QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Wednesday July 1, 2020 Dhu Al-Qa’da 10, 1441 Vol.13 no. 4987 qR 2

Fajr: 3:18 am Dhuhr: 11:38 am fine Asr: 3:01 pm Maghrib: 6:31 pm High : 41°C LOW : 30°C Isha: 8:01 pm

Middle East 4 Business 8 Sports 11 Iran passes death Masraf Al Rayan, Formula One deploys sentence, upholds jail term al khaliji begin merger war chest of coronavirus in French-linked cases negotiations strategies for Austria

Entry and exit points to and Qatar pledges $100 mn to help from Industrial Area removed Within the framework of the implementation of the alleviate suffering of Syrians second phase of the plan to gradually lift the COVID-19 2012 and the relevant Security during which the Syrian peo- restrictions, the Permanent With the new pledge, Qatar’s actual aid Council resolutions, especially ple were deprived of the most Committee for Industrial Area to Syrian people exceeds $2 billion Resolution No 2254, and in a basic necessities of living such Affairs has decided to cancel way that meets the legitimate as water, food, infrastructure, entry and exit points to and QNA ing, the FM underscored that aspirations of the Syrian peo- and basic social services such from the Industrial Area Doha the new pledge comes from ple in security, stability, and as education and health, in starting from Wednesday. the firm belief of Qatar to fulfil the preservation of its territo- addition to the number of dis- In a statement on Upon the directives of His its international and humani- rial integrity. placed people, that reached 12 Tuesday, the Government Highness The Amir of State tarian obligation towards the At the beginning of his million,” he said. Communications Office of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin brotherly Syrian people. speech, the FM thanked the The FM pointed out that (GCO) said implementation Hamad Al Thani, Deputy He said Qatar’s actual as- European Union and the the success in facing of the of preventive measures Prime Minister and Minister sistance to the brotherly Syr- United Nations for the invita- catastrophic and grave hu- such as the wearing of of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh ian people has exceeded $2 Qatar has spared no effort since the beginning tion to hold this conference manitarian repercussions of masks, reduced bus capac- Mohammed bin Abdulrah- billion. of the Syrian crisis to enhance the rapid and praised the participating the Syrian crisis will only come ity to half, and activation of man Al Thani announced a “Qatar, in compliance with humanitarian response and provide effective countries for their efforts to through finding a political so- Ehteraz application, will con- new pledge of Qatar to pro- its humanitarian and moral support the Syrian people de- lution that radically ends this tinue to ensure the health vide $100 million to alleviate responsibilities, has spared no assistance to the brotherly Syrian people.” spite the economic difficulties crisis. This is the responsibil- and safety of the area’s the human sufferings of Syr- effort, since the beginning of —HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani faced by all countries due to ity of the international com- residents, visitors, and com- ian people. the Syrian crisis, to enhance the coronavirus (COVID-19) munity, especially the Security munity members. In a speech at Brussels IV the rapid humanitarian re- pandemic. Council and the actors con- It emphasised that the Conference on Supporting the sponse and provide effective The FM affirmed the at reaching a political solu- “The world is facing a cerned, he said. easing of restrictions does Future of Syria and the Re- assistance to the brotherly steadfast support of Qatar to tion to the Syrian crisis based humanitarian crisis that hu- not mean the virus has dis- gion, held via video conferenc- Syrian people,” he said. the international efforts aimed on first Geneva Declaration of manity has not known before, Continued on page 2  appeared. “All members of society should continue to take precautions and follow recommended guidelines to ensure the successful im- Al Sailiya Central Market plementation of the gradual Phase II of lifting COVID-19 lifting of the restrictions imposed in Qatar, with the all set to reopen today aim of returning to normal life,” it noted. (TNN) restrictions to begin today Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network and violators will be subject to the Doha relevant penalties. Al Sailiya Central Market will reopen All parks and beaches as well on Wednesday in line with the govern- Electricity and The second stage of the gradual as the corniche will be reopened for ment’s plan to gradually lift the restric- lifting of COVID-19 restrictions will people of all ages while continuing tions imposed as a result of the COV- water usage come into force from Wednesday to practice social distancing. Play ID-19 epidemic. as per the plan. The transition from areas, however, will