway. but (also) making Hamad International launches acute Airport, which will increase the capacity to We are also building Airport a destination for passengers of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Af- over 55 million passengers,” Qatar Airways the north node of the Hamad future.” fairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah and British Minister pain treatment Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said International Airport, which will The Qatar Airways chief said the air- of Defense Ben Wallace participated in the opening ceremony services (PG 3 ) at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail increase the capacity to over 55 line is responsible for the total passenger of the Joint Squadron Command Building No (12), which is Expo 2020. million passengers.” experience. “We are responsible for total based in the Coningsby base in the United Kingdom. During the “June 2022 onwards, when the expan- passenger experience -- on the ground, in opening ceremony, military parades were held, in addition to a sions are ready, giving us enough time to — Akbar Al Baker the air and of course when it comes to shop. joint sortie on typhoon planes. After the ceremony, Attiyah held Trump, Biden duel prepare the new areas to open its doors We control the price, we make sure that we a meeting with British Minister of Defence Ben Wallace. During to travellers and visitors before the 2022 being carried out in two phases. The first meet the standards that our passengers the meeting, a number of military issues of mutual interest were after debate World Cup in Qatar.” phase includes linking the North Node to want. We are also making sure that we have discussed, in addition to the latest regional and international scrapped (PG 7 ) The airport’s expansion, which has been the new Central Concourse. This phase of the diversity of products that we want for developments. page 16 in place since the fourth quarter of 2019, is the airport’s expansion is set to increase the every kind of passengers.”

Third traditional handicrafts Vegetables to be available for exhibition kicks off at Katara sale at all five local produce yards from October 29: MME The Ministry of Municipal- ity and Environment (MME) has announced that fresh vegetables from local farms will be available for sale at all five local yards on every weekend between 7am and 4 pm starting October 29. The vegetable markets 165 interviewed for employment located in Al Sheehaniya, Al Mazrouha, Al Wakrah, in health sector through Kawader Al Khor-Al Zakhira and Al The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, Shamal will offer farm fresh in cooperation with Hamad Medical Corporation, interviewed 165 can- local agricultural products didates for jobs in the health sector through the National Employment directly to customers with- Platform (Kawader). The interviews were carried out over three days out middlemen at competi- The third exhibition of traditional handicrafts kicked off at Katara on at the ministry’s headquarters. The ministry affirmed that communica- tive prices. The market will Wednesday with the participation of Arab and foreign countries, in addition tion is going on with various government agencies and private sector be open from Thursday to to the host State of Qatar. A group of artisans will participate in the exhibi- companies to coordinate with them to follow up on the completion of Saturday between 7am and tion which will last for ten days. (QNA) page 16 procedures for interviews through the Kawader platform. page 2 4pm. (TNN) 02 Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Ministry is set to improve FM discusses ties with Kuwaiti Crown Prince, PM and FM performance of students in national examinations Continued from page 1   Increasing the percentage of Qataris and residents enrolled in the Achievements and implementation: teaching profession from graduates Learners whose achievements of the College of Education at Qatar are compatible with their abili- University in the teaching profession. ties and possess the necessary Citizenship and Values: Edu- skills and competencies neces- cated people with awareness sary to move through the educa- and pride in Qatari values and tional stages and join the labor heritage, and who respect other market. Objectives are: cultures and peoples. Objectives  Increasing the percentage of are: children who pass the school readi-  Raising the level of satisfaction ness assessment criteria before enter- of the parents of students in kinder- ing the first grade of primary school. gartens and schools, public and pri-  Improving performance of vate, with regard to the concepts of Crown Prince of Kuwait HH Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah met with students in national examinations the values and heritage of the Qatari Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mo- for third, sixth and ninth grades to society that their children receive. hammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Kuwait on Wednesday. Prime Minister of achieve 70 percent of the grade or  Increasing the percentage of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime higher. programs and activities that enhance Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of  Raising the percentage of stu- Qatari values, heritage and identity in Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also met with dents in 12th grade in public schools all levels of public and private educa- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al Mohammad Al in the fields of science and engineer- tion. Sabah. The meetings dealt with bilateral relations and the means to enhance ing, or in the scientific track, who Institutional Development and them, in addition to discussing other issues of mutual interest. (QNA) achieve 70 percent in the secondary Governance: Modern manage- certificate. ment systems and tools that  Raising the percentage of 12th work effectively and effectively. grade students who achieve an aver- Objectives are: age of 70 percent or higher than the  Development of a comprehen- grade in high school exams in public sive central database for education schools. and training. Cabinet approves draft decision to  Raising the average score of  Increasing the percentage of Qatari students in international stud- electronic services provided by the ies tests by a minimum average of 30 Ministry of Education and Higher determine Civil Defence equipment points in each session. Education to the beneficiaries. Manpower: an efficient and  Raise the percentage of benefi- QNA a Qatari technical regulation. took the appropriate decisions on: At the beginning of the meeting, qualified workforce distin- ciaries’ satisfaction with the services Doha The Cabinet also approved a 1 - A letter of the Minister of Ad- the Cabinet was briefed by Minis- guished by their performance provided by the Ministry of Education draft decision of the Minister of ministrative Development, Labour ter of Public Health HE Dr Hanan and commitment to work ethics. and Higher Education. The Cabinet, at a meeting chaired Commerce and Industry to adopt and Social Affairs regarding a re- Mohamed Al Kuwari on the latest Objectives are:  Raise the efficiency of spending by Prime Minister and Minister international standards as Qatari port on the National Employment developments in the efforts to con-  Increasing the percentage of and allocate resources in the Ministry of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin standards. Platform (Kawader). tain the spread of the coronavirus early childhood teachers who have of Education and Higher Education. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani at The preparation of the two draft 2 - A draft decision of the Min- (COVID-19). The Cabinet stressed appropriate and recognized teaching  Supporting the role and partici- the Amiri Diwan on Wednesday, decisions comes within the frame- ister of Municipality and Environ- on the importance of precautionary qualifications. pation of the private sector in provid- approved a draft decision of the work of developing national stand- ment on amending some provisions measures in combatting the epi-  Raising the average number of ing high quality learning and educa- Minister of Interior to determine ards system, keeping pace with suc- of Resolution No. 37 of 2010 re- demic. approved official training hours for tion services. the equipment, devices and materi- cessive developments in the field of garding the preservation of turtles Following the meeting, Minister kindergarten and government school  Establishing systems for higher als for Civil Defence. specifications at the international and seabirds from extinction. of Justice and Acting Minister of teachers. education in line with the best meth- The Cabinet also approved a level, meeting the needs of national 3 - A draft decision of the Min- State for Cabinet Affairs HE Dr Issa  Increasing the percentage of ods and standards in developed uni- draft decision of the Minister of factories and improving the quality ister of Municipality and Environ- bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said teachers in government schools who versities and assisting higher educa- Commerce and Industry to adopt an of goods. ment regarding the ban on hunting the Cabinet discussed the issues on have professional licenses. tion institutions to compete globally. international technical regulation as The Cabinet then reviewed and seagulls. its agenda. Qatar marks Arab Environment Day MADLSA holds interviews for job seekers in health sector QNA participation of Qatar comes within negative effects of this type of waste. Doha the framework of its keenness to con- He expressed his aspiration to tribute to supporting joint Arab ac- turn this challenge into an opportu- QATAR participated in events on tion in the environmental field. The nity for Arab and global cooperation Wednesday to observe the Arab En- Arab Environment Day is themed to draw a roadmap and establish a vironment Day, which was adopted this year as ‘Electronic and electrical clear approach and framework, to by the League of Arab States on the waste-reality and solutions’. achieve the sound and effective man- occasion of the First Conference for Engineer Al Mohannadi said agement of electronic waste. Arab Environment Ministers and Qatar is fully aware of the impor- Engineer Hassan Al Mohannadi Officials in Tunisia in 1986, to fo- tance of this year’s slogan on elec- praised the existing cooperation be- cus attention on the fact that every tronic waste, which is a major en- tween the MME and the private sec- Arab person belongs to one envi- vironmental hazard that calls for tor with regard to electronic waste, ronment. enhanced cooperation at Arab and including a series of consultative In his speech at the event held global levels. meetings with companies working virtually, Assistant Undersecretary He also stressed the importance in the field of electronic and medical THE Ministry of Administrative Development and Labour Affairs (MADLSA), represented by the National Human for Environmental Affairs at the of developing concrete and effective waste. Resources Development Department, in cooperation with Hamad Medical Corporation, organised interviews for job Ministry of Municipality and Envi- solutions to address the challenges He concluded by pointing to the seekers through the National Employment Platform ‘Cadre’ for employment in health sector institutions for three days ronment (MME) Engineer Hassan that may arise from e-waste, in a importance of community awareness at the ministry’s headquarters at Al Faisal Tower. (TNN) Bojumhour Al Mohannadi said the manner that leads to reducing the of the issue of e-waste. MoI launches ‘scholarship’ service on Metrash2 app QNA Doha

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has launched a ‘schol- arship’ service on the Met- rash2 application, which will help students on scholarships complete their many transac- tions, obtain all information from the scholarships section guide and to have direct com- munication with the parties concerned. The service was launched during an introductory meet- for university studies at the tive security and service perfor- level of its cadres, to ensure ministry’s specialisations, Al Al Nasr also praised the arships Section at the Hu- ing organised by the MoI for expense of the MoI at home mance that keeps pace with the a distinguished security and Naser said, explaining that scholarship students who were man Resources Department the scholarship students with- and abroad. development that the world is service performance based on the aim of the introductory graduated in previous years, Major Abdul Rahman Ahmed in the scholarship programme At the meeting, the MoI af- witnessing in various fields. modern scientific foundations. meeting for the MoI scholar- as they were a distinguished Al Ibrahim stressed that the 2020. The meeting aimed firmed its interest in qualifying Head of Human Resourc- The advancement of ships to military and civilian addition in the working sites, MoI has reached higher levels to introduce the students to and training its cadres in the es at the MoI Major-General the service security field re- universities and academies at wishing them success in their of institutional performance, the procedures related to the most prestigious universities Khalifa Nasr Al Nasr said the quires the presence of highly home and abroad is to inform education and asking them to through training the cadres at scholarship and the regula- and academies in and outside ministry pays great attention qualified officers, armed with the students of all procedures show a spirit of discipline. the best training centres and tions governing scholarships the country, to ensure a distinc- to upgrading the scientific knowledge in all fields of the related to their studies. For his part, Head of Schol- specialised institutes. Nation Thursday, October 15, 2020 03 PHCC launches drive to Qatar attends WHO’s meet to raise awareness about its health centres and discuss response to COVID-19 other facilities in Qatar QNA Doha The committee’s two-day tribune news network meetings discussed a num- doha Qatar participated in the ber of important issues, virtual meetings of the 67th most notably the develop- THE Primary Health Care session of the WHO Regional ments of preparedness and Corporation (PHCC) has Committee for the Eastern launched the ‘We look after Mediterranean. response to the coronavirus you, wherever you may be’ Qatar’s delegation to the (COVID-19) pandemic in the campaign, which aims to pro- meetings was headed by Min- Eastern Mediterranean mote PHCC’s services and in- ister of Public Health HE Dr region and the develop- troduce its 27 health centres in Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari. ments in providing basic different parts of Qatar to all The committee’s two-day health services segments of society. meetings discussed a num- The campaign aims at ber of important issues, most raising people’s awareness of notably the developments of eradication, upgrading fam- the health services of global preparedness and response to ily medicine practice, progress standards provided by the provided at the centres, Al Ru- the coronavirus (COVID-19) toward comprehensive health PHCC to ensure person-cen- wais Health Center will also pandemic in the Eastern Medi- coverage and the strategic tred care; encourage healthy provide integrated health- terranean region and the de- framework for blood safety lifestyles and prevent diseas- enhancing wellness services, velopments in providing basic and availability, in addition to es. including gyms, swimming health services, essential med- private sector’s involvement The campaign was cho- pools, massage, steam rooms, icines, vaccines and medical to promote universal health sen as a slogan to emphasise saunas, as well as general products during the pandemic. coverage, and the regional the role of PHCC in provid- medicine clinics and special- The meetings also dis- approach to implementing ing individual and family care ized clinics equipped with cussed the annual report of the WHO 13th General Pro- across the country, whether state-of-the-art medical and the Regional Director 2019 Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari during a live virtual meeting of WHO Region- gramme of Work (GPW 13) at home, work or at school. non-medical equipment. and progress reports on polio al Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean. 2019-2023. PHCC has strategically locat- The year 2020 also wit- ed the health centres with 10 nessed PHCC host the 4th each in northern and western International Primary Health regions and seven in central region. Besides, PHCC has a con- The campaign was chosen Al Wakra Hospital introduces acute pain tinuous plan to expand its ex- isting facilities and establish as a slogan to emphasise new health centres to meet the the role of PHCC in provid- control service for surgical, burn patients needs of the community. ing individual and family The Corporate Communi- care across the country, Tribune News Network and lumbar epidural injections of wounds is essential to limit- cations Directorate at PHCC whether at home, work or at Doha are commonly used in the care ing the risk of infections and works with other departments of patients with acute pain. associated medical conditions, and health centres to promote school. PHCC has strategi- Hamad Medical Corporation’s The dosage of analgesic including stroke. and introduce this campaign cally located the health cen- (HMC) Al Wakra Hospital has medication and the pain man- Dr Nazal said faster heal- through various visual, audio tres with 10 each in north- introduced a new service aimed agement method used to relieve ing also helps ensure patients and print media, in addition ern and western regions and at improving acute pain man- pain are determined accord- spend less time in the hospital, to producing short introduc- seven in central region. agement in surgical patients ing to the patient’s medical freeing up hospital beds for tory awareness films, putting and patients with burn injuries. condition and weight. In cases other patients and helping to up posters at malls and cin- The new physician-led ser- where the patient is given self- reduce waitlists. emas, and using several pro- Care Conference in February, vice is staffed by a team of three controlled pain management The new acute pain man- motional channels to reach which brought together many nurses specialised in pain man- devices, the pain management agement team has received in- the largest possible segment well-known speakers and ex- agement and there are plans team provides continuous tensive training during the past of society. perts to share knowledge and to increase the number of staff monitoring to ensure the ap- year, spanning both theoretical It is noteworthy that the best practices through discus- assigned to the service as it ex- propriate use of the device. D r and practical hands-on instruc- number of people registered sion sessions and workshops. pands. The Al Wakra Hospital pain management team. Nazal said effective pain man- tion working in recovery rooms with PHCC health centres is Efforts are also being intensi- Dr Abdullah Fathi Nazal, a agement, tailored to the type of with patients. The team mem- more than 1,500,000 and the fied to meet the requirements consultant specialised in Anaes- The discipline uses evi- agement team will follow each wound, the stage of healing and bers currently provide weekly number of clients who re- of Accreditation Canada In- thesiology and Pain Manage- dence-based guidelines to diag- patient from the time they leave any necessary surgical interven- training sessions on pain man- ceive treatment is more than ternational in order to main- ment at Al Wakra Hospital, said nose and manage pain as part the operating theatre until they tions, is essential to minimis- agement for other nurses. 300,000 per month. tain the Diamond level of the the new service is part of ongo- of ensuring the best care of pa- are discharged from hospital,” ing negative pain influences Dr Sabah Adnan Al Qadhi, With regard to the new third cycle scheduled for No- ing expansions aimed at ensur- tients,” said Dr Nazal. he added. and maximising recovery, both medical director of Al Wakra health facilities, Al-Ruwais vember, 2020. ing patients have access to the “In general, surgical patients Burn pain management physical and psychological. Hospital; Dr Mohamed Hay- Health and Wellness Center, In the next five years, best possible care. start to feel discomfort and pain is complex. To achieve a high He said inadequate pain lani, head of Anaesthesiology at launched in April, 2020, has PHCC will focus on trans- “Pain management is a after they leave the operating level of pain control, pain must management is detrimental to HMC; Dr Ibrahim El Boursaly, joined the 27 health centres, forming the way in which care branch of medicine that uses theatre. This leaves medical and be regularly and adequately the recovery of patients and can head of Anaesthesiology at Al including 6 wellness centres, is provided, with the new Na- an interdisciplinary approach nursing teams searching for a assessed and management tai- create fear and anxiety about Wakra Hospital; and Shelly which provide Qatar’s grow- tional Health Strategy calling to ease suffering and improve way to ease the pain as part of lored to the needs of each pa- undergoing additional treat- Henrikson, executive director ing population with greater for better collaboration across the quality of life of those living keeping the patient comfortable tient. Patient-controlled analge- ment, including surgery, and of Nursing at Al Wakra Hospital access to our services. In ad- the entire sector and improved with pain, especially those with and supporting their recovery. sia, which allows the patients to can also result in slow healing. have all provided their support dition to the large number of access to more comprehensive severe or chronic pain. The newly formed pain man- administer their own pain relief He added that quick healing for the new service. primary health care services services in the community. Where fashion meets art: Galeries Lafayette Qatar Charity elects new board Doha launches its ‘Art of Fashion’ campaign of directors at annual meeting tribune news network Tribune News Network doha Doha THE General Assembly of Qa- True to its unbeatable style tar Charity (QC) held its 27th and ‘fashion-meets-art’ image, regular annual meeting at its Galeries Lafayette Doha has headquarters, in the presence of once again outdone itself with its chairperson Sheikh Hamad the recently-launched ‘Art of bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani. Fashion’ campaign. The meeting was attended by The campaign will be on members of the board of direc- from October 7 until the end of tors, members of the General November 2020 at the Galer- Assembly and representatives ies Lafayette Department of the Regulatory Authority for Store in 21 High st, Katara Cul- Charitable Activities (RACA). tural Village. The general assembly meet- The ‘Art of Fashion’ cam- ing reviewed the annual report paign lets you step into a of the board of directors on the world inspired by the Mem- performance, financial state- phis movement -- an Italian ments of Qatar Charity, as well design movement that began as the outcomes of its work for in 1981-- known for its bold the year 2019, in addition to the clashing colours, Art Decor local achievements and interna- geometric shapes and pop-art tional partnerships. colour-palette with a hint of The general assembly meet- 1950 kitsch aesthetic. Galeries ing also approved the final ac- Speaking at the opening the upcoming evaluation that Lafayette has very aestheti- count for the fiscal year 2019, of the meeting, QC chairman Qatar will undergo, which will cally added its own twist to the and the board of directors was extended the warmest thanks be conducted by the Financial idea by introducing elements cleared from liability for the and appreciation to His High- Action Task Force (FATF), in of humour and surprise, which past year, as well as it approved ness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh coordination and cooperation can be found throughout our the budget draft for the year Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa with RACA. store. 2020. At the end of the meet- Al Thani for his constant sup- He added that Qatar Char- The entire store manifests ing, a new board of directors port for charitable work. He also ity increased its efforts and the pleasantly quirky elements was elected for Qatar Charity. thanked RACA and all partners achievements, improved its of the campaign with irregu- The new board of direc- for their long-lasting coopera- position in the international lar movements, which involve tors consists of chairperson tion in the service of humanity humanitarian system and con- intriguing patterns. From the paign. Visitors can step into exciting splash of colours in- fashion. We have highlighted Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser bin across the globe. tinued partnership and coop- store windows to the masks the life-size magazine cover spired by the Memphis art the features of the Memphis Jassim Al Thani, vice chairper- He said that Qatar Charity eration with United Nations the staff and mannequins are box and experience the glam- style. movement and intrigued our son Ahmed bin Abdullah bin (QC) has achieved many feats agencies and international or- wearing, the space is a reflec- our of being in the spotlight. Speaking about the ex- guests with the uniqueness of Ghorab Al Marri, Dr Muham- locally and globally, assuring of ganisations. tion of the creative movement. The restaurants and cafes citing, first-of-its-kind cam- the art form. This experience mad Abdul Wahid Al Ham- its commitment to accountabil- The financial report of In the true Galeries Lafay- inside Galeries Lafayette Doha paign, General Manager of has been woven together with madi, Saad bin Muhammad ity, transparency, compliance the Board of Directors for ette style, the campaign allows also reflect the ‘Art of Fashion’ Galeries Lafayette Doha Kevin our extensive A/W20 collec- Al Rumaihi, Muhammad bin with laws regulating charitable the year 2019 indicated that guests to experience the theme story in their own delectably Gerard Pender said: “The tions and exclusively created Nasser Al Hajri, Abdul Rahman work, internal control and ap- the donations and revenues in different forms. Interactive creative way. Served on trays ‘Art of Fashion’ is a perfect cuisines offered by our restau- bin Abdul Jalil Abdul Ghani, Dr propriate technical solutions in of Qatar Charity amounted screens located on the second inspired by visuals of ‘Art of campaign to match Galeries rants. It is a unique concept Muhammad bin Hassan Al Mu- light of the risks and challenges to QR1,423,916,105, while it floor of the Department Store Fashion’ windows, the special Lafayette’s vision of retail- which our guests will surely raikhi and Yusef Ahmed Rashid facing charitable work. He spent, during the same year, an resonates the colourful cam- edition dessert has the most tainment - merging art with enjoy.” Al-Jham Al-Kuwari. also noted the preparation for amount of QR1,299,295,407. 04 Thursday, October 15, 2020 Nation Experts discuss role of QF-partner varsity’s high achievers translation in spreading awareness of pandemic honoured by Dean’s List selection

