Qatar Sends Search & Rescue Team to Greece

Monday August 9, 2021 Muharram 1, 1443 Vol.14 no. 5332 QR 2

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World 5 Business 8 Sports 15 Taliban captures three Afghan NFE, rig rate hike set to Messi in tears leaving Barcelona, provincial capitals in single day drive GIS growth in H2 says: I’m not ready for this

Qatar sends search & rescue team to Greece In Implementation of the directives of His Highness (Lekhwiya) and a team from the Civil Defense of the Three large wildfires churned across Greece, with one the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Ministry of Interior on Sunday headed to participate in threatening a whole town and cutting a line across Evia, Thani, an equipped team from the Qatar International search and rescue operations in the Hellenic Republic of the country’s second-largest island, isolating its northern Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force Greece. part. (QNA) page 3

Amir exchanges congratulations on new Hijri year QNA Doha

His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Sunday exchanged cables of congratulations with leaders of fraternal Arab and Muslim countries on the occasion of the new Hijri year. Saudi opens Umrah pilgrimage to Almost 64% population vaccinated foreign worshippers Qatar tops Arab nations fully vaccinated: MoPH Agencies Vaccinated pilgrims from in medals tally at Riyadh countries on Saudi Arabia’s Tribune News Network no entry list will be subject to Doha Tokyo 2020 Olympics Saudi Arabia says it will be- institutional quarantine upon gin receiving Umrah pilgrim- arrival, it added. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) QNA age requests from vaccinated The Umrah is a pilgrim- has announced that 87. 5 percent of Doha foreign worshippers starting age to Islam’s two holiest sites the eligible population — 12 years and on August 9. in the cities of Makkah and above — have received at least one Arab athletes clinched the highest number The announcement on Medina and can be undertak- doze of the COVID-19 vaccine. of medals in the history of their participation state media early on Sunday en at any time of the year. It is Similarly, 73.7 percent of eligible at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, which came about 18 months after distinct from the Hajj, which population — 12 years and above — concluded on Sunday evening, winning five the kingdom closed its bor- ● Permits will initially takes place once annually. have received both the doses of the golds, five silvers and eight bronze medals. ders to foreign pilgrims due to be granted to 60,000 The COVID-19 pandemic vaccine. Qatar won its first Olympic gold and topped the coronavirus pandemic. pilgrims per month, disrupted both pilgrimages, In an infographic post on Twitter, the ranking of the Arab countries. The Saudi Press Agency but it will be gradually which are usually key reve- the MoPH said 75.9 percent of the total Arab athletes had achieved the high- said authorities in the minis- increased to 2 million per nue earners for the kingdom. population have received at least one est number of medals in 2004 Olympics try that coordinates foreign month Together, they earn about dose of the vaccine so far, while 63.9 with four golds, two silvers and two bronze. pilgrims will from Monday $12bn per year in normal percent of Qatar’s total population However, Tokyo Olympics marked another begin “receiving Umrah re- ● Overseas pilgrims times. have been fully vaccinated. achievement for the Arabs in which Qatar quests from various countries will have to include Saudi Arabia stopped the A total of 3,951,518 COVID-19 vac- won two gold medals in two events to rank of the world”. authorised COVID-19 Umrah following the pan- cine doses have been administered in first in the Arab world and 41st globally. Permits will initially be vaccination certificates demic but reopened it to im- Qatar to date, it added. Meanwhile, Egypt won the highest granted to 60,000 Umrah along with their Umrah munised domestic worship- “If you are eligible for the COV- number of medals in total with one gold, pilgrims per month, but that request pers in October last year. ID-19 vaccine but have not yet booked one silver and four bronze. It is still the most number will gradually be in- The Hajj took place in July your appointment, act now; get vac- crowned country among the Arabs (8) ahead creased to two million per this year and last year, though cinated to protect yourself and your of Morocco (7), while the Algerian participa- month, the report said. COVID-19 vaccination certifi- it was only open to a limited family, and support the return to nor- tion was disappointing without any medal. Overseas pilgrims will cates along with their Umrah number of domestic worship- mal life as soon as possible,” the MoPH have to include authorised request, it said. pers. added.

7 referred to Public Prosecution for Qatar Airways debuts spreading fake news two gateways in Africa THE competent authorities at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has referred seven people to the Public Prosecution after they used social media to spread false news and incited racial and tribal strife. In a tweet, the MoI said, “After concerned authorities at the Ministry of Interior found the content published in their accounts and its connection to the subject of the accusation, they were referred to the Public Prosecution to complete its procedures followed in this regard.” The MoI affirmed that it will not refrain from taking legal strong measures against Qa tar Airways (QA) enhanced its presence in try’s largest city and commercial centre, Lu- Tokyo Olympics of ‘hope’ concludes anyone who adopts a racist discourse Southern Africa with the launch of a new linked saka is the gateway to experiencing Zambia’s aimed at threatening the security, stability service between Doha and Lusaka, Zambia legendary tourist attractions - from the Victoria with upbeat ceremony and social peace of society. and Harare. To mark this milestone, the new Falls which it shares with Zimbabwe, to game The ministry called on users of social linked service was inaugurated by the airline’s reserves and a variety of wildlife. Meanwhile, The Tokyo Olympics closed on Sunday behind closed doors with International Olym- pic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach calling them “Games of hope, solidarity media platforms not to offend any compo- state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 featuring 36 Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, served via and peace” amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to tradition, Bach closed the nent of society, whether on tribal or racial seats in the award-winning Qsuite Business Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport July 23-August 8 Summer Games in the presence of Japanese crown prince Akishino grounds, on the grounds that the cohesion Class and 247 seats in Economy Class. Qatar (HRE), is also a destination with rich culture, and speaking French invited the youth of the world to the Games of the 33rd Olym- and stability of Qatari society is a respon- Airways now operates to Lusaka’s Kenneth World Heritage–listed archaeological sites, and piad in Paris 2024. page 12 sibility that rests with everyone. (TNN) Kaunda International Airport (LUN). The coun- diverse natural landscapes. page 16 02 Monday, August 9, 2021

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ALGERIAN FM MEETS QATAR’S ENVOY News in brief

Deputy Amir exchanges greetings on new Hijri Year The Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged cables of congratulations with Their Highness Crown Princes and Deputy Heads of State of the Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of the new Hijri Year on Sunday. (QNA) PM exchanges greetings on new Hijri Year Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Minister of Foreign Affairs and National community Abroad of the People’s Demo- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani exchanged cables of congratula- MURAIKHI BIDS FAREWELL TO HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR Minister of State for Foreign cratic Republic of Algeria HE Ramtane Lamamra met with Ambassador of the tions with Their Excellencies Prime Ministers of the fraternal Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with Ambassador of Hungary to Qatar HE Fodor State of Qatar to Algeria HE Hassan bin Ibrahim Al Malki, on the occasion of the Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of the new Hijri Barnabas, on the occasion of the end of his tenure on Sunday. The Minister of State for end of his tenure, on Sunday. The bilateral cooperation relations between the two Year on Sunday. (QNA) Foreign Affairs thanked the ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening countries were reviewed during the meeting. Algeria’s foreign ninister thanked the bilateral relations, and wished him success in his new missions. (QNA) ambassador for his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.(QNA) Muraikhi bids farewell to Tunisian envoy Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia HE Sami Al Saidi, on the occasion of the end of his tenure, on Sunday. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the ambassador for his efforts in supporting and It’s more important to get yourself strengthening bilateral relations, and wished him success in his new missions. (QNA) vaccinated now, points out expert Muraikhi meets Bangledesh FM Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al CATHERINE W GICHUKI Muraikhi, met with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the DOHA People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahriar Alam, who is currently visiting the country on Sunday. During the With the Delta variant pre- meeting, bilateral cooperation relations between the two coun- sent in Qatar, as in most other tries were reviewed. (QNA) countries around the world, getting the COVID-19 vaccine was more important than ever, according to a Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) official. Dr. Yousef Al Maslam- ani, Medical Director of Hamad General Hospital, has urged those hesitant to lic. If you got the vaccine, Dr. Al Maslamani socialising and visits.” urge community members get vaccinated for COVID-19 thank you very much for do- thanked the public for fol- Dr. Jameela Al Ajmi, Ex- to follow the preventative to do so to help in the fight ing that. If you got the first lowing the protocols and ecutive Director of the In- measures and restrictions in against the Delta variant. dose, please go ahead and making themselves available fection Control Department place to assist us in control- “Delta variant is now pre- get your second dose at the for the vaccine. “These two at Hamad Medical Corpora- ling the virus and prevent- sent all over the world and time that is appropriate. If factors aided us in reduction, said that while restric- ing a significant increase in Qatar. This variant is very you are still hesitant this is ing the number of cases and tions on COVID-19 are grad- COVID-19 cases in Qatar. contagious and spreads the time to decide and help keeping the disease under ually being lifted, COVID-19 This means continuing to very widely. We now have us to control the Delta vari- control. After the Eid Al- remains. wear a mask, keeping a social vaccines that are effective ant before it spreads more. Adha holiday, the numbers “Covid-19 is still a threat distance, washing your hands, against this variant and oth- Your support is expected began to rise slightly, but to our health and is well- and hastening the vaccination ers, and are safe for the pub- and warranted,” he said. this is to be expected due to known around the world. I process.”

Committee launches campaign to remove Al Sheehaniya Municipality conducts abandoned cars in Umm Salal Municipality 357 inspections of food outlets in July Tribune News Network tribune news network Doha doha

As part of continuing inspec- Al Sheehaniya Municipality’s health control tion campaigns to remove section has conducted 357 periodic inspections abandoned cars with the aim of food establishments within the municipal- of preserving the aesthetic ity’s administrative borders in July, during view of the country, a joint which a number of violations were recorded campaign was launched on and action was taken in accordance with the Sunday to remove abandoned provisions of Law No. (8) of 1990 on human cars in the administrative food control. borders of Umm Salal Mu- The health control inspectors enhanced nicipality. their efforts and concentrated on the auto- The campaign was imple- mated slaughterhouse, the fish market, and mented by the Committee for with the committee and get rid the shops selling live and slaughtered poul- the Removal of Abandoned of the abandoned vehicles in try. Cars and the Department of Me- order to avoid legal account- The Health Control Department also con- chanical Equipment and Public ability in implementation of tinued to implement the necessary measures Hygiene, in cooperation with Law No 18 of 2017 on public to ensure the health and safety of all work- the Municipality Umm Salal. cleanliness. ers in food stores, as well as their commit- This came as part of the efforts For his part, Lieutenant ment to general hygiene and proper health of the Ministry of Municipality Tamimi said the role of the Le- habits and behaviors, as well as the ongoing and Environment to curb this khwiya force in the campaign cleanliness and sterilisation of these stores, phenomenon that distorts the comes as part of keenness to and the immediate disposal of any waste or and masks, as well as monitor workers’ health public landscape, in implemen- cooperate with the concerned waste. and exclude any worker who exhibits symp- tation of Law No 18 of 2017 on authorities in the country to re- Workers must wear gloves, head coverings, toms of illness. public cleanliness. move abandoned vehicles that The campaign was attended Sultan said, “Today’s campaign of all the borders of Umm Salal distort the public landscape, as by Muhammad Mubarak Al targets the administrative bor- Municipality. Lekhwiya patrols maintain se- Sultan, acting head of the Gen- ders of Umm Salal Municipality He pointed out that many curity during the removal pro- eral Control Department at the and it will continue for 11 days people cooperated with the cess. Authorities refer 88 people for violating Municipal Control Department until the completion of the re- committee on the awareness He also called on the public in Umm Salal Municipality; moval of all abandoned cars in campaigns and removed their to cooperate with the authori- COVID-19 precautionary measures Lieutenant Muhammad Jassim Umm Salal area.” vehicles and regularised their ties on the awareness cam- Al Tamimi from the Lekhwiya He pointed out that about situation. paigns that are being carried out QNA ID-19. Among them, 77 were as well as the precaution- Force; a number of Lekhwiya 200 abandoned cars and equip- He urged the public to co- to remove abandoned cars. Doha charged with failing to wear ary measures in place in the Force personnel and patrols, the ment are being removed from operate with the concerned He said committee is keen masks in places where they country to prevent the spread General Directorate of Traffic all areas of the municipality. authorities to accomplish this to remove abandoned vehicles The designated authorities are required, and 11 for failing of COVID-19. and Patrols, a number of mu- He added that after the re- work in order to preserve the according to the timetable it set referred 88 people to pros- to maintain a safe distance. The designated authori- nicipality employees and repre- moval of all abandoned vehicles aesthetic appearance of the in cooperation with the compe- ecution for failing to comply The measures are consist- ties urged the public to follow sentatives from the participat- in the Umm Salal Muhammad state. tent authorities at the Ministry with the country’s preventive ent with the Cabinet decision the precautionary measures ing parties. area, the campaign will move to He also called on aban- of Municipality and Environ- and precautionary measures and Decree Law No. 17 of in place to ensure their own Speaking on the occasion, other areas until the completion doned car owners to cooperate ment. to limit the spread of COV- 1990 on infectious diseases, and others’ safety. Nation Monday, August 9, 2021 03

Qatari search and rescue team heads to Greece Pamper yourself in the stunning Souq Suite at Alwadi Hotel MGallery