remain closed. This was announced by Hassad, goes up in May stage 1 to stage 2 of reopening is Families will be allowed to rent Qatar’s premier investor in the food based on public health data and boats and yachts in groups not sector, on Tuesday. Electricity and water con- COVID-19 spread indicators. ● All parks, beaches and the exceeding 10 people. In a statement, Hassad said the All precautionary measures have been sumption has gone up in May As per the plan, the Phase corniche will reopen Sports training in open spaces Ministry of Public Health, Aswaq for taken to prevent the spread of the virus in as compared to the previous II will see restricted opening of and large halls will be permitted for Food Facilities Management (a subsidi- Al Sailiya Central Market. month, according to latest mosques for all five prayers with ● Commercial activities to professional athletes in groups not ary of Hassad) has taken all the precau- data released by the Planning limited capacity. Maximum 50 per- resume in malls exceeding 10 people. tionary measures to prevent the spread Al Sailiya Central Market is an in- and Statistics Authority (PSA). cent of public and private sector Libraries and museums will of the virus in the Central Market. tegrated marketing platform that in- While electricity consumption employees will be allowed at their ● 50% of staff to resume reopen with limited capacity and Starting with conducting complete cludes a traditional market with 52 in May has gone up by about workplaces, provided that employ- work at their workplaces limited working hours in the sec- sterilisation of the market to holding shops, a retail market with 102 shops, 24.8 percent from April, water ers meet hygienic requirements ond phase. briefing sessions with all the traders and a wholesale market with 50 shops. consumption increased by and implement precautionary ● Gatherings will be limited The museums and galleries and suppliers to organise the workflow, Moreover, the market includes an 12.6 percent as compared measures. only to 5 people that will reopen include the Mu- it has implemented all health and safety auction hall for local and imported to April. All commercial activities will ● Libraries & museums seum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab procedures. Awareness posters that in- fresh produce, which spans over 8,000 Meanwhile, the num- be allowed to resume their work Museum of Modern Art and the cludes a number of safety instructions, square metres. ber of traffic accident in malls and commercial centres, will reopen Garage Gallery at the Fire Station: among them the necessity of having The market also includes cold cases without counting while gaming centres, amusement Artist in Residence, while Herit- Ehteraz app, were placed in the market stores that span over 4600 sq metres non-injuries reached 333 in parks, skateboard arenas, prayer recreational activities at malls and age sites will include Al Zubarah, in various languages. as well as 10 shops for fish, meat and May, registering a monthly rooms and cinemas will remain commercial centers. Al Jassasiya and Barzan Towers. In addition, thermal cameras have poultry products, a hypermarket (4800 increase of 0.9 percent. closed. The Phase II will also see the Community members are required been provided to ensure the safety of all sqm), and a dedicated space for ration Light injuries accounted for Restaurants operating inside capacity of private healthcare facili- to adhere to the precautionary workers and consumers. commodities. the majority of these cases malls and commercial centres are ties increasing to 60 percent while measures such as wearing masks (90 percent). Eleven deaths allowed to deliver to home ad- continuing to provide emergency when going outside, downloading were recorded in May, just dresses, or hand over orders at the services. the Ehteraz app and practicing so- 3 percent of the total traffic restaurant only. This decision also Public and private gatherings cial distancing for the health and accidents. (TNN) prohibits any artistic, cultural or will be limited only to five people, safety of all. Ashghal begins QR499 mn roads and infra project (PG 2)

Fuel prices go up Sidra develops second COVID-19 rapid testing method Tribune News Network Current methods for testing The diluted sample is ing, the alternative method, Doha COVID-19 follow a three-step treated at 650 C for 10 min- which is significantly cheaper, process – starting with obtain- utes before detection of viral will be particularly useful for Sidra Medicine, a member ing a swab sample from an in- RNA using a specific type of resource-limited countries for of Qatar Foundation, has de- dividual; followed by extraction RT-PCR reagent. expanding their capacity for veloped a simplified and rap- of viral RNA from the sample; Following guidelines from COVID-19 testing. id second COVID-19 testing and then detecting the viral the Clinical Laboratory Im- The new method was de- method that