Tribune News Network communication and that Qatar the awardees are celebrated at combine those with talent, and Doha is now in dire need of transla- 119 students make an event on campus, that is fol- you get outstanding perfor- tion services, especially in view up VCUarts Qatar’s lowed by a luncheon, along with mance. Each one of you repre- EXPERTS discussed the role of of the recent increase in expat the families of the students. sents that equation, and that’s translation in spreading aware- population related to prepara- latest Dean’s List This year, pandemic re- why you’ve been selected to the ness of the COVID-19 pandem- tions for World Cup 2020. strictions meant that the event Dean’s List. ic at a seminar organised by the Hashemi said that one of Tribune News Network took place virtually. A number “It is no small honour to be Qatari Literature Initiative, in the most important principles Doha of academic leaders spoke to on the Dean’s List; as Dean’s cooperation with the Depart- of communication during the the Dean’s List recipients and List students you are setting ment of English Literature and COVID-19 crisis is transparen- The start of the new academic congratulated them for their the standard for all other stu- Linguistics at Qatar University. cy, and Qatar has maintained year at Virginia Common- achievements, including Dean dents. Your names have be- The seminar coincided complete transparency during wealth University School of the Amir Berbić and Interim Asso- come part of our school’s his- with the International Transla- the pandemic. Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), ciate Dean for Academic Affairs tory, making each one of you a tion Day and was held via the He continued, “As the sub- a Qatar Foundation (QF) part- Dr Cherif Amor. leader in your own right, both Webex app on Tuesday. The ject concerns public health, ner university, saw 119 high The Dean’s List is a rec- within and outside VCUarts seminar aimed to shed light everyone has the right to access achieving students earn places ognition of superior academic placement on the Dean’s List. from the Graphic Design pro- Qatar’s community. on the role of translators in correct medical information on the Dean’s List. performance. At the end of Of the 119 students placed gramme, 19 are from the Inte- “I also want to congratulate supporting the efforts of the and know the latest decisions. Across the global higher ed- Spring 2020, students who at- on the spring 2020 Dean’s List, rior Design programme and 10 the parents and families of our Supreme Committee for Crisis Here translation is important ucation landscape, inclusion in tained a semester GPA of 3.5 and whom VCUarts Qatar is cel- are from the Painting and Print- Dean’s List students. Your en- Management to raise aware- to be able to reach the largest the Dean’s List is a recognition or higher, based on a mini- ebrating this week, 34 are from making programme. couragement and support in ness about and prevent the possible segment of society.” of a student’s hard work and mum of 12 semester credits the Art Foundation programme, Berbić welcomed the stu- their formative years have been spread of COVID-19. Dr Khaled Al Shahari ad- academic excellence. At VC- graded by the standard grade- 21 are from the Art History pro- dents and their families, say- crucial in giving them – your The seminar also discussed dressed the theme ‘Official pol- Uarts Qatar, this selection takes mode, with no I-grades or gramme, 9 are from the Fash- ing, “There is no substitute children – the confidence to the official translation policies icies and practices in the trans- place bi- annually. Traditionally grades below C, qualified for ion Design programme, 26 are for hard work and dedication; stand out and excel.” and practices regarding social lation of COVID-19 related media and presented an in- material on social media in Qa- depth analysis of communica- tar’. He focused on two main tion challenges in Qatar. The topics: the importance of poli- speakers also introduced new cies adopted by Qatar Govern- perspectives on translation ment during the current crisis QNL to mark Int’l Open Access Week with online events training during crisis. regarding delivery of basic in- The speakers were: Ibra- formation to residents who are Tribune News Network niversary week is ‘Open With from the fund to cover the cost local researchers and authors the COVID-19 pandemic have him Sultan Al Hashemi, secre- non-Arabic speakers, and the Doha Purpose: Taking Action to Build of publishing articles in open ac- will provide information and had an impact on the landscape tary of the Supreme Commit- use of social media by govern- Structural Equity and Inclu- cess journals. The session will guidance on how to prepare a of open access, open science and tee for Crisis Management; Dr ment institutions in Qatar to Qatar National Library (QNL) sion’. Open access, which ena- also briefly outline the concept manuscript for submission. scholarly publishing. Khaled Al Shahari, Dr Rizwan communicate basic informa- has curated a special series of bles the universal availability of open access and how it can The library will hold a lec- To wrap up the week, on Ahmed and Dr Dhyiaa Borres- tion related to COVID-19 to events in celebration of Interna- of scholarly research, is having benefit research in Qatar. ture looking at opening up Qa- October 25 the library will an- ly from Qatar University; and residents who are non-Arabic tional Open Access Week, held a significant positive impact QNL has funded more than tar’s research output on Octo- nounce the first recipient of its Dr Sarah Hillman from Texas speakers. between October 19 and 25. on everything from education 1,000 open access articles since ber 21. The library is committed Open Initiative Award. The li- A&M University in Qatar. The Dr Rizwan Ahmed focused International Open Access to the practice of medicine to 2017 and is a leading center in to addressing the emerging but brary began its search for the seminar was moderated by Ms on the third theme ‘Commu- Week, a global event now in its entrepreneurial success. It also open access in the region. The increasingly important aspects country’s best open scholar- Hind Ibrahim Zourob, mem- nication challenges in multi- tenth year, is an opportunity helps dismantle barriers to Open Access Author Fund is of research data curation, such ship project last month, call- ber of the Qatari Literature lingual societies: Qatar as a for the academic and research knowledge around the world just one way the library is work- as management and publication ing for nominations for its in- Initiative. model’. He presented a joint community to continue to learn that are built on legacies of his- ing toward making a global of research data as important augural award ceremony. The In his speech, Ibrahim Sul- research paper with Dr Sarah about the potential benefits of torical injustice. impact by increasing access to outputs and their long-term award will be given each to tan Al Hashemi addressed the Hillman. The project examined open access, share what they’ve To begin the week, on Oc- information and research by digital preservation. the best initiative to have con- first theme ‘Translation in the the communication strategies learnt with colleagues and help tober 19 the library will run a removing barriers such as pub- On October 22, patrons can tributed to the advancement context of public policies in Qa- used to contain the spread of inspire wider participation to session introducing attendees lishing costs. join a virtual lecture exploring of open scholarship in Qatar tar during the COVID-19 pan- COVID-19 in Qatar with a fo- make open access a new norm to its Open Access Author Fund. On October 20, QNL will open access in the time of COV- each year. A presentation will demic’. He stressed that trans- cus on using languages of non- in scholarship and research. The event will show researchers host an academic writing and ID-19. be given by the award recipient lation is an important tool for Arab communities. The theme of the tenth an- in Qatar how they can benefit publishing workshop in which The changes brought on by about their project. World Thursday, October 15, 2020 05

Iran hits new News virus records, S Sudan govt, rebels agree in brief curbs travel Israel approves first West Bank settler AFP homes since Gulf deals Tehran JERUSALEM: Israel approved 2,166 new homes in settlements to work towards ceasefire across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, official figures Iran on Wednesday an- seen by AFP showed, ending an eight-month lull in settlement nounced temporary travel re- AFP expansion. strictions on five major cities Rome The approvals came less than a month after the UAE and including Tehran as the coun- Bahrain signed agreements to normalise relations with Israel, try hit new single-day records South Sudan’s govern- Today we have been able to which in return pledged to freeze its plans to annex swathes of the in both COVID-19 deaths and ment and National Salvation rebuild trust between the West Bank. NGO Peace Now said the settlement uptick signalled new infections. Front (NAS) rebels agreed parties. The meetings had a PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of Palestinian statehood and As well as the capital, the on Wednesday to a meeting very important result... the deals a blow to hopes of a wider Israeli-Arab peace. (AFP) measures include banning trav- between their military com- commitment of the parties el to and from Karaj, Mashhad, manders, while falling short towards the ceasefire Lebanon, Israel start ‘historic’ maritime Isfahan and Urmia, the health of committing to an existing border talks ministry’s Kianoush Jahanpour ceasefire. Paolo Impagliazzo told state television. Instead, the two groups NAQURA: Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, held It runs from midnight until meeting in Rome pledged to unprecedented talks under UN and US auspices on Wednesday Sunday noon, only involving work “towards” the ceasefire Opposition Alliance (SSOMA), to settle a maritime border dispute and clear the way for oil private vehicles but not “public signed in January, which has but it has not been respected. and gas exploration within “reasonable time”. transportation” such as buses failed to bring calm to the war- The government and NAS In a joint statement afterwards, the United States and the and planes, he said. torn region. also decided Wednesday on a United Nations said the talks had been “productive” and that According to Jahanpour, Talks between government date for a political, not military, the delegates had “reaffirmed their commitment to continue the measure may be renewed envoy Barnaba Marial Benja- meeting in late November, to negotiations later this month”. Following years of US shuttle after Sunday and extended to min and NAS leader Thomas discuss topics from the consti- diplomacy, Lebanon and Israel this month said they had agreed other cities. Cirillo Swaka took place in tution to reform of the security to begin UN-brokered negotiations, in what Washington hailed The aim was to dissuade Rome under the auspices of South Sudanese presidential representative Barnaba Marial Benjamin sector. as a “historic” agreement. (AFP) Iranians from travelling at the the Community of Sant’Egidio, (left) and Thomas Cirillo Swaka, member of the South Sudan Opposi- The civil war erupted in weekend, which runs from a Catholic association with ties tion Alliance, at the end of a meeting in the Community of Sant’Egidio’s December 2013 after South Nepal reshuffled India frees top Thursday to Friday in Iran, and to the Vatican that has been International Relations headquarter in Rome on Wednesday. (AFP) Sudanese President Salva Kiir a public holiday on Saturday. working to restore stability to accused his former deputy and Cabinet over fight Kashmir politician South Sudan, where a civil war ceasefire.” place in the south of the coun- fellow former rebel leader, Riek against virus after 14 months has been fought since Decem- Parties decided to hold a try between the army and the Machar, of plotting a coup. KATHMANDU: Nepalese SRINAGAR: India has freed ber 2013. meeting between the military NAS, which did not sign a Sep- About 380,000 people President Bidya Devi Bhandari a former chief minister of Iraq’s COVID-19 “Today we have been able to commanders “so that the oppo- tember 2018 peace agreement have died in the conflict -- on Wednesday announced Kashmir who was detained rebuild trust between the par- sition is included in the mecha- that led to the formation of a marked by atrocities and the a reshuffle of the Cabinet in 14 months ago along with death toll rises ties,” Paolo Impagliazzo, sec- nism for monitoring violations government of national unity use of rape as a weapon of war a move that is expected to thousands of others when retary general of Sant’Egidio, of the ceasefire,” he said, with- in March this year. -- and some four million have re-energise the government New Delhi imposed direct rule to over 10,000 told a press conference. out providing a date. Cirillo was one of the par- fled their homes. as it stares at a daunting on the disputed region with a AFP “The meetings held in “The aim is for the military ties to a ceasefire signed in The September 2018 peace task of containing growing huge security clampdown. Baghdad Rome have had a very impor- to talk to each other and re- Rome in January between the agreement led to a sharp de- coronavirus caseload. Based Mehbooba Mufti was tant result... the commitment spect the ceasefire.” government in Juba and mem- cline in fighting, but did not on the recommendation of released late Tuesday after Iraq’s health ministry said of the parties towards the Fighting regularly takes bers of the Southern Sudan stop it entirely. the government, Bhandari remaining in custody since Au- on Wednesday that more brought three new faces into gust 2019 when the Indian gov- than 10,000 people have died Prime Minister Khadga Prasad ernment imposed emergency from COVID-19 in the country Sharma Oli’s cabinet. laws, snapped all communica- whose threadbare health sector Ruling Nepal Commu- tions and deployed thousands has been battered by the virus. Saudi Arabia fails in bid to join UN rights council nist Party General Secretary of extra troops. Mufti, 61, was Iraq has registered more Bishnu Prasad Paudel has arrested along with three other than 413,000 cases, and the AFP China and Russia were elected “The #HRC elections today try’s crown prince. been appointed minister for former chief ministers and top total death toll now stands at NEW YORK to three-year terms. Human delivered a stunning rebuke to “Only country not elected, finance, a key portfolio that politicians under the Public 10,021, the ministry said. Bagh- rights groups hailed the snub #SaudiArabia under Moham- shunned by a majority of the had remained vacant since Safety Act that allows authori- dad recently lifted restrictions Saudi Arabia failed in its to Riyadh, which deals a blow med bin Salman,” tweeted UN. The kingdom reaped what last month, according to a ties to keep people in custody and reopened mosques, shops bid to become a member of to the kingdom’s attempts to Bruno Stagno, a deputy execu- it deserves for its serious viola- press statement issued by for up to two years without and cafes but has kept its bor- the United Nations Human improve its image in the inter- tive director at Human Rights tions of human rights and war the president’s office. (DPA) charge or a trial. (AFP) ders closed to non-residents. Rights Council on Tuesday as national community. Watch, referring to the coun- crimes abroad,” he added. Nine dead after helicopters Twelve dead as India’s Hyderabad, collide in Afghanistan nearby areas lashed by record rains AFP Taliban, said provincial gover- the attempted takeover of the Lashkar Gah nor’s spokesman Omar Zawak. city and the security situa- DPA ter. Three more people, an old last three days caused by a deep Afghanistan’s defence tion would “return to normal New Delhi couple and their grandson, depression in the Bay of Ben- Two military helicopters ministry said the collision was soon”, said a defence ministry were killed when their house gal. A total of 18 people have evacuating wounded sol- due to “technical issues”. statement on Wednesday. At least 12 people were killed collapsed during the downpour died in the region since Mon- diers from fighting in south- The incident followed Helmand -- a Taliban in incidents of wall and house in a nearby village also on Tues- day, domestic media reported. ern Afghanistan collided on heavy fighting in provincial stronghold -- is where inter- collapses amid record rains in day night, local media reported. Hyderabad received the Wednesday killing nine peo- capital Lashkar Gah, where national forces fought some southern India, officials and me- Daily life has been thrown out of highest rainfall in 24 hours in ple on board, the government Taliban militants launched a of the bloodiest campaigns of dia reports said on Wednesday. gear across parts of Hyderabad over 20 years, the Indian Mete- said. series of attacks on Sunday in Afghanistan’s 19-year war. The Nine people died in the city as roads are flooded and ve- reological Department officials The crash happened as an attempt to capture the city. insurgents pledged to keep vio- of Hyderabad after a perimeter hicles washed away in several said, according to the Times of the helicopters were taking off It prompted US forces to lence down and avoid target- Residents stand on a pavement wall collapsed and fell on a set of neighbourhoods. India daily. in restive Helmand province, call in air strikes in an effort to ing urban areas in a February looking at a flooded street follow- houses during heavy rains Tues- Telangana and neighbour- Heavy rains and thunder- where clashes have erupted defend Afghan troops. deal signed with Washington ing heavy rains in Hyderabad on day night, regional lawmaker ing Andhra Pradesh states have storms are expected in the the between Afghan forces and the Afghan forces had repelled in February. Wednesday. (AFP) Asaduddin Owaisi said on Twit- witnessed heavy rains for the region through Thursday. Outrage as Jordanian boy’s Thousands flee Taliban onslaught hands chopped off, face in southern mutilated in gruesome assault Afghanistan

Tribune News Network The crime prompted social AFP Doha media users and human rights Lashkar Gah activists to raise questions PEOPLE in Jordan are de- about the punishment stipulat- Tens of thousands of people in south- manding tougher laws to pun- ed in the Jordanian Penal Code. ern Afghanistan have fled their homes ish the perpetrators of a brutal A report quoting lawyer following days of heavy fighting between assault on a 16-year-old boy Rawan Bani Hani said, “Penal the Taliban and security forces, officials that caused widespread outrage Code’s article 335 stipulates said on Wednesday, as violence contin- across the country. that if an act results in the ues to soar despite ongoing peace talks. The hideous crime hap- severance or amputation of a Taliban militants launched a series of pened in Zarqa city, east of Am- limb or the loss of such a limb attacks on the city of Lashkar Gah in res- man, on Tuesday. or the loss of one of the senses tive Helmand province on Sunday night, The teenager was brutally Local media said the attack was or caused bodily disfigurement prompting the US to call in air strikes to assaulted by a group of men in retaliation to a murder that which is permanent or has a defend Afghan forces. who chopped off both his hands took place in Zarqa, allegedly permanent appearance, the The fighting triggered an exodus by and mutilated his face, appar- committed by the victim’s father, perpetrator shall be punished local residents who crammed onto mo- ently in revenge for a murder al- who is currently in prison. by temporary imprisonment torcycles, taxis and buses. legedly committed by his father. with hard labour for a period “More than 5,100 families or 30,000 According to a local me- age, due to the brutal scenes. that does not exceed 10 years.” people... have fled the fighting so far,” dia outlet, which talked the According to local media Activists believe this pun- Sayed Mohammad Ramin, director of victim, he was kidnapped by a accounts, the boy was found by ishment is not severe enough the refugees department in Helmand, 10-strong group while on his passers-by and was rushed to for such a brutal crime against told AFP. way to the market to buy bread a hospital, where his condition a teenager and demanded it be “Some families are still living in the for his mother. is stated to be critical. Reports toughened. open in the streets in Lashkar Gah, we The perpetrators allegedly said he underwent amputation The Arabic hashtag (#zar- don’t have tents to give them.” took him to a house, where he and lost one of his eyes due to qacrime) was trending in al- Local resident Hekmatullah said he said he was attacked with ma- the injury, most all Arab countries on was forced to flee after a mortar hit his chetes. After mutilating him, Local media said the attack Wednesday. neighbour’s house, killing two women. the group left him there, the re- was in retaliation to a murder The ugliness of the crime “The fighting was so intense that I did port said, adding that they then that took place in Zarqa, alleged- sparked a state of turmoil in not have time to take any extra clothes. I bagged his chopped off limbs ly committed by the victim’s fa- the Jordanian streets, prompt- only took my family,” said Attaullah Af- and sent it to his mother. ther, who is currently in prison. ing Jordan’s King Abdullah II ghan, a farmer who fled with his family The perpetrators also filmed “We have launched an in- to personally order authorities of 12. the crime and posted it on social vestigation to identify the sus- to take the strictest legal meas- Fighting was ongoing in at least four media. The video went viral pects involved in the crime. ures against the perpetrators. districts on Wednesday, Afghan officials before Jordanian authorities They will be arrested and re- He has also called for providing said, adding that security forces have re- issued an urgent decision ban- ferred for Public Prosecution the necessary treatment to the pelled repeated Taliban assaults in the ning the circulation of the foot- for legal action,” Sartawi said. teenager. area. 06 Thursday, October 15, 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