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK lery, stated that the Souq Suite DOHA takes a guest’s stay to “another level.” Alwadi Hotel MGallery’s Souq “The Souq Suite is perfect for a Suite, which seamlessly blends staycation or guests visiting Doha Qatari hospitality with high-end – it offers the best of both worlds luxury, is the ideal place to escape in terms of luxury and proximity the heat this summer. to one of the most vibrant and ex- In Implementation of the directives of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, an equipped team from the Qatar International Search and The 71 square metres Souq citing parts of Doha,” Akkari said. Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and a team from the Civil Defense of the Ministry of Interior on Sunday headed to participate in search and Suite is the ultimate private “All of the Souq Suites have ter- rescue operations due to fires in the Hellenic Republic. hideaway for you and your fam- races that overlook Souq Waqif, ily, with sweeping views of Doha’s which comes alive each night so iconic skyline as well as the city’s you can feel immersed in the cul- cultural heart, Souq Waqif. ture and history of the area – you The Souq Suite features a sep- can almost smell the spices from arate living area that can be linked the Spice Souq on your private to other rooms, making it ideal for terrace! families, as well as a lavishly ap- “And of course, combined Somalia thanks Qatar for pointed bathroom and king-size with the renowned Alwadi Hotel MyBedTM that will ensure co- MGallery bespoke, personalized coon-like comfort and a peaceful service and our attention to detail night’s sleep. – from the moment you enter our Traditional Qatari and Arabic- hotel, we go above and beyond to aid, humanitarian support inspired features can be found ensure each and every guest has throughout the suite, including a stay filled with memorable mo- QNA state’s cities, noting that two other inspired décor inspired by desert ments.” Doha centers have already been built sand and dunes color schemes Plan your next adventure with in the cities of Galkayo and Abud and plush yet understated fur- us before September 15, 2021, Somalia’s First Lady Saynab Wak. nishings. and you’ll receive double Reward Abdi Moallim has praised Qatar’s In addition to doctors’ rooms The hotel has four popular points for stays and dining at Al- support for the Somali people, and and administrative offices, the restaurants and lounges on-site, wadi Hotel Doha MGallery Hotel for implementing development center has a reproductive health as well as a rooftop pool area and Collection. projects and alleviating the suf- department, an emergency depart- their award-winning, luxurious Call +974 4009 9999 or fering of the vulnerable in times of ment, a laboratory, a vaccination MSpa. WhatsApp +974 3075 8211 for adversity. room, a feeding room, and a phar- Mr. Hani Akkari, General more information or to make a This was stated in a speech macy. Manager of Alwadi Hotel MGal- reservation. delivered by Moallim during the The centre is expected to offer inaugural ceremony of the health integrated health services such as center built by Qatar Charity (QC) emergency first aid, maternal and in the Galmudug State of Somalia, child care, feeding and vaccination in which she expressed her grati- services for children and pregnant tude for QC’s prompt response to women, health awareness and edu- this center. It is regarded as an inte- cation, medicines, and treatment. grated hospital for the people of the sector, where the people require as- cent of the state’s population who The centre’s services are used by area, with donations from Qatari sistance due to the difficult humani- lack healthcare facilities. nearly 20,000 people from the city philanthropists used to implement tarian conditions over the past two He emphasised that the QC- and its surrounding areas. development projects in a variety of decades. built center will help to relieve the The Consort of the Somali Presi- fields. The Galmudug state’s Minis- Ministry’s burden of providing dent, ministers and parliamentar- According to Ali Dahir Eid, Vice ter of Health, Abdiweli Abdullahi high-quality health services to the ians at the federal and state levels, President of Galmudug, QC plays a Jama, stated that his ministry has residents of Hobyo City and sur- as well as representatives of local well-known and appreciated role in been looking for a donor for the rounding areas. administrations, dignitaries, and a assisting the Somali people in vari- past few months in order to provide He also stated that this is the large number of residents, attended ous fields, particularly in the health health services to more than 38 per- third center built by QC in the the inauguration ceremony. (QNA) 04 Monday, August 9, 2021 Nation ASEAN Committee in Doha observes 54th ASEAN Day Indonesian Ambassador HE Ridwan Hassan underscores ASEAN-Qatar cordial relations Ailyn Agonia pandemic. The pandemic has DOHA had an impact on all ASEAN member countries. There is beIN Sports unveils The heads of the diplomatic no other way to deal with this missions of the Association global pandemic, other than of South East Asian Nations through global cooperation. irresistible offers (ASEAN) member states in “While this global health TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar gathered on Sunday to crisis is a challenge for all, DOHA QatarTM (21 November until 18 celebrate the 54th anniver- ASEAN has taken proactive December 2022). sary of the formation of the steps in tackling the pandem- beIN MEDIA GROUP, the beIN MEDIA GROUP’s en- regional bloc. ic through collective regional global sports and entertainment tertainment channels, includ- Indonesian Ambassador efforts. Further, as stated dur- broadcaster, has launched irre- ing beIN MOVIES, beIN SE- to Qatar and current Chair- ing the ASEAN Leaders’ Meet- sistible offers to mark the begin- RIES, beIN DRAMA, JeemTV, man of the ASEAN Com- ing on April 24 in Jakarta, ning of a new season of world- Baraem, and beJunior, promise mittee in Doha (ACD) HE ASEAN countries have agreed class sports, as well as great new viewers the best in movies, se- Ambassador Ridwan Hassan to use the COVID-19 ASEAN entertainment content for the ries, kids’ content, and more. presided over the ceremony Response Fund to tackle the entire family. The various pro- beIN subscribers can look held at theat the Indonesia pandemic in the region. In motions offer prospective and forward to the 2021 family- Embassy Doha’s new loca- the upcoming future, ASEAN existing subscribers in all 24 friendly film ‘Space Jam: A tion. will also establish the ASEAN Middle East and North Africa New Legacy,’ starring NBA star Brunei Darussalam Am- Centre for Public Health and (MENA) countries the opportu- LeBron James, as well as action bassador HE Mohamed Bah- Emerging Diseases. Through nity to enjoy up to four months thriller fans enjoying beIN ME- rin Abu Bakar, Malaysian these existing mechanisms, of free subscription, or a free DIA GROUP’s MIRAMAX hit Ambassador HE Zamshari ASEAN will continue to work box and free delivery for new ‘Wrath of Man,’ starring actor Shaharan, Philippine Ambas- closely together to better subscriptions. Jason Statham, and Angelina sador HE Alan L. Timbayan, Heads of diplomatic missions from member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations tackle the pandemic region- This summer and beyond, Jolie’s ‘Those Who Wish Me and Singapore Ambassador (ASEAN) in Qatar during the 54th ASEAN Day anniversary. ally and ensure sustainable beIN SPORTS, the flagship Dead.’ HE Lee Kuan Yew all attend- recovery measures.” channel of the beIN ME- Mohammad Al-Subaie, Act- ed. Jai S. Sohan, HE Nathapol progress on the accession of expressed the gratitude of successfully maintained peace The event honoured the DIA GROUP, will exclusively ing CEO of beIN MENA, said: Khantahiran, Thailand Am- Qatar to the ASEAN’s Treaty ACD members to the leader- and stability in the South East theme “We Care, We Pre- broadcast exciting sports tour- “We’re always looking for new bassador, and HE Tran Duc of Amity and Cooperation ship of Qatar in providing a Asia region. He urged ASE- pare, We Prosper” proposed naments such as the highly and exciting ways to offer great Hung, Vietnam Ambassador. (TAC) which has already been “comfortable, happy and good AN’s ten member countries, by Brunei Darussalam, which anticipated European Leagues - value to our subscribers in the Ambassador Hassan em- reiterated by 54th ASEAN life” for more than 300,000 which include Cambodia, is chairing ASEAN this year. Ligue 1 (8 August until 21 May), region – and beyond. With the phasised the friendly rela- Foreign Ministers’ Meeting ASEAN nationals residing in Laos, and Myanmar, to put The theme depicts ASEAN’s Premier League (13 August un- array of premium sports and tions between ASEAN and on August 2. This will pave Qatar and actively contribut- aside their differences and collective commitment to car- til 22 May), LaLiga (15 August entertainment content avail- Qatar in his remarks on the the way to establish ASEAN’s ing to the development of the work together for the future ing for its people and prepar- until 22 May), and the UEFA able on beIN today, there has occasion. He expressed opti- official partnership with Qa- country. of a more prosperous South ing for future opportunities Champions League (14 Septem- truly never been a better time to mism for future collaboration tar and foster collaboration On the ASEAN’s mile- East Asian region, dubbed the and challenges, with the goal ber until 28 May). be a beIN subscriber. We hope between the two entities in a on the basis of mutual respect stones since its inception in “ASEAN Way.” of ensuring that the ASEAN In addition, beIN SPORTS our viewers in MENA continue variety of fields, particularly and cooperation,” he said. 1967, Ambassador Hassan He said, “Like many other Community as a whole can will broadcast the tennis US to enjoy our world class con- politics, economics, and so- He also noted Qatar’s im- said that the organisation countries, ASEAN members prosper sustainably. Cambo- Open (30 August to 12 Sep- tent throughout the remainder cio-cultural cooperation. portant role in dealing with has evolved into a model of currently have been strug- dia will assume the presiden- tember), the 2021 Africa Cup of the summer season and be- “The ACD welcomes the the COVID-19 pandemic and regional association that has gling with the COVID-19 cy in 2022. of Nations at the start of 2022, yond”.

MoCI introduces new solution to differentiate MoTC’s QDGTP begins training supply and fodder plan in Q3, Q4 with 96 courses disbursement cards TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK request form via the Ministry’s Doha DOHA website or by visiting the offices of the Department of Supply The Ministry of Transport and The Ministry of Commerce and Strategic Inventory, which Communications’ Qatar Digital and Industry has announced are located in Lusail, Al Khor, Government Training Program the launch of a new service to Al Shamal, Al Shahaniya, Umm (QDGTP) has begun its training separate supply cards from fod- Salal, and the Industrial Area. plan for the second half of 2021. der disbursement cards via its According to the ministry, The Q3 and Q4 training plan, supply services platform. it is also possible to apply for a which began earlier this month, This initiative is part of the Fodder Disbursement Card by includes 96 training courses ministry’s efforts to improve attaching a certificate of live- covering 55 technical subjects, its electronic services and pro- stock possession issued by the 30 percent of which are being cedures, as well as to make cit- Ministry of Municipality and added to the plan for the first According to QDGTP data, from 68 government entities, COVID-19 situation, QDGTP from some 7 entities at a rate izen services more accessible. Environment’s Livestock De- time, as well as subjects about the number of applications for with a total of 3020 application was able to double the number of 10 trainings and nearly 115 Given their different purposes partment. information security and data- Q3 and Q4 courses has so far requests. of planned training courses by training seats was one of the key and disbursement sites, the It is worth noting that the bases, which will be conducted reached 1835 from 52 entities, Individual Training Plan adding more of them. The num- achievements during the first Ministry has separated the ra- ministry recently announced in collaboration with major with total training seats expect- (ITP) tool was established for the ber of training courses increased half of 2021. tion supply service for citizens the addition of new services to technology firms such as Micro- ed to exceed 1450. During these first time through QDGTP LMS from 59 in the first and second During the first half of from that of disbursing fodder the electronic supply services soft and Oracle. new trainings, QDGTP stated during the first half of 2021. The quarters of 2020 to 121 in the 2021, QDGTP also held a spe- to holders of a certificate of program. The distributor supply QDGTP pays close atten- that it will provide 870 Micro- total number of ITPs registered same period of 2021. cial course titled “Evolving from livestock possession issued by program, Smart Card Reader tion to the customisation of its soft course testing vouchers to in the LMS reached 1760. ITP is QDGTP’s Q1 and Q2 training Smart Cities to Cognitive Cities” the Ministry of Municipality System application, distributor training plans because it creates participants. one of the most important tools plans benefited from close col- in collaboration with Huawei. and Environment. license renewal, and distributor a roadmap to assist IT employ- QDGTP provided 121 train- in the training and development laboration with nine prestigious QDGTP focuses on sup- The new service allows information update are all part ees and professionals at gov- ing courses and 195 certificates field, as it aids in the achieve- IT solutions and training provid- porting Qatar’s digital transfor- citizens to issue a fodder card, of the new e-services package. ernment entities in sharpening to trainees for the Q1 and Q2 ment of training objectives when ers. 58 percent of the scheduled mation of government sectors without affecting the rations This step is a continuation their skills and knowledge at courses, which were launched used properly. courses were introduced to the through providing training solu- available in the supply card, the of previously launched services, both the personal and profes- on November 28. The total QDGTP also provided exam target audience for the first time. tions focused on enhancing the ministry indicated. bringing the Ministry’s total sional levels, as well as obtain- number of training seats made vouchers and reimbursements Providing specialised train- skillsets and capabilities of ICT Citizens can apply for the number of electronic supply ing more professional certifica- available was 1715, and the to help with certification coming courses to respond to some professionals of government new service by submitting a services to around 24. tions. number of trainees totaled 1056 pletion. And, as a result of the specific needs and requirements entities. Toro Toro announces special Taco Tuesday nights

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News Taliban captures three Afghan in brief Iran hits new pandemic record, with nearly 40,000 new cases in a day Tehran: Iran set a new pandemic record on Sunday, as it provincial capitals in single day logged almost 40,000 new coronavirus infections and 542 deaths linked to Covid-19 amid the wild spread of the Delta variant through the country. The militants took control of the capital cities of Takhar, Kunduz, and Sar-e Pul provinces after fighting That puts the country’s total number of Covid-19 deaths at more than 94,000, with more than 4 million people infected by dpa resources to meet their basic the coronavirus. Many cities are reporting that their hospitals’ Kabul needs such as food, water and intensive care stations and emergency rooms are overflowing, electricity. which is making a variety of medical services impossible to Taliban militants overran Images shared in social perform. three provincial capitals in media on Sunday showed that The Health Ministry has demanded a two-week lockdown, northern Afghanistan in a sin- the city of Kunduz on fire. It but that has been denied by the country’s coronavirus emer- gle day, officials confirmed on was caused by Taliban rocket gency board, citing economic reasons. Sunday. attacks and government air- Iran has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, par- The militants took control strikes, local residents told tially because US sanctions are worsening its economic crisis of the capital cities of Takhar, dpa. and preventing it from importing vaccines. (dpa) Kunduz, and Sar-e Pul prov- It was not immediately inces after fighting since early clear how many civilians had morning, according to local of- been killed or wounded in the 4 children killed in Syrian government ficials in the provinces. crossfire. In the latest string of vic- Taliban fighters have tak- forces attack on rebel area tories for the group, the Tali- en more than half of Afghani- Cairo: Four children from the same family were killed when ban fighters took control of stan’s districts and encircled Syrian government forces shelled a rebel area in the northern key government facilities in about a dozen provincial part of the war-torn country, a monitoring group reported on Taluqan city, the capital of capitals since the US-led in- Sunday. Takhar, when the government ternational troops began their Five other civilians from the same family were injured in forces evacuated the city and withdrawal from the country the overnight attack, which targeted the town of Qastoun in the retreated to Farkhar district in early May. northern province of Hama, the Syrian Observatory for Human after two months of resistance, Currently, heavy fighting Rights added. provincial councillor Rohullah An Afghan militiaman stands on a vehicle on the outskirts of Herat recently. (AFP) continues between the gov- The non-governmental rescue group White Helmets posted Raufi told dpa. ernment and Taliban forces a photo on Twitter, purportedly showing the four dead children Just hours before the col- Wali said. south-western Nimruz prov- which are in more populated around the provincial capitals and gave their names. The ages of the victims were not dis- lapse of Taluqan city, the group Earlier in the day, Taliban ince, were also captured dur- urban areas, a serious blow to of Helmand, Kandahar, Herat, closed. The group said the attack was mounted by the govern- took control of neighbouring fighters took over Sar-e Pul ing the past two days. the government in Kabul. and Badakhshan provinces. ment forces and their Russian allies. Syria has been roiled by Kunduz city, a strategically im- city. The city of Zaranj in Nim- In addition to the fall of the US President Joe Biden a civil war for more than 10 years. (dpa) portant city on the border with Government officials in- ruz, on the border with Iran, provincial capitals, the insur- has announced that US troops Tajikistan with an estimated cluding the Sar-e Pul governor was abandoned without any gent group enabled prisoners would end their 20-year mili- 374,000 inhabitants, after two were under siege in an army resistance on Friday. She- to escape from city jails shortly tary intervention in the coun- Fifteen dead after bus crash in western days of heavy fighting. base in part of the city, be- berghan fell on Saturday after the areas were captured. try by the end of August. Turkey; 17 injured The city’s airport and cause the government was un- despite powerful resistance Hundreds of prisoners, in- NATO has already quietly an army base where some Ger- able to airlift them to safety by by troops loyal to anti-Taliban cluding criminals and Taliban wrapped up its mission in the Istanbul: Fifteen people are dead and another 17 injured man troops were stationed be- the end of the day, provincial Uzbek leader Marshal Ab- members, succeeded in escap- country. after a bus crash early on Sunday in the western Turkish prov- fore they departed from the councillor Asadullah Khuram dul Rashid Dostum, seen as a ing from the provincial jails. The peace talks that start- ince of Balikesir, according to the regional governor’s office. country were the only areas said. strong force in the area. Meanwhile civilians either ed between the warring sides Broadcaster TRT reported that the bus turned over and that remained under the gov- Two provincial capitals, The latest gains mean the fled tosafer areas or hid inside in Qatar last year made little went off the road. The cause of the crash was not yet known. ernment forces’ control, pro- Sheberghan in northern Jawz- insurgent group controls a to- their homes, according to lo- progress and have now stalled Rescue crews were on the scene. (dpa) vincial councillor Amruddin jan province and Zaranj in tal of five provincial capitals cal officials. Some lacked the as both sides speak of war. At least six wildfires in Turkey still out of control New coronavirus curbs come into force in Israel dpa The cause of the fires is ing the fires with help from Istanbul other countries. Thousands still under investigation. of volunteers are supporting dpa The number of new coro- Turkey is battling the worst Flames in Marmaris are the rescue teams. Tel Aviv navirus infections reported forest fires in more than a dec- said to have been started The cause of the fires in Israel within one day has ade for the 12th consecutive by children by accident is still under investigation. In view of rising numbers of already exceeded the 3,000 day, with at least six fires still Flames in Marmaris are said coronavirus infections, new mark for several days in a row. not under control on Sunday, ment. to have been started by chil- health restrictions came into The country also has new according to official figures. Experts say that more dren by accident. force in Israel on Sunday. highs of Covid-19 patients Emergency forces are than 100,000 hectares (1,000 According to media re- Masks are once again com- seriously ill. As the Health mainly concentrated on the square kilometres) of land ports, three people were ar- pulsory for outdoor events with Ministry reported on Sunday, western Turkish province of have been destroyed so far. rested in Bodrum last Thurs- more than 100 participants, 348 seriously ill patients were Mugla, where winds ham- Since the fires started last day on suspicion of throwing and even events with fewer treated in hospitals on Sat- pered the firefighting efforts. week, there has been repeat- cigarette butts out of a car. than 100 participants may now urday, including 71 in critical A fire in the province of ed criticism regarding the President Recep Tayyip only be attended by: those who condition. Aydin, which was thought to government’s crisis manage- Erdogan has also accused are vaccinated; recovered peo- The last time this number have been under control, was An aerial photograph shows large plumes of smoke rising from forest ment. The opposition accuses the banned Kurdistan Work- ple; or people with a negative exceeded 300 was in April. reignited by the wind, as the fires during sunset near Mugla in the Dalaman region of southern it of not having its own opera- ers’ Party (PKK) of setting coronavirus test result. Just about 58 percent of broadcaster NTV reported. Turkey on Saturday. (AFP) tional firefighting aircraft. fires. At least eight people Children, too, must now the population is fully vacci- Meanwhile, the situation According to official fig- have died in the flames in show a negative test result. nated and more than 422,000 in Antalya in southern Turkey According to local author- been withdrawn and sent to ures, 16 planes and more than Turkey, and hundreds have The Israeli Cabinet approved people have received a third has eased. ities, emergency forces have western Turkey for reinforce- 50 helicopters are now fight- been injured. the measures last week. booster shot. Thai police charge man with murder of Swiss tourist dpa Bangkok

A 27-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a Swiss tourist in Phuket, a popular beach destination, Thai police said on Sunday. Police spokesperson Krisana Pattanacharoen said that the man was arrested in connection with the death of the 57-year-old woman, who was found dead near a waterfall in the Vichit subdistrict in Phuket. The spokesperson said that, following the collection of evidence and witness statements, Phuket provincial court issued an arrest warrant for the man, who has been charged with murder and robbery caus- ing death. The police had earlier identified the suspect as a Thai national. He was arrested and questioned at Vi- chit Phuket police station. According to police, the suspect was trying to col- lect herbs in the area, but noticed the victim swimming and attempted to steal her belongings. A struggle ensued which allegedly led to the woman’s death. Police say they narrowed their investigation to this suspect since surveillance cameras showed his vehicle in the area at the time of the incident. Also, a physical examination after his detention showed fresh bruises and lacerations . The 57-year-old woman had visited Thailand on July 13 under the Phuket Sandbox programme, which allows foreign tourists who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to visit Phuket. Under the scheme, visitors do not need to spend time in quarantine, but have to stay on the island for two weeks. After spending the initial two weeks in Phuket, the woman had travelled to Krabi island then returned to Phuket. Her body was later discovered partially clothed and covered with a black plastic sheet near a waterfall close to the hotel where she was staying. 06 Monday, August 9, 2021