uses a pre-treat- RNA specific to COVID-19 by provements Act (CLIA), the al- veloped by Dr Mohammad ment of the specimen (swab reverse transcription polymer- ternative test method has been Rubayet Hasan, a clinical sample) to replace the ribo- ase chain reaction (RT-PCR). validated in the Pathology De- molecular microbiologist in nucleic acid (RNA) extraction The whole process can take partment of Sidra Medicine. It collaboration with a team of process, currently needed for between four to six hours from produces a faster result than technologists and research as- The prices of petrol and diesel will go up in July, according to COVID-19 testing. the time the swab is received Dr Mohammad Rubayet Hasan current methods and demon- sociates from the Molecular Qatar Petroleum. A litre of diesel will cost QR 1.1 in July as The new method is the in the lab to the time results who developed the new COVID-19 strates 98 percent accuracy, Infectious Diseases (MID) Lab compared to QR1.05 in June. Similarly, a litre of Super Gaso- second one to be developed in- are reported. testing method. compared to the standard meth- at Sidra Medicine. The pro- line (95) will cost QR1.20 in July as compared to QR1.05 in house at Sidra Medicine, fol- The new method devel- od that requires RNA extraction. gramme is being overseen by June. Premium Gasoline (91) also witnessed an increase, with lowing the success of the first oped in-house at Sidra Medi- (CAP), replaces the viral RNA As the RNA extraction Dr Patrick Tang, the Division Qatar Petroleum setting the price at QR1.1 per litre in July as method using a different RNA cine’s pathology laboratory, extraction process by simple process constitutes a signifi- Chief of Pathology Sciences. compared to QR1 in June. (TNN) extraction process with alter- which is accredited by the Col- dilution with nuclease-free1 cant part of the cost and time native test components. lege of American Pathologists water and heat treatment. involved in COVID-19 test- Continued on page 2  02 Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Contact US: Qatar Tribune ı EDITORIAL ı Phone: 40002222 ı ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING ı Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

Quick read Amir congratulates president of Congo Shura speaker attends IPU five-party meeting The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi on his coun- to discuss COVID-19 economic, social impacts try’s Independence Day. (QNA) QNA The meeting also discussed sentative of the Latin America Deputy Amir congratulates Congo president Doha the challenges facing the world and the Caribbean Group, and today due to the outbreak of Duarte Pacheco, member of The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Speaker of the Shura Council the coronavirus (COVID-19) the Assembly of the Portugal, Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratulations to President HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin and the role of parliaments in on behalf of the Twelve Plus of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi on his Zaid Al Mahmoud participated addressing the pandemic and Group representing European country’s Independence Day. (QNA) in the five-party meeting held limiting its health, economic countries, Canada, Australia by the Inter-Parliamentary Un- and social impacts. and New Zealand. PM sends greetings to Congolese ion (IPU) via video conferenc- The five-party meeting On the sidelines of the meet- counterpart ing on Tuesday. included the heads of the geo- ing, the Shura speaker partici- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin The meeting was attended political groups of the IPU, pated in IPU celebration of the Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Tuesday sent a cable of congratu- by the Shura speaker as the including Abubakar Hassan International Day of Parliamen- lations to Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo president of the 140th IPU Fulata, member of the House tarianism and the celebration of Sylvestre Ilunga Ilukamba on his country’s Independence Day.(QNA) General Assembly, held in Speaker of Shura Council HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al of Representatives of Nigeria the 131st anniversary of IPU, Doha in April 2019; Mladen Mahmoud and United Nations Under-Secretary-General of UNOCT as representative of the African as well as the conclusion of cel- FM receives call from ICRC president Grujic, representing Maja Go- Vladimir Voronkov during a virtual meeting on Tuesday. Group, President of the Senate ebrations of the 130th anniver- jkovic, president of the Nation- of the Philippines Vicente Sot- sary of the founding of the IPU, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE al Assembly of Serbia, who was General Assembly to be held of the United Nations Antonio to III as representative of the where IPU launched anniversa- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday president of the 