A Sweet Lakers Championship In The Most Bitter Of Years New Zealand Gives Angelenos finally have something to celebrate in a year that keeps getting worse US A Lesson In

INALLY, something went right. In victory. Sunday night, more than a year of setbacks and trauma that 1,000 people filled the streets around Fjust seems to get worse by the week, Staples Center to celebrate, cast- Pandemic Democracy the Los Angeles Lakers — scarred by ing aside concerns about COVID-19 tragedy in January, then relegated — and, in many cases, their masks to spending the season’s final three and their social distancing as well. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern showed extraordinary maturity by months in an isolation bubble the play- In what has become an ugly routine ers could not leave — won the fran- for post-championship revelry, the postponing the elections in response to the demand raised by the opposition, chise’s 17th NBA championship on raucous gathering was marred by Sunday, tying the Boston Celtics for episodes of vandalism and violence. in a sharp contrast to Trump’s behaviour in the United States the most titles of all time. The playoffs Police officials said they declared an epitomised the craziness of 2020, with unlawful assembly and moved in to games played in arenas empty save for disperse the crowd only after “bottles, David Fickling the teams and a small number of staff- rocks and other projectiles” had been Tribune News Service ers and family members, masked and thrown at officers; some witnesses kept at a distance from one another. at the scene accused officers of over- HAT if the coronavirus pandemic de- Yet the strange and uncomfortable cir- reacting and making matters worse. layed an election and no one cared? cumstances only make the Lakers’ title According to the Los Angeles Police That’s pretty much what’s hap- more remarkable. Department, 76 people were arrested, pening in New Zealand, where Prime It’s just a shame that it wasn’t the eight officers were hurt, more than 30 Minister Jacinda Ardern appears to be archrival Boston Celtics whom the buildings were damaged, and three cruisingW toward victory in an election this Satur- Lakers beat in the finals in Orlando, people were hospitalised with injuries day after rival politicians sought postponement Florida, but the Miami Heat, a resilient inflicted by the hard foam and plastic from the original September 19 date. At a time and scrappy squad who pushed the se- projectiles fired by the police. when America is tearing itself apart over the ries to six games despite injuries to two After all we’ve been through this crises of COVID-19 and a president who’s re- of its key players. year — and particularly after weeks fused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power Los Angeles is a city that revolves of protests triggered by the death of after earlier calling to set back the vote itself, the around stars, and it lost one of the big- George Floyd, and the many ques- spectacle of a nation tackling the same problems gest ones when erstwhile Laker Kobe tions raised about police crowd-con- with calm consensus seems extraordinary. Bryant died in a January 26 helicopter trol tactics — one might have hoped New Zealand certainly isn’t immune to crash that also claimed the lives of his that everyone involved on both sides Trump-style populism. Winston Peters, Ardern’s 13-year-old daughter, Gigi, and seven of the police lines on Sunday night deputy prime minister, has been railing against other family friends, children as well as would have known how to keep a migration from Asia under the banner of the In common with most other English-speak- Still, within those restrictions the US adults. It’s fitting that the Lakers dedi- peaceful celebration peaceful. But we New Zealand First party for decades, all while oc- ing democracies, the official overseers of the bal- electoral system has over the centuries become cated this season to Bryant’s memory, are clearly not there yet. cupying a string of high offices as one of the most lot process in New Zealand are not elected local more and more unified. Constitutional amend- and that two new stars cemented their Maybe that’s the curse of 2020. significant politicians of his generation. government officials but an appointed national ments have abolished restrictions on grounds of places in the Laker constellation with But we may soon have other chances Part of it is probably down to the politics of commission. That lack of direct democratic ac- race, gender, poll taxes and age, and established their play in Orlando. One was LeBron to show that we have, indeed, learned the situation. Thanks to a robust response to countability is, paradoxically, a good thing. Un- popular elections to the Senate. Laws passed James, who suffered through a lacklus- something this year: The Los Ange- the pandemic, life for New Zealand’s 4.9 million like party-aligned elected administrators, the by Congress have mandated the use of single- tre, injury-marred season after arriving les Dodgers are playing the Atlanta people is returning to a semblance of normal- senior bureaucrats on the Electoral Commis- member districts in the House, guaranteed in 2018 before winning over a sceptical Braves in a playoff series to determine ity. As a result, having run close to the opposi- sion’s board have no particular stake in which voting rights, regulated campaign finance and city this year, along with his fourth ti- who’ll go to the World Series, where tion for most of her term in office, Ardern now side is advantaged at the ballot box and owe attempted to unify voting-machine technology. tle and fourth NBA Finals MVP award. another night of revelry awaits. And has a commanding poll lead which may put her their greatest loyalty to their professional repu- States that have chosen to delegate the The other was new Laker Anthony Da- the Lakers reportedly want to hold a on track to govern without a coalition partner. tations. As a result, there’s no sign of the political management of elections to the municipal lev- vis, a dominant and often unstoppable victory parade as soon as the COV- That’s an unheard-of result since the country conflictsof interest that so often mar the man- el could equally well delegate to an independ- force at both ends of the court. ID-19 pandemic allows, whenever switched to a form of proportional representa- agement of US polls. ent federal agency. Holding the vote on a pub- It wouldn’t be 2020, though, that day may come. For everyone’s tion in the 1990s. Her display of magnanimity You can see the difference in electoral lic holiday — or Saturdays, as happens in New without a dark note in the light of sake, let it be soon. to the opposition in agreeing to the delay doesn’t boundary reviews. In the US, they’ve been used Zealand and neighbouring Australia — would appear to have seriously damaged her position. by state legislators to gerrymander districts also make it easier for people to exercise their Indeed, the minor flare-up of COVID-19 cases since the 19th century, resulting in absurdities democratic rights. that prompted it has now been more or less like the situation in North Carolina, where Re- Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that such incre- stamped out, a decent achievement for her to publicans hold 10 of 13 congressional districts mental reforms on their own will be enough take to the ballot box. despite winning barely more than half the vote without a change in attitude. Like many young The level-headedness with which elections at the 2018 midterm elections. things, the fuller democracy that America be- are handled can’t be explained away by the idea In other English-speaking democracies, came accustomed to after 1965 is still fragile. that New Zealand is a “young democracy.” It’s such decisions are so uncontroversial that they Half of voters in the 2018 US midterms were been holding elections since the 1850s, the in- barely enter the public consciousness. In Aus- born before the Voting Rights Act was passed, digenous Maori have had the vote since 1867, tralia, boundary changes by the national elec- and much of that law has been gutted by the Su- and women won full rights in 1893, decades be- tions commission before last year’s general poll preme Court since 2013.The most unique qual- fore most other countries. In that sense, the real notionally robbed the government of its major- ity that English-speaking democracies other developing democracy is the US. After a brief ity before the first ballot was cast, but there was than the US share is something that’s not writ- thaw during the post-Civil War Reconstruction never any suggestion that Prime Minister Scott ten in any law but is nonetheless crucial: a be- era, it only started granting equal suffrage to all Morrison would try to overturn the decision. lief across all branches of politics that the right adult citizens when the 1965 Voting Rights Act A barrier to such an agency in the US is to vote is fundamental, and nonnegotiable. A overturned the Jim Crow laws that Southern that the Constitution firmly vests the man- nation founded on the principle that all people states had used to keep African Americans away agement of elections in the hands of the are created equal and endowed with inalienable from the polls. states, which in turn delegate much of the rights would do well to heed that lesson. The history of racist vote-suppression com- management of polls to more than 10,000 bined with America’s deeply decentralised sys- municipal-level jurisdictions. That’s a con- (David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion tem best explains why the right to vote is now trast to New Zealand, Australia, and the columnist covering commodities, being treated as a political blood sport, rather UK, where the running of elections all as well as industrial (Tribune News Service) than as a nonpartisan bedrock of democracy. happens at the national level. and consumer companies) Campaign Spending Is A Tragic Waste Political parties and billionaires have unleashed torrents of money on political advertising that is going to change very few minds

Howard Tullman ad spending opportunities and the either. But since it’s our cash and the primaries, but somnolent never cash and just as cold and unfeeling. income tax plan to the state. These Tribune News Service resultant problems have simply ex- not his, he was more than happy succeeds. Worse yet, Bloomberg Which is quite surprising, because two between themselves have spent panded. Which means the misdirec- (maybe even medically euphoric) to then pretty much went radio silent no one doubted his commitment, more than $100 million to buy ads HAVE always hated political cam- tion and misuse of billions of dollars spend whatever dollars he thought for months only to finally emerge energy, or enthusiasm throughout for or against the proposal. paigns for all manner of reasons, that could be better used to address he could grab as long as the checks claiming that he was going to again his three terms as mayor of NYC. This grotesque spectacle is taking Ibut without doubt the most compel- so many more pressing and mean- had his name on them. But don’t spend a bunch of money helping The PACs and special interest place at the same time that Chicago ling one -- aside from the egregious ingful issues in our country have expect those Dollars From Donald Biden’s efforts in Florida. But always groups are exploding the overall ad has an immediate budget shortfall exaggerations, flatulent falsehoods, simply accelerated. The excess and any time soon--his own party has at a safe distance. spend in Arizona, where the Sen- of about $1.2 billion and Illinois is and mendacious misrepresentations stark stupidity of these ad spends thrown a wrench into the spokes. Mighty Mike once more into ate race numbers are already over financially in the toilet. Hundreds of -- is the enormous waste of billions has only been made more obvious Hijinks and horseplay aside, the breach and to the rescue except $116 million, and in North Caroli- thousands of people are jobless, tens of dollars on radio, TV, cable, and when research from each ensuing this year has, sadly, set new records that all it amounted to was writing na, where the totals already exceed of thousands are homeless, families internet advertising by various cam- year consistently and convincingly of excess and unchecked spending, a few more checks from on high $160 million. Some other races are struggling to feed their kids, and paigns, PACs, super-affluent politi- demonstrates that traditional, indis- which would be horrible in most and not much more. A bunch of -- the McConnell/McGrath fight in these two arrogant are spending cians, and other insufferable billion- criminately directed advertising has times, but it is beyond unconsciona- bucks and no real skin in the game. Kentucky, for example -- are hoo- $100 million on advertising. And, to aires. Although interestingly enough less and less impact on an ever-de- ble in this particularly painful period This noblesse oblige attitude isn’t vering in so many PAC dollars that be sure, to a lesser extent, similarly and consistent with everything else creasing target pool of theoretically of distress, disease, and depression really lost on too many mere mor- other candidates in both parties insensitive spends will be taking he does, the Tax Cheat-in-Chief ap- undecided voters. that plagues our entire country. tals, and, in fact, for many of these who are in much closer races are place in every city and state over the pears to have spent none of his own Anyone who hasn’t made up The Day One poster boy for poseurs, it’s really their main mes- starting to complain. next couple of weeks. money on his campaigns. Rather, ac- their mind by this point on the ma- this wastefulness is clearly Michael sage, which is: I’m actually above In Illinois, we are witnessing an There’s really no end in sight cording to The New York Times, he’s jor races is so indifferent or ill-in- Bloomberg, who spent around $500 all this but happy to influence even greater tragedy and a further and no prospect of any relief since made beaucoup bucks at his hotels, formed that they probably shouldn’t million of his $55 billion net worth the outcome without getting my demonstration of mindless spend- the rules of the road are written by golf courses, and clubs by selling ac- be asked to or trusted to vote any- on an abortive campaign in which hands dirty. And its very bloodless- ing and wretched excess. Two bil- the very same self-interested peo- cess to himself and the White House. way. Trump’s latest and failed at- even the excited voters apparently ness explains a great deal of why lionaires -- one the governor, the ple spending the money to sup- But I digress. tempts to bribe the undecided with couldn’t be convinced that Bloomb- Bloomberg never connected on an other a hedge fund manager -- have port their own campaigns and in- With the growth, power, and last-minute cash stipends wouldn’t erg cared all that much. Low key is emotional level with the electorate taken opposite sides on legislation terests. Too much is never enough reach of digital advertising today, the have made any major difference sometimes OK in the early stages of this time around. It’s all just about that proposes to bring a graduated for these folks.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Thursday, October 15, 2020 07

QT REPORTS ON US ELECTIONS Trump, Biden plan to hold Pollsters weigh in on duelling televised town halls “battleground” states as Trump instead of scrapped debate and Biden step up campaigns Ailyn Agonia Florida plus one more of the added even the method of AFP Doha key battleground states in voting now has become par- Washington ● NBC News has confirmed order to be re-elected. Nota- tisan in a way. it is moving ahead with AMERICA is in the middle bly, he drew attention to the “Obviously, that’s prob- Donald Trump and White Trump’s event, while ABC of what is often described as importance of senior voters lematic for the long haul, House challenger Joe Biden News is hosting Biden’s the most historic US elec- in the competitive states. and it may be problematic in will duel for airtime in rival tion in a generation and all “The caveat there, I terms of how people accept televised town hall events on ● The two had originally eyes are on the so-called would say, and those of you the results of the election. Thursday night, after their sec- been set to hold a debate “battleground” states or who remember election But the truth of the matter ond head-to-head debate was today, the second of three states that remain competi- night in 2000, watch what is the fact that people are scrapped following the presi- in the lead-up to the tive- that is, either candi- the seniors have done in voting now influences how dent’s COVID-19 diagnosis. election on November 3 date has a chance to win. campaigns are communicat- Trump set up the schedul- In the latest Elections ing with voters. They need ing clash by organising his own 2020 Virtual Reporting Trump needs to win to be communicating now, town hall on NBC at the same Trump and the NBC host Tour (VRT), a programme Florida plus one more of they need to not wait until time as Biden had arranged his will be socially distanced at the to enable international the key battleground the last minute to try to get event on ABC. outdoor venue and the audi- journalists to remotely cov- states in order to be re- their message across. They The president, a former re- ence will wear safety masks, er the 2020 US elections, need to get their message ality TV show star and a keen NBC added. Jon McHenry, a Republican elected. Notably, he drew across sooner, because vot- follower of viewing figures, will Biden has been frequently pollster, and Margie Ome- attention to the impor- ing is happening sooner,” be seeking to score a victory testing for coronavirus and re- ro, a Democratic pollster, tance of senior voters in she remarked. over Biden by attracting a big- President Donald Trump (right) will be at the Perez Art Museum in porting negative results since tackled swing states in this the competitive states. On the tipping points ger audience during the prime- Miami for the one-hour show. Joe Biden, who had already booked his Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis election, the candidates’ in this year’s swing states, time 8:00 pm EST (0000 GMT appearance last week, will be in Philadelphia for his town hall. (AFP) on October 1. strategies and what current Omero pointed out the dif- Friday) slot. The first of three sched- polling says about the race’s Florida. If President Trump ference in how Americans The two were meant to uled presidential debates was state. is losing seniors, but they are going to approach the have met on stage for their sec- Barrett declines to answer if widely criticised for descend- According to McHenry, say that he’s won the state, election relative to the issues ond debate on Thursday in a ing into an angry shouting the states to keep an eye that might not actually be or concerns that are impor- town hall format where the two Trump can pardon himself match as Trump attempted to on in the 2020 presiden- true by the time they count tant to them such as health- candidates would have fielded inflict a late wound to Biden’s tial race are the states that all the votes. I would be very care, coronavirus and the questions from voters. WASHINGTON: Amy Coney Barrett deflected when asked ques- campaign. flipped in 2016 such as surprised if he wins Florida economic impact. She also Debate organisers said they tions about presidential powers, on the second day of the US Su- At a rally in Pennsylva- Michigan, Wisconsin, and while he loses those seniors. included in the list the Su- wanted to switch to a virtual preme Court nominee’s confirmation hearing in the Senate, while nia on Tuesday, Trump ac- Pennsylvania. He added in That was one of the telltale preme Court, in particular, format for safety reasons after lawmakers also pushed on abortion, gun rights and health care. cused Biden of “choking like the list Florida and Iowa signs on election night in the ongoing confirmation Trump contracted the corona- “Does a president have an absolute right to pardon him- a dog” during the debate, and that had voted for President 2000, where the exit polls hearing of Trump nominee virus, but he refused. self?” Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy asked on Wednesday, unleashed a tirade of lurid in- Barack Obama in 2012 and said that Governor Bush Judge Amy Coney Barrett The president, who will be the second and final day of questioning of Barrett, US President sults at his challenger, calling voted for President Donald at the time, then President who people feel is very much at the Perez Art Museum in Mi- Donald Trump’s pick to fill the vacancy on the top court. him mentally “shot.” “He can’t Trump in 2016. Bush had won seniors, but a divergent from where the ami for the one-hour show, has Under the constitution, the president has the right to pardon stand up to the lunatics run- In addition, he named he’d lost the state. And that public is on really big issues. 20 days left to overturn dire individuals. The question has come up whether Trump - who ning his party,” Trump told the any state that has decided just didn’t make any sense. In terms of demograph- polling figures to win the No- could be facing legal woes - could pardon himself. large, raucous crowd in Johns- by five points or fewer as So, keep an eye on what the ic, Omero said no group vember 3 election and secure a Barrett sidestepped, saying that as the issue is an “open town. critical to the tight presiden- seniors do on some of these is monolithic adding that second term. question” she could not offer a view, citing precedent that judges Furthering his long-run- tial race, namely, Arizona states, as well as what the re- changing demographics in Biden, who had already being nominated do not comment regarding ongoing policy de- ning narrative that 77-year-old and Nevada, Colorado, Min- ported vote is,” he said. a lot of states is what drives booked his appearance last bates. “No one is above the law,” she said. (DPA) Biden is too frail for the presi- nesota, New Hampshire, For her part, Omero which states become more week, will be in Philadelphia dency, Trump, 74, tweeted a Maine, and North Carolina. emphasised on the surge in purple (swing states) or blue for his town hall as he tries to a statement from the clinical that there was “a high degree of crudely faked picture purport- McHenry also said Pres- early voting, whether voting (Democrats) or red (Repub- secure his front-runner status. director at the National Insti- confidence” that Trump is now ing to show Biden in a wheel- ident Trump needs to win by mail or in-person, and licans). NBC said it had received tutes of Health, Anthony Fauci, “not shedding infectious virus.” chair. Azerbaijan brings parts of Nagorno-Karabakh under its control

DPA of Nagorno-Karabakh, in a army has now taken 45 locali- Nagorno-Karabakh, which Yerevan/Moscow statement. ties in Nagorno-Karabkh in has about 145,000 inhabitants, Erdogan denies sending Syrian fighters to Armenia’s military con- total, which the Armenian mili- is controlled by Armenian forc- Azerbaijan has captured firmed thatA zerbaijan’s forces tary had initially denied. es but recognised by the United Nagorno-Karabakh conflict multiple localities in Nagorno- had managed to bring fur- Azerbaijani state televi- Nations as part of predomi- ANKARA: President Recep ‘you sent there the mujahideen accusing Turkey of crossing a Karabakh in its conflict withA r- ther areas under their control, sion showed people celebrating nantly Muslim Azerbaijan. Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday from Syria’. We don’t have any “red line”. menia over the disputed region, marking Yerevan’s first official with fireworks on the streets. The current conflict has denied claims that Turkey had such agenda,” Erdogan said in Erdogan said on Wednes- said both sides and regional au- concession of its opponent’s Armenia has reported hun- been simmering since the col- sent Syrian fighters in support a televised speech. day: “They say ‘you are sending thorities on Wednesday. advance. Azerbaijani President dreds of casualties in the con- lapse of the Soviet Union in of its ally Azerbaijan over the Earlier this month French mujahideen from Syria to Azer- Azerbaijan has succeeded Ilham Aliyev tweeted that his flict that began on September 1990, when the region, pre- disputed region of Nagorno- President Emmanuel Macron baijan.’ They (mujahideen) have in shifting the front deeper into country’s military had cap- 27. Azerbaijan has not dis- dominantly populated by Karabakh. accused Ankara of having sent work to do on their own lands, the conflict region, said Arayik tured eight villages. closed its casualties, though it Christian Armenians, broke “Those who call us say Syrian “jihadists” to the region, they wouldn’t go there.” (AFP) Harutyunyan, regional leader Baku said the Azerbaijani said that 43 civilians have died. away from Azerbaijan.