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

Addressing Crime Shouldn’t Mean Ignoring Victims’ The Biden Approach Needs For More Police ISGUIDED calls from the left to “defund” the po- Is Working lice threaten to put Democrats in the position of the MNixon era, when they were successfully painted as soft on crime. The party should respond with a national crime bill that lays out in detail a pragmatic approach that is both forward-looking in addressing the root causes of American politics is in god-awful shape, but we’re seeing a reasonably crime but also aggressively protects victims in the here- and-now. successful attempt to build it back better Crime rates in general haven’t risen markedly, but homicide rates across America have skyrocketed. The DAVID BROOKS experienced politicians can, as Mr. Biden pandemic is almost certainly a factor. With most of the suggested, make the system work. country sheltered-in for most of last year, all forms of do- The Biden administration has moved mestic strife certainly have risen. f Joe Biden stands for one idea, it is to separate government from the culture The economic disruption could be a factor. Reduced that our system can work. We live in a wars. It has shifted power away from the policing in the wake of last year’s protests of police bru- big, diverse country, but good leaders Green New Deal and Freedom Caucus tality might have played a role. And the ever-loosening can bring people together across dif- show horses and lodged it with the con- restrictions on firearms in places like Missouri certainly ference to do big things. In essence, gressional workhorses — people such as haven’t helped. IMr Biden is defending liberal democracy, Republican Rob Portman and Democrat The criminal-justice reform movement ascendant on and the notion that you can’t govern a na- Mark Warner, who are in no danger of the left is right about a lot: It’s right to view crime as a so- tion based on the premise that the other becoming social media stars. cietal ill with societal causes, most prominently, poverty. half of the country is irredeemably awful. The moderates are suddenly in strong It’s no coincidence — now in America, or throughout the The progressive wing of the Demo- shape. The progressives say they won’t history of civilization everywhere — that violent crime is cratic Party is skeptical: The Republi- support this Biden infrastructure bill worst in areas where poverty is most acute, regardless of can Party has gone authoritarian. Mitch unless it is passed simultaneously with the skin color of those living in poverty. McConnell is obstructionist. Big money a larger spending bill. But if the Demo- Those advocates are right that systemic racism in po- pulls the strings. The system is broken. crats can’t agree on that larger bill, will lice culture is part of the problem, breeding distrust in The only way to bring change is to mobi- progressives really sink their president’s Black communities that makes community-based crime- lize the Democratic base and push parti- infrastructure initiative? In the negotia- fighting more difficult. They’re right that offering educa- san transformation. tions over the larger bill, the moderates tional and employment opportunities to young people in If all you knew about politics is what have most of the power because they are troubled areas would yield far better results against crime goes on in the media circus, you’d have the ones whose seats are at risk. in the long run than merely the threat of imprisonment. to say the progressives have the better ar- We have come a long way since the That said, the scourge of violence against innocent gument. Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, AOC glory days of 2019. Mr. Biden won citizens today isn’t some right-wing bogeyman. It’s real. Marjorie Taylor Greene — healthy bi- the presidential nomination, not Bernie Progressives who want to shrug off the terrors that these partisan compromise seems completely us the mask and vaccination wars. But Party. He wants to ram through a lot on Sanders. Progressive excesses such as victims face as some temporary problem that social pro- hopeless with this crew. Congress was productive and bipartisan. party-line votes using reconciliation. But “defund the police” cost Democrats dear- grams will eventually alleviate should remember that But underneath that circus, there The Senate passed a COVID-relief meas- he also insists on a bipartisan approach ly down-ballot. Over the past months, these are families trying to raise their kids in peace right has always been another layer of politics ure 96-1 in early March 2020, another whenever possible. Over the past few there have been primary contests be- now — and that most of these victims are low-income and — led by people who are not as ratings- 90-8 in mid-March 2020, another 96-0 months, the bipartisan track has, some- tween regular Democrats and progres- Black. driven, but are more governance-driven. in late March 2020 and another 92-6 in what surprisingly, been moving faster sives, including House races in Louisi- A rational approach to crime shouldn’t spend less So over the past 20 years or so, while the December. The House votes were also than the partisan track. ana, New Mexico and Ohio, a governor’s money addressing it; it should spend more: Yes, more on circus has been at full roar, Congress has landslides. If you had told me two years Republicans and Democrats have race in Virginia and a mayoral race in social and jobs programs, education and outreach, coun- continued to pass bipartisan legislation: ago that Congress would respond to a been involved in a complex set of nego- New York. The party regulars have won seling for at-risk youth and violence interrupters. the Every Student Succeeds rewrite of pandemic in some ways better than the tiations about infrastructure spending. all of them. But also more on policing, on modern training tech- federal K-12 education policy, the Obama Centers for Disease Control and Preven- It has been messy and complicated, the As former Chicago Mayor Rahm niques, body cameras and other technology — and on budget compromise of 2013, the Trump tion, I would have been surprised, but way politics always is, but the two sides Emanuel notes, the problem with the additional warm bodies patrolling the streets, which has criminal justice reform law of 2018, the that’s what happened. have worked together productively. progressive base mobilization strategy is consistently been shown to be the single most effective FAST infrastructure act, the Anti-Money After Mr Biden was elected, the two- “You can tell the difference between that progressives think they’re the base. way to prevent crime in the moment. Laundering Act of 2020, the Trump-era track pattern was still going strong. The an adversarial negotiation and a col- But a faction that keeps losing primaries Nixon’s success at demonizing Democrats on crime ban on surprise billing in health care. In circus realm gave us the horror of Jan. 6. laborative one,” Mitt Romney told The can’t be the base. Joe Mr Biden is the didn’t lead to safer streets. Now, as then, Republicans June, the Senate passed, 68-32, the US But the dull, governing part of America Washington Post. “In this case, when one base. And Mr Biden and the 91% of Dem- aren’t coming to the table with real ideas on crime, just Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, carried on. For example, the Senate con- side had a problem, the other side tried ocrats who view him favorably want to tired old tough talk. Democrats can and should offer more which would devote roughly $250 billion firmed Mr Biden’s Cabinet picks in large- to solve the problem, rather than to walk make the system work. American politics — and they shouldn’t let their party be defined by those to scientific projects. ly bipartisan fashion. away from the table.” When the Senate is in god-awful shape, but we’re seeing a on the far left whose approach, however well-intentioned, When COVID hit, the same two- Mr Biden’s legislative strategy owes advanced the roughly $1 trillion measure reasonably successful attempt to build it would most victimize those they claim to care most about. track pattern prevailed. The circus gave something to each side of the Democratic by a vote of 67-32, that was a sign that back better.

What Vaccine Supply Tells Us About International Trade Vaccines are incredibly complex products that would have been hard to develop and produce in any one country, even one as large as the US. A global market made it possible to deliver all the specialized inputs that are saving thousands of lives as you read this Paul Krugman chains fit into the theory of interna- Anyway, history has a sense of had fallen globally, information and NYT tional trade? humor. No sooner had economists communications technology (ICT) If you’ve ever taken an econom- come up with nifty models of trade developed, shipping and logistics ef- or many of us, Chad Bown ics course, you probably learned between similar countries, driven by ficiency increased, and protection of of the Peterson Institute for about the theory of comparative ad- economies of scale, than the world intellectual property rights steadily International Economics — a vantage, which says that countries economy took a hard turn away improved. The fact that trade could boutique think tank specializ- trade to take advantage of their dif- from that kind of trade toward trade play a greater role in distributing ing in, duh, international eco- ferences. The classic original exam- between dissimilar countries driven pharmaceutical products globally Fnomics — has become the go-to guy ple, from early-19th-century econo- by things like large differences in meant that companies could op- for current developments in trade mist David Ricardo, involved the wages. erate fewer plants but at a larger policy. His work tracking the evolu- exchange of English cloth for Portu- World trade exploded from the scale.” tion of Donald Trump’s trade war guese wine. mid-1980s until around 2008, a Hey, it’s New Trade Theory in was invaluable. Comparative advantage is a process sometimes called hyperglo- action! And it sure looks as if there Now he has a highly informative powerful, illuminating theory — es- balization. was a lot of random historical con- new paper with Thomas Bollyky on pecially because it shows why coun- And where trade growth in the tingency determining national roles the vaccine supply chain. I won’t lie: tries export goods they’re relatively ’60s and ’70s had largely involved in the pattern of specialization. Eu- There’s a lot of detail, and the pa- good at producing even if they’re less advanced economies selling stuff to rope was initially very dependent per is fairly heavy going. But it’s full productive in those industries than each other, hyperglobalization in- on Britain’s exports of lipids — but I of useful details, and it also, I’d ar- potential competitors. Bangladesh is volved a surge in exports of manu- doubt that there’s something about gue, tells us some interesting things a low-productivity nation across the factured goods from relatively low- British culture that makes the coun- about the nature of world trade in board (although it has been improv- omists had long noted that com- teristics, which countries would end wage developing countries. try especially good at lipids. It’s just the 21st century. ing), but its productivity disadvan- parative advantage wasn’t the only up producing which goods? It might So we had a New Trade Theory, one of those accidents that play a big One thing that caught my eye tage is less pronounced in apparel possible reason for international be largely random, the result of ac- but the new trade we were actually role in economic geography. — probably not the most important than in other industries, so it has trade. Countries might also trade cidents of history. getting was much better explained Is there a moral to this story? thing, but one close to my heart — is become a major clothing exporter. because production of some goods There was, however, remark- by, well, old trade theory. There’s been a lot of backlash that the story of global vaccine pro- In the 1960s and 1970s, how- involves increasing returns; there ably little economic literature on in- So what does all this have to do against globalization over the past duction demonstrates the continu- ever, a number of economists began are advantages to large-scale pro- creasing-returns trade until the late with vaccine supply chains? Well, as decade, to some extent justified: ing relevance of the so-called New suggesting that comparative advan- duction, which creates an incentive 1970s. Economists don’t like to talk I already noted, vaccine ingredients Advocates of free-trade agreements Trade Theory — or, as some now call tage was an incomplete story. World to concentrate production in a few about stuff they find hard to model, are mainly produced in advanced oversold their benefits and under- it, the “old New Trade Theory.” trade had been growing over time, countries and export those goods to and trade models with increasing countries — countries that are very stated the disruptions they might Producing these vaccines is but much of that growth involved other countries. Automotive trade returns tended to be messy and con- similar in their education levels, cause. But the case of vaccine pro- evidently a complicated process, trade between countries that didn’t between the United States and Can- fusing. Eventually, however, some overall level of technological compe- duction illustrates a positive side involving facilities in many loca- seem very different — the United ada was a classic example: After the economists came up with clever tence and more. So why wasn’t each of globalization we tend to forget. tions, presumably implying a lot of States and Canada, for example, or countries established a free-trade ways to cut through the confusion, advanced country producing the These miracle vaccines are incred- cross-border shipments of vaccine the nations of Western Europe. Fur- agreement for autos in 1965, North in papers like the 1980 piece I wrote whole ensemble of vaccine-related ibly complex products that would ingredients. Notably, in Pfizer’s case, thermore, what these countries were American car companies achieved in the American Economic Review. inputs? have been hard to develop and pro- all these facilities are in the United selling to each other looked pretty economies of scale by limiting the (I’ll note, with all due immod- Here’s what Bown and Bollyky duce in any one country, even one as States and Western Europe, which similar: There was a lot of “intrain- range of items produced in Canada, esty, that the journal would later say: “The business model that much large as the United States. A global is typical across pharma firms, al- dustry” trade like the large-scale, exporting these goods and importing name this one of the 20 top papers of the pharmaceutical industry had market made it possible to deliver though other companies have a few two-way trade in autos and related other items from the United States. published in its first century of op- shifted toward over the previous all the specialized inputs that are facilities in Brazil and India. goods across the US-Canada border. But if trade reflected increasing eration.) 25 years involved fragmentation. saving thousands of lives as you So where do vaccine supply What was going on? A few econ- returns rather than country charac- God, I was young! As tariffs and other trade barriers read this.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Monday, August 9, 2021 07

News Wildfires continue to rip in brief Nuclear research site threatened as fire and floods pound Russia Moscow The spread of wildfires in Russia is now threaten- through parts of Greece ing a nuclear research centre in the city of Sarov, prompting a state of emergency, officials said on Sunday. It was necessary to boost the danger level because fires near Nizhny Novgorod are spreading. The change in status ‘We are alone. Our end is near,’ Giannis Kotzias, mayor of the endangered city of Istiaia, told media makes it easier to mobilize extra firefighting forces, according to city officials. But it is only one of the firesR ussia is currently dpa assistance arriving from across trying to extinguish. Athens Europe and the Middle East. The Siberian region of Sakha, in the country’s north-east, The European Union un- has been hit particularly hard. Dozens of houses have burned People in Greece woke up on derscored its support on Sun- down and residents have been evacuated to safety. Sunday to another day that re- day: Nine planes, nearly 1,000 Meanwhile, state TV showed images of cities in the Irkutsk sembled hell on Earth in some firefighters and 200 vehicles and Krasnoyarsk regions enveloped in smoke. (dpa) areas, as wildfires continued are currently deployed in to tear through the country, Greece, it said in a statement, triggering a growing sense of and more offers of aid have Kool and the Gang founding member anger. come in over the weekend Dennis Thomas dead at age 70 “We are alone. Our end is from five member states, in- near,” Giannis Kotzias, mayor cluding Germany. New York Kool & the Gang alto sax player Dennis “Dee Tee” of the endangered city of Is- A contingent of 60 emer- Thomas, an original member of the beloved soul-funk band tiaia, told Greek broadcaster gency services workers set known for its enduring party anthems “Celebration” and “Get Skai. The harbour town is in off towards Greece from the Down On It,” has died. the north of Euboea, Greece’s German state of North Rhine- Thomas “passed away peacefully in his sleep” Saturday at second-largest island, which Westphalia on Sunday with the age of 70, a representative for the band confirmed. has been the site of some of the 19 vehicles and are expected A long-time resident of Montclair, New Jersey, Thomas was worst blazes this season. to reach the Athens area on born on February 9, 1951 in Orlando, Florida, and was one of Tempers are also flaring on Thursday. the seven Jersey City teens who got together in 1964 to form the island, where aerial fire- Mitsotakis has made a the instrumental soul-jazz group the Jazziacs. fighting only began on Sunday. point of saying multiple times The band, which included brothers Ronald Bell and Rob- Many complain of being left in recent days that the prior- ert “Kool” Bell, and friends Thomas, Spike Mickens, Ricky to their fate, battling blazes ity is saving lives, not property Westfield, George Brown, and Charles Smith, was impressive that stretched across multiple or forests. There are about 4 enough to occasionally play with jazz legends McCoy Tyner and square kilometres and some- million residents of greater Pharoah Sanders. (dpa) times turned into walls of A local resident walks as a wildfire rages near the village of Gouves, on Euboea island, second largest Athens, where Euboea has a flame stretching up to 7 kilo- Greek island, on Sunday. (AFP) population of about 220,000 metres. and the area most endangered Macron assures Tunisia of support amid “They left us to burn,” one expanded to a densely settled fully restored as well. focused on blazes north of Ath- by flames is primarily wooded. political turmoil man told Skai, noting how the area,” said one firefighter. It is the first time during ens, on Euboea, a “catastrophe The situation is little bet- country’s firefighting plane There were reports that the the past two years under Prime of the century” took its course. ter on the Peloponnesian Pen- Tunis French President Emmanuel Macron has assured Tuni- fleet has been focusing on the situation was stabilizing north Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis However, other critics ac- insula, where a fire is burning sia of support amid the political crisis in the country. area around Athens up until of Athens on Sunday, with fire that there has been serious knowledged the government’s south of the town of Megalopo- France will stand by Tunisians at this crucial moment for now. crews reporting that they have criticism of his leadership in success in handling the out- lis and another one on the pen- the country’s sovereignty and freedom, Macron said in a phone Another man on Euboea been able to extinguish some the country’s leading newspa- break. So far, no deaths have insula’s western part is mov- call with President Kais Saied, according to a statement issued said angrily that he had a stiff smaller blazes, according to pers. been recorded. A system warning ever inland in the heavily by the Elysee Palace on Saturday. The former colonial power neck after spending the past one official in comments to the The usually government- ing people to evacuate by text wooded area of Arcadia, near still maintains close relations with the North African country. five days gazing into sky for state broadcaster. friendly newspaper To Vima message was activated early Olympia. According to the statement, the Tunisian president an- signs of firefighting planes. Crews surveying the situa- wrote on Sunday that “it is the on, and worked. The regional mayor is nounced in return that he would soon present a roadmap for But officials defended their tion north of Greece said they first time that the government Greece has one of Europe’s demanding more air sup- further action to resolve the crisis. Saied had dismissed prime actions, citing limited resourc- had counted about 300 houses has gradually lost control” and largest fleets of firefighting port to fight the fires and also minister Hichem Mechichi almost a fortnight ago and suspend- es. and industrial buildings de- noted that as so many fires planes and helicopters, even slammed decisions to keep ed the work of parliament for an initial 30 days. Several critics “We couldn’t be every- stroyed in the blazes and said broke out at the same time, if some aircraft are decades firefighting aircraft near Ath- of the president were arrested or placed under house arrest. where. You just have to imag- it would take about 15 days to attempts to extinguish them old. And Mistotakis did not ens until now, allowing fires According to observers, the arrests of the politicians concerned ine what would happened if restore power to the region. were initially spread out. hesitate to issue a call for help to burn out of control in other have so far always been linked to older proceedings. (dpa) the fires north of Athens had Water service has yet to be But as emergency forces from abroad on August 3, with parts. Lukashenko threatened with new EU sanction on re-election anniversary dpa imposed sanctions in recent months Brussels due to the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition in On the eve of the anniversary of his Belarus. re-election, widely believed to have Most recently, there were also been rigged, Belarusian ruler Alex- economic sanctions following the ander Lukashenko was threatened arrest of the anti-government blog- by the European Union with addi- ger Roman Protasevich. tional sanctions. Authorities in Belarus forced a “The EU stands ready to consid- Ryanair passenger plane on its way er further measures in light of the from Athens to Vilnius in Lithuania regime’s blatant disregard of inter- to make a stopover in Minsk in or- national commitments,” EU foreign der to arrest the Lukashenko critic. policy chief Josep Borrell said on Lukashenko’s opponent Svet- Sunday. lana Tikhanovskaya, who claims With the “forced and unlawful” victory in the August 2020 election, landing of a Ryanair flight in May Alexander Lukashenko again called for greater pressure on and the instrumentalization of mi- Minsk. grants for political purposes, the “At the moment, nobody can feel regime has “further challenged in- The EU no longer recognises safe, including me,” the 38-year-old, ternational norms,” Borrell added. Lukashenko as president and who now lives in exile in Lithuania, Borrell was alluding, among has already imposed sanctions told dpa. She mentioned the case of other things, to the fact that more in recent months Belarusian activist Vitaly Shishov, than 2,000 illegal crossings were who was recently found dead in registered at the border of EU mem- Ukraine, where he lived in exile. ber Lithuania with Belarus in July on the anniversary of the presiden- The situation of Belarusian alone. tial election in Belarus on August 9 Olympic athlete Kristina Timanovs- From the EU’s point of view, this last year. Lukashenko was declared kaya also showed that anyone could is being done deliberately by the the winner with 80.1 per cent of the be a victim of Lukashenko’s “repres- government in Minsk. Lukashenko votes despite massive accusations of sive apparatus”. had openly threatened to allow peo- electoral fraud. The track and field athlete fled ple from countries such as Iraq, Af- Mass protests following the elec- to Poland after she said she was to ghanistan or Syria to cross the bor- tions were put down with violence. be kidnapped from the Tokyo Olym- der in response to the EU sanctions. The EU no longer recognizes pics for criticizing Belarusian sports The EU statement was published him as president and has already officials. Pilot project on safely reopening Berlin nightclubs deemed a success