141st IPU Gen- in Kigali in October; President Guterres, discussed ways to en- Asia Pacific Group, Konstantin ry book on International Day of received a video call from President of the International Com- eral Assembly, held in Belgrade of IPU Gabriela Cuevas Barron hance cooperation between the Kosachev, member of Russian Parliamentarianism containing mittee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer. During the call, in October 2019; Donatille Mu- and Secretary-General of IPU parliaments around the world Federation Council on behalf of an article of the Shura speaker they reviewed bilateral relations between Qatar and the ICRC, in kabalisa, speaker of the Cham- Martin Chungong. to achieve sustainable devel- the Eurasia Group, Blas Llano, praising the distinguished rela- addition to other topics of common concern. (QNA) ber of Deputies of Rwanda and The meeting, which was ad- opment and maintain interna- president of the National Con- tions between the Shura Coun- President of the 142nd IPU dressed by Secretary-General tional peace and security. gress of Paraguay as repre- cil and the IPU. FM, Mexican official review relations Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday re- ceived a telephone call from Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mex- ico Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubon. During the phone call, they reviewed bilateral relations and coordination of efforts to curb 982 test positive for COVID-19 the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). They also exchanged congratulations on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Tribune News Network since the outbreak stands at 96,088. emergency departments or different diplomatic relations between the two countries. (QNA) Doha On Tuesday, nine COVID-19 pa- health centres. tients were shifted to the intensive care The new confirmed cases have Coordinator of French Intelligence and Fight A total of 982 people tested positive for unit (ICU), bringing the total number completely isolated in the various med- against Terrorism meets Qatar’s ambassador COVID-19, while 1,394 patients recov- of cases in the ICUs to 200. ical facilities in the country, where they National Coordinator of French Intelligence and the Fight ered from the virus in Qatar on Tues- The Ministry of Public Health are receiving the necessary health care against Terrorism Pierre de Bousquet de Florian met with Qatar’s day, according to the Ministry of Public pointed to the decrease in the number according to the health status of each Ambassador to France HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani. During Health. With this, the active COVID-19 of daily cases that require intensive case. The ministry indicated that the the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two cases in Qatar declined to 14,411 and care, as the number of daily cases that number of daily infections among citi- countries and other issues of common concern. The meeting the total number of recovered rose to require hospitalisation is decreasing, zens and residents (other than expatri- discussed the joint efforts in the field of counter-terrorism as 81,564. but warned that infections may rise ate workers) has increased compared part of the strategic dialogue between Doha and Paris, which No new deaths were reported in again if the community’s commitment to what it was in May, despite the over- fections in these two categories belong discusses ways of strengthening coordination between Qatar Qatar in the last 24 hours, leaving the to precautions and preventive meas- all decrease in the total daily infections to members of the same family, get- and France in various fields.(QNA) death toll at 113. The total number of ures decreases. The ministry said the in Qatar. ting infected due to social mixing with people who have been infected in Qatar new cases were diagnosed through the The Ministry said most of the in- friends or other relatives. Global community HMC, Sidra Medicine collaborate to save New method must stop killing to reduce test by Syrian regime: FM life of newborn with rare brain condition A team of experts from Hamad Medical To protect the baby and reduce the risk cause a rush of blood towards the heart Continued from page 1  Corporation’s (HMC) Hamad General of complications during the final weeks of and lungs, causing extreme pressure on cost by 75% Hospital (HGH) and Neuroscience Insti- pregnancy, the baby was delivered three the right side of the heart, leading to con- Continued from page 1  “What kind of generation do we expect to re- tute and Sidra Medicine has saved the life weeks early by caesarian section at Sidra gestive heart failure”, said Dr Zakaria. sult from the Syrian war as the children of Syria of a newborn baby born with a rare brain Medicine. An extensive multidisciplinary The first procedure, whichtook five Dr Hasan said, “Many organisations glob- have grown up watching the pictures of artil- condition. Led