News in brief Two Americans, 240 Yemen rebel backers freed in apparent swap US, 7 countries sign NASA accords AFP had been held captive by the Saudi King Salman and Omani ahead of November 3 elec- nal, quoting a senior White setting rules for moon exploration Washington Iranian-backed Houthi rebels Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al- tions, has highlighted efforts House officialsaid to have ar- who control much of Yemen Said “for their efforts to secure to free hostages and punish ranged the deal, said Loli was NEW YORK: NASA on Tuesday announced that the United States Two captive Americans were including its capital Sanaa. the release of our citizens.” hostage-takers, with his cam- a humanitarian worker seized and seven other nations had signed accords that establish freed on Wednesday in Yemen The rebels also sent back President Donald Trump paign pointing to backing by three years ago and Gidada rules for space exploration. as more than 200 supporters the remains of a third Ameri- “continues to prioritise secur- the parents of Kayla Mueller, a businessman detained for The Artemis Accords, named after the US space agency’s of the country’s Houthi rebels can, Bilal Fateen, the White ing the release and repatria- a relief worker killed after be- about one year. programme to land astronauts on the moon by 2024, were were allowed to return home, House said, without describ- tion of Americans held hos- ing abducted by Islamic State Houthi leaders have previ- signed by Australia, Britain, Canada, Japan, Luxembourg, Italy in an apparent swap involving ing the circumstances of how tage abroad,” O’Brien said in a extremists in Syria in 2013. ously announced detentions of and the UAE. Saudi Arabia and Oman. he died. statement. Little had been known foreign humanitarian workers, Through Artemis, NASA aims to establish sustainable lunar The White House an- Robert O’Brien, the nation- “We will not rest until about the Americans held in accusing them of spying, and surface exploration with its international partners by 2028, as a nounced the release of US citi- al security advisor, stopped those held are home with their Yemen until the announce- have been accused of diverting stepping stone to the first human mission to Mars. zens Sandra Loli and Mikael short of describing an ex- loved ones,” he said. ment of their release. some of the badly needed aid The principles laid out in the accords ensure a shared Gidada, saying that the two change of people but thanked Trump, struggling in polls The Wall Street Jour- sent into the country. understanding of safe operations, use of space resources, mini- mising orbital debris and sharing scientific data.(DPA) Child hand sanitiser Indonesia FM calls Austria boosts for ‘equal access’ climate spending Europe hardens virus controls as poisoning cases to vaccines despite virus hit spike in Spain JAKARTA: Developing countries VIENNA: Austria will devote infections surge across region AFP must have ‘equal access’ to 17 billion euros ($20bn) to MADRID future COVID-19 vaccines, greening its rail network de- AFP lands, including restrictions Indonesia’s foreign minister spite a historic budget deficit Paris on alcohol sales and new mask The number of children warned, as wealthy nations caused by the coronavirus requirements, while Northern treated in Spain for acciden- scoop up billions of doses. pandemic, the government European governments Ireland announced a four- tal poisonings after ingest- Retno Marsudi said it announced Wednesday in its from The Netherlands to Spain week closure of pubs and res- ing hand sanitising gels has was crucial for rich and poor 2021 budget. imposed tough new virus con- taurants. soared during the pandem- nations to work together so Environment Minister trols on Wednesday, closing French President Emma- ic, the government said on “we can guarantee equal ac- Leonore Gewessler, from bars and restaurants and en- nuel Macron is widely expected Wednesday, urging parents cess to a safe and affordable the Green party, hailed the forcing local lockdowns in a bid to announce tighter virus con- to keep the products out of vaccine”. money as the “biggest rail to battle a surge in a new infec- trols in a primetime television reach. “Can you imagine...if package Austria has ever tions from the global pandemic. interview, with local media re- There have been 874 re- most vaccines go to devel- seen”. With the virus still spread- porting that could include cur- ported cases of intoxications oped countries? What will The Greens have been in ing worldwide, with over one fews for Paris and other cities from hand sanitising gels so be the fate of the developing a coalition with the centre- million deaths and nearly 40 where infection rates are high. far this year, compared to countries?” right People’s Party (OeVP) million cases, regions like Spain’s King Felipe VI (right), Queen Letizia (2nd right) and their German Chancellor An- just 90 during all of 2019, the Marsudi’s comments since the beginning of the Europe that suppressed the daughter Spanish Crown Princess Leonor greet Spanish Deputy Prime gela Merkel also wants tougher National Toxicological and follow an Oxfam report that year. first outbreak are again facing Minister Pablo Iglesias (left) and other ministers during Spain’s Na- measures to fight a surge in Forensic Sciences Institute, found a group of wealthy Part of the new plan for tough choices on how to con- tional Day ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Monday. (AFP) coronavirus infections, accord- a unit of the justice ministry, nations have already bought the railways is a target to trol a new wave without eco- ing to a draft policy paper seen said in a statement. up more than half of the make the network carbon nomically destructive national ern Catalonia region for the nearly 900,000 infections and by AFP on Wednesday. Those Two-thirds of the cases promised doses of future neutral by 2035 through lockdowns. next 15 days as the country more than 33,000 deaths. including more masks and involved children, especially COVID-19 vaccines. (AFP) electrification.(AFP) Bars and restaurants will tackles one of the highest rates Similar measures came limiting numbers at private those under the age of two. No close across Spain’s northeast- of infection in the EU, with into force across The Nether- events. fatalities have been reported. German economy to shrink 5.4% in 2020: Think-tanks page 10

Thursday, October 15, 2020

28,561.33 10,026.04 40,794.74 1,902.80 −118.48 pts -30.82 pts +169.23 pts Gold +0.60% Zero new Boeing orders in Sept as Dow QE sensex 737 Max backlog shrinks pg 11 Price percentage Price percentage 24.42 Brent 43.25 +1.88 % WTI 40.99 +1.97% Silver +1.19% QIB posts net profit of QR2.2 bn in 9 months Total assets of Qatar Islamic Bank reached QR170 billion at the end of September this year

Tribune News Network mance in its core operating at 1.3 percent reflecting the Doha activities despite the support quality of the bank’s financing provided to the customers assets portfolio. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) impacted by COVID-19 pan- QIB continues to pursue on Wednesday announced demic. the conservative impairment The headquarters of Ezdan Holding Group in Doha. that the net profit attribut- Total operating expenses provisioning policy and has able to the shareholders of the for the nine months’ period more than doubled the fi- bank amounted to QR2.21 bil- decreased to QR 821.9 mil- nancing impairment charges lion in the first nine months of lion from QR827.8 million to QR960.6 million in the Ezdan posts net 2020, which is in line with the in the same period last year. nine months of 2020 com- performance during the same Strict cost controls supported pared to QR446.9 million in period last year. by higher operating revenues 2019 and continues to main- profit of QR208.6 Total assets of the bank enabled further enhancement tain a 100 percent coverage reached QR170 billion at the of efficiencies with cost to in- ratio for non-performing fi- end of September this year, come ratio improving from nancing assets. mn in 9 months higher by 4 percent compared 23.4 percent to 20.5 percent Total shareholders’ eq- to December 2019 and 9.8 for the nine months period uity of the bank reached Tribune News Network of 2020, compared to QR0.019 percent compared to the same ended September 30, the best QR17.7 billion, up by 7.8 per- Doha in the same period of 2019. period last year. in Qatar’s banking sector. cent compared to September The Group generated op- Financing activities QIB’s efficient risk man- 2019 and higher by 3.1 per- Ezdan Holding Group on erating revenues of QR 1.078 reached QR113.2 billion, a agement framework has en- cent compared to December Wednesday announced that bullion during the first nine growth of 5.7 percent com- The QIB building in Doha. sured that the results for the 2019. Total Capital adequacy the Group registered a net months of the year, compared pared. Customer deposits of period ended September 30, of the bank under Basel III profit of RQ 208.6 million in to QR1.26 billion in the same the bank stood at QR112 bil- months’ period of 2020 was and investing activities reg- 2020, have not been materi- guidelines is 18.3 percent as the first nine months of 2020, period last year. lion at the end of September QR5.96 billion compared to istered a growth of 4.9 per- ally impacted by the events of September 2020, higher compared to QR509.2 million The decrease was mainly this year, higher by 5 percent QR5.71 billion for the same cent to reach QR5.36 billion related to COVID-19. QIB than the minimum regulatory for the same period last year. driven from a decrease in compared to September last period in 2019 registering a compared to QR5.11 million was able to contain the ratio requirements prescribed by The Group’s earnings per revenues and operating profit year. growth of 4.4 percent. for the same period in 2019, of non-performing financing Qatar Central Bank and Basel share (EPS) stood at QR0.008 of the Hotels sector and the Total income for the nine Income from financing reflecting a healthy perfor- assets to total financing assets Committee. by the end of the third quarter Malls sector. Woqod registers net profit of QR429 mn in first nine months

Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar Fuel Company (Woqod) on Wednesday announced that it registered a net profit of QR429 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared to QR872 mil- lion achieved in the same period last year. The company’s earnings per share (EPS) was QR0.43 compared to QR0.88 for the same period of last year. The decrease in net profits and earning per share for the pe- riod were partly attributed to slow- down in market due to COVID-19 and lower demand for petroleum products. Woqod Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Saad Rashid Al Muhannadi said that the Group’s net profits and overall sales vol- umes have witnessed a consider- able increase in the third quarter of Woqod’s overall sales of petroleum products decreased by 23 percent as compared 2020 compared to second quarter to the same period of last year due to negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic. of the same year. With regard to the company’s as of October 15 totalled 106 sta- operations, Muhannadi said that 106 stations tions. The company is set to add five the company’s overall sales of pe- more petrol stations by the end of troleum products decreased by ● The petrol stations operated 2020, he said. 23 percent as compared to the by ‘Woqod’ as of October 15 For the purpose of improving the same period of last year driven by totalled 106 stations. The profitability of the company, Mu- the negative impact of COVID-19 company is set to add five hannadi indicated that the company pandemic. more petrol stations by the will continue to increase the levels of Diesel, Super Gasoline and Pre- end of 2020. implementation of its efficiency and mium Gasoline sales decreased by cost optimisation initiatives. 11 percent, 14 percent, and 9 per- ● Bunkering fuel sales increased Muhannadi said that Woqod is cent respectively, and Jet fuel vol- by 18 percent and natural gas working closely with its partners umes decreased by 34 percent due sales increase by 9 percent to coordinate the implementation to reduced operations of the airlines compared to the same period in of all the governmental directives in most countries globally. 2019. Retail non-fuel revenue, issued in furtherance of combating Bitumen sales have decreased the spread and the negative effects by 64 percent driven by macro-eco- including Sidra sales, increased of COVID-19. nomic factors, COVID-19 pandemic by 11 percent as the number of He said that despite the chal- and the completion of the major petrol stations increasd. lenges of coronavirus, Woqod im- projects. The LPG sales decreased plement a flexible and effective by 3 percent compared to the same driven by micro-economic factors business plan to ensure the continu- period of 2019. as well as the negative impact of ity of the supply activities through- Refined petroleum products COVID-19 pandemic. out the country on regular basis and retail sales from petrol stations As for building more stations, in line with the health safety secu- decreased by 3 percent compared Al Muhannadi pointed out that the rity, and environmental sanitation to the same period of last year petrol stations operated by ‘Woqod’ procedures. Economy & Business Thursday, October 15, 2020 09 Higher clothing, recreational costs edge up inflation Consumer Price Index for September rises 0.27 percent M-o-M

Tribune News Network six components — recreation Doha and culture by 20.98 percent; housing, water, electricity and Rising prices in recreation other fuel by 4.75 percent; and culture, and clothing and clothing and footwear by 4.25 footwear, exerted an upward percent; communication by influence on the cost of liv- 0.81 percent; food and bev- QIIB CEO Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei with HE Greta C. Holtz, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Qatar and another official at ing based on the consumer erages by 0.27 percent, and the QIIB headquarters in Doha. price index (CPI) in Qatar last transportation by 0.13 per- month. cent. According to the Planning At the same time, this com- QIIB CEO meets with US Chargé d’Affaires Holtz and Statistics Authority (PSA), parison also reveals price rises Qatar’s CPI — a key inflation hotels by 0.13 percent and fur- in six other groups — tobacco Tribune News Network ness sectors were long- banks that enjoy high credit numerous partnerships re- indicator — rose 0.27 percent niture and household equip- by 8.37 percent; restaurants Doha standing. ratings as a result of their gionally and internationally. to 96.45 points in September ment, and education by 0.01 and hotels by 4.43 percent; They have deep ties, the solid financial position and For her part, Ambas- when compared with that of percent each. education by 1.78 percent; fur- HE Greta C. Holtz, the foremost among which is consistency in relation to sador Holtz expressed her August. Still, this is lower than In the meantime, two main niture and household equip- Chargé d’Affaires at the US the robust relationship be- their performance with that happiness at the growth of the index figure a year ago. components showed decrease ment by 1.48 percent; health Embassy in Qatar, visited tween the banking sectors in of the national economy. QIIB and thanked Dr Shai- Compared with the CPI in September, miscellaneous by 0.95 percent, and miscel- the headquarters of the Qa- the two countries, he added. Dr Shaibei also spoke bei for the reception accord- of September 2019, the latest goods and services by 1.17 per- laneous goods and services by tar International Islamic Continuous progress is be- about QIIB’s role as part of ed to her and the accompa- figure shows a decline of 2.97 cent and food and beverages 0.60 percent. Bank (QIIB), where she was ing made in improving these the Qatari economy, which nying delegation. percent, the PSA report said. by 0.97 percent. The CPI of August, 2019 received by its CEO Dr Ab- ties, he said. provides rich opportunities She expressed the hope The report attributed the Four other groups — to- excluding housing, water, dulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei. The QIIB CEO spoke for various sectors and ac- that the bank would con- month-on-month rise in CPI bacco; housing, water, elec- electricity and other fuel group Dr Shaibei welcomed about the strength of the tivities. tinue on its successful path to increased prices in six infla- tricity and other fuel; health, stands at 97.73 points, show- Holtz and an accompany- Qatari economy and its abil- In addition to its role and contribute to further tion components — recreation and communication — re- ing an increase of 0.35 percent ing delegation, and affirmed ity to achieve distinguished at the local level, outside of strengthening the ties be- and culture by 2.23 percent, mained flat. when compared with that of that the links between the growth figures, which was Qatar, QIIB has expanded tween the United States and clothing and footwear by 1.55 On an year-on-year analy- August 2020, and a decline of Qatari and American busi- reflected on the Qatari its activities and established Qatar. percent, transportation by sis, the index’s decline was 2.41 percent when compared 1.39 percent, restaurants and mostly driven by price falls in with that of September, 2019. QC, IPA set to formalise cooperation to enhance Qatar’s investment climate Tribune News Network further foreign investments. chamber is interested to bol- The Chamber is keenly He affirmed thatthe IPA Doha The meeting also touched ster cooperation with IPA, interested to invite the IPA is preparing a digital platform on fields proposed for coop- whose key mandate is to to explain investment climate for investment which will play Qatar Chamber (QC) First eration between both sides to promote investment and at- before foreign delegations an important role in identify- Vice Chairman Mohamed bin be included in a cooperation tract FDIs to Qatar, affirm- visiting the chamber whether ing investment opportunities Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari agreement that will be inked ing that this is the same role before the outbreak of Cov- in all sectors. and Investment Promotion in the coming period. performed by the Chamber as id-19 or via video conference Sheikh Ali also pointed Authority’s (IPA) CEO Sheikh Twar stressed the Cham- a representative of the private amid the pandemic, he added. out that the authority has Ali bin Alwaleed Al Thani held ber’s keenness to foster coop- sector. On his part, IPA’s CEO been working to draw more a meeting at the QC headquar- eration and communication Twar paid tribute to the Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al investments to the state in ters on Wednesday. with all government agencies IPA and its essential role Thani said the authority was line with requirements of the They discussed ways to in a way that maximizes the in attracting investments, keen to enhance cooperation Qatar National Vision 2030, enhance cooperation in pro- private sector’s participation pointing out that despite it is with the Chamber and join indicating that it seeks to be moting Qatar’s investment in the economy and enhance recently founded, but it has hands to promote the state’s an integrated source for in- climate and identifying in- his anticipated role in the de- made tremendous efforts to investment climate and op- Qatar Chamber (QC) First Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin vestment solutions in Qatar vestment opportunities in line velopment. promote investments in Qa- portunities galore for invest- Twar Al Kuwari with Investment Promotion Authority CEO Sheikh Ali through attracting FDIs in all with their joint efforts to draw He pointed out that the tar. ments. bin Alwaleed Al Thani. priority sectors. Singapore’s economy shrinks at slower pace as virus curbs eased Uber, Lyft argue in court over drivers’ status AFP the two ride-hailing rivals and for the cities of San Fran- New York back in May to obey the law, The hearing was part of a cisco, Los Angeles and San granted them a temporary legal battle the two ride Diego, countered that the Ride share services Uber reprieve in late August. share platforms have with drivers were indeed wronged and Lyft on Tuesday de- Uber and Lyft had threat- California authorities, who because they could not claim fended their business model ened to pull out of California, to any social protections such before a California appeals which would have left tens of are seeking to enforce the as a minimum wage, reim- court, fighting a law requir- thousands of drivers without law known as AB5, which bursement of professional ing them to reclassify their work. regulates the status of expenses or family leave. drivers as employees. On Tuesday, Uber’s attor- independent workers In parallel with their le- The hearing was part of a ney Theodore Boutrous faced gal battle, Uber and Lyft are legal battle the two ride share the court’s three judges to ar- counting on a ballot measure platforms have with Califor- gue that law AB5 would force and that its case should be to be held on November 3 at nia authorities, who are seek- the company “to completely therefore heard separately. the same time as the general ing to enforce the law known change its business model.” For his part, Lyft’s lawyer election to salvage their busi- as AB5, which regulates the He said the company “is Rohit Singla questioned the ness model. status of independent work- not a hiring entity, it is not a merits of the formal notice They have spent tens of ers. transportation company (...) issued in May by the court of millions of dollars organizing The law, which entered It’s a multisided platform appeal. a campaign to support their into force in January, re- that allows riders and drivers “The entire purpose of a “Proposition 22,” a compro- quires businesses in the “gig to connect.” preliminary injunction is to mise that would guarantee economy” to reclassify in- During his argument de- take care of some emergency flexibilityand certain advan- dependent contractors as livered via video-conference, harm until the trial court re- tages to their independent employees eligible for unem- Boutrous also tried to estab- solves the disputed issue,” drivers. People ride bicycles along Marina Bay in Singapore on October 2, 2020. ( AFP) ployment coverage, medical lish a distinction between Singla said, arguing that the The outcome of the bal- and other benefits -- some- Uber and Lyft, saying the harm in question had not lot initiative could force the AFP ing, told AFP. Construction was down thing Lyft and Uber have cat- company he represents guar- been demonstrated. hand of the appeals court, Singapore In July-September, gross 44.7 percent, but that was bet- egorically refused to do. anteed more independence Matthew Goldberg, attor- whose decision is due in the domestic product shrank 7.0 ter than the previous quarter’s The court, which ordered and freedom to its drivers ney for the state of California coming months. Singapore’s coronavirus- percent year-on-year, accord- near 60 percent plunge. hit economy shrank at a slow- ing to preliminary data re- Singapore’s central bank er pace in the third quarter as leased by the trade ministry. also kept monetary policy restrictions were eased, offi- While a heavy fall, it was unchanged Wednesday, say- cial data showed Wednesday, better than the record 13.3 ing an “accommodative policy but the trade-reliant city-state percent drop registered in stance” was appropriate as the ‘Govts should target scarce resources to new jobs’ still faces a long road to recov- April-June, with many busi- economy recovers. ery. nesses having re-opened as Singapore’s trade-reliant AFP a stunning $12 trillion into by reducing measures like wage With public debt in many The financial hub plunged Singapore’s outbreak slows. economy is typically hit first Washington the global economy since the subsidies in favor of training to cases approaching 100 percent into its first recession since the Compared with the pre- by external shocks before start of the pandemic, but now give people skills to find new of GDP, including in the Unit- 2008 global financial crisis in vious quarter, the economy ripples spread across the re- As demands increase on their “many countries will need to do employment. ed States, governments also the second quarter when the grew 7.9 percent, rebounding gion. However, it usually also limited resources, govern- more with less, given increas- With low interest rates may need “revenue-enhancing government closed businesses from a 13.2 percent drop, the recovers quickly from any ments will need to raise taxes ingly tight budget constraints,” making borrowing easier, measures, including both in- as part of drastic measures to ministry said. downturn. on wealthier families and firms Vitor Gaspar, head of the IMF’s boosting public investment -- creasing tax compliance and contain infections. Manufacturing, which The city-state won praise and target spending away from Fiscal Affairs Department, said beginning with maintenance the progressivity of taxes on One of the world’s most includes key semiconductor for keeping the pandemic protecting “old jobs,” the IMF in a blog post about the report. and ramping up projects -- can more affluent” firms that may open economies, Singapore exports, was up 2.0 percent, in check in the early stages said Wednesday. As the recovery continues, create jobs and spur economic have profited from the pan- is seen as a bellwether for the a turnaround from negative only for serious outbreaks to As countries continue to policymakers “should become growth. Steps like a broad tax demic, the IMF said. health of global trade, and its growth in April-June. emerge later in crowded dor- struggle with the economic more selective and avoid stand- cut are “unlikely to be cost-ef- “The design of corporate economy’s dramatic deterio- The services sector also mitories housing low-paid mi- damage inflicted by the Cov- ing in the way of necessary sec- fective” and would have limited income taxes to appropriately ration rang alarm bells. shrank at a slower pace, al- grant workers. id-19 pandemic, the IMF’s Fis- toral reallocations as activity impact on promoting growth capture very high profits of “The worst is over for Sin- though it was still weighed But its outbreak has cal Monitor report also urges resumes,” he and his coauthors and jobs, the report said. firms in a rapidly changing gapore, but the path to recov- down by the anaemic perfor- slowed markedly in recent policymakers to invest in job- said. A better alternative would economy, including those that ery is still a bit bumpy,” Song mance of the key tourism sec- weeks, and only a handful of creating projects like infra- “Support should shift grad- be “to accelerate job-intensive made windfall profits during Seng Wun, a regional econo- tor as global air travel remains cases are being recorded a structure and green energy. ually from protecting old jobs public investments such as the crisis, can help finance pri- mist with CIMB Private Bank- largely grounded. day. Governments have injected to getting people back to work,” maintenance or public works.” ority areas.” 10 Thursday, October 15, 2020 Economy & Business Apple’s rare earth recycling steps up environmental response