dpa out face masks or social distancing ticipants like before the pandemic,” Berlin at clubs including KitKatClub, Re- said Lutz Leichsenring, a spokes- nate and SO36, but they were admit- man for the Berlin Club Commis- A pilot project looking at how club- ted only after a negative PCR test. sion, on Sunday. bers could be allowed to safely party Including the organizers, 2,110 without masks carried out in Berlin people took PCR tests beforehand over the weekend was a success, the Six Berlin nightclubs opened that revealed seven cases of Cov- Berlin Club Commission said on their doors to unmasked revel- id-19, which were reported to health Sunday. lers over the weekend as part authorities. Follow-up tests of all Six Berlin nightclubs opened of the project participants are due to be carried their doors to unmasked revellers out on Friday, and there will also be over the weekend as part of the pro- an online survey. ject looking at ways to revive the No distinction was made as to An assessment will be possible German capital’s party scene, which whether people were vaccinated or after this step, Leichsenring said. is a massive tourist draw. not. Berlin’s nightclubs were shut a Indoor dancing remains banned Clubbers had quickly snapped year and a half ago to contain the in Germany, but the Reboot Club- up the 2,000 tickets available. spread of infections. They respond- culture project is investigating op- “After getting through the very ed with a slew of initiatives, includ- tions despite the pandemic. elaborate registration and testing, it ing streaming music from empty People were able to dance with- was indeed a club night for the par- dance floors to people’s homes. Aramco sees half-yearly earnings climb to $47 bn page 10

Monday, August 9, 2021

35,208.51 10,954.17 54277.72 1,763.10 Dow +144.26 pts QE +46.06 pts sensex -215.12 pts Gold -2.53 % Lulu Hypermarket receives PCI-DSS Certification of Compliance page 11 Price percentage Price percentage 24.33 Brent 70.70 -0.83 % WTI 68.28 -1.17% Silver -3.82 % Occupancy rates NFE, rig rate hike set to in Qatar’s prime drive GIS growth in H2 locations reach GIS earnings to surface back into green for 2021 as drilling loss declines significantly: QNBFS 4-year high: CWQ Satyendra Pathak Satyendra Pathak Doha Doha Demand for apartments in Qatar’s North Field East locations like The Pearl-Qatar, (NFE) project and the new West Bay and Lusail’s Ma- higher offshore rig rates going rina District surged in recent into effect in July will drive months as residents take ad- the growth of Gulf Interna- vantage of the more affordable tional Services (GIS) in the rental levels in these areas, second half (H2) of this year, Cushman & Wakefield Qatar QNB Financial Services (QN- (CWQ) said in a report re- BFS) has said in a company leased on Sunday. report released on Sunday. “Occupancy levels in The “The NFE project remains Pearl-Qatar and West Bay a significant catalyst for fu- Lagoon are currently at their ture growth of GIS. The com- highest point in more than The Pearl Qatar in high demand. pany deployed the remaining four years. This has led to three rigs in its GulfDrill JV some evidence of rents in- ly rents of between QR10,000 in the second quarter of 2021. creasing for certain apart- and QR12,000. In districts GIS has stated that Java Star, ment types, although most such as Bin Mahmoud rental W-Castor and W-Tucana rents remain stable, as they values can vary significantly started working during the have been over the past year,” depending on the quality of second quarter of 2021. The the report said. the buildings. five rigs deployed by GDI will In addition, the report New buildings can com- undertake an 80-well drilling said, “Our research shows that mand rents between QR9,000 programme for Qatar’s North residential tenants increas- and QR11,000 per month for Field East project,” QNBFS ingly prioritise their rental two-bedroom apartments, said in the report. budget, with reduced spend- while similarly sized apart- “We expect earnings to ing on international travel ments in older buildings may surface back into the green for and holidays, primarily due to struggle to generate monthly 2021 as drilling loss declines COVID-19.” rents of QR6,000. significantly. Other segments “The vast majority of rent- “Demand from tenants has also contribute positively, al activity has been generated shifted towards fully furnished while continued progress in GIS’s drilling momentum should accelerate in the second half of 2021 with all five offshore rigs now being deployed under the GulfDrill JV for by those re-locating within units or serviced apartments costs reduction and lower the NFE project. the country; however, there over the past year. This is es- finance charges help boost have been increasing signs of pecially the case for new resi- earnings,” the report said. along with all five offshore rigs ing three rigs deployed under “Relative to our model, ing net loss margin improved new residents moving to Qa- dents on short term contracts GIS posted a profit of now being deployed under the the GulfDrill JV in the sec- better-than-expected prof- to -24.8 percent against our tar, largely on projects that are including those moving to Qa- QR4.8 million in the second GulfDrill JV for the NFE pro- ond quarter of 2021 that we itability from drilling and estimate of -34 percent. Avia- either directly or indirectly re- tar on World Cup-related pro- quarter of 2021 against a ject, the report said, drilling had conservatively modelled aviation served to boost the tion net margin also grew to lated to the FIFA World Cup in jects,” the report said. profit of QR45.3 million in the momentum should accelerate to start operating later in the second quarter of 2021 net 35.7 percent against our esti- 2022,” it said. According to the report, second quarter of 2020 and in the second half of 2021. second half of 2021,” it said. income against our estimate. mate of 29.6 percent with the “The importance of high- residential investment sales a net loss of QR5.5 million in “Moreover, we continue “Insurance top-line of Gulf Drilling International’s segment posting a net income quality building finishes and in Qatar have been boosted the first quarter of 2021. to believe the progress made QR225.2 million fell 13 percent second-quarter net loss fell to of QR61.8 million against our amenities have become more by the expansion of freehold “Reported earnings for the in costs reduction thus far below our estimate of QR258.8 QR60 million against a loss of estimate of QR50 million,” the apparent in recent months in zones that allow ownership second quarter of 2021 beat should dovetail with an ex- million as certain medical poli- QR43.6 million in the second report said. areas such as Bin Mahmoud, of property by foreign nation- our forecast of a profit of QR0.6 pected recovery in the market cies expired without renewal, quarter of 2020 and a loss of “We stay longer-term posi- Al Sadd, and Msheireb. High als. Residential sales in Qatar million with outperformance fundamentals as we move for- which offset the growth in pre- QR72.4 million in the first tive on GIS shares but the stock specification buildings that increased by 180 percent in due to the aviation and drilling ward this year,” it said. miums in the general insur- quarter of 2021,” it said. remains in a ‘show-me’ mode. offer tenants swimming pools April and May compared to segments. Consistent with their “Overall the second-quar- ance segment,” the report said. “We were expecting a net We expect improving finan- and gyms have retained high the same months in 2020. first quarter of 2021 commen- ter revenue of QR726.7 million “Aviation revenue of loss of QR67.8 million in the cial performance in 2021 and occupancy rates, while older Properties in Al Daayen tary, management continued to was in line with our estimate QR173.2 million and cater- second quarter of 2021. Upside news flow regarding theN FE buildings generally see vacan- represent approximately one- point to a recovery in the oil and of QR715 million. The drilling revenue of QR86.3 mil- in drilling revenue against our expansion and potential debt cy rates increase, and rental quarter of all residential sales, gas sector in the second quarter ing revenue of QR242 million lion were in line with our model, along with improved restructuring to drive stock price levels falling,” the report said. indicating the popularity of of 2021,” the report said. was 21.4 percent ahead of our estimates, with variations of margins, as GIS continues performance. We maintain ‘ac- Semi-furnished, two-bed- new freehold sales projects in With new higher offshore estimate of QR199.4 million. 2.5 percent and -1.8 percent, to optimise costs helped the cumulate’ on GIS with a price room apartments in Porto Ara- Fox Hills, Al Erkyah City and rates going into effect in July This is due to the remain- respectively,” the report said. second-quarter results. Drill- target of QR1.8 per share,” it said. bia typically command month- Yasmeen City in Lusail. QIC Group net profit rises 277% to QR351 mn in H1  QIC generates QR5 billion from its international operations  Company’s investment income amounts to QR567 million

Tribune News Network a premium volume of QR5 billion dle East in Forbes Middle East Doha accounting for approximately 77 Magazine’s annual ranking of percent of the Group’s total gross top 100 listed companies in the Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), written premiums (GWP). region for 2021. the leading insurer in Qatar and “QIC once again witnessed a The prestigious ranking fea- the Middle East North African strong performance from its pri- tures the region’s biggest, most (MENA) region, on Sunday, report- mary insurance business in its valuable and profitable compa- ed a net profit of QR351 million in domestic and MENA operations, nies. QIC was also ranked the the first half of 2021, witnessing a which continued to grow to a GWP fifth most valuable brand locally 277 percent rise compared to a loss of QR1.5 billion, an increase of 10 for 2021 by the global agency of QR198 million for the same pe- percent from the first half of 2020 Brand Finance in its list for the riod in 2020. on account of the increase across 10 strongest brands in the Qatari Commenting on the first-half all major business lines arising market with the value of its trade- results, QIC Group Chairman & from rate increases, new business mark amounting to $535 million. Managing Director Khalifa Ab- opportunities and growth in exist- The strict criteria of evalua- dulla Turki Al Subaey said, “We are ing accounts,” Mannai said. tion examined and measured the pleased with these results, which In the first half of 2021, QIC’s strength of assets, global reputa- were achieved through the success- investment income amounted to tion, market share, profitability ful implementation of the group’s QR567 million compared to QR98 with the volume of operations, and strategic plan that aims to de-risk million for the first half of 2020, geographical spread, as these fac- its international operations, ex- demonstrating the Group’s excep- tors affect the strength of any fi- pand its low-volatility activities, QIC Group Chairman & Managing Director Khalifa Abdulla Turki Al Subaey QIC Group CEO Salem Khalaf Al Mannai tional asset management expertise. nancial institution and how each of diversify its business portfolio and “The Group also continued to its clients, shareholders and deal- drive forward full-fledge digitisa- of the national economy remains QIC Group Chief Executive Of- and the faster than projected re- benefit from its steady efforts to ers perceive it in the markets in tion of the Group’s domestic and the Group’s first goal and that the ficer Salem KhalafA l Mannai said opening of the global market was further strengthen its operational which it operates. MENA operations. This achieve- company’s continuous growth at a that the Group’s gross written pre- reflected by increasing ultimate efficiency through automation and The evaluation mechanism ex- ment is a testament to the strength steady pace is through successful mium for the six-month period re- claims ratios. In the first half of digitisation with a healthy adminis- amined QIC‘s financial data and of our brand.” implementation of the strategy set mained stable at QR6.5 billion. 2021, QIC’s international opera- trative expense ratio of 7 percent for revenues and performance levels Subaey stressed that increas- by the distinguished board of di- International operations con- tions – Qatar Re, Antares, QIC the first half of 2021,” said Mannai. were evaluated according to finan- ing the return per share and effec- rectors in line with the Qatar 2030 tinued to achieve an improved rate Europe Limited (QEL) and our Gi- Recently, QIC was ranked top cial results, a five-year forecast pe- tively contributing to the growth vision. to exposure across our portfolio’s braltar- based carriers – generated insurance company in the Mid- riod and expected future growth.