by a neuro-interventional team of neuro and interventional radiolo- hours, was performed by Dr Zakaria and ally, including Sidra Medicine have invested lery, bombings, and massacres with internation- radiologist and his team from Hamad gists, cardiac interventionalists, neuro- his team and supported by Dr Walid in ground-breaking technologies and devel- ally prohibited weapons that have often affected General Hospital, in collaboration with surgeons and neonatologists assembled Mubarak, a senior attending physician oped advanced protocols to test for COV- their cities, villages, and families?” he asked. Sidra Medicine, the life-saving procedure to oversee the newborn’s care. Dr Ayman from Sidra Medicine’s Diagnostics Imag- ID-19. Our use of automated RNA extrac- “The time has come for the international com- was performed when the baby was less Zakaria, senior consultant, Interventional ing Unit. The procedure was conducted at tion platforms and liquid handling robots, munity to work hard to stop the killing machine than two weeks old. Neuroradiology at Hamad General Hospi- Sidra Medicine’s world-class intra-opera- have proven their merit for large volume of the Syrian regime and put an end to its in- The Qatari baby boy suffered from tal, and the Neuroscience Institute, along tive imaging suite (IMRIS); a hybrid oper- testing. However, we wanted to have an ad- creasing violence, which is no difference be- Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM), with his team, led the procedure. ating theatre featuring intraoperative im- ditional alternative should the reagents for tween it and violent extremism and terrorism, a rare condition that occurs before birth “Babies with Vein of Galen Malfor- aging capabilities with the capacity to run RNA extraction become limited.” which reinforce each other and converge in ex- and results in abnormal connections be- mation normally develop the condition complex interventions within the same “In addition, several of the resources istence, goal, and outcome,” the FM explained. tween blood vessels within the brain and during the first trimester of pregnancy. It setting. The first procedure was a success that are currently being used, are absent He thanked all countries that have pledged and associated congenital heart defects. The results in abnormal arteries that connect and was followed by a second procedure or scarce in developing countries. There- fulfilledtheir obligations towards the Syrian condition, which occurs in one to two directly into the precursor of the Vein of performed by Dr Zakaria and his team fore, our direct approach, using the pre- people and valued the efforts of the United Na- percent of vascular malformations of the Galen instead of connecting with capil- from Hamad General Hospital, with the treatment process and negating the need tions and the European Union to organize this brain, was detected during a routine scan laries. This leads to extra pressure in the support of Dr Ashley Robinson, division for the viral RNA extraction, would help conference, expressing the hope that the desired by the team at Sidra Medicine late in the vein. It can bleed or dilate to prevent the chief of Interventional Radiology at Sidra expand the capacity to test for COVID-19. results will be achieved. mother’s pregnancy. drainage of the fluids inside the brain, or Medicine. (TNN) It is also easy to implement as it does not need any special equipment, materials or skill,” he added. By skipping the RNA extraction step and replacing it with a simple pre-treatment Ashghal begins QR499mn project in Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa process, the new method will reduce the cost of the test by approximately 75 percent and Tribune Network and street lighting as well as road naires, directional signs in addi- will also improve the turn-around time of Doha signs and marking. The project tion to sewage, surface water and the test by approximately two hours. will also feature 6,900 car parking rain water drainage pipes, asphalt, Dr Patrick Tang said, “We developed this The Public Works Author- bays. concrete, rebar and prefabricated method as part of a mitigation and prepa- ity (Ashghal) has announced the He added that the project manholes. The project is also tar- ration plan against the global shortage of commencement of the QR499 scope includes a 35-km surface geting to achieve 85 percent of lo- critical reagents needed for COVID-19 test- million Roads and Infrastruc- and groundwater drainage net- cal materials used in the construc- ing. It is available as an alternative in case of ture Project in Al Kharaitiyat and work, 22 kilometres of Treated tion works, in line with Ashghal’s equipment or supply chain failures. Also it Izghawa (Package 2) located west Sewerage Effluent(TS E) network support to local manufacturers relies on equipment that is readily available of Al Shamal Road as part of its along with a 12-km potable water and Ta’heel initiative which