phones as consumers upgrade Amid Sino-US trade ten- adaptors with the newest iP- Apple said it won’t be including earbuds or to new models, and with grow- sions, China has threatened to hones, since most customers power adaptors with the newest iPhones ing political tensions over rare cut off the supply of some ele- already have these. That will earth materials needed for ments, raising fears of short- reduce manufacturing and AFP carbon neutral” in all aspects many electronics. ages. make boxes lighter to ship. San Francisco of its business. Activists have expressed According to the US Geo- Jackson said the move was Apple’s environment pol- concerns about the environ- logical Survey, China has the part of Apple’s efforts “to cut Apple said on Tuesday its icy chief Lisa Jackson said mental impact of rare earth world’s largest rare earth de- waste and use less materials.” newest iPhones would be during an online event an- mining, and some of the mate- posits, with 44 million tonnes Apple pledged in July to produced using recycled rare nouncing the new iPhone 12 rials come from countries cit- of reserves. Vietnam and Brazil be carbon neutral across its earth materials, as part of a handsets that “for the first ed for labor and human rights have 22 million tonnes each. entire business, including its stepped up environmental ini- time, we are using 100 percent violations. Difficulties with US depos- manufacturing supply chain, tiative which also has geopo- recycled rare earth elements China, the scene of fatal its twice forced the closure of by 2030, in a stepped up push litical implications. in all magnets including the mining accidents, has been in the only US mine, in Mountain to fight climate change. Announced as part of a se- camera, haptics and MagSafe the spotlight for its dumping Pass, California. And refin- The tech giant, which is ries of sustainability actions, (connectors).” of toxic waste in Baotou, Inner ing capacity is limited outside already carbon neutral for its Apple said the move builds on The announcement comes Mongolia, as Beijing drives China, according to analysts. corporate operations, said the prior initiatives including its amid growing concerns about Apple CEO Tim Cook holds up the all-new iPhone 12 Pro during an Ap- global production of rare earth Apple also said it won’t be move would mean no climate pledge to become “100 percent e-waste from billions of smart- ple event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on Tuesday. (afp) elements. including earbuds or power impact for all its devices sold. Goldman Sachs German economy to shrink Q3 profits jump 94% to $3.5 bn 5.4% in 2020: Think-tanks despite pandemic For 2022, the experts predict AFP it allotted for bad loans in New York the prior quarter that en- 2.7 percent growth compassed the most severe Goldman Sachs reported Covid-19 restrictions. AFP strong third-quarter results Reports from large Frankfurt am Main on Wednesday, nearly dou- banks in the third quarter bling profits and reflecting have shown much lower Germany’s economy will little of the vulnerability reserves for bad loans com- shrink more than expected in that has plagued corners of pared with the last two 2020 and not regain strength the real economy during the quarters, when large finan- until end-2021, leading re- pandemic. cial companies set aside search institutes said on Key strengths to the huge piles of cash in case of Wednesday, as a coronavi- money machine at Wall defaults. rus resurgence weighs on the Street’s iconic investment Goldman’s revenue rose recovery. bank included a “signifi- in all four divisions com- German gross domestic cant” increase in initial pub- pared with the year-ago pe- product will contract by 5.4 lic offerings and a surge in riod. Revenues from equity percent, deeper than a previ- revenues from its markets investments soared 139 per- ous prediction made in April division. cent from the year-ago pe- of 4.2 percent, according to Trading has generally riod, reflecting an ascend- five think-tanks including been a strength for large ant stock market during the Ifo, DIW and RWI in their banks during the pandemic, period. annual autumn report. boosting commission fees “Our ability to service “Although a good part of as markets have swerved. clients who are navigating a the slump from the spring Volatility “declined mod- very uncertain environment has already been made up, estly” in the third quarter, drove strong performance the remaining catch-up pro- Goldman said. across the franchise,” said cess represents the more Net income came in at Goldman Chief Executive arduous route back to nor- $3.5 billion, up 94 percent David Solomon. “As our cli- mality,” said Stefan Kooths, from the year-ago period ents begin to emerge from head of economic research at and topping analyst esti- the tough economy brought IfW Kiel. mates by a wide margin. on by the pandemic, we Pre-crisis levels of eco- Revenues rose 30 percent re well positioned ot help nomic output will “probably to $10.8 billion. them recover and grow.” not be reached until the end Goldman set aside $278 Shares of Goldman rose of 2021”, the report said, with million for credit losses, 2.6 percent to $216.25 in GDP set to grow 4.7 percent well below the $1.6 billion pre-market trading. next year, compared with an earlier forecast of 5.8 percent. For 2022, the experts A woman looks at face masks on sale in a shop at the city of Dortmund, Germany, on Wednesday. (AFP) predict 2.7 percent growth. Sectors dependent on in October on rising corona- so far coped better with the shaped recovery, a predic- close social contacts, such as virus numbers and renewed pandemic than many of its tion that will be severely food and drink, tourism and Brexit tensions. neighbours, it recorded more tested in the coming months. events, have been particular- The German economy than 5,000 new cases on The greatest risk to the ly hurt by the pandemic and initially bounced back sharp- Wednesday, the highest level forecast remains the course will “continue to suffer for ly after it emerged from the Sectors hit since April. of the pandemic, the report some time to come and will spring lockdowns in early Limits on overnight stays says. not participate in the recov- May, allowing consumer Sectors dependent on close and early closures of bars “The economic downturn ery process until infection spending and exports to social contacts, such as food and restaurants are already is less severe than feared. control measures are largely ramp up. and drink, tourism and events, in place in several major However, the economic re- eliminated,” Kooths said. But the momentum has have been particularly hurt by German cities, including covery will be tougher than The downgraded fore- slowed in recent weeks and the pandemic and will the capital Berlin and the we would like,” said Martin casts add to a string of fears are mounting about the “continue to suffer for some country’s financial centre, Wansleben, managing di- gloomy data coming out of impact on Germany’s crucial time to come and will not Frankfurt. rector of the Association of Europe’s top economy. export sector as countries participate in the recovery German Economy Min- German Chambers of Com- On Tuesday, a closely around the world reimpose process until infection control ister Peter Altmaier said in merce. watched survey by the ZEW restrictions to halt a resur- measures are largely September that the economy “A second general lock- The headquarters of Goldman Sachs in New York. (File photo) (AFP) institute showed that inves- gence in Covid-19 cases. would contract 5.8 percent down could lead many com- tor confidence plummeted Although Germany has eliminated,” Kooths said in 2020 on the back of a V- panies to economic ruin.” In the shadow of TikTok, China’s apps quietly hover up downloads AFP aggressive social media marketing in the wake of a deadly border dis- in mainland China or Hong Kong.” service,” she added. Beijing -- are winning fans in unexpected pute earlier this year. Bigo was built and headquar- The pressure points to the fun- places. TikTok is now struggling to close tered in Singapore before being damental issue of Chinese compa- While SHEIN has its origins in Fast-fashion online retailer a deal allowing it to continue its bought by Chinese firm JOYY, nies being seen as “de facto proxies” China it is one of the biggest shop- SHEIN has deployed a legion of in- massively popular US operations. which is listed on the Nasdaq of the Chinese Communist Party, ping apps in the United States, fluencers and celebrities in the US, The travails of the app -- and in New York. The app was the says Hinrich Foundation research SHAREit has been banned in India including singers Rita Ora and Katy others winded in the geopoliti- third-most installed by a Chinese fellow Alex Capri. despite being massively popular Perry, to soar up the app store rank- cal ruckus -- may signpost the way publisher for the year to mid- “Chinese firms will find it in- elsewhere, and Likee is chasing Tik- ings. ahead for other less well-known September, according to Sensor creasingly difficult to compete out- Tok -- but desperate to avoid a simi- The platform also advertised a Chinese platforms. Tower. side of a techno-authoritarian digi- lar fate. Perry-curated range of affordable File-sharing app SHAREit, With privacy, cybersecurity and tal landscape,” he added. China’s app makers are hav- tees, dresses and accessories to co- banned in June by India, has quick- potential influence by Beijing all Chinese companies have in- ing to be agile in a world where key incide with her album launch this ly pivoted to new markets. hot-button issues, Chinese develop- creasingly drawn suspicion over markets have turned hostile to their year. It says it already has 20 million ers will need to do a lot more to con- whether they might be compelled to country’s tech. The company now boasts one monthly active users in South Af- vince governments and consumers share data with the government. They are either going under of the top five free shopping apps rica and is also targeting Indonesia, in the long term. Despite recent spats with Wash- the radar in territories where the on Apple’s app store in the US, which has the world’s fourth-largest Suspicions will likely “change ington and New Delhi, Beijing has war over privacy, security and geo- Australia and France, according to population. the landscape in which they operate, shown no signs of “putting aside its politics rages -- or are moving to US-based research agency Sensor Others are basing outside China and force them to adopt very differ- technology ambitions”, said United friendlier markets to win millions of Tower. 20 billion yuan ($2.96 billion). and experts say tying in early with ent business and data localisation Overseas Bank economist Ho Woei downloads. “Many of their global users will Even TikTok, battered by an western businesses could balance strategies”, said Severine Arsene Chen. Experts say that could signal an actually be unaware that they are ownership dispute in the US where against potential boycotts by suspi- of the Chinese University of Hong Even a future decoupling of Chi- unstoppable rise for China’s smart dealing with a Chinese company,” it is accused of being a security risk, cious governments. Kong. na from the global tech supply chain and responsive tech, depending on Hong Kong-based retail analyst has racked up around 800 million “We have servers in several dif- That could mean locating a com- could have the unintended conse- the long-term damage that security Philip Wiggenraad said of such installs this year globally despite the ferent locations across the globe, pany’s headquarters and tech de- quence of forcing “Chinese compa- and diplomatic squabbles may bring apps. squall of negative publicity, Sensor including the United States, Sin- velopment in “safer” territories, or nies to upgrade and build up their to the Made in China brand. In a February post on WeChat to Tower data shows. gapore and India,” a spokesperson locating data processing in different capabilities”, she added. For now, the strategies of Chi- recruit suppliers, SHEIN said it had That comes despite its blacklist- for Bigo, owner of short-video app territories. And buffed up by a vast domes- nese-owned platforms -- quick re- operations spanning more than 200 ing in India, which has also banned Likee, told AFP. “This requires adapting the tic market, “they will likely remain flexes to their customer base and countries, with 2019 sales exceeding more than 200 other Chinese apps “But we do not have any servers whole tech architecture of a given in business”. Economy & Business Thursday, October 15, 2020 11 QNBFS to start Cautious equities mired liquidity provision activity for QNB on virus, Brexit worries from Thursday Fears for the economic recovery have mounted in recent weeks because of the Covid-19 resurgence QNA of the most recognised in- AFP Doha ternational trading systems London for liquidity provisioning QNB Financial Services activity. It also on-boarded Global markets stock (QNBFS) has signed a li- experienced traders with markets were uninspired quidity provision agree- advanced educational and Wednesday on fading US ment with Qatar National professional experience in stimulus hopes, stubborn cor- Bank (QNB), Qatar Stock market making and liquid- onavirus worries and grow- Exchange (QSE) an- ity provisioning. ing uncertainty over Britain’s nounced in a statement on In addition to liquid- post-Brexit trade with the Eu- Wednesday. ity provisioning, the award- ropean Union, dealers said. “QNBFS will start li- winning firm offers a range “Politicians in the United quidity provision activity of financial services to States do not appear to be for QNB from Thursday,” foreign and domestic in- close to striking a deal with QSE said. stitutional investors, indi- respect to the Covid-19 re- QNBFS, a fully owned viduals, as well as retail and lief package,” observed CMC subsidiary company of corporate clients. Markets analyst David Mad- QNB Group, has received QNBFS also provides den. the necessary licence to be- international and regional “A couple of potential vac- come a liquidity provider institutional investors valu- cines for the coronavirus have after the Qatar Financial able information on the dy- encountered setbacks, and to Markets Authority (QFMA) namic growth opportunities top it all off, uncertainty still approved the liquidity present in Qatar. persists in relation to the fu- provisioning scheme that With leading equity ture relationship between the financial services firms, research on locally listed UK and the EU.” which are members of QSE, companies and unmatched Sterling recovered a little can carry out. The aim of the corporate access to key de- ground against the dollar af- scheme is to ensure greater cision makers in sovereign, ter faltering, as a deadline set price stability and improved private, and publicly listed by the British to reach a post- liquidity in the Qatari finan- companies, QNBFS is con- Brexit trade deal approaches cial market. sidered the broker of choice on Thursday with no sign of QNBFS invested in one for investors. a breakthrough in talks amid Investors look at stock prices at a brokerage in Fuyang, in China’s eastern Anhui province recently. (Afp) UK media reports the dead- line will have to be stretched all round on the back of the later on Wednesday, with all ASOS said pre-tax profits Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 into Brexit ‘injury time’. worsening coronavirus crisis. bars, cafes and restaurants to more than quadrupled to percent at 23,626.73 (close) Noting new virus restric- Virus concerns have re- close for at least two weeks, £142.1 million ($185 million, Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP tions in Europe and beyond, turned to the fore amid a while France is expected to 157 million euros) in its finan- 0.1 percent at 24,667.09 ECB’s Lagarde urges ThinkMarkets analyst Fawad surge in new infections and announce tighter restrictions. cial year to the end of August, (close) Razaqzada cautioned that the halting of two trials dent- In London, there was and sales soared by a fifth. Shanghai - Composite: DOWN “at this rate, there is a good ing hopes for a vaccine or strong evidence of key inter- 0.6 percent at 3,340.78 more green finance chance economic recovery treatment being developed net-focused businesses ben- Key figures around 1550 MTG (close) will stall in Europe and inves- anytime soon. efiting from virus lockdowns. New York - Dow Jones: DOWN Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1760 AFP to identify projects that could be tors are evidently responding Fears for the economic re- Anglo-Dutch online food 0.6 percent at 28,527.58 from $1.1746 at 2100 GMT Frankfurt am Main awarded a green label. by reducing their exposure on covery have mounted in recent delivery service Just Eat points Pound/dollar: UP at Lagarde has long argued for the euro and European stock.” weeks because of the Covid-19 Takeaway revealed orders London - FTSE 100: DOWN $1.3023 from $1.2937 European Central Bank head climate policies to have a more After a cautious start Wall resurgence, particularly in Eu- rocketed 46 percent in the 0.6 percent at 5,935.06 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 105.09 Christine Lagarde on Wednes- central place in the ECB’s mon- Street saw the Dow slide 0.6 rope where governments are third quarter, compared with (close) yen from 105.48 yen day said there should be a etary policy, raising the prospect percent while the tech heavy resorting to new controls while a year earlier. Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.1 Euro/pound: DOWN at 90.25 greater push to invest in “green” of the central bank using its Nasdaq was off 0.8 percent. trying to avoid the devastat- The company, which com- percent at 13,028.06 (close) pence from 90.79 pence projects if countries are serious massive stimulus scheme to tar- London and Paris also ing nationwide lockdowns of petes with Deliveroo and Uber Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 West Texas Intermediate: UP about meeting their climate pro- get green bonds. sagged while Frankfurt closed March and April. Eats, saw its share price jump percent at 4,941.66 (close) 1.9 percent at $40.99 per barrel tection goals. The ECB describes green just 0.1 percent ahead after The Netherlands is set to 5.25 percent to 9,306 pence. EURO STOXX 50: FLAT at Brent North Sea crude: UP “There is not enough finance bonds as those “earmarked to Tuesday had brought falls go into “partial lockdown” Online fashion retailer 3,277.94 1.2 percent at $42.96 going in the green direction,” finance investment projects Lagarde told an online meeting with an environmental benefit”, of the UN Environment Finance as opposed to bonds linked to Initiative. carbon-intensive industries or The former French finance other “brown” sectors that con- minister said the European Un- tribute to global warming. Govts use pandemic to crack down on online dissent ion would need to invest 290 As part of a wide-ranging billion euros ($340 billion) each strategy review, which was AFP Michael Abramowitz, presi- coronavirus, but also to deter declines in countries where year to meet its commitments launched at the beginning of Washington dent of the nonprofit group. internet users from sharing authorities have imposed under the 2015 Paris climate the year and was delayed due to “Without adequate safe- information from independ- internet shutdowns includ- agreement. the pandemic, Lagarde said the Governments around the guards for privacy and the ent sources and challenging ing Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan However, only 100 billion ECB may revise its rule on “neu- world are using the pandem- rule of law, these technolo- the official narrative.” and India, and in Rwanda for euros was committed to green trality” -- that is, not favouring ic as a justification to expand gies can be easily repurposed The report said these its use of “sophisticated spy- initiatives last year. bonds from one sector over an- surveillance and crack down Privacy for political repression.” trends are showing a growing ware to monitor and intimi- A lack of clear criteria for other. on dissent online, resulting Freedom House’s index trend toward Chinese-style date exiled dissidents.” green bonds also makes it hard Hinting at a desire to pivot to in a 10th consecutive annual threatened of internet based on a score “digital authoritarianism” The United States re- for investors to discern just how greener agenda, Lagarde ques- decline in internet freedom, The report by Washington- assigned on a 100-point globally and a “splintering” mained among those coun- environmentally friendly an in- tioned whether “market neutral- a human rights watchdog re- based Freedom House said scale to 65 countries shows a of the internet as each gov- ties ranked free but saw its vestment is, she said. ity should be the actual principle port said Wednesday. drop in internet freedom for ernment imposes its own score decline in light of in- “So what it calls for is more that drives our monetary policy The report by Washing- authorities in dozens of a 10th straight year. regulations. creased surveillance used involvement, continued inter- portfolio management.” ton-based Freedom House countries have cited the The scale is based on 21 Freedom House said that by law enforcement against vention and support to correct The Frankfurt-based insti- said authorities in dozens of Covid-19 outbreak “to justify indicators pertaining to ob- of the estimated 3.8 billion protest movements, execu- market failures in green fi- tution last month decided to countries have cited the Cov- expanded surveillance powers stacles to access, limits on people using the internet, tive orders on social media nance,” she said. accept a new category of sus- id-19 outbreak “to justify ex- and the deployment of new content and violations of just 20 percent live in coun- regulations, disinformation “Is it up to a central bank tainability-linked bonds as col- panded surveillance powers technologies that were once user rights. tries with a free internet, 32 propagated by President to do that? No. But legislators, lateral for loans to banks from and the deployment of new seen as too intrusive” China was the worst- percent in countries “partly Donald Trump and moves regulators, have a role to play.” January onwards. The Paris technologies that were once ranked country for the sixth free,” while 35 percent were to ban Chinese-owned apps She welcomed countries climate pact, signed in 2015, seen as too intrusive.” consecutive year, according in places where online ac- TikTok and WeChat. that have issued green bonds commits nations to keep tem- This is leading to increas- “The pandemic is accel- to the report. tivities are not free. The re- The app bans were de- -- naming France, Germany, perature rises well below 2.0 ing censorship of dissent and erating society’s reliance on It said Chinese authori- mainder live in countries scribed as “an arbitrary and Belgium, the Netherlands and degrees celsius compared with the expansion of technologi- digital technologies at a time ties “combined low- and that weren’t among the 65 disproportionate response Lithuania -- alongside the Eu- pre-industrial levels by cutting cal systems for social con- when the internet is becom- high-tech tools not only to assessed. to the genuine risks” from ropean Parliament’s proposal their use of fossil fuels. trol, according to the report. ing less and less free,” said manage the outbreak of the The report cited notable those services.