10 Monday, August 9, 2021 Economy & Business Aramco sees half-yearly Commentary Qatar: Prosperity post pandemic

t is not an overstatement when saying earnings climb to $47 bn are living in unprecedented times – to Iquote Charles Dickens: ‘It was the best of times; it was the worst of times’. He wrote The oil giant’s profit is double what it earned in the same period last year these words some 160 years ago, but they could have been written yesterday. In- creased number of countries are now surging forward as the post pandemic economy gains momentum. It is therefore the right time to contemplate what we can expect. I must admit I’m old enough to remember when the pop group Abba won the Euro- pean Song contest with their song Waterloo many many years ago. In one place the lyrics go: ‘The history book on the shelf is always repeating itself’. Is that what we can expect now? Will the path to recovery follow the same pattern as in the past? Let us take a look. barrel is now trading around $73 the eco- History offers us some guide on peoples nomic picture is looking much brighter. The behavior post crises events. It suggests that case of rising oil prices remains strong with after a series of external disruptions like supply lagging behind increased demand. At wars and pandemics, GDP bounces back the recent Qatar Economic Forum leaders relatively quickly. We have learned that of key firms expressed their opinion that people start spending again as the pent-up oil could even rise towards $100 per barrel demand gets released into the economy. – a daring forecast into what would be an Even more interestingly crises force busi- unchartered territory but only time will tell nesses to change, adapt and employ new if this scenario plays out. However, history innovations as companies move rapidly to tells us that local stock price performance deploy digital and automation solutions. and oil prices are highly correlated. Looking In some cases, there is no going back to the back over some 15 years of data the long- old busines model. It has been argued that term correlation is around 75% which is a the coronavirus will dramatically acceler- strong indicator regardless of the expected Saudi Aramco engineers and journalists look at the Hawiyah Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant, which is designed to process 4.0 billion stand- ate ongoing shifts in the economy that were trajectory of the increase. ard cubic feet per day of sweet gas, in Hawiyah, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. unfolding at a much slower pace before the crisis. Gigantic shifts from bricks-and-mor- But how does the Qatar stock market Agencies second quarter of 2021 “was to keep prices from crashing tar retail to e-commerce happened promptly compare to others? primarily driven by higher as coronavirus uncertainty as shopping, education and even medical Like with any positive news and trends Saudi Arabia’s oil-producing crude oil prices.” Benchmark impacts consumer demand treatment went online not to mention re- the first question is if the impact has already company, Aramco, announced Brent crude oil traded just for crude. Under the agree- mote working most of us have experienced. been priced into the equity market. One Sunday a net income of over $70 a barrel Friday, up ment, the kingdom has been New trends emerged, some of which we’ve could argue that is not case for Qatar. Since around $47 billion for the first from the $45 a barrel range it producing between 8-9 mil- not yet fully understood like in which way the beginning of the year the Qatari stock half of the year, double what it Key figures hovered at this time last year. lion barrels per day since May business travel will resume and the role of market has risen slightly over 2% which in earned over the same period The majority state-owned oil The majority state-owned 2020. restaurants shifting from dine-in to delivery itself is not a bad performance. However, last year when the coronavirus company said net income for oil company said net income The company said it will experience. What we do know is that these the stock markets in our neighboring oil grounded travel and pumme- the second quarter was for the second quarter was uphold its commitment to changes are in many cases permanent. rich countries have risen on average 17% led global demand for oil. $25.46 billion compared to $25.46 billion compared to pay out dividends of $18.75 There is no doubt that the global over the same period. Other metrics show a This puts Aramco back the dramatic figure of just billion for the second quarter economy is on the bend, though economy similar comparison. On the QSE the aver- squarely where it was before the dramatic figure of just $6.6 billion last year. This as part of its promise to pay recovery will be uneven with every single age stock is trading around 18 times their the pandemic struck and sunk $6.6 billion last year. This quarter’s figure is slightly $75 billion in annual divi- industry and region emerging with leaders of future annual earnings, which demon- earnings to $23.3 billion in quarter’s figure is slightly higher than the $24.7 billion dends. Most of that payout and laggards. The post-pandemic economy strates the dynamic growth projections for the first six months of 2020. higher than the $24.7 billion it it earned in the second quar- is to the company’s primary will be leaner than before, and we can the country. However, Qatari companies Aramco CEO Amin Nasser earned in the second quarter ter of 2019, before the coro- shareholder, the Saudi gov- expect higher productivity and efficiency. have not yet caught up with their peers in said the company’s second of 2019, before the navirus. ernment. But what can we expect to happen in Qatar the neighboring countries, which on aver- quarter results “reflect a coronavirus. Its second quarter earn- Its operating cash flows and especially in the stock market? Is there age trade on 25 times their future earnings. strong rebound in worldwide ings are also an improvement and cash proceeds were anything special about our situation that There are of course other factors to consider energy demand.” from the first quarter of the buoyed when it signed a $12.4 would provide more exciting investment and performance is not just a mathematic “While there is still some fectively to changing market year, which raked in $21.7 bil- billion pipeline deal with a opportunities in Qatar than elsewhere? Let’s formula, however there is a strong reason to uncertainty around the chal- conditions,” he said. lion. consortium led by a U.S.- open up the history book again. Before recit- believe the Qatar market is set for an im- lenges posed by COVID-19 The company also con- Saudi Arabia has led glob- based group, as well as a $6 ing history lessons, a disclaimer and word of provement. variants, we have shown that firmed in its earnings report al efforts by major oil produc- billion Shariah-compliant warning is required– the following is not an we can adapt swiftly and ef- that its performance in the ers to curb output in order bond issuance. investment advice, please make your own How can investors gain access to the Qa- judgment considering your capital can be tar market and the market opportunity? at risk. There are multiple ways for investors to get exposure to the Qatar stock market, in- The World Cup impact cluding two Exchange Traded funds, one of China’s July exports, imports rise, but growth slows Hassan al Thawadi, Secretary-General which is the Qatar Exchanged Traded Fund of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and (QETF). The investment strategy allows the Agencies trade growth would level off as President Joe Biden, who cluding processor chips. Legacy has disclosed that the contribution investor community to gain access to the entertainment and other ser- took office in January, has yet China’s economic growth from the FIFA 2022 World Cup could be most liquid stock in Qatar as the fund seeks China’s imports and exports vice industries reopened, con- to say whether he might roll slowed to 7.9% over a year ear- $20bn. That equates to more than 10% of to replicate the investment outcome of the rose by double digits in July sumer spending returned to back penalties imposed on lier in the three months ending the country’s GDP. With other global spor- Qatar Stock Exchange price index, through but growth slowed as global normal and Chinese competi- Chinese imports by his prede- in June as a rebound leveled off. tubf events like the summer Olympics bar- investing in the underlying constituents efforts to control the corona- tors that were hampered by cessor, Donald Trump. Envoys Economic growth in the ring foreign visitor and uncertainty around based on their individual index weights. The virus’ more contagious delta anti-disease controls returned from the two sides have talked April-June quarter over the spectators’ role in the upcoming winter QETF will distribute accumulated dividends variant weighed on business to global export markets. That by video link but have yet to previous three months, the Olympics one can expect additional built up annually, gained from its investment port- and consumer spending. has been disrupted as more announce a date for negotia- way results are reported for interest for the FIFA event. World Cups are folio, net of fees, which for 2020 amounted Exports rose 18.9% over governments reimpose busi- tions. other major economies, was not only a great sporting event but can also to QAR 0.29 per unit. Since inception the a year earlier to $282.7 bil- ness closures and other con- China’s global trade sur- 1.3%, reflecting a return to be a significant boost to the economy and QETF has a price return of 17.53% and in- lion, decelerating from June’s trols to contain the delta vari- plus narrowed by 8.7% from a normal for factory activity and judging from history we can expect a posi- cluding dividends a total return of 37.60%. 32.2%, customs data showed ant, extending China’s rapid year earlier to $56.6 billion. Its consumer spending as govern- tive impact on our stock market. Looking at Saturday. Imports rose 28.7% expansion in goods exports. surplus with the U.S. expand- ment stimulus and easy credit the last four World Cups (Russia, Brazil, S- — by Gudni Stiholt Adalsteinsson, to $227.1 billion, easing off the China’s exports to the ed by 8.9% to $35.4 billion, or wind down. That was up from Africa and German) we learn that the stock Chief Treasury & Investment Officer, previous month’s 36.7% ex- United States rose 13.4% over more than double the total of the January-March period’s markets in the host country rose between Doha bank. pansion. a year ago to $49.6 billion, de- Chinese imports of American 0.6% expansion over the final 6-18% in six months leading to the event. Disclaimer: The information and opin- This year’s trade growth celerating from June’s 17.8% goods. three months of 2020 but still This might be something to consider. ions in the article are for general informa- has been amplified by com- growth, despite a lingering China led the global re- among the past decade’s weak- tion and educational purposes only and are parison with early 2020, when tariff war with Washington covery from the pandemic but est quarters. The impact of oil price increases not intended to constitute an investment global demand plunged after over Beijing’s technology am- domestic consumer spending Consumer activity has Oil prices are up 50% this year. To put advice. Any reference to a past or poten- China and other governments bitions. Imports of American and other activity is weaker lagged the revival of manufac- this into perspective the Qatar state budget tial performance is not, and should not be shut factories and shops to goods rose 25.6% to $14.2 bil- than expected. Exporters face turing. Retail spending rose for 2021 assumed an average oil price of construed as, a recommendation or as a fight the pandemic. lion, down from the previous disruptions in the global flow 12.1% in June, weakening from $40 per barrel in its revenue forecast. As the guarantee of any specific outcome or profit. Forecasters have warned month’s 37.6% expansion. of industrial components in- the previous month’s 12.4%. Once-gloomy scientist says future UK lockdowns unlikely Agencies said. “The caveat to that is, disease in Britain. With al- tact with a staff member who trade-off,” Ferguson said. “If of course, if the virus changes most 74% of adults now fully later tested positive for COV- we increase contacts, then we A British scientist who gained substantially.” vaccinated, the government ID-19, which should require may well reach another point prominence for issuing dire Data released Friday plans to expand the program Johnson to self-isolate for 10 where we start seeing increas- warnings about the spread of showed the latest virus surge to teenagers. days under rules designed to ing case numbers again.” COVID-19 said Saturday the in the U.K. has eased, with The government reported combat the disease. After successfully vacci- U.K. is unlikely to need fu- the number of people testing 31,808 new infections across But Johnson’s refusal to nating most people over 50, ture lockdowns, although new positive for COVID-19 falling the U.K. on Friday, down self-isolate has sparked criti- Britain is now focusing on infections may rise signifi- in most parts of the country. 42% from the peak of the cism from the opposition La- younger people. cantly as social interactions Based on its weekly survey third wave in mid-July. bour Party, which says it’s One university is even of- increase. of infection levels, the Office But many scientists warn another example of “one rule fering cash prizes to students Professor Neil Fergu- for National Statistics said that infection levels are still for them and another for eve- who have been fully vacci- son, an infectious disease infection rates appeared to too high for complacency ryone else.” nated. All students at Sussex expert at Imperial College be falling in England, Scot- and that the reported figures The drop in U.K. infection University are being entered London, told The Times of land and Wales, though not may be inaccurate due to a rates has surprised some sci- into a drawing, with 10 win- London that Britain is likely in Northern Ireland, with the drop in testing. Over the past entists. Many had predicted a ners receiving 5,000 pounds to move to a situation where biggest declines in younger week, the U.K. has reported sharp rise this summer after ($6,937) if they can prove the disease can be managed age groups. an average of 26,513 new the government lifted most they are double-jabbed or ex- by vaccinations rather than Public health experts cases a day, up from fewer remaining lockdown restric- empt. “crisis measures” such as credit the U.K.’s successful than 2,000 cases a day in late tions on July 19. Professor Adam Tick- lockdowns. nationwide vaccination pro- April. It still has the second- The number of covid positive tests for August 5, the latest available Ferguson urged caution. ell, the university’s vice- “I wouldn’t rule it out gram for slowing the spread worst pandemic death toll figure show the United Kingdom had just over 30,000 confirmed “We’re at a stage where chancellor, denied the move altogether, but I think it’s of COVID-19 even in the face in Europe after Russia, with infections. we’ve got a huge amount of amounted to “bribing” stu- unlikely we will need a new of the more infectious delta over 130,000 confirmed immunity in the population, dents to get vaccinated. lockdown or even social- variant, which was first dis- deaths. est controversy surrounding The Guardian newspaper but the virus is more trans- “We’re not bribing them,” distancing measures of the covered in India and is now The sensitivity of the is- Prime Minister Boris John- reported Friday that John- missible than it’s ever been, Tickell told the BBC. “We’re type we’ve had so far,” he the dominant form of the sue can be seen in the lat- son. son had been in close con- so we have this complicated just giving an incentive.” Economy & Business Monday, August 9, 2021 11

Bitcoin and Global data Ether hit theft costs rise two-month to $4.2 mn high a breach Agencies Agencies The average global cost of a Bitcoin and Ether have data breach rose by about 10 reached their highest per cent a year to $4.2 million levels in more than two over the past 12 months, ac- months after a major cording to IBM. ethereum upgrade, defy- Remote working and rapid ing uncertainty over cryp- digital transformation due to tocurrency rules in the US the Covid-19 pandemic were infrastructure plan. behind the increase, the tech- Bitcoin gained as nology company said in its much as 3.1 per cent to annual Cost of a data breach $45,328 on Sunday, its report 2021. highest level since May 18. Healthcare organisations Ether increased as much had the highest average costs as 3.5 per cent to $3,191, for the 11th year in a row. gaining for a fifth day amid The average cost was the ethereum network’s $1.07m higher in organisations London upgrade, which where remote work was more reduces the pace of growth prevalent. in the coins. “Organisations that had “A mood of optimism more than 50 per cent of their appears to have returned workforce working remotely to cryptocurrency mar- took 58 days longer to iden- kets,” said Paolo Ardoino, tify and contain breaches than chief technology officer at those with less working re- Bitfinex, on Friday. motely,” the report said. “Bitcoin is leading the “IT [information technol- charge while [Ether] con- World leaders with Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, who has been sworn-in as Iran’s new president. ogy] changes such as cloud tinues to make gains” after migration and remote work in- its network upgrade. Still, creased costs, yet organisations he said, “the turbulence that did not implement any that we have seen in crypto digital transformation changes markets over recent weeks as a result of Covid-19 experi- is unlikely to subside”. GECF Secretary General attends enced $750,000 higher costs Cryptocurrencies are compared to the global aver- showing signs of life again age.” after pulling back signifi- The IBM study, which was cantly from record highs independently conducted by in recent months, a set- inauguration of Iran’s new Prez Washington’s Ponemon Insti- back blamed on concerns tute, is based on an analysis about China’s crackdown of more than 537 real-world and questions fuelled by Iran, with one of the largest proven natural gas reserves, enjoys a prominent position in the energy world breaches that occurred over Elon Musk on Bitcoin’s the past year in 17 different in- energy usage. Agencies Ayatollah Raisi asserted in tributed substantially to the dustries across 17 regions and However, Bitcoin is his statement. advancement and worldwide countries. approaching its 50-day Yury Sentyurin, the Gas The new president takes influence of theForum,” The US continued to top moving average, a mark Exporting Countries Forum office at a time when Iran is The seeds of the GECF were planted in Iran in 2001. Since wrote Sentyurin in his Good- the list, with average costs of it has not touched since (GECF) Secretary General, moving toward a resuscita- then, the Founder Member Country has contributed will Letter, addressed to the $9.05m, up from $8.6m a year May 26. And Ether has participated in the inauguration of the economy using substantially to the advancement and worldwide influence new President and delivered ago. It was followed by Saudi topped $3,000 again, af- tion ceremony of Seyed Ebra- domestic capacities as a so- of the Forum. “I attach sincere hope that the GECF will at the swearing-in ceremony. Arabia and the UAE ($6.9m), ter its first run above that him Raisi, the President of lution for existing problems. “I attach sincere hope Canada ($5.4m), Germany level lasted for only a cou- Iran and held high-level bilat- Using domestic capacities continue to receive steadfast support from Iran with the that the GECF will continue ($4.9) and Japan ($4.7m). ple of weeks. eral meetings during his mis- was one of the pieces of ad- hallmark Iranian poise, diligence, and wisdom that have to receive steadfast support Lost business accounted for One factor still creat- sion to Tehran. vice given by Grand Ayatol- always served as a source of inspiration for us from Iran with the hallmark average total costs of $1.6m. It ing uncertainty: the US The invitation to the lah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian poise, diligence, and included higher customer turn- infrastructure bill mak- swearing-in ceremony ex- Supreme Leader of Iran to GECF’s Yury Sentyurin wisdom that have always over, lost revenue due to sys- ing its way through Con- tended to the Forum’s Sec- the incoming President Raisi served as a source of inspi- tem downtime and the growing gress, which has duelling retary General added a new during the inauguration cer- diplomacy and intelligent in- 2015, throughout 2014-2018 ration for us,” the Secretary cost of acquiring new business amendments that address dimension to the historic ties emony. teraction with the world, to the Islamic Republic played General added. when a company’s reputation reporting requirements between the coalition, com- “There are myriad capaci- ensure the national interests the stewardship role in our The ceremony was at- has been damaged. for cryptocurrency trans- prising of 18 countries today, ties in the country. We have of the Islamic Republic of association with a national tended by a number of world Customers’ personal infor- actions and tax collection. and one of its founding Mem- extraordinary capacities in Iran,” President Raisi under- representative serving as leaders, top-ranking digni- mation made up the most com- The bipartisan group ber Countries, Iran. the area of water, oil, mining, lined his willingness to work the GECF Secretary General. taries, senior officials, as well mon type of record lost, with that drew up the legisla- “Diplomacy must extensive domestic markets, with foreign countries and Furthermore, operating at as heads of international or- 44 per cent of cases. It was also tion was counting on the strengthen the bonds among relations with neighbors, and boost Iran’s relations with all levels of the Secretariat ganisations. the costliest, at $180 per lost or extra tax revenue gener- nations of the region and the astonishing talents and the world. staff ranking – from lead- On the sidleines of the stolen record. The compromise ated to help pay for some strengthen their common enthusiasm of our youth. Un- Iran, which boasts one ership to junior positions swearing-in ceremony the of business emails accounted of the bill’s costs. grounds in the fields of doubtedly, these our capaci- of the largest proven natural – Iranians form the largest GECF Secretary General held for only 4 per cent of breaches Still, that is not stop- economy, culture, science ties can overcome the prob- gas reserves in the world, en- national group at the GECF’s a working meeting with his but had the highest average to- ping momentum in cryp- and technology. The world lems provided that they are joys a prominent position in headquarters in Doha, Qatar, counterpart Mohammad Sa- tal cost of the 10 top attack vec- tocurrencies, the market is changing and the interests identified correctly, worked the energy world and stood symbolising the positive con- nusi Barkindo, OPEC Secre- tors in the study, at $5.01m. value of which has rallied of nations depend on under- on and utilised efficiently. at the very foundation of tribution of Iran in the GECF tary General, who was invited The second costliest was back to about $1.88 tril- standing the new world and This requires round-the- OPEC and the International community. to participate in the proceed- phishing ($4.7m), followed lion from a mid-June low strategic interaction with clock and untiring diligence,” Energy Forum (IEF) and the “The seeds of the GECF ings. The heads of the energy by malicious insiders threats of about $1.2tn, according emerging powers, and a suc- Ayatollah Khamenei. GECF. At the GECF, echoing were planted in Iran in 2001. associations revised the on- ($4.6m), social engineering to CoinGecko.com. cessful foreign policy will be “We use all the tools of the success of the 3rd GECF Since then, the Founder going cooperation and mat- ($4.5m) and compromised cre- a balanced foreign policy,” national power, including Summit held in Tehran in Member Country has con- ters of mutual concern. dentials ($4.4m). Lulu Hypermarket receives PCI-DSS Certification of Compliance

Tribune News Network complete payment card data in the present and in the fu- Doha security process that encom- ture. A PCI compliant or- passes prevention, detection, ganization is contributing Crossbow Labs, the lead- and appropriate reaction to to a global payment card ing Cyber security compli- security incidents. data security solution. An ance and certification body, An independent body organization equipped with has issued the Payment Card created by Visa, MasterCard, PCI compliant system is fully Industry Data Security Stand- American Express, Discover, secured; thus customers can ard (PCI DSS) Certification of and JCB, the PCI Security trust them with their sensi- Compliance to Lulu Hyper- Standards Council (PCI SSC) tive payment card informa- market, the major hypermar- administers and manages tion. It also shows the IT in- ket chain in the region. the PCI DSS. Interestingly, frastructure efficiency of an Lulu Group is one of the the payment brands and ac- organization and it enhances leading hypermarket chains quirers are responsible for the reputation among its ac- in Qatar to achieve the PCI- enforcing compliance, rather quirers and payment brands. DSS Certification of Compli- than the PCI SSC. The certification is conferred ance in the retail sector. Dr. The Certification comes initially for one year and re- Mohamed Althaf, Director as a result of stringent se- newable thereafter based on of Lulu Group International curity practices in place to the strict maintenance of has received the PCI- DSS secure customers’ payment the system and adherence to Certification during the vir- card information, across all the standards set by the PCI tual awarding ceremony held stores and channels. DSS. last week. Honouring LuLu Group’s Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group International, and other Lulu officials with the PCI DSS Certification. As a multinational re- The PCI DSS is aimed to initiative to comply with tailer with strong roots in 22 enhance security for consum- the cyber security, Deepak Qatar and UAE is a vindica- customers”. also arise as Lulu is getting ed to reassure them that the countries, Lulu Group has a ers by setting guidelines for Umapathy, CEO of Crossbow tion of this commitment.” He added that Lulu Hy- bigger adding more stake- Lulu system is at par to en- comprehensive network of any company that accepts, Labs said, “Lulu Group is one Commenting on the side- permarket has invested so holders and different ways sure the security. “Our secu- Export Distribution Centers stores, processes, or trans- of the very few conglomer- lines of the event, Dr Mo- much money to ensure the of transactions. He thanked rity system is as good as any across the world, including mits credit card information, ate organizations that prior- hamed Althaf, Director of security of its retail business the staffs for their hard work system of the Central Bank the major state of the art fa- regardless of the number of itizes customer experiences Lulu Group International, operations. to make this achievement. in terms of physical cash and cilities recently opened in transactions or the size of and is bold enough to adopt said, “I am very pleased to “We have to take very se- “We will monitor regular- transactions,” said Dr Althaf. Birmingham, UK, New Jer- those transactions. It is a set international best practices receive the PCI-DSS Cer- riously the security issue as it ly through the system. This is Complying with PCI Se- sey, USA, and Madrid, Spain. of requirements intended to in cyber security initiatives. tification from Crossbow has a lot of challenges amid a beginning as we just estab- curity Standards seems like The Group has always been ensure that all companies Lulu’s technical teams are Labs, one of the internation- cases of cybercrimes, which lished a protocol. We need a daunting task, as the maze exerting massive efforts to that process, store, or trans- tasked with securing the IT ally acclaimed Cyber security have been recorded in the to keep it upgrading con- of standards and issues seem introduce many new ranges mit credit card information infra on the massive scale compliance and certification country,” said Dr Althaf. tinuously to face any arising like a lot to handle for large of products from across the maintain a secure environ- that Lulu operates on and it bodies. This is an important He said that this is not challenges,” said Dr Althaf. organizations. It is an ongo- world, including organic, ment. The PCI DSS is de- demonstrates their expertise milestone in our efforts to only about security of trans- He said that Lulu is dealing process that aids in pre- low-fat, gluten-free and signed to provide necessary and commitment towards ensure cyber security to the actions and data integrity of ing with a lot of institutions venting security breaches many more diet-based food framework for developing a security. PCI Certification in personal data of our valued our company, but the need and individuals, so it is need- and payment card data theft options in store. Tearful QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Lionel QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Messi bids goodbye to Barcelona page 15

MONday, AUGUST 9, 2021 Tokyo Olympics of ‘hope’ come to a close with Paris 2024 up next DPA Tokyo

The Tokyo Olympics closed on Sunday behind closed doors with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach calling them “Games of hope, solidarity and peace” amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to tradition, Bach closed the July 23-Au- gust 8 Summer Games in the presence of Japanese crown prince Akishino and speaking French invited the youth of the world to the Games of the 33rd Olympiad in Paris 2024. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo received the Olympic flag in the Tokyo stadium, a giant flag was shown at theE iffel Tower while French astronaut Thomas Pesquet played the final chords of the national an- Fireworks light up the sky over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 French aerial patrol ‘Patrouille de France’ fly over the fan village of The Trocadero set in front of The Eiffel Tower, them on a saxophone from the Olympic Games, in Tokyo, on Sunday. (AFP) in Paris on Sunday upon the transmission of the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (AFP) International Space Station. The French capital already staged the Games twice, in 1900 and 1924. Breakdancers showed off their skills ahead of the sport joining the Olympic programme in three years and French president Emmanuel Macron presented the modi- fiedO lympic motto “faster, higher, stronger, together.” The French will hope that that the pandemic has disap- peared by then, after the To- kyo Games were postponed last year and after long doubts and big reservations within Japan took place amid a strict hygiene concept. “In these difficult times A combination of pictures created on Sunday shows the Olympic you give the world the most flame burning (L) in the cauldron at the Olympic Stadium during the precious of gifts: hope,” Bach opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 23, said in his closing speech sur- 2021 and another of the Olympic cauldron as it closes (R) after the rounded by athletes from all Olympic flame was extinguished during the closing ceremony at the continents. Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday. (AFP) “For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire of volunteers for an “unprec- Athletes from more than world came together. Sport re- edented Olympic Games” and 60 of the 206 nations and A general view shows the Olympic stadium and the word “Arigato”, Japanese for “Thank You”, displayed at the end of the closing ceremony of turned to centre stage. Billions added: “You, the Japanese teams competing at the Games the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. (AFP) of people around the globe were people, can be extremely proud were no longer present for the united by emotion, sharing mo- of what you have achieved.” ceremony, according to the Dutch three-time running laxing environment in which the marathons held in Sap- plause from the athletes. ments of joy and inspiration. Organizing committee presi- IOC - mainly because corona- medallist Sifan Hassan, Brit- the athletes can unwind” after poro were part of it all, a ska The ceremony concluded “This gives us hope. This dent Seiko Hashimoto thanked virus rules made athletes leave ish cyclist Laura Kenny and “we had to overcome countless band and a DJ recreated an af- after the extinguishing of the gives us faith in the future,” everyone involved in making within 48 hours after their Italian shock 100 metre cham- obstacles and resolve many ternoon in a Tokyo park before Olympic flame with fireworks Bach said, speaking of “Games the Games possible and “our competition. pion Lamont Marcell Jacobs. conflicts to hold and open dances from different regions and the word Arigato (Thank of hope, solidarity and peace.” journey isn’t finished yet” be- Those left arrived in the Organizers said the con- these Games amid the COV- of the country and the original You) displayed on the screen Bach thanked the Japanese cause the Paralympics follow stadium socially distanced cept of the ceremony in a park- ID-19 pandemic.” dance from the 1964 Games in using the same font as in the organizers and the thousands from August 24. with flagbearers including like setting was to create “a re- The victory ceremony for Tokyo which received big ap- 1964 closing ceremony. Hashimoto satisfied with Tokyo Games without major hitches

DPA Tokyo

Tokyo Olympics organizing committee president Seiko Hashimoto is satisfied with the staging of the Games that end Sunday and believes they can be a blueprint for further events under coornavirus conditions. “Safety was our number one priority and overall I believe that we were able to reach the closing day without any major challenges,” she told a news conference. “There are many large sporting events around the world that will be organized in the coming years, and they can learn from us with regard to Covid countermeasures.” The Games postponed from last year took place with a strict safety protocol amid Athletes celebrate next to Olympic Cauldron and the Olympic flame during the closing ceremony of the President of The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Seiko Hashimoto (R) surging infection rates in To- Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium, in Tokyo, on Sunday. (AFP) delivers a speech next to President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach during the kyo which was under a state of closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, at the Olympic Stadium, in Tokyo, on Sunday. (AFP) emergency. cult situations and how we de- people appreciated our efforts. ing themselves in the bubbles, “The Tokyo 2020 Games livered the Games was under “Whatever the situation according to the playbook. more mixed events and, and Games,” she said. her most impressive moments have been designed to be a the attention of the world. is, we can overcome, that is Unfortunately there were that new sports like surfing “Teenage athletes were included “many smiles on safe and secure event for all “It is very, very difficult something we wanted to show some violations of the play- and skateboarding helped at- shown jumping into the blue the faces of the people at the participants as well as Tokyo for me to use any words to to the world.” Director general book, that is a fact, but we tract a young audience. urban sky on skateboards and venues: those working hard, and the nation as a whole,” describe how we had to over- Toshiro Muto said: “Overall took very strict actions against “The engagement of young BMX. A new Japan and a new those who are supporting the Hashimoto said. come this situation and dif- we think the bubbles were those violations.” Hashimoto people has been strongly rec- Tokyo was impressively dis- athletes, and it’s their smiles “Under the global pan- ficulties. Not everything was maintained. also highlighted that gender- ognised and added better played through these inspira- - many, many smiles - that im- demic we all faced such diffi- perfect, but overall I believe “Most athletes were keep- equality got a boost through value to the Tokyo Olympic tional images.” She added that pressed me the most.” Monday, August 9, 2021 13

Qatar Women’s Sports Committee applauds ‘Team Qatar’ athletes on their Tokyo 2020 Olympics achievements Tribune News Network Doha

The Qatar Women’s Sports Committee has congratulated Team Qatar athletes on their return home after winning three historic medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “Women’s Sports” con- gratulates the champions of Team Qatar”, said a press release on Sunday. The release further stated: The Qatar Women’s Sports Committee and all its members and employees extend their congratulations and blessings to His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ham- ad Al Thani, His Highness The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Commit- Qatar’s medal-winning athletes Mutaz Barshim, Fares Ibrahim, Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan on Team tee, and to the Qatari people, Qatar’s arrival home at the Hamad International Airport on Saturday. Qatar flagbearers Tala Abujbara (the nation’s first woman athlete in rowing) and Mohamed Al Rumaihi and all the champions of Team (shooting athlete) at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. Qatar for achieving the historic Team Qatar at Tokyo Olym- volleyball team. “Qatar is the tus for achieving more med- achievement of Qatari sport at pics and the achievement of first in beach volleyball with als in upcoming tournaments in Olympics with the presence representation in the future, athletes with Tala Abujbara the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. three medals including two the bronze medal, and it is the and that the Paris Olympics in of rower Tala Abujbara and especially since women occu- being chosen as Qatar’s flag- Lolwa Hussein Al Mar- gold medals for weightlifter first amongA rab nations in 2024 will be a milestone for sprinter Bashayer Al Manwari py a prominent role in Qatar. bearer at the opening ceremo- ri, President of the Qatar Faris Ibrahim and Mutaz a team sport,” she said, add- Qatari sports.” who presented a good image The Tokyo 2020 Olympic ny alongside shooter Moham- Women’s Sports Committee, Barshim in high jump in ad- ing: “Achieving this historic Lolwa Al Marri also praised of Qatari women amid great Games witnessed more sup- med Al Rumaihi at the Tokyo praised the participation of dition to the national beach achievement will be an impe- Qatari women’s participation hopes for increasing women’s port and success for women 2020 Games.

Medals Tokyo Games had ‘soul’ despite virus Tally Country G S B T USA 39 41 33 113 with top showings and courage China 38 32 18 88 Japan 27 14 17 58 Britain 22 21 22 65 DPA other riders, and a German ROC 20 28 23 71 Berlin The Tokyo Olympics saw modern pentathlon coach was records tumble and new Australia 17 7 22 46 also banned for punching a Netherlands 10 12 14 36 The Tokyo Olympics hap- talent emerge but also horse. pened against heavy odds in courage from gymnast And the IOC said it was France 10 12 11 33 the coronavirus pandemic but Simone Biles - and IOC “concerned” when Algerian Germany 10 11 16 37 difficult conditions and the ab- boss Thomas Bach said judoka Fethi Nourine with- Italy 10 10 20 40 sence of fans at most venues the Games had “soul” drew from his first round bout Canada 7 6 11 24 did not stop the world’s ath- with Sudan’s Mohamed Ab- Brazil 7 6 8 21 letes from providing gripping despite empty stadiums. dalrasool to avoid a potential competition. second round meeting with New Zealand 7 6 7 20 There were stunning athlet- will also hope for at the Para- Israel’s Tohar Butbul, and Ab- Cuba 7 3 5 15 ics world records from hurdlers lympics starting on August 24. dalrasool then scratched him- Hungary 6 7 7 20 Karsten Warholm and Sydney But some big-name ath- self ahead of his own meeting South Korea 6 4 10 20 McLaughlin, American swim- letes were not able to compete with Butbul, stating injury. Poland 4 5 5 14 mer Caeleb Dressel bagged five after contracting the virus, But judo also saw great golds, and Australian swimmer such as world number one sportsmanship when France’s Czech Republic 4 4 3 11 Emma McKeon seven medals golfer Jon Rahm of Spain and Clarisse Agbegnenou lifted her Kenya 4 4 2 10 including four golds. pole vault world champion long time Slovenian rival Tina Norway 4 2 2 8 British track cycling hus- Sam Kendricks of the US. Oth- Trstenjak in the air after beat- Jamaica 4 1 4 9 band-and-wife Jason and ers like German cyclist Simon ing her for gold. Spain 3 8 6 17 Laura Kenny raised their ca- Geschke tested positive in “Tina and I have known Sweden 3 6 0 9 reer tally to 12 golds, Jamaican Tokyo and then complained each other very long. We al- Elaine Thompson-Herah the about harsh quarantine rules. ways said what happens on Switzerland 3 4 6 13 first ever back-to-back wom- On the field of play not the tatami happens there and Denmark 3 4 4 11 en’s sprint double and Ameri- This was one of the most moving images of the Tokyo Olympic Games acknowleged by people around everything was glorious ei- doesn’t affect anything else,” Croatia 3 3 2 8 can runner Allyson Felix now the world when in the men’s high jump Qatari world champion Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco ther, most notably Belarusian Agbegnenou said. Iran 3 2 2 7 has a women’s record 11 athlet- Tamberi decided to share the gold rather than fight it out in a jump-off. The two seen celebrating at the sprinter Kristina Timanovs- And in the men’s high Serbia 3 1 5 9 ics medals, seven of them gold. Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on August 1, 2021. (AFP) kaya fleeing to Poland after jump Qatari world champion But worth as much as gold alleging she was forcibly or- Mutaz Essa Barshim and It- Belgium 3 1 3 7 medals was the courage of judo at the iconic Budokan posed them taking place a year Sunday. dered to go home after criticiz- aly’s Gianmarco Tamberi de- Bulgaria 3 1 2 6 American superstar gymnast venue, including siblings Uta behind schedule and amid the “I think we can say with ing coaches for moving her to cided to share the gold rather Slovenia 3 1 1 5 Simone Biles to quit early in and Hifumi Abe, and they also ongoing health crisis with soar- confidence that these Olympic a different event. than fight it out in a jump-off. Uzbekistan 3 0 2 5 the team finals as she admit- got three golds in skateboarding infection rates in Tokyo de- Games happened at the right There was a Russian/ Italy were the surprise of Georgia 2 5 1 8 ted to mental health problems. ing, one of four new sports, led spite a state of emergency. time and that the athletes, American spat in swimming athletics with five golds in- That also applied to Japa- by 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya. The Games took place with for whom we did it, really ap- about whether the Russians cluding a shock 100m win Chinese Taipei 2 4 6 12 nese tennis star Naomi Osaka The United States snatched strict hygiene and testing con- preciated it and considered it - stripped of their national from Lamont Marcell Jacobs Turkey 2 2 9 13 who, after being away from first place in the medal table cepts for everyone and, despite also to be the right moment in symbols - should be in Tokyo and sprint success in a sum- Greece 2 1 1 4 the game for two months, was for the third time in a row on not fully keeping the virus at time to come together again in the first place owing to their mer that also saw them win Uganda 2 1 1 4 thrown into the spotlight by the final day with a 39-40-33 bay and the absence of fans, and to give hope and confi- past doping practices. football’s Euro 2020 and Mat- Ecuador 2 1 0 3 lighting the cauldron at the tally, with the Chinese - hosts International Olympic Com- dence, not only to the Olympic Other countries like Ni- teo Berrettini reach the Wim- Ireland 2 0 2 4 opening ceremony and then of next year’s Winter Games - mittee (IOC) president Thomas community but to the entire geria lost several athletes for bledon final - a year after being admitted to pressure after a second on 38-32-18. Bach hailed Tokyo as a big suc- world.” Chief organizer Seiko not having conducted enough one of the European countries Qatar 2 0 1 3 third-round exit. Philippines, Qatar and cess and not “ghost Games” Hashimoto said the Games doping tests, with the nation’s hit hardest by the coronavirus. Bahamas 2 0 0 2 Osaka didn’t get the medal Bermuda won first-ever golds. under ther unprecedented cir- had given many people “hope” sprinter Blessing Okagbare “This is the year of Italy, Kosovo 2 0 0 2 Japan had hoped for but the TV ratings and internet cumstances as some had feared. amid the pandemic, named kicked out before her 100m this is our year. We won the Ukraine 1 6 12 19 hosts still enjoyed their most clicks suggested that the early “The athletes brought the testing procedures “effective” semi-final at the Games. Eurovision (song contest), we Belarus 1 3 3 7 successful Games with 58 success by the home team soul to these Olympic Games, and said there had been no A German cycling official won the football European medals from a 27-14-17 haul. helped Japan embrace the they gave Tokyo 2020 a true serious coronavirus case at the was sent home and suspended championships, we won five Romania 1 3 0 4 Nine golds alone came in Games, after a majority had op- Olympic soul,” Bach said on Games, something everyone for a racist remark directed at gold medals,” Jacobs said. Venezuela 1 3 0 4 India 1 2 4 7 Hong Kong 1 2 3 6 Philippines 1 2 1 4 Kipchoge third runner ever to win back to back Olympic marathon gold Slovakia 1 2 1 4 South Africa 1 2 0 3 DPA geeye, the largest winning mar- group. Kipchoge becomes the metre race. Austria 1 1 5 7 Tokyo gin at an Olympics since 1972. third runner ever to win back to “I think I have fulfilled the Egypt 1 1 4 6 Belgian Bashir Abdi won back Olympic marathon titles, a legacy by winning the mara- Indonesia 1 1 3 5 Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge has bronze as he came in 2 sec- feat only achieved by 1960 and thon for the second time, back- Ethiopia 1 1 2 4 become the third runner ever onds later, beating Kenya’s 1964 champion Abebe Bikila to-back. I hope now to help to win back to back Olym- Lawrence Cherono to the fin- of Ethiopia and East German inspire the next generation,” Portugal 1 1 2 4 pic marathon gold thanks to ish line by two seconds in an Waldemar Cierpinski, who won Kipchoge told BBC sport. Tunisia 1 1 0 2 a dominant performance in exciting final sprint. in 1976 and 1980. “Tokyo 2020 has happened, Estonia 1 0 1 2 challenging conditions on the The 36-year-old Kipchoge, Among his achievements, it means a lot. It means there Fiji 1 0 1 2 last day of the postponed To- widely considered the greatest the Kenyan pieced together is hope. It means we are on the Latvia 1 0 1 2 kyo 2020 Games. marathoner of all-time, made a an unparalleled 10-race un- right track to a normal life,” he On another hot and humid decisive move after the 30-kil- beaten streak over a five-year told the British broadcaster. Thailand 1 0 1 2 day in Sapporo, the Rio cham- ometre mark, breaking up the stretch which ended with an “We are on the track to our nor- Bermuda 1 0 0 1 pion and world record-holder leading pack and quickly creat- eighth place at the 2020 Lon- mal lives, that is the meaning Morocco 1 0 0 1 triumphed in 2 hours 8 minutes ing an unassailable gap. don Marathon. He also won of the Olympics. I am happy to Puerto Rico 1 0 0 1 38 seconds, crossing the line 80 Within 5 kilometres he was Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line to win the men’s marathon bronze in Athens and silver in defend my title and to show the Colombia 0 4 1 5 seconds before Dutch Abdi Na- 27 seconds ahead of the chasing final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo on Sunday.( AFP) Beijing in the shorter 5,000 next generation.” 14 Monday, August 9, 2021 Sports