PANDEMIC HITS AVIATION INDUSTRY Zero new Boeing orders in Sept as 737 Max backlog shrinks

dpa align with demand “while navigat- ers canceled three orders for the 737 Highlighting the enormous Seattle ing the significant impact this global Max in September, and accounting impact of the Max crisis on mar- pandemic continues to have on our rules required Boeing to remove an ket share, Airbus in September As the Covid-19 global pandemic industry.” “We’re taking actions to additional 48 Maxes from the offi- reported a backlog for the rival continues to depress the aviation resize, reshape and transform our cial backlog as no longer certain to A320neo family of aircraft of market, neither Boeing nor Airbus business to preserve liquidity (and) be fulfilled. 5,992 jets. booked a single new jet order in adapt to the new market reality,” he Such removals from the order Because of all the cancellations September. said, adding that Boeing’s govern- book are typically necessary when and removals from the backlog, With airlines still parking many ment services, defense and space either the credit quality of an air- Boeing’s net order tally in 2020 airplanes and demand low for new programs “provide some stability” line has lowered to a point where for all its jets now stands at nega- jets - and with its 737 Max still to counter the deep trough in the it may no longer be able to pay tive 983 commercial airplanes. grounded - Boeing delivered just 11 commercial jet market. for the jets or because the delay Airbus this year has booked airplanes in the month; Airbus de- In addition to the hit from the in delivering the airplane, under net total orders for 300 commer- livered 57. pandemic, Boeing hasn’t been able the terms of the contract, makes a cial airplanes. In addition, the number of Max since March 2019 to deliver any of cancellation possible. Boeing’s total backlog for all orders that so far this year have its high-production-volume 737 So far this year Boeing has its commercial jet programs at the been either canceled outright or re- Maxes. removed 570 Maxes from the end of September stood at 4,325 moved from the official backlog as Boeing delivered a total of just backlog for such reasons and cus- aircraft. Airbus said its total order doubtful rose past 1,000 aircraft. 98 commercial aircraft through A Garuda Indonesia Boeing 373-800 NG with a new face mask design is parked tomers have outright canceled backlog was 7,441 aircraft. Greg Smith, Boeing executive September, a reduction of about at the airport in Tangerang recently. (AFP) a further 436 Maxes, so that the However, both manufacturers vice president of enterprise opera- two-thirds compared with the 301 Max order book has shrunk by a are likely to see further serious re- tions and chief financial officer, in delivered in the first nine months livered a total of 341 commercial delivered in the first nine months of total of 1,006 aircraft. ductions in those figures as the ef- a statement said the company is of 2019. aircraft, a reduction of around 40 2019. The 737 Max backlog as of Sep- fects of the pandemic continue to working to reduce production to So far this year, Airbus has de- per cent compared with the 571 jets Max orders shrinking Custom- tember 30 fell to 3,357 jets. devastate the airline industry. Bint Saffian bags Al Ghariya Cup as new QREC racing season begins page 15

THURSday, OCTOBER 15, 2020 Ronaldo returns to Italy despite coronavirus infection Portuguese football superstar flies out as Juventus isolate DPA the Portuguese federation Madrid/Rome on Tuesday and will miss Wednesday’s Nations League Portuguese superstar match with Sweden in Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo has re- He had previously played turned to Italy to complete against Spain and France last his quarantine after testing week. All other players have positive for the coronavirus since tested negative. on international duty, his club The Juventus forward will Juventus said on Wednesday. also miss club games includ- “Cristiano Ronaldo re- ing in the Champions League turned to Italy with a medical as he isolates, possibly even flight authorised by the com- the October 28 showdown petent health authorities at with Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. the request of the player and This handout picture released by the Portuguese Football Federation Santos said Ronaldo was will continue his fiduciary iso- shows Cristiano Ronaldo giving the thumb up as he watches his “doing well” and was symptom lation at his home,” the Italian teammates’ training session from a balcony at Portugal’s training free. He too does not under- champions said. camp in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, on Tuesday. (AFP) stand “how it could have hap- The A Bola sport newspaper pened,” the coach added. in Portugal said the 35-year- “In compliance with the tos said he could not explain The striker had already old Juventus forward Ronaldo regulations and the protocol, how Ronaldo came to be in- gone in isolation with Juve departed from Lisbon airport the team entered into fiduci- fected with the coronavirus at the club-owned J Hotel in a private plane, with Italian ary isolation this evening,” the while with the national squad. on October 3, following two media reporting his transfer by Bianconeri said. “Since Monday we have positive cases among workers ambulance from the Turin air- “This procedure will al- been completely locked in,” at the club. He had left Turin port to his residence. low all persons negative to the Santos was quoted by Portu- for Portugal four days later, Juventus also said they controls to carry out regular guese media on Wednesday. which prompted an investi- have gone in isolation follow- training and match activities, “The workers and players gation from the Italian foot- This handout picture released on October 13, 2020 by the Portuguese Football Federation shows Portu- ing the positive coronavirus but will not allow contact with have come in and otherwise ball federation (FIGC) into gal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left, up) watching his teammates’ training session from a balcony test of their midfielder Weston people outside of the group.” no one.” Ronaldo had his the negative test necessary at Portugal’s training camp in Oeiras, on the outskirts of Lisbon, on Tuesday. (AFP) McKennie. Portugal coach Fernando San- positive test revealed by for his departure. Premier League clubs reject radical ‘Big Picture’ plan AFP Financial pressures London Pressure has been applied to the Premier League from Premier League clubs unan- government to rescue lower imously agreed on Wednesday league clubs, who face finan- to reject the radical “Project cial ruin without the return of Big Picture” plan to restruc- supporters to stadiums. ture English football. A £50 million ($65 mil- Under the controversial lion) rescue package in the Qatar to play South proposals, backed by Liver- form of grants and interest- pool and Manchester United, free loans for clubs in League the number of teams in the One and League Two was Korea in Austria on English top-flight would have agreed on Wednesday. been cut from 20 to 18 and the But no bailout has been League Cup scrapped. agreed for the Championship, November 17th More power would have where unlike in League One been handed to the big- and Two, clubs have yet to set Tribune News Network team’s playing schedule was gest clubs in exchange for a a salary cap. And the Premier Doha halted because of the COV- hefty financial package and a League clubs took the opportu- ID-19 pandemic. greater share of broadcast rev- nity to again make their case to Asian champions Qatar will The Asian champions will enues for the English Football government to ease the corona- meet Korea Republic in an in- make their first appearance at League (EFL). virus ban on fans in stadiums. ternational friendly match on next year’s CONCACAF Gold Although endorsed by the Plans for a phased return of the 17th of November in Aus- Cup where they will compete vast majority of EFL clubs, the spectators in October were put tria. The venue of the match along with 16 of the world’s plan drew criticism from the on hold after the spike in Cov- will be decided later, Qatar best teams from July 10 and British government, the Foot- id-19 infections that has led to Football Association (QFA) are pitted in Group D with ball Association, the Premier local lockdowns across Britain. has announced. Honduras, Panama and Gre- League and fan groups. “League One and League The match comes within nada for the first round. “All 20 Premier League Under the controversial proposals, backed by Liverpool and Manchester United, the number of teams in Two clubs rely more heavily the framework of the team’s Just before the North, clubs today unanimously the English top-flight would have been cut from 20 to 18 and the League Cup scrapped. on matchday revenue and have preparations for the upcom- Central and Caribbean region agreed that ‘Project Big Picture’ fewer resources at their disposal ing events and within the tournament, Qatar will travel will not be endorsed or pur- pioned by EFL chairman changes. threat” during talks over the than Championship or Premier program of preparing the na- to Colombia and Argentina for sued by the Premier League, Rick Parry, was seen as a Speaking to Parliament’s divisive plans. League clubs and are therefore tional squad for the 2022 FIFA their second appearance at the or the FA,” the Premier League power grab from the Premier Digital, Culture, Media and In a letter to the FA coun- more at risk, especially at a time World Cup Qatar. Copa America, where they will said in a statement. League’s “big six”, also includ- Sport committee, Culture cil, which convenes on Thurs- when fans are excluded from The clash against Asian compete against Colombia, The Premier League share- ing Arsenal, Chelsea, Man- Secretary Dowden said the day, Clarke said he had taken attending matches,” said the giants South Korea will be Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador holders agreed to work on a chester City and Tottenham. proposals “tended towards a part in initial discussions be- Premier League’s statement. the second major friendly and Peru, from June 11 strategic plan for English foot- Those clubs and the three closed shop” for the big six. fore walking away when he “Football is not the same this year after Qatar played a Qatar, the Asian champi- ball to “ensure a vibrant, com- other longest-serving mem- Dowden’s comments come felt the aim had become “the without fans and the economy match against Ghana in the ons, are in 55th spot on the petitive and sustainable foot- bers of the top-tier – Everton, after Football Association concentration of power and is unsustainable. The Premier Turkish city of Antalya on FIFA rankings for September ball pyramid” and announced Southampton and West Ham chairman Greg Clarke said a wealth in the hands of a few League and all our clubs remain Monday evening. and fifth in Asia. South Korea a rescue package. – would have held the power breakaway from the Premier clubs, with a breakaway league committed to the safe return of These two matches have are ranked 39th in the world Project Big Picture, cham- to pass or block any major rule League was wielded “as a mooted as a threat”. fans as soon as possible.” been listed after the national and third in Asia. Boardroom putsch threatens weightlifting’s Olympic status AFP “The IOC is very worried that Papandrea had been re- eration by the IOC executive the accusations as “lies” before Lausanne to learn about the reported placed by Intarat Yodbangtoey board”. The Olympic body had being pressured into resign- decision made by the Board of from Thailand. The appoint- already threatened last week to ing in April. He had originally The place of weightlifting the International Weightlift- ment of Yodbangtoey comes de- “reconsider the place of weight- stepped aside for 90 days while at the 2024 Paris Olympics ing Federation to replace the spite the fact that Thai weight- lifting on the programme of the an investigation set about ex- is under threat after the In- Acting President, Ms Ursula lifters will be barred from the Olympic Games in Paris 2024”. amining the ARD claims which ternational Olympic Com- Garza Papandrea, the way the Tokyo Olympics because of too In December it must make a largely focused on him. mittee said on Wednesday it decision was taken and the many doping cases. final decision on the events and According to the docu- was “very worried” about the chosen replacement,” the IOC Andrews said he was resign- quotas of athletes for the Paris mentary, until 2017 high-level boardroom putsch that ousted said in a statement. ing as Interim Deputy Director Olympics. Weightlifting has weightlifters were being ex- the interim president of the “The IOC enjoyed excellent General of the IWF, saying: “It been in turmoil since January empted from many doping con- sport’s governing body. cooperation with her during has became clear over recent when German TV channel ARD trols, and test results were being Ursula Papandrea of the her time in office, and is fully months that not everyone has broadcast a documentary which altered in exchange for bribes. US, who became the first wom- supportive of the reforms she the best interests of the sport revealed what it described as a ARD also referred to docu- an to head the International has initiated in the IWF.” in mind and our attempts to “culture of corruption” in the ments showing that nearly 4.5 Weightlifting Federation (IWF) The IOC did not name her reform the sport have been met sport intended to mask the use million euros ($4.9 million) when she took over in January, replacement but the CEO of with incredible resistance.” of doping. The Hungarian Ta- paid to the IWF by the IOC were was removed after an execu- USA Weightlifting Phil An- The IOC said the power grab mas Ajan, 81, chairman of the transferred to accounts in Swit- tive board vote at an emergency drews announced in a state- “and its consequences will, of IWF for 20 years after serving zerland over which Ajan alone meeting on Tuesday. ment released in his own name course, be taken into consid- as its secretary general, rejected exercises control. Sports Thursday, October 15, 2020 13 Players’ welfare is ‘main priority’, says Asian football body

AFP see the confederation (AFC) Hong Kong involved in some of these really drastic negative situations on Asian football’s governing the domestic level,” Baer-Hoff- body said player welfare was its mann told AFP. “main priority” after criticism He added: “We would very from the global players’ union much expect that the confed- that it had been slow to provide eration sets a certain standard, enough support since the coro- in terms of embracing collective navirus shutdown. decision-making, in terms of FIFPro general secretary embracing the standards that Jonas Baer-Hoffmann last week we are working under on the said the Asian Football Confed- deeper level. And that’s certain- eration’s engagement had been ly not happening.” “lacking severely”, adding that Like many sports bodies, player welfare problems threat- the AFC has suffered severe dif- Neymar hat-trick ened to undo Asia’s progress in ficulty running its competitions the sport. this year. But the AFC The suspend- defended its re- ed Champions sponse to the League has re- nets Brazil win as he Covid-19 cri- sumed in a bios- sis. “The Asian ecure “bubble” in Football Confed- Qatar, while the eration put the welfare and the second-tier AFC Cup has been well-being of the players – and cancelled and World Cup quali- moves closer to Pele all our stakeholders – as our fiers are on hold. Brazil’s Neymar leaps in joy after scoring one of his three goals against Peru during their 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier at the National Stadium in Lima on Tuesday main priority throughout the “Our focus has been on the amid the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic. (AFP) pandemic,” it told AFP in a safe resumption of our AFC statement. competitions in a biosecure The AFC “provided support environment as well as promot- With 64 goals, Neymar passed super striker Ronaldo in the Brazilian national team’s all-time for clubs and leagues through ing the restart, where safe and the member associations and appropriate, of the leagues in scoring tally and is now behind legend of the sport Pele, who tops the list with 77 goals regional associations,” it added. our member associations,” the “Our competitions were AFC said. the first to be postponed in the The Kuala Lumpur-based DPA Argentina won their first Games are played behind world and that was to protect body said it also took part in Rio de Janeiro FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers qualifying match against Ec- closed doors and amid strict the health of all those who FIFA discussions leading up to uador last week 1-0, while Bo- safety and hygiene rules as the were to be involved in those the approval of up to $1.5 billion A hat-trick from superstar Peruvian ex-Bundesliga main striker was getting “bet- livia were trounced 5-0 by five- region is currently one of the matches.” in grants and loans for national Neymar enabled Brazil to turn player Carlos Zambrano was ter and better” as he matures. time world champions Brazil. pandemic hotspots. Baer-Hoffmann high- football associations around the tide against Peru and win red-carded towards the end of Earlier on Tuesday, Argen- Brazil top the table on goal Following the death of as- lighted the problems faced by the world. Tuesday’s World Cup qualify- the game. tina won their second qualify- difference from Argentina sociation president Cesar Sali- players in Indonesia, saying FIFPro, headquartered in ing match 4-2 at Estadio Na- The previous day Peruvian ing match by defeating Bolivia with Colombia third on four nas, Bolivian football is being a “unilateral decision” by clubs the Netherlands, represents cional in Lima. strikers Raul Ruidiaz and Alex 2-1 in La Paz. points thanks to Radamel Fal- rattled by internal conflicts. to slash wages by three-quar- tens of thousands of footballers Brazil trailed the hosts af- Valera had tested positive to The hosts initially ap- cao’s 90th minute equalizer Several clubs have not re- ters had caused “quite severe worldwide via 65 national play- ter Andre Carrillo opened the the novel coronavirus but did peared to have an advantage in Chile. leased their players, while na- hardship”. er associations, including eight scoring in the fifth minute, but not show serious symptoms. in the high-altitude match Jefferson Lerma had put tional coach Cesar Farias has “We would have liked to in Asia-Pacific. they equalised with Neymar’s With 64 goals, Neymar - at 3,650 metres above sea the guests ahead and though been accused of corruption. first goal in the 27th. passed super striker Ron- level - and took the lead with Arturo Vidal, from the spot, They are bottom of the Peru were ahead once aldo in the Brazilian national a Marcelo Martins goal at 24 and Alexis Sanchez turned 10-team round-robin league more when Renato Tapia team’s all-time scoring tally minutes. the tie seventh-placed Chile which sees the top four qualify scored three minutes into and is now behind legend of Inter Milan striker Lautaro were denied late on to remain for Qatar and the fifth-placed New Zealand scrap the seecond half, but Brazil the sport Pele, who tops the Martinez then equalized mo- winless. side enter a play-off. came out on top after goals list with 77 goals. ments before the end of the The start of the South from Neymar in the 82nd Brazil coach Tite played first half. American qualifying campaign Scoreline: Brazil 4 (Neymar 28’ England football friendly and 94th minutes and an- down comparisons to other Joaquin Correa secured for the 2022 finals in Qatar (P), 83’ (P), 90+4, Richarlison other from Richarlison in the Brazilian greats but said the the win for the Albiceleste with was delayed by the coronavi- 64’) bt Peru 2 (Andre Carrilo 6’, over virus ‘complications’ 65th minute. 28-year-old Paris Saint-Ger- a goal in the 79th minute. rus pandemic. Renato Tapia 59’).