England-India Test ends in draw DUE TO rain Shame we couldn’t complete Day 5: Kohli

ANI win on Sunday. Nottingham “We got to 50 overnight, a real positive for us. It wasn’t India skipper Virat Kohli ex- just about survival, it was about pressed disappointment after getting the boundaries when we the first Test against England got the chance,” said Kohli. ended in a draw as Day five of Praising bowlers for their the match was abandoned due stint at the crease, Kohli said, to rain on Sunday. “It’s the hard work of three- It was the first match of odd weeks (the lower-order the World Test Championship batting). They were in the nets (WTC) 2023 cycle. The start of regularly, and we got a lead of day five got delayed twice after 95 purely from their efforts. an early Lunch and Test was “I think they did a tremen- taken as rain played a spoilt dous job with the bat. Most Ebro River and Shane Foley win the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1) at The Curragh Racecourse in sport. “We were expecting rain likely it will be a template go- Ireland on Sunday. (Pic: McCann/Racing Post) on day 3 and 4, and it chooses India fans look on from the stands as play is delayed by rain on the ing ahead [4-1 combination], to arrive on day 5 when we fifth day of the first Test match between England and India at the but we’ve always been adapt- were looking to have a good Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottingham, England, on Sunday. (AFP) able as well, to the conditions crack at the target,” said Kohli and pace of the wicket. It’s go- Al Shaqab Racing Ebro River in a post-match presentation. it’s a shame we couldn’t com- runs after bundling out Eng- ing to be an exciting series to “We wanted to start strong, plete day five,” he added. land in the third session on be a part of, as India-England and heading into day five we India needed just 157 runs Saturday. always is,” he added. scores Gr1 win at The Curragh felt we had the chance right in to win the first Test on day five Kohli said the game on the The action moves to Lord’s front of the ball. We certainly but no play was possible due final day wasn’t about survival for the second match which Tribune News Network quickly switched across to the for second and Go Bears go felt we were right on top, and to rain. The visitors scored 52 as India wanted to go for the gets underway from Thursday. rail and dictated a strong early took third. The first two-year-oldG roup pace with Go Bears Go (Kodi Bred by Tally-Ho stud, One of the year in Europe the Bear). Applying pressure in- Ebro River was bought at Keenland Phoenix Stakes was side the final 600m, Ebro Tattersalls October Yearling won by the Al Shaqab Racing- River had the majority of his Sale (Book 2). He is by first owned Ebro River (Galileo Gold rivals in difficulty. season stallion Galileo Gold Martin claims maiden MotoGP win x Soft Power) at The Curragh in Dr Zempf (Dark Angel) (Paco Boy), a winner of the Ireland on Sunday. challenged and briefly headed 2,000 Guineas for Al Shaqab Trained in the United Ebro River inside the final Racing. His dam, Soft Power in dramatic Styrian Grand Prix Kingdom by Hugo Palmer, 200m. Despite drifting to- (Balmont) was a winner over two-year-old Ebro River was wards the centre of the track, 1,400m on debut and has also having his seventh run of the Ebro River rallied strongly produced Strong Power (Ko- season and was ridden to suc- under a strong drive by Foley diac), a winner of two races. cess by Shane Foley. and went on to score by three She is a half-sister to Key Rose Breaking quickly out of quarters of a length at the win- (Key Of Luck) who was placed stall five, Ebro River was ner. Dr Zempf held on gamely third at Listed level. Welwal debuts in fine style Tribune News Network Yamaha-SRT Italian rider Valentino Rossi, who will quit at the end of the season, waves to fans during the Styrian Motorcycle Grand Prix at A maiden reserved to unraced the Red Bull Ring race track in Spielberg, Austria on Sunday. (AFP) colts and geldings, the Al Shaqab Racing owned Welwal had overtaken Martin within pion Marquez dropping to 14th (Shalaa x Cheriearch) took the seconds of the start, while and Martin back to third. Prix De Crevecoeur at Deau- Mir, Quartararo and Marc Miller could not hold on, ville on Sunday in fine style. Marquez had an almighty tus- though, with Martin picking A race reputed for produc- Winner Ducati-Pramac Spanish rider Jorge Martin celebrates on the sle for position on Turn 6. his line perfectly to undertake, ing talented individuals, the podium after the Styrian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring Yet their efforts proved while defending champion Jean-Claude Rouget trained race track in Spielberg, Austria on Sunday. (AFP) fruitless as the red flag was Mir and Quartararo soon fol- Welwal produced an impres- soon raised. Pedrosa fell on lowed suit. Matters were made sive turn of foot under a fine ride DPA triumph following an early the exit hairpin of Turn 3 with worse for Miller with 10 laps from jockey Cristian Demuro. Austria red flag due to a crash involv- Savadori subsequently collid- to go, the Australian skidding Held up throughout the Welwal on way to victory ay Deauville in France on Sunday. (Pic: Scoopdyga) ing Dani Pedrosa and Lorenzo ing with the stricken bike. out on Turn 7 as he attempted early stages of the 1,500m con- Jorge Martin capitalized on Savadori. Making his first start in to hunt down Quartararo. It is test, Welwal always travelled pole. Always doing enough to colt. The goal was to give him his record-setting pole posi- Francesco Bagnaia had MotoGP since 2018, Pedrosa the second successive race he strongly. hold Blue Boat, Welwal went a nice introductory race and tion to claim victory in a dra- taken an early lead ahead of came away unscathed, though has failed to finish. With a strong pace being on to score by three quarters Cristian took his time on him. matic Styrian Grand Prix on Martin, but when the race re- Savadori had to receive fur- The day instead belonged to set by Bardolino (Wotton Bas- of a length. The pair drew four At the finish, it was his class Sunday to seal his maiden win started, the original grid posi- ther medical attention and was Martin, the 23-year-old keeping sett) Demuro was happy to lengths clear of Dreamflight that made the difference.” in MotoGP. tions were used, and having carried away on a stretcher. compatriot Mir at bay to win remain towards the rear as the (Frankel) back in third. Bred in partnership by Martin, competing in his reclaimed control from Jack Meanwhile, race marshals had with a 1.548-second cushion. field took the final bend. Speaking after Welwal’s Oceanic Bloodstock, Mrs. A maiden MotoGP campaign, Miller - who later crashed out to contend with a fire on the Quartararo came in in Upon entering the home success, Al Shaqab Racing’s Gravereux and OTI Manage- clinched pole with a time of - the Pramac Racing rider held track - a result of a ruptured third, collecting more points straight, Welwal was angled manager Rupert Pritchard- ment, Welwal is by Shalaa 1 hour 22.994 minutes - the firm to secure a first premier fuel tank from one of the bikes. in his quest for the world title, out wide for a run and closed Gordon said “We were hoping (Invincible Spirit) who stands fastest recorded at the Red class success ahead of Joan After a 30-minute delay, the while Marquez - who finished with purpose on the outside. he would run a nice race. Jean at Haras de Bouquetot for Al Bull Ring. Mir and runaway champion- race restarted with 27 laps re- on the podium in three of his Blue Boat (Frankel) followed Claude had told us that he has Shaqab Racing, whose colours However, he needed a sec- ship leader Fabio Quartararo. maining. This time, it was Miller four previous MotoGP races at Welwal in his run and the pair been doing everything well at he carried to multiple Group ond chance to turn his superb Bagnaia wasted no time who was the early aggressor, the Red Bull Ring - had to set- drew clear from the 200m home and worked like a quality success. qualifying session into a race in getting on the attack and with six-time MotoGP cham- tle for eighth. Federer at 40: On landmark birthday, what might the future hold for tennis legend?

wiss tennis great Rog- Would he play on in 2022? er Federer turned 40 Once the greatest of all time, Swiss ace Roger Could he tolerate more long on Sunday amid uncer- Federer is approaching the end of his career road trips without his fam- tainty over whether he which could come sooner rather than later. ily, living in a tennis bubble? willS grace the stage of a Grand Federer has never settled for Slam again. second best, and it may have Both he and Serena Wil- lar, and he has advanced from posted to the ATP Tour’s offi- dawned on him at Wimbledon liams, who reaches the same 16 Grand Slams to 20. But the cial Twitter account. that in all probability he no birthday landmark in Sep- knees would sooner be 30 than “It’s been a huge honour to longer can win a Grand Slam. tember, have kept their future 40, and Federer, remarkable share the tennis court and the Losing a 6-0 set to Hubert plans under wraps. sportsman though he is, looks tennis circuit with you in the Hurkacz on the way to a quar- However, it would come as to have entered the lap of hon- last 15 years. ter-final exit would have hurt. no surprise now if one, or both, our stage of his career – if he “Hopefully you can still The hunger does not go were to retire by the end of the can even complete such a lap. keep on playing. The sport away after 20 Grand Slams, year. Injuries are taking their Two knee operations in needs you, of course, and but Federer’s battle-weary toll, and even the greatest cham- 2020 were followed by a set- thanks for everything you have body is sending him messages. pions cannot go on forever. back that ruled him out of the done and thanks for showing He will want to go out on his Ahead of his 30th birthday, Olympics and will also keep us that even at that age we can own terms, which means get- Federer was asked what it felt him sidelined for the Toronto play at a very high level.” ting fully fit. like to hit such a milestone. and Cincinnati tournaments But will Federer make it Assuming the knee issue “Birthdays happen. before the US Open. to Flushing Meadows, where is not a major problem, and They’re part of life,” Federer “Hey Roger, happy 40th he won five successive titles at more of a niggle, then Federer said. “I’m happy I’m getting birthday - 40th, wow, what a the height of his career? There could still play the US Open, older. I’d rather be 30 than 20, milestone! You still keep on has to be doubt over that, and Laver Cup, Indian Wells and to be honest. To me it’s a nice inspiring and thriving on the should he indeed be an ab- Paris Masters this year. If the time.” court, off the court, inspiring sentee in New York, what is mind is willing but the body A decade on, Federer has all of us,” said Serbia’s world there left to target? The Laver does not comply, however, good reason to be satisfied with In this file photo taken on July 07, 2021, Switzerland’s Roger Federer plays against Poland’s Hubert number one Novak Djokovic, Cup, perhaps, a tournament in then it would not be a shock life as he chalks up another dec- Hurkacz during their men’s quarter-finals match of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Federer withdrew who shares Federer’s record which he is financially invested to see him call time before ade. Family life is good, he’ll from the ATP Toronto and Cincinnati Masters events on AUgust 5, 2021, adding to fitness concerns and haul of 20 slams along with and which is due to be played the Australian Open comes never need to borrow a dol- fears the 20-time Grand Slam champion might not play in the US Open. (AFP) Rafael Nadal, said in a video in Boston in late September. around in January. Sports Monday, August 9, 2021 15 Messi in tears leaving Barcelona, says: I’m not ready for this DPA Berlin

Lionel Messi was in tears as he confirmed his departure from Barcelona after 21 years with the club. Messi was set to sign a new deal with Barca, but is now heading for pastures new - with a move to Paris Saint- Germain “possible” – after the Catalan giants could not afford to fulfil the contract they had agreed. The 34-year-old took to the stage for a news conference on Sunday, in front of the media, his family, Barca team- mates and club officials.

This is really difficult for me after so many years, being here my entire life, I’m not ready for this. My family and I were convinced I wanted to stay here, that’s what we all Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi cries during a press wanted more than anything. conference at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Sunday. The We thought we’d be staying six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi had been expected to sign a new here in Barcelona, today I five-year deal with Barcelona on ugustA 5 but instead, after 788 have to say goodbye to all games, the club announced he is leaving at the age of 34. (AFP) Fans outside the Camp Nou stadium where Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi held a press conference in Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) of this. Messi set to undergo medical at PSG: Report Lionel Messi After confirming that signing with arisP Saint-Germain (PSG) remains a possibility, Argentina striker Lionel Messi is set to undergo medical at the Ligue 1 club. He was emotional before The maverick striker on Sunday confirmed the end of his 21-year stint withS panish club Barcelona he even made an opening and he was left in tears while bidding adieu to the club. Messi in a press conference had admitted statement. that his signing with PSG remains a possibility, but nothing is certain at the moment. “These recent days I’ve “Lionel Messi is set to undergo a medical at Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Barcelona,” Goal.com been giving lots of thought to said in its Transfer news section citing a report from L’Equipe. what I could say, and the truth “Paris Saint-Germain is a possibility, yes. At the moment nothing is confirmed, I received a lot of is that I can’t think of any- calls after the Barcelona statement. We’re talking about it,” Goal.com had quoted Messi as saying. thing,” said Messi, who subse- According to the report, PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke directly to Argentina striker in order to quently let the tears flow as he convince him to join the club after exit from Barcelona. received a standing ovation. “Today I have to say goodbye, I arrived very young at 13 years old, and after 21 years I am leaving “This is really difficult for with my wife and three children,” said Messi on Sunday in the press conference. (ANI) me after so many years, being here my entire life, I’m not ready for this and honestly “My family and I were con- and I promised my children go back to training and you last year with all the nonsense vinced I wanted to stay here, that.” have another chance to avenge with the burofax I was con- that’s what we all wanted more Messi wanted to leave Bar- yourself. That isn’t going to vinced I knew what I wanted than anything. ca in 2020 amid a disagree- happen here, it’s the end. Now to say but this year is not the “We thought we’d be stay- ment with then club president another chapter starts.” same.” ing here in Barcelona, today I Josep Maria Bartomeu. The coronavirus pandemic Last year he asked to leave have to say goodbye to all of However, he insisted he also meant Messi played al- the club via the Spanish post’s this,” he said. was wholly committed to stay- most the last season-and-a- burofax service but changed “We’ve always made this ing this time around. half of his Barca career with- his mind. This time he came our home, we’re at home and “Last year I wanted to out fans in attendance. Current and former Barcelona players attend a press conference by Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel to an agreement to stay but we thought we’d be staying leave, but this year I didn’t. Asked if he would return Messi at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) financial stumbling blocks at here in Barcelona. I was always completely up to bid farewell to a full Camp Barca meant La Liga would “I’ve been here so many front about everything and I Nou, he replied: “Obviously a half. If I’d imagined it I’d im- lacking just one more title. ball. But I don’t regret any- not allow the deal. years, my entire life since I was have to leave the club I love,” for these people, I’m available agined it with the Camp Nou “I would have liked to thing. I tried to give my best, He is out of contract and will 13. After 21 years I’m leaving he added. for anything. full and being able to say good- have won another Champions sometimes it works out for leave for free, with Messi saying with my wife, my three little “This is the most difficult Honestly, yes. bye properly,” he said. League,” he said. the better or worst. I’m of the a PSG move is now “possible” Catalan-Argentine kids, and moment of my career. I have “I never imagined it this Messi won 35 trophies “We got to the semi-final opinion we could have won but that he has no final agree- I can’t tell you we won’t come been through tough moments, way. I leave this club without with Barca, but acknowledged (in 2019) and were knocked more, but I achieved my ob- ment with anyone at present. back because this is my home, defeats... but the next day you seeing the fans for a year and he feels the Blaugrana were out by Liverpool. That’s foot- jectives.” Stars pay tribute to Messi Rapid PSG double secures opening win

Current and former Bar- DPA celona stars paid tribute to Paris Lionel Messi on social media after he confirmed that he was Paris Saint-Germain kicked off their leaving Barcelona following 17 Ligue 1 campaign with a 2-1 victory de- years of trophy-laden success spite suffering an early scare against at the club. Troyes. “I have still not come to Oualid El Hajjam’s ninth-minute terms with the reality of leav- header had the newly promoted hosts on ing this club now – I love this top but their delight was cut short 10 min- club,” said Messi, who several utes later when Achraf Hakimi smashed times wiped away tears before in a first goal for his new club. a squadron of reporters at the Mauro Icardi doubled the blow two club’s Camp Nou ground who minutes later with what proved to be the gave him a standing ovation on winner, poking past goalkeeper Gauthier Sunday. Gallon after good work by Kylian Mbappe. Messi, widely considered Amid speculation over the possible the most gifted player in the his- Fans outside the Camp Nou stadium where Barcelona’s Argentinian for- arrival of Lionel Messi in Paris, Mauricio tory of the game, has won 35 tro- ward Lionel Messi held a press conference in Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) Pochettino’s side started positively on the Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Mauro Icardi celebrates after scoring a goal during phies at the club which he joined field as they look to recapture a Ligue 1 the French L1 match against ES Troyes at the Stade de l’Aube in Troyes on Saturday. (AFP) as a 13-year-old – including four Twitter feed a picture of Messi been a dream to play alongside crown which they have claimed in seven Champions Leagues and 10 surrounded by replicas of the the best player in history,” said of the past nine seasons. flexsave from Navas to keep out a drilled to become the first player since Metehan league titles while his 672 goals trophies he has won with the de Jong. Thilo Kehrer’s last-ditch interven- strike that seemed destined for the net, Guclu in 2019 to score on his top-flight are a record for any of the top single word: “Unrepeatable.” Barcelona’s former mid- tion made amends for centre-back part- while Mama Balde’s audacious acrobatics debut for PSG. fiveE uropean leagues. “When Messi cries, we all field general Andres Iniesta ner Presnel Kimpembe’s early mistake as had the PSG goalkeeper scrambling after Since the start of the 2019-20 cam- Former Barcelona and cry. Big hug. Love u Leo,” Bar- looked back on 14 years of Troyes threatened, though PSG did not the break. paign, only Robin Gosens (34) has more England star Gary Lineker was celona also tweeted. often “magical moments” but escape so lightly from the resulting cor- Back-to-back opportunities followed goal involvements for a defender across one of the first ones to react to Barcelona coach Ronald added “imagining the club ner. El Hajjam greeted Dylan Chambost’s for the away side to finish the game off Europe’s top five leagues than Hakimi the news, praising the Argen- Koeman, whose goal won the without you or seeing you inswinging delivery as the centre-back but neither went in, Icardi flicking a head- (31), while his goal here saw him become tinian’s legacy on Sunday. club their firstE uropean Cup in at the Camp Nou in another nodded past Keylor Navas. er wide and Mbappe bending a shot nar- just the second Moroccan to score in “So sad watching a clearly 1992, tweeted on Saturday that shirt” would be very hard. Ander Herrera sent a rising effort into rowly over the crossbar. Ligue 1 for the club. very emotional Lionel Messi for him it was “still hard to un- Another teammate Serg- the side netting but shortly after Hakimi A good start to make amends for last Yoann Touzghar almost profited from having to say goodbye to @ derstand that you will not play ino Dest said playing along- restored parity, powering onto Her- season’s underwhelming campaign was Kimpembe’s early error to square across FCBarcelona,” tweeted Linek- for @FCBarcelona any more” side Messi was a dream come rera’s pass before blasting a right-footed vital for Pochettino and they began in Navas’ goal, though his performance de- er, who spent three seasons while saluting Messi’s work ethic. through for him. volley into the roof of the net. positive fashion despite an initial blip. clined from there on in. with the Catalan giants in the Dutch midfielder Frenkie He tweeted: “As a kid, you Things rapidly worsened for the hosts While PSG had lost just one of their The forward cut an isolated figure up late 1980s, winning a Spanish de Jong tweeted late on Sat- dream of playing with players when Icardi added a second, the forward previous nine opening games in Ligue top, winning just 33.3 per cent of his duels Cup and a Cup Winners Cup. urday that “when I was a child like Leo Messi. Although just a prodding home after Mbappe’s cutback 1 (W5 D3), they were beaten by Lens to as he touched the ball just 20 times - the “No player in the history I enjoyed watching all your year, I am blessed to have been found his team-mate inside the area. open the 2020-21 season. lowest figure for any player who started of the sport has given so much games with my brother on TV able to play with you in this Mbappe thought he had scored him- However, Saturday’s win sets the visi- the game. joy, so many unforgettable in our room”. club where you made so much self when he rounded Gallon and curled tors off in the right direction to reclaim PSG host Strasbourg next Saturday – moments, so much success to “When I came here two history. It’ll be something I towards goal, only to be denied by Jimmy their crown. could Messi be part of the squad by then? one club,” said Lineker. years ago I discovered you are cherish for the rest of my life.” Giraudon’s goal-line clearance. Hakimi’s equaliser rapidly removed As for Troyes, they travel to Clermont The club itself posted on its an incredible person. It has (Aljazeera.com) Renaud Ripart induced a smart re- any nerves for the away side, smashing in Foot the day after. 16 Monday, August 9, 2021 The Last Word Lusaka and Harare now boarding! Qatar Airways debuts two new gateways, taking the number of its destinations in Africa to 27

Tribune News Network Flight Schedule DOHA Wednesday, Friday and Qatar Airways (QA) en- Sunday (all times local) hanced its presence in South- ● Doha (DOH) to Lusaka ern Africa with the launch of (LUN) QR1455 departs: a new linked service between 02:20 arrives: 08:50 Doha and Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe. To ● Lusaka (LUN) to Harare mark this milestone, the new (HRE) QR1455 departs: linked service was inaugurated 10:20 arrives: 11:20 by the airline’s state-of-the-art ● Airbus A350-900 featuring Harare (HRE) to Lusaka 36 seats in the award-winning (LUN) QR1456 departs: Qsuite Business Class and 247 18:55 arrives 19:55 seats in Economy Class. ● Lusaka (LUN) to Doha QA now operates to Lu- (DOH) QR1456 departs: saka’s Kenneth Kaunda In- 21:25 arrive 05:55 (+1) ternational Airport (LUN). The country’s largest city and commercial centre, Lusaka is Airport (HRE) is also a desti- ment to Africa throughout signed an interline agree- of the world, with rising con- tween Zimbabwe and Zambia, capacity per week, each way the gateway to experiencing nation with rich culture, World the pandemic having signifi- ment with RwandAir giving sumer demand and an abun- and destinations on the Qatar to support the two countries’ Zambia’s legendary tourist Heritage–listed archaeologi- cantly grown its network by customers greater access to dance of natural resources. Airways network, and steadily exports such as vegetables attractions from the Victoria cal sites, and diverse natural adding four routes to Accra, the combined networks of We see enormous potential grow these routes to support and flowers to destinations on Falls which it shares with Zim- landscapes. The aircraft was Abidjan, Abuja, Luanda and both airlines. in not just outbound travel the recovery of tourism and the QA network such as Lon- babwe, to game reserves and a greeted in Lusaka and Harare restarting services to Alex- QA Group Chief Execu- from Zimbabwe and Zambia, trade in the region.” don, Frankfurt and New York variety of wildlife. Meanwhile, by traditional water cannon sa- andria, Cairo and Khartoum tive Akbar Al Baker said: “We but also inbound traffic from Businesses and traders and multiple points in China. Harare, the capital of Zimba- lutes upon arrival. bringing its footprint to 27 have ambitious plans for Af- India, UK, and Americas. We will also benefit from the air- Imports will consist of phar- bwe, will be served via Robert The airline has demon- destinations in 21 countries. rica which is one of the fast- look forward to strengthen line’s cargo offering, allowing maceuticals, automotive and Gabriel Mugabe International strated its steadfast commit- Earlier this month, QA also est-growing economic regions trade and tourism links be- more than 30 tonnes of cargo technology equipment. EAA, Gavi launch integrated education Ooredoo VIP delegation enjoys & immunisation programmes in Africa cultural experience at NMoQ The projects aim to reach over half a million of the most marginalised people in two years Tribune News Network ensure that communities are mobilised to nership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in a Doha increase school enrolment and that girls joint effort to promote immunisation cov- receive the HPV vaccine when they reach erage in Ethiopia and Kenya. We recognise Encouraging collaboration between 10 years of age. The education project will that children are more likely to enrol and re- education and health to increase access for benefit from the network of community main in education if they are healthy. EAA is the most marginalised communities, Edu- health volunteers and facility-based health committed to working with local communi- cation Above All Foundation (EAA) ties to advocate for school enrolment and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and ensure access to quality primary have extended their partnership to education for the most marginalised.” launch integrated immunisation The immunisation project will projects in Ethiopia and Kenya, sup- identify children living in the areas ported by Qatar Fund For Develop- where EAC and Save the Children’s ment (QFFD). education project is being implement- In conjunction with EAA’s Edu- ed and engage teachers and Parent- cate A Child (EAC) programme and Teacher Association (PTA) members The telecom leader is its ongoing education project with of supported schools. It will address the sponsor of QM’s Save the Children Korea (SCK), the some of the key barriers to vaccina- initiative in Ethiopia aims to support tion in the region, including lack of Mal Lawal 3 initiative the country’s overarching target of 90 immunisation service availability and percent immunisation coverage at cold chain equipment; lack of service Tribune News Network the national level and at least 80 per- providers and training; data inconsist- Doha cent in each of the 11 targeted districts in the workers to advocate for school enrolment, ency and shortage of reporting; low commu- host community and three refugee camps in while the immunisation programme in the nity awareness; and inadequate support. A delegation of senior repre- the Gambella Regional State of Ethiopia. It targeted counties will benefit from the net- In Kenya, the National Vaccines and Im- sentatives from Ooredoo visited aims to increase uptake of HPV vaccination work of schools and teachers to reach com- munisation program (NVIP) offers vaccina- the National Museum of Qatar amongst girls aged 14 and child vaccina- munities with messages on cervical cancer tion against 14 diseases including cervical (NMoQ) recently to experience tion amongst children under one-year-old, and HPV vaccine. cancer - the most common female cancer in Mal Lawal 3, a temporary exhi- senior executives. bin Nasser Al Thani said: “We reaching 108,183 children with immunisa- Khalifa Jassim Al-Kuwari, director women aged 15-44 years in the country, with bition celebrating local collec- Mal Lawal 3 sheds light were delighted to visit Mal Lawal tions and 995 adults, who will receive relat- general of QFFD, said: “Qatar Fund for De- an estimated 5,250 new cases and 3,286 cer- tors. on the collecting community 3 and experience first-hand the ed training over a period of 12 months. velopment supports GAVI, the Vaccine Al- vical cancer deaths reported each year. To Mal Lawal 3, of which Oore- around Qatar, bringing lo- contribution Ooredoo is mak- Meanwhile, the immunisation project liance’s mission to save lives to protect the address the leading cause of female cancer- doo is the Official Sponsor, is a cal collectors together to net- ing to the Qatari cultural scene in Kenya, which intersects with EAA’s on- world’s poorest against the threat of pan- related deaths in Kenya, it is critical to in- unique platform designed to of- work, collaborate, showcase as part of our corporate social going education project with UNICEF, will demics. Through this strategic partnership, volve the education sector, community lead- fer a vital contribution to Qatar’s their collectibles and engage in responsibility strategy. Qatari be implemented in 16 arid and semi-arid an integrated immunisation programme ers and parents to ensure girls receive the cultural landscape by preserving thought-provoking discussion culture and heritage is rich, var- land (ASAL) counties in three zonal areas will be launched in Nigeria targeting more recommended two doses of HPV vaccine. and promoting its heritage, cul- and debate. Reinterpreted to fit ied and fascinating, and we take of Garissa, Kisumu and Lodwar as well as than 100,000 children and women. Fur- Key outcomes of the project’s approach ture and traditions. a museum setting, the platform pride in supporting Qatar Muse- urban informal settlements in Nairobi with thermore, we are looking forward to the are to focus on increasing demand for HPV The delegation of senior serves as a launchpad for the art ums in this initiative that both high numbers of out of school children. Over upcoming signing of projects in both, vaccine from community and caregivers of Ooredoo representatives that of collecting, addressing how to preserves our culture and herit- the next two years, the project aims to reach Ethiopia and Kenya which align with Qatar girls using school and community platforms; visited the museum to experi- become a collector, what objects age for future generations and 257,400 girls who are both in school and out Fund’s goal of ensuring healthy lives and increased availability and access to the HPV ence the exhibition included should be collected and how showcases them for all to enjoy.” of school in Kenya. well-being for all.” vaccine; and strengthened evidence genera- Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin they should be preserved and/ Collectibles are now on dis- UNICEF’s immunisation and educa- Fahad Al-Sulaiti, CEO of EAA, said: “We tion to track implementation of education Nasser Al Thani, chief commer- or displayed. play to the public at the NMoQ tion projects will work closely together to are delighted to strengthen our existing part- and immunisation. cial officer, and several other Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad until September 15, 2021.

Q U prof develops method to convert vehicle exhaust into non-toxic gases Tribune News Network also awarded the German from a researcher to the title with renowned scientists and catalyst provides comparable that inventions provide to hu- Doha Academic Exchange Prize in of the inventor, Dr Siham said, networking.” activity and higher stability manity is that they save and 2003. During her tenure as “A researcher attains the title Explaining about her re- compared to plasmonic met- facilitate us to carry out the Prof Siham Yousuf A Dean of the College of Arts of the inventor when his/her cent invention, she said, “The als-based catalysts and suffers difficult tasks that require very Alqaradawi, professor of Or- and Sciences (2005-2010), research leads to outstand- current patent explains how much less from the thermally- high physical efforts, including ganic Chemistry at College of she established the College of ing results that no one has to remove toxic carbon mon- induced sintering, typically those inventions used in con- Arts and Sciences, Qatar Uni- Pharmacy and introduced the reached before. The research- oxide emitted into air through observed for gold or platinum- struction, drilling, and exca- versity (QU), has developed a International Affairs Program. er can think outside the box car exhaust by catalytic con- based conversion catalysts. vation operations. The inven- new method to convert toxic International accreditations and transform his research version into less toxic carbon Our catalysts can be produced tions of medicines and medical gases from vehicle exhaust to for many programmes such as and ideas from theoretical dioxide. The catalyst reported at large scale in a scalable fash- devices are among the most less toxic gases such as carbon the Chemistry Program from knowledge and strategic ini- herein may have potential ap- ion through environmentally important inventions that were dioxide. She has spoken in de- the Canadian Society of Chem- tiatives into real technologi- plication as a component of the and economically-friendly ap- able to protect humans from tail about how QU promotes istry and the Biomedical Sci- cal and realistic solutions that three-way catalytic converters. proach,” she added. many diseases that threatened research an innovation. ences Program have also been provide additional value. The Indirect application may in- This catalyst can be used to them in the past.” Dr Siham joined Qatar received. researcher [achieves the title clude purification of hydrogen remove the toxic carbon mon- QU has established the Of- University in September 1977 She has taught several when she/he] registers his Prof Siham Yousuf A Alqaradawi gas in the methane reforming oxide gas emitted into the air fice of Innovation and Intellec- as an undergraduate student. courses to hundreds of stu- work as a patent to develop process for fuel cells systems in flue gas, car exhaust, or fac- tual Property in 2017 to be the She graduated in 1981 with dents since her appointment these ideas into initiatives, matters. The money for these or removal of CO poisoning in tories to improve air quality by focal point within the univer- first rank at the College of Sci- at QU as an assistant profes- products and pilot projects research awards also contrib- carbon dioxide laser systems.” oxidising it to less toxic carbon sity to raise awareness of intel- ence and second rank at the sor, and she has participated that serve national priorities.” utes to the procurement of “The tailored CuO/TiO2 dioxide, in addition to the pos- lectual property rights within university level. in various committees at the QU encourages invention scientificresearch equipment, NT composition constitutes sibility of using the catalyst to the University and in the Qa- She continued her studies department, college, and uni- and innovation. “Qatar Uni- chemicals, materials in sup- an active and stable catalyst to purify hydrogen gas during the tari community as a whole. and obtained PhD from the versity levels. She has received versity has set aside a number port of scientific research, and convert the highly toxic carbon methane reforming process The office is also responsible University of Reading in the six research grants from the of internal research grants to the university generously sup- monoxide in exhaust or flue and for fuel cell systems. for registering patents, protect- UK in 1992. She was awarded Qatar National Research Fund help faculty members carry out ports students’ attendance at gas to less toxic carbon dioxide Sharing the importance ing other types of intellectual the prestigious William Ful- and published more than 75 their studies. Researchers can scientific conferences, which without the need to utilize the of inventions for the develop- property and marketing them, bright Scholarship as a Vis- scientific papers in interna- also engage research assistants allows them to learn about high cost precious metals such ment of communities she said, as well as disseminating the iting Researcher at Temple tional journals with a high im- to build a study team that is re- what is going on in the world as platinum, gold or palladium “The inventions have great results of intellectual property University in Pennsylvania, pact factor. sponsible for following up on of cutting-edge experiences that are well-known for their importance in our lives. One to stakeholders inside and out- USA in 2010-2011. She was While sharing her journey practical and administrative and technologies by meeting superior catalytic activity. Our of the most important benefits side the university.