AFP strictions when they returned Wellington home, adding that could “po- tentially jeopardise their pro- Swiss return $40m of New Zealand pulled out of fessional careers”. Goal-shy Ireland still awaiting win next month’s football friendly All Whites coach Danny stolen South American against England on Wednes- Hay said he was “gutted” to day, saying “complications” have to withdraw from such a football funds under Kenny after Finland loss caused by Covid-19 had made high-profile fixture. it too difficult to field a team at “Looking at the restric- Geneva: Switzerland has returned AFP Goalkeeper Darren Wembley on November 12. tions currently in place, as 36.6 million Swiss francs (40 million Helsinki Randolph’s pass was in- The withdrawal follows a well as the rising number of dollars) of embezzled funds to South tercepted by Teemu Pukki number of coronavirus cases Covid-19 cases across Europe, America’s football governing body Stephen Kenny is still and he squared for Jensen, during the current round of it just isn’t possible to put a CONMEBOL, the Swiss top prosecution waiting for his first win as who scored at the second international fixtures, includ- competitive squad together,” authority said on Wednesday in Bern. Republic or Ireland man- attempt after his first ef- ing a positive test by Portugal he said. The Swiss Office of the Attorney ager after a 1-0 defeat in fort was blocked by Shane and Juventus superstar Cris- Coronavirus problems General had seized the money from Finland left his side out of Duffy. tiano Ronaldo. have weighed heavily on Swiss bank accounts since last Decem- contention for top spot in Centre-back Duffy re- “The shifting nature of the ongoing round of ber. Nations League Group B4. mains the only man to travel restrictions and com- international games, with sev- The money is linked to investiga- In front of 8,000 fans score in Kenny’s reign mercial flight availability un- eral teams facing difficulties tions against the late Nicolas Leoz, who in Helsinki, Fredrik Jens- as for the fourth straight der Covid means that we do and disruption. served as CONMEBOL president for en scored the only goal, game Ireland failed to find not have certainty we could England manager Ga- many years, as well as Eduardo Deluca, as he did when the sides Finland’s midfielder Ilmari Niskanen (left) and Ireland’s defender the net. assemble a squad at Wemb- reth Southgate, whose team the body’s former secretary general, the met last month in Dublin, Dara O’Shea vie for the ball during their UEFA Nations League Enda Stevens hit the ley,” New Zealand Football play Denmark on Wednesday office said. to take Finland a point match in Helsinki on Wednesday. Finland won 1-0. (AFP) crossbar in the second- CEO Andrew Pragnell said in and are also due to face Bel- Deluca has been convicted in Swit- above Wales at the top of half and Ronan Curtis a statement. gium and Iceland next month, zerland of aiding embezzlement. the group. tive coronavirus cases and for Ireland to play more was denied by a fine save He said a “significant earlier defended the decision The case against Leoz was dropped Kenny has had to deal players forced into self-iso- possession football back- from Lukas Hradecky in number” of players would to play the games during the after his death in August 2019. (DPA) with the disruption of posi- lation, but his philosophy fired for Jensen’s winner. stoppage time. face quarantine or other re- pandemic. African roundup: CAF Champions League to resume after long delay

AFP the African equivalent of the tition from Onyango, Zambian at home when the 2020/2021 Arabian Gulf League when Johannesburg Europa League, will be staged Kennedy Mweene and locals season kicks off on Saturday the season was abandoned exclusively in Morocco. Ricardo Goss and Jody Febru- with a knockout competition due to the coronavirus. CAF club football resumes Local clubs Renaissance ary should he join the 10-time between the top eight finishers Mwape won the Premier- this weekend – five months Berkane and Hassania Agadir South African Premiership in the last league. ship Golden Boot award behind schedule because of meet in Casablanca on Octo- champions. When the previous cor- with 16 goals two seasons the coronavirus pandemic – ber 19 followed by Pyramids of onavirus-affected season re- ago and his playoff goals were with 2019/2020 Champions Egypt against Horoya of Guin- Zimbabwe: Former Zimba- sumed in August, all matches instrumental in Leopards’ League semi-final first legs in ea in Rabat the following day. bwe defender/midfielder Nor- were played within a ‘bio bub- survival. Morocco. Rabat hosts the October man Mapeza has quit as coach ble’ covering Johannesburg, DR Congo: Renaissance Casablanca teams Wydad 25 final and a new name will of South African Premiership Pretoria and Soweto. rose to the top of the Demo- and Raja host Egyptian giants be engraved on a trophy first newcomers Tshakhuma Tsha Sports minister Nathi cratic Republic of Congo Li- Al Ahly and Zamalek respec- competed for in 2004 and won Madzivhandila (TTM) after Mthethwa said the 16 top- nafoot Ligue 1 after a 1-0 away tively on Saturday and Sunday a record three times by Tuni- just three weeks. flight clubs can use their home win over Racing Club in a Kin- with the return matches next sian club CS Sfaxien. The 48-year-old cited “un- grounds, but no spectators will shasa derby. weekend. workable conditions”, adding be permitted. Jean Kaswayi scored for The single-match final is Uganda: Uganda goal- that he “could not help the Zamalek arrive in Morocco for their CAF Champions League match the unfamiliar leaders in set for November 6 at a Mo- keeper Ismail Watenga is hav- club anymore”. Egypt: Egyptian Premier against Raja Casablanca. a championship tradi- roccan or Egyptian venue to ing trials with South African TTM will play top-flight League club Ismaily have had tionally dominated by TP be decided and the champions 2019/2020 season treble win- football for the first time this a miserable season, lying 12th Champions League win- exchanged one lowly-placed Mazembe from southern city pocket $2.5 million (2.1 mil- ners Mamelodi Sundowns. Saturday having bought the in the 18-team championship ners receive $2.5 million -- club for another by moving Lubumbashi and Kinshasa- lion euros). He was recommended to status of disbanded Bidvest after just 10 victories in 32 $3.5 million less than Arab from Black Leopards in South based V Club. Here, AFP Sport cov- the Pretoria club by compa- Wits, and there have been re- matches. Club Champions Cup semi-fi- Africa to Hatta in the United Renaissance have seven ers news from around the triot Denis Onyango, the cur- ports of chaotic pre-season But they could soon pocket nalists Ismaily will earn if they Arab Emirates. points from three matches, continent. rent first choice shot stopper preparations. prize money much greater go on the win the competition. Leopards needed playoffs two points more than Manie- Morocco: The single- at 2016 African champions than that on offer in the CAF to retain their South African ma Union, three above Bless- match semi-finals and final of Sundowns. South Africa: South Afri- Champions League, the elite Zambia: Zambian for- Premiership status while ing and four ahead of V Club the CAF Confederation Cup, Watenga will face compe- can clubs will return to playing African club competition. ward Mwape Musonda has Hatta were second last in the and Saint Eloi Lupopo. 14 Thursday, October 15, 2020 Sports

Ewan wins ATP Player Council Belgian GP Anderson becomes as Cavendish drops hint chief as Djokovic of retirement seeks solace in AFP Paris ‘energy pyramids’ The world’s current top cy- cling sprinter Caleb Ewan won AFP After Nadal loss, the Grand Prix de l’Escaut on Paris Djokovic seeks solace Wednesday in a race where Sarajevo: Meanwhile, Novak the great British veteran Mark South African Kevin An- Djokovic visited a Bosnian Cavendish possibly made his derson has succeeded Novak ‘pyramid park’ on Tuesday to last appearance. Djokovic as president of the benefit from the site’s purport- Cavendish wiped away ATP Player Council. ed healing powers and miracle tears this week saying he was The Serbian World No.1 cures, 48 hours after his dem- possibly at the end of a career quit before the US Open in olition by Rafael Nadal in the which has produced 30 Tour September to launch a breaka- French Open final. de France stages, a record only way organisation. The Serbian world number bettered by Eddy Merckx on 34. The ATP said in a state- one is known for unorthodox While the Belgian was an ment that Anderson would and sometimes controversial all rounder Cavendish was the step up from vice-president of new-age spiritual views and greatest pure sprinter the Tour the Player Council to take over practices. And two days after has ever seen and would surely as president. being swept aside 6-0, 6-2, have surpassed Merckx but for “Congratulations Kevin” 7-5 at Roland Garros he made fallow spells in his career. Tennis South Africa tweet- a trip to Visko’s Valley of the ed on Tuesday in recog- Pyramids and its 25,000-year- nition of Anderson’s new old tunnels beneath whose responsibility. “energy” is claimed to bring It said that Canadian Felix about miracle cures. Auger-Aliassime, Frenchman Although some hills in the Team Groupama-FDJ rider France’s Arnaud Demare, wearing the best sprinter’s mauve jersey, celebrates as he crosses the line and win the Jeremy Chardy, Australian region resemble a pyramid 11th stage of the Giro d’Italia 2020 cycling race, a 182-kilometer route between Porto Sant’Elpidio and Rimini on Wednesday. (AFP) John Millman and British for- shape, the European Asso- mer world No.1 Andy Murray ciation of Archaeologists de- were voted on to the council by bunked the claims as pseudo- their fellow players. science over a decade ago. They replace Djokovic, “I would invite all athletes Americans John Isner and to come here to spend time Sprint king Arnaud Sam Querrey and Canadian in the tunnels, which are very Vasek Pospisil who all re- beneficial for the increase of signed in September. oxygen in the lungs,” he told The ATP Player Coun- public TV station FTV. “It has cil has 12 members, includ- a direct effect on regeneration, Demare wins 4th ing Roger Federer and Rafael on recovery, which is very im- Nadal, who beat Djokovic on portant for athletes,” he said. Sunday to win the French According to local media, Open at Roland Garros for the visitors to the pyramid park Team Lotto rider Australia’s Caleb 13th time. have increased since Djoko- Ewan celebrates on the podium Djokovic is behind the vic’s earlier visit in July after after winning the 108h edition of Giro d’Italia stage creation of a new men’s pro- he and his wife contracted the “Scheldeprijs” (Grand Prix de fessional tennis players’ asso- Covid-19 following a tennis L’Escaut) one day cycling race, Results ciation (PTPA), independent tournament Djokovic organ- 174km from Schoten to Schoten, Deceuninck’s of the ATP, which runs the cir- ised in the Balkans. on Wednesday. (AFP) Stage 11 182km from Porto Sant’Elpidio to Rimini): Overall: 1. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) 43hr 41min 57sec, 2. Wilco cuit. He has ignored calls from “If there is paradise on Almeida keeps Stage: 1. Arnaud Demare (FRA/Groupama-FDJ) 4hrs 3mins 52secs, 2. Kelderman (NED/SUN) at 34sec, 3. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) 43, 4. Nadal and Federer for “unity earth, then it is here,” the Ser- The 35-year-old has suf- Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) s.t.,3. Alvaro Hodeg (COL/DEC) s.t., 4. Simone Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA/NTT) 57, 5. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) 1:01, 6. not separation”. bian player said at the time. fered with Epstein-Barr virus race lead Consonni (ITA/COF) s.t., 5. Rick Zabel (GER/ISR) s.t.,6. Nico Denz (GER/ Patrick Konrad (AUT/BOR) 1:15, 7. Jai Hindley (AUS/SUN) 1:19, 8. Rafal and depression in recent times AFP SUN) s.t., 7. Fernando Gaviria (COL/UAE) s.t., 8. Stefano Oldani (ITA/LOT) Majka (POL/BOR) 1:21, 9. Fausto Masnada (ITA/DEC) 1:36, 10. Hermann s.t., 9. Jacopo Mosca (ITA/TRE) s.t.,10. Elia Viviani (ITA/COF) s.t. Rimini (Italy) Pernsteiner (AUT/BOR) 1:52, 11. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) 2:20. and does not yet have a con- Selected: 15. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/TRE) s.t., 16. Wilco Kelderman (NED/ tract for 2021. “I don’t want to Selected: 77. Peter Sagan (SVK/BOR) at 1hr 07min 39sec, 122. Arnaud SUN) s.t., 22. Joao Almeida (POR/DEC) s.t, 23. Rafal Majka (POL/BOR) s.t, Demare (FRA/FDJ) 1 h 56:56. stop. I love this sport,” he told Frenchman Arnaud De- 25. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) s.t, 31. Pello Bilbao (ESP/BAH) s.t. Belgian media. “But this might mare powered to his fourth have been my last race. I was victory in this year’s Giro points jersey. The victory gives Demare five Sant’Elpidio with the last man, looking forward to this race d’Italia, winning a frenetic “It was the first perfect in total on the Giro, after one Belgian Sander Armee, not and I was enjoying racing in stage 11 finish in the seaside sprint of this Giro for me, even last year. caught until the final 6km. Belgium. It’s pure racing like town of Rimini on Wednesday. though it’s the fourth win and Demare trails 122nd in “The youngsters of the when I was a kid again. I don’t The Groupama-FDJ rider we weren’t in the right position the overall standings, nearly team have done enormous have a desire to stop.” crossed the line in a bunched at the entrance of the finishing two hours behind leader Joao work to bring Sander Armee On Wednesday, Cavendish sprint just ahead of Tuesday’s town,” said the 29-year-old. Almeida of Portugal, in the back,” said Demare. ripped off his race number stage winner, Slovak Peter “But the sport directors race which finishes in Milan “My three lead-out men from his bib and pocketed it be- Sagan, with Colombian Al- and coaches of the team had on October 25. delivered me in a perfect posi- fore leaving the event, sparking varo Hodeg third after the prepared the finale very well On Wednesday, Deceun- tion and I felt a lot of strength speculation it was a souvenir. 182km run north along the so we knew where we’d go. inck’s Almeida finished in the in my legs to launch my Results: Grand Prix de l’Escaut Adriatic coastline from Porto “When I launched my leading group, to keep the sprint.” 1. Caleb Ewan (AUS/LOT) 3hrs Sant’Elpidio. sprint, it was at very high overall leader’s pink jersey Thursday’s 12th stage cov- 34mins 38sec, 2. Niccolo Boni- “Coming to the Giro I speed again. with a 34-second advantage ers 204km around Cesenatico, fazio (ITA/TDE) same time, 3. didn’t think I’d get four stage “Since I got my second on Team Sunweb’s Dutch rid- through the home region of Bryan Coquard (FRA/B&B) s.t., wins. Hats off to my team stage win, everything is just er Wilco Kelderman. Italian cycling great Marco 4. Tim Merlier (BEL/ALP) s.t., 5. mates!” said Demare, who a bonus, and the pleasure we “The first part of the stage Pantani, who died in 2004, Jasper Philipsen (BEL/UAE) s.t.. now has 75 career wins, in- take from winning together as was fairly quiet, then a frenetic with five climbs in theR omag- Selected: 13. Alexander Kristoff cluding 14 this season. a team is extraordinary.” finish with many teams who na hinterland. (NOR/UAE) s.t., 21. Pascal Ack- Demare has won all four Demare becomes the first wanted to race in the front,” “Tomorrow is a very un- ermann (GER/BOR) s.t., 133. bunched sprints in this year’s French rider since 1982 win- said Almeida. dulating stage, there will be Mark Cavendish (GBR/Bahrain Giro, to move ahead of Sagan ner Bernard Hinault to claim A five-rider breakaway some attacks, but we will be McLaren) 1min 47sec. in the fight for the cyclamen four stages in the same Giro. formed after leaving Porto prepared,” said Almeida. South African Kevin Anderson. Filipino UFC fighter follows Pacquiao’s mountain path to glory

AFP heat of much of the sprawling before travelling. bat sambo gold medallist. Hong Kong tropical archipelago. After 10 days in quarantine “It’s a crazy, crazy game,” The mountains are home fighting off the coronavirus he said Striegl. Mark Striegl makes his UFC to the indigenous Igorot peo- was cleared to resume training “This is just one of those debut in Abu Dhabi this week- ple, legendary warriors who and now comes his date with adventures I will look back on end having taken a path forged resisted colonial domination Nurmagomedov – the first one day and just laugh about. by centuries of feared Filipino for hundreds of years. contest of Streigl’s four-fight It’s super fun.” warriors and followed by box- From 1565 to 1898 they UFC contract. The UFC was one of the ing great Manny Pacquiao. successfully fought to keep the “Thankfully it came and it first international sports or- Striegl based himself in gold found on their lands out went,” Striegl said of the virus. ganisations to restart during the cool mountain climate of the hands of Spanish colo- “I had a fever and lost my the Covid-19 pandemic, set- of Baguio City and it paid off nial powers. sense of taste and smell. But ting up sports “bubbles” in as he became the only Phil- They continued their de- now I have had a full fight Florida, Las Vegas and then in ippines-based fighteron the fiance after Spain ceded the camp and I am super stoked. Abu Dhabi, where the promo- UFC’s books. Philippines to the United It’s almost like I have been liv- tion is currently having its sec- “There’s the high-altitude States. They then fought ing in a movie.” ond month-long stay. training but there’s also the against Japanese occupiers The 28-year-old Nurma- history there,” said Filipino- during World War Two. ‘Crazy, crazy game’ gomedov is also a mountain American Striegl. “Once I’d “Everybody knows about Striegl was born in Tokyo to man, from Russia’s Dagestan, fought there, I couldn’t get the warriors from the moun- an American father and Fil- famed for producing his cous- myself to leave.” tains and that history really ipina mother and started out in and feared UFC lightweight Baguio City – on the north- surrounds you,” said Striegl. in karate and wrestling. He champion Khabib Nurma- ern Philippines island of Lu- Today Baguio City is home spent his college years in Cali- gomedov (28-0), conqueror of zon – has in the past hosted to gyms such as Shape Up Box- fornia before turning to MMA Conor McGregor. eight-weight world champion ing and Team Lakay MMA that and making the Philippines “I’m expecting a war,” said Pacquiao’s training camps. have hosted a string of top-class his home. Striegl. “There’s never an easy The 32-year-old MMA fighters, including Pacquiao Striegl grafted for a decade fight in the UFC and I am ex- bantamweight Striegl first vis- and the Asia-based One Cham- in regional fight promotions pecting Said to bring out the ited Baguio a decade ago for a pionship’s strawweight MMA A file photo of Mark Striegl of the Philippines (white shorts) fighting Sotir Kichukov of Bulgaria during their such as Asia’s One Fighting best in me. mixed martial arts bout. world champion Joshua Pacio. ONE Championship catchweight mixed martial arts bout at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. (AFP) Championship and the Philip- “I’m never in a boring He met a local woman and pine-based Universal Reality fight. He’s from the moun- fell in love both with her and ‘Living in a movie’ career in the talent-rich ban- “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. two days before a maiden Combat Championship, where tains of Russia and I’m from the popular Filipino holiday Striegl, who has an MMA tamweight division against It’s a debut delayed from bout at the UFC’s Las Vegas he claimed the featherweight the mountains of the Philip- destination, which offers wel- record of 18 wins with two Russia’s Said Nurmagomedov August when Striegl tested base, despite having spent belt. He is also the reigning pines, so this is going to be a come respite from the sticky defeats will begin his UFC (13-2) on Sunday morning at positive for COVID-19 just weeks in isolation in Manila Southeast Asian Games com- good one.” Sports Thursday, October 15, 2020 15 Bint Saffian lands Al Ghariya Cup as QREC racing season begins

Tribune News Network Doha

Bint Saffian I( RE) from the stable of Al Azraq bagged her 4th victory to land the the Al Ghariya Cup run on dirt at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan park on Wednesday as the new QREC racing season kicked off. Ridden by jockey Alberto Sanna, the Bader Al Balushi- trained 5YO bay mare won by a whopping 5¾-length in the 1100m Class. The winning team was honoured by QREC Racing Manager Mohammed Khalid Al Khalifa. In the Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate, Al Shaqab Rac- ing’s homebred Alsdry (TM The winning team of the Al Gharaiya Cup with the trophies at the QREC on Wednesday. Alberto Sanna guides the Bader Al Balushi-trained Bint Saffian to win in the Al Gharaiya Cup on Wednesday. Fred Texas x Dixie Darlene) emerged supreme. Soufi- Handicap (0-75) on dirt. Me- organised at the new Al Uqda ane Saadi rode the Alban de teb Al Saaq rode the Moham- Racing Complex in Al Khor. Mieulle-trained 4YO bay filly med Hussain-trained 5YO Commenting on the start to a 3½-length win in the chestnut horse to a short-head of the new season, especially 1200m run. win in the 1200m run. after the previous season was Al Shahania Stud’s home- Dhafi Rashid Al Marri’s abruptly halted due to the on- bred Rajeh (FR) (Jaafer x Nel- homebred Tahri Baha (QA) going COVID-19 pandemic, ka) enhanced his strike rate (Mared Al Sahra) added a 3rd QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida to 8 winnings in the Purebred win to tally in the Local Pure- Al Kaabi said, “We have been Arabians race on dirt. bred Arabian Conditions. preparing for a long time for Saleh Al Marri jockeyed Carlos Henrique rode the the start of the new season. And the Jassim Ghazali-trained Mohammed Hussain-trained I am sure that with the pro- 6YO grey horse to a ¾-length 7YO horse to a head win in the gramme already announced, win in the 1700m run. 6f run. the owners and the trainers Al Thumama Racing’s Umm Qarn’s Badda (FR) would have already begun ar- Barig Al Thumama (GB) (Kyl- (Seraphin Du Paon) also ranging their cards, especially lachy) won the Thoroughbred added 4th (& 2nd straight) since the new season is ex- pected to be a different from the others in the past, given the current circumstances. “The club has kept the fi- nancial prizes unchanged, es- pecially for the big races, and has also increased the number of race meetings to 49. We are also hosting races at the new track, which is completely ready, and the first meeting at the new track will be the Huwaila Cup Day on November 25. Action from one of the eight races held on the opening day of the new Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) season at Al Rayyan on Wednesday. “In the future, more races will be held at the new track, win to her record in a Pure- 5YO bay mare to a fine the Thoroughbred Maiden 2020/21 season. which is well-equipped with bred Arabian Handicap (0-90 2½-length win. (1100m) race with Saleh Al The meeting was the first all the facilities to ensure suc- /1700m) race. Abdullah Mohammed Marri rifing the Jassim Ghaz- of 49 meetings that have been cess of the races and is also Jockeys line up ahead of the opening race of the new Qatar Racing & Ronan Thomas rode the Al Kuwari & Sons’ Shell- ali-trained 4YO to a ¾-length scheduled this season, with a great support for Qatari Equestrian Club’s (QREC) racing season at Al Rayyan on Wednesday. the Alban de Mieulle-trained brook (GB) (Shamardal) won win in the opening race of the as many as 12 meetings to be equestrian,” he added.

Ooredoo Cup Nortje clocks fastest IPL ball at Gharafa beat Kharaitiyat to lead 97mph as Delhi trump Royals AFP Group B with maximum points Dubai South African quick Anrich Tribune News Network Nortje clocked the fastest ball Doha of the Indian Premier League at 97 mph (156.22 kph) and Al Gharafa beat Al Kharaitiyat claimed two key wickets to 3-1 in Round 3 (Group B) of help Delhi Capitals beat Ra- the 2020-21 season Ooredoo jasthan Royals by 13 runs on Cup at the Al Duhail Stadium Wednesday. on Wednesday. Nortje bowled England’s With two straight wins, Jos Buttler, for 22, and Robin both teams went into the Uthappa, for 32, as Royals match knowing a win would faltered in their chase of 162 secure the group’s top spot. to manage just 148 for eight Al Kharaitiyat struck first in Dubai. through Hassan in the half- Nortje, who was ably sup- Delhi Capitals’ South African quick Anrich Nortje in action against hour mark, but their lead ported by fellow Proteas pace- Rajasthan Royals in Dubai on Wednesday. lasted only four minutes as Al man Kagiso Rabada, consist- Ahmed Al Janahi leveled the ently bowled at over 90 mph Delhi scored 161 for seven af- clocked 97 mph. contest before Sofiane Hanni through his four overs of fear- ter electing to bat first. Nortje though had his re- gave the lead to Gharafa be- some pace in a match where Iyer later walked off the venge on the last ball as he got fore the interval and in the Saad Naseeb Al Khayarin of Al khariatiyat (centre) is challenged by Jonathan Kodija of Gharafa during their Royals quick Jofra Archer re- field after injuring his shoul- through Buttler’s defences to 90th minute Almahdi Ali com- Ooredoo Cup Group B match at the Al Duhail Stadium on Wednesday. Al Gharafa won 3-1. turned figures of 3-19. der while fielding and took no rattle the stumps on another pleted the rout. “No idea I bowled at 156ks further part in the match. quick ball. Al Gharafa moved to nine the game when Almahdi head- had Younis come up with an Ali Ferydoon taking the field. tonight but good to hear it,” Delhi have reclaimed top “Didn’t expect him to go points with an all-win record ed into a goal from Muad Has- equally brilliant save. The stalemate continued said man of the match Nortje. spot in the eight-team IPL ta- for a six first ball. Maybe he as a result and Al Kharaitiyat san’s corner kick. In the 28th minute as well, and the teams shared points. Rabada, who took one ble with six wins from eight was expecting something else stayed on six points. In the other match of the Fahad thwarted Hamdi. Al Arabi are on seven wicket to stay top of the IPL games but second-placed off that delivery. Stuck to my Al Gharafa started strong, group, Al Arabi and Al Rayyan Parity was restored when points with an unbeaten re- bowlers chart with 18 scalps Mumbai Indians have played strength and paid off,” Nortje but it was Al Kharaitiyat who played an entertaining 1-1 draw Khalid applied an opportunis- cord, while Al Rayyan collect- in eight games, was all praise just seven matches. said of his battle with Buttler. took the lead when Hassan in Round 3 (Group B) at Al Ara- tic finish to a loose ball which ed their first point. for his pace partner, who was “Didn’t expect the sec- Ali capitalised on a quick bi Stadium on Wednesday. Al Rayyan’s Gabriel Mercado, Al Arabi earlier beat Al picked by Delhi Capitals as re- Nortje v Buttler ond ramp. Luckily I stuck to counter-attack and beat goal- Naif Abdulraheem Al Hadh- who mostly stands reliable at Ahli 5-1 and Umm Salal 3-0, placement for Chris Woakes In reply, England’s Ben Stokes it. We’ve got a good coach in ie Salah Zakaria before put- rami ‘s fifth-minute goal gave the rear, failed to clear. whereas Al Rayyan previously ahead of the virus-hit season. hit an attacking 41 but the Ryan. Lovely working with KG ting the ball home. Al Rayyan an early lead. Khalid Al Arabi took the field af- lost 1-4 to Al Kharaitiyat and “He is a real fast bowler knock went in vain as the Steve (Rabada). Al Gharafa didn’t have Mubarak Al Naimi equalised Al ter resumption with a spate 0-2 to Al Gharafa. and I can learn some technical Smith-led Royals lost regular “Tushar (Deshpande) to wait long to equalise, and Arabi in the 36th minute. Both of substitutions, which saw Al Ahli and Umm Salal stuff from him. I have some wickets and managed just 25 has been working in the nets. Ahmed Al Janahi was spot-on teams demonstrated intent and Sebastian Soria, Mohammed were locked in a draw of 1-1 experience which I can tell runs from their last five overs. Enjoying my experience with with a great assist from Jona- the game witnessed dramatic Salah El Neel and Abdulla Al in Round 3 at Al Arabi Sta- him about,” said Rabada. Stokes, a left-hand bats- them.” than Kodjia, who had a good moments throughout. Marafi come in, as they sharp- dium on Wednesday. New On Nortje hitting the fast- man, started the Royals reply Ravichandran Ashwin sent game out there. Naif was quick enough to ened their attack. recruit Abdennour Belhocini est IPL delivery, Rabada said, with a four off Rabada as he back Smith caught and bowled Kodjia gave the pass again take full advantage of the de- El Neel was unfortunate scored for Umm Salal in the “It looks like that every game. put on 37 runs with opening for one in the next over and as Hanni put Al Gharafa ahead fense-splitting pass of Yohan not to have scored around an sixth minute by converting Really happy for him but not partner Buttler attacked in his soon IPL debutant Deshpande in the first half of the injury. Boli and beat the charged-out hour into the game as his plac- the penalty, awarded when happy for the batter. When nine-ball stay. got the prized scalp of Stokes Al Gharafa continued to goalkeeper Sataa Al Abbasi ing shot went narrowly wide Ibrahim Majed tripped Ismail we play we only think about Buttler took on Nortje in as Royals slipped to 86-3. press hard in the second half, even as Al Arabi settled down. after Yasir Abubaker did the Mahmoud in the area. the delivery and not about the the third over, hitting a six and Scores: Delhi Capitals 161 for even as Al Kharaitiyat was In the 20th minute, the ar- hard work from the left flank. Al Ahli took a share of speed gun.” two successive scoop shots 7 (Dhawan 57, Iyer 53, Archer seeking to restore parity. rowhead of Al Arabi’s attack Al Arabi too made a few points through an own goal by Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer for four over short fine leg on 3-19) beat Rajasthan Royals The Cheetahs rounded off Hamdi Harbaoui free-kick replacements, with Mowafak Umm Salal’s Saoud Riaz in the made 53 and opener Shikhar deliveries that went over 95 (Stokes 41, Nortje 2-33) by the score in the last minute of saw Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fa- Awad, Abdulaziz Hazaa and 86th minute. Dhawan top-scored with 57 as miles an hour and one that 13 runs. 16 Thursday, October 15, 2020 The Last Word Sheikha Moza participates in event to celebrate QF’s inventors, innovators

the awards of Distinguished The virtual event highlighted achieve- Creator of the Year 2020; Distinguished Inventor of ments of the unique RDI ecosystem the Year 2020; and Innova- tion of the Year 2020, re- Tribune News Network the past 25 years, of driving spectively. Doha innovation, research and Dr O’Kennedy also rec- entrepreneurship, fostering ognized the Key Contribu- Her Highness Sheikha social development and a tors for Commercial Licens- Moza bint Nasser, chairper- culture of lifelong learning, ing Activity, highlighting QF son of Qatar Foundation, on and preparing bright minds staff who have played vital Wedneday attended ‘Em- to tackle the challenges of roles in facilitating success- powering Innovation’, a vir- tomorrow. Dr. Nimir El Bashir Dr. Kareem Darwish ful licensing of inventions or tual event organised by the Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, creative works for commer- Industry Development and vice-president of Research, tem, in alignment with the case of close to 80 patents cial purposes. Knowledge Transfer (IDKT), Development and Innova- Qatar National Vision 2030. awarded to QF in recent Day two of the celebra- a division of Qatar Founda- tion at Qatar Foundation, tured an awards ceremony; nology Venture Fund offered Dr O’Kennedy said, years, and honouring the tion will see a high-powered tion Research, Development opened the event. the unveiling of the “Wall of by Qatar Science & Technol- “With these initiatives and brilliant inventors behind panel discussion tackle the and Innovation (QF RDI), He outlined how the RDI Innovation” and a keynote ogy Park (QSTP). numerous others empower- them. importance of focusing on that celebrated Qatar Foun- landscape at QF has nur- speech by Wesley Blakeslee, He also announced that ing people to invent and in- The first day concluded Technology Maturation and dation’s long-standing com- tured Qatar’s innovation IP Policy & Innovation Infra- IDKT had developed a new novate, I am confident that with the awards and recogni- Commercialization activities mitment to research, innova- ecosystem to address nation- structure expert. Blakeslee searchable website and com- we will see more patents and tion ceremony, commending in order to deliver more im- tion and entrepreneurship. al priorities and provide im- presented an overview of plementary tools in the form better solutions to national members of the QF RDI com- pactful results. Her Highness Sheikha pactful solutions to society’s QF’s initiatives in policy of guidebooks designed to and global challenges.” munity who made invaluable The panel will comprise Moza was joined by Qatar many challenges. development relating to in- assist Qatar’s community Since its founding, QF contributions to QF RDI’s distinguished leaders and Foundation’s (QF) senior “The Research, Develop- tellectual property and en- members in working with QF has earned an increasing mission to address Qatar’s experts from Qatar Research officials and representatives ment and Innovation land- trepreneurship, and where RDI’s researchers, inventors, number of national and in- needs and priorities, with Development and Innova- of research and academic scape at Qatar Foundation those initiatives place QF in technologists and entrepre- ternational patents. These their breakthrough ideas and tion Council, Qatar Devel- institutions from Qatar’s re- encompasses infrastructure, progressing its innovation neurs. successes underscore QF’s innovations. opment Bank, Ministry of search, development and in- talent and policy with stake- ecosystem. The guidebooks provide unrelenting efforts to sup- Dr. Kareem Darwish of Commerce and Industry, Qa- novation community. holders spanning academia, Highlighting some of comprehensive information port the development of so- Qatar Computing Research tar National Research Fund, Empowering Innovation technology, entrepreneur- the support mechanisms on how IDKT’s team of ex- lutions to national and global Institute (QCRI) – part of QSTP, HBKU, and QF RDI. is a two-day event showcas- ship and healthcare,” Dr QF RDI has put in place to perts support in protecting challenges, and the capabili- QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- On day two, the event ing QF’s excellence in RDI, O’Kennedy said. “This struc- help inventors and innova- and marketing technologies, ty of its RDI infrastructure to versity (HBKU); Dr. Nimir El will close with an engag- recent milestones and future ture enables the efficient ex- tors develop their ideas into finding partners and licens- develop ideas and transform Bashir of QF partner univer- ing narrative, highlighting undertakings, as well as ser- change of knowledge, skills marketable products, Dr ing QF-owned intellectual them into impactful market- sity Texas A&M University at QF’s journey into becoming vices offered to the industry and techniques, which foster O’Kennedy outlined the fea- property around the globe. ready innovations. Qatar; and Automatic Gen- the organization it is now by RDI entities in QF’s inno- the development of the sci- tures of the Innovation Cou- IDKT was established to as- To highlight this accom- eration of Personas – a tool and featuring the extensive vation ecosystem. entific community and eco- pon; the Innovation Fellow- sist QF RDI to meet its part plishment, Dr O’Kennedy for generating user personas academic resources and re- The event is a celebra- nomic growth.” ship; and Entrepreneurial in QF’s endeavors to enhance unveiled the Digital Wall of from gathering social media search institutions within its tion of QF’s dedication, of Day one of the event fea- Leave, as well as the Tech- Qatar’s innovation ecosys- Innovation – a virtual show- data by QCRI, were accorded ecosystem.

Defence minister attends 12 Squadron headquarters opening in the UK QNA by Ambassador of Qatar to the Lincoln (United Kingdom) United Kingdom HE Yousef Ali Al Khater, Qatari Military Deputy Prime Minister and Attache to the UK Colonel Ali Minister of State for Defence Muhammad Al Fadala and a Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mo- number of senior officers in the hamed Al Attiyah and British Qatari Armed Forces. Minister of Defence Ben Wal- After the ceremony, Dr Atti- lace participated in the open- yah held a meeting with British ing ceremony of the Joint Minister of Defence Ben Wal- Squadron Command Building lace. No 12 at the Coningsby base in During the meeting, a num- the United Kingdom. ber of military issues of mu- During the opening ceremo- tual interest were discussed ny, some military parades were between the two friendly coun- held, in addition to a joint sortie tries, in addition to the latest on typhoon planes. regional and international de- The ceremony was attended velopments.

Ghanem meets Turkish defence minister, chief of staff Qatar delivers medical aid to Nicaragua Non-Resident Ambas- sador of Qatar to Nica- ragua HE Dr Khamees bin Rashid Al Kaabi has delivered the medi- cal aid and medicines provided by Qatar to Nicaragua, in order to help the country fight the COVID-19 pandem- ic. The aid was received by Assistant Health Minister of Nicaragua Dr Enrique Beteta, during a ceremony held on this occasion. In a speech on this occasion, Dr Enrique Beteta expressed thanks and appreciation to Qatar for its permanent support and its humanitarian stances with other countries, especially in crises. Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua Denis Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces HE Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem met separately with Minister of Defence of Turkey Hu- Moncada also met with Al Kaabi. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation lusi Akar and Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Yasar Guler in Ankara on Wednesday. During the two meetings, they between the two countries, in addition to issues of common interest. Moncada expressed reviewed bilateral relations in the military and defence fields and the means to enhance them. The two meetings were attended by Qatar’s Military Attache his hope for strengthening relations between the two friendly countries and cooperation in in Turkey Brigadier-General Mohammed Rashed Al Hajri, President of the Military Cooperation Authority Brigadier-General Abdulaziz Saleh Al Sulaiti and a various fields, and stressed that Nicaragua places the relationship with Qatar at the top of its priorities. (QNA) number of senior officers from both sides.(QNA) Third traditional handicrafts exhibition opens at Katara QNA Doha

The third exhibition for tra- ditional handicrafts opened at the Cultural Village Founda- tion (Katara) on Wednesday with the participation of Arab and foreign countries. The opening was attended by a number of ambassadors and representatives of diplo- matic missions in the country, as well as handicrafts lovers. A group of professional craftsmen from Palestine, Tu- be open daily from 9am to third year in a row, highlights Katara Director-General ing them to continue practis- “Katara has provided all bition contributes to creating nisia, Morocco, Sudan, Iran, 12pm and from 4pm to 10pm. the products of craftsmen who Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Su- ing their traditional crafts and kinds of material and moral opportunities for acquaint- Ethiopia and Syria will partici- The booths of the participat- have excelled in traditional laiti expressed happiness at selling their products. support for these craftsmen to ance and exchange of experi- pate in the exhibition, which is ing countries will open in the professions and handicrafts the inauguration of this exhi- He said the exhibition con- practise their handicrafts on a ences between the folk crafts- being held in Building 48 evening from 4pm to 10pm. such as gypsum, built-in box- bition in Katara, stressing the tributes to highlighting the permanent basis, in order to man and the artist. Interested The exhibition will last for The handicrafts exhibition, es, folk costumes, dolls, ships, Foundation’s role in support- civilisational and cultural as- preserve the popular heritage in heritage and its develop- ten days. The exhibition will which is being held for the chimneys, among others. ing craftsmen and encourag- pect of the Qatari heritage. and its originality. The exhi- ment,” Sulaiti said.