was in most laboratories - a heating block and efforts to provide integrated infra- network, in addition to new sew- launched in 2017. nuclease-free water.” structure and an enhanced road age pipelines along with a new The project is divided into four “While we are currently using another network as well as improved ser- system to ensure the flow distribu- geographical zones which will be in-house developed process to test for COV- vice facilities across Qatar. tion will be provided and connect- carried out successively. The dura- ID-19 here at Sidra Medicine, it is reassur- Engineer Abdulla Ali Al Nae- ed with Qatar’s main sewage net- tion of each phase will be one year ing that our scientists and technologists are mi, Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa work to provide proper protection while the full completion of the working on innovative and cost-efficient Projects Manager at Ashghal’s for the entire area against flooding project is scheduled for the second ways to ensure that we have back-up plans Roads Projects Department, said and excess rainfall. quarter of 2024. that reduce our dependencies on equipment the project will provide services Eng Naemi said the project The Roads and Infrastructure and reagents that are in short supply out- for 1,386 residential plots in Al will use local materials and ele- in Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa side Qatar. I am also proud to showcase that Kharaitiyat and Izghawa areas the traffic flow and provide con- launched project involves de- ments that will be supplied by lo- Project (Package 2) is being im- our team in Qatar is working on solutions through the provision of devel- nectivity to future public facilities veloping a roads network with cal manufacturers. plemented by UrbaCon and Infra- that can address global issues especially for oped infrastructure services and that will be established in the area. a total length of 45.4 kilometres These local materials include Road Joint Ventur at a cost of ap- countries that have limited resources,” con- enhanced local streets to improve Eng Naemi said the newly equipped with road safety features gabbro, lighting poles and lumi- proximately QR 499 million. cluded Dr Tang Nation Wednesday, July 1, 2020 03 QBRI plays key role in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Tribune News Network Austrian clinical-stage bi- be used to develop a specific Günther Staffler, Chief dation of Michael J. Fox. The Doha opharmaceutical company, and sensitive diagnosis that Technology Officer, AFFiRiS Hollywood filmstar estab- AFFiRiS AG, based in Vi- can play a critical role in the AG, said: “Through this long- lished its foundation in 2000, The long and painstaking enna, Austria, subsequently development of therapy for term collaboration, QBRI has two years after it had revealed fight to develop Parkinson’s utilized QBRI’s technology in the treatment of neurological been hugely supportive of that it had been living with disease immunotherapy has their phase 1 clinical trials as- disorders such as Parkinson’s our development of a disease- this condition since 1991. It received a positive boost from sessing the impact of Affitope disease. We are very grateful modifying immunotherapeu- has become the world’s largest the Qatar Biomedical Re- (PD01A), immunotherapy for the opportunity to use our tic for Parkinson’s disease. non-profit research funder for search Institute (QBRI) team, against the debilitating condi- technology in this promising This is particularly important Parkinson’s disease, investing part of Hamad Bin Khalifa tion. The findings support the clinical trial conducted by Af- with respect to the develop- more than $650 million in in- University (HBKU), providing further development of this firis.” ment of biomarkers of a dis- vestigative work. a novel diagnostic technology therapy through phase 2 clini- Parkinson’s disease is a ease, which may substantially QBRI’s dedicated Neuro- used in a number of promising cal trials. progressive disorder of the shorten the time-lines for de- logical Disorders Research clinical trials in Europe. Dr. El Agnaf, said: “We nervous system that mainly velopment and licensure of Center focuses on the inves- A trio of QBRI experts – are honoured to be playing encouraging indeed, and we The data highlighting the affects movement. The main these much-needed therapies tigation of increased preva- Executive Director Dr. Omar our part in the search to find look forward to continuing tremendous potential of QBRI symptoms are tremors, slow for Parkinson’s disease”. lence neurological disorders El-Agnaf alongside Research immunotherapy to treat and our work with AFFiRiS in technology has since been movements and stiffness. Efforts to find an immu- in Qatar and the region. These Associates Dr. Nour Majbour eventually end the debilitat- this crusade. Our dedicated published in the July issue of Treatments include therapy notherapy solution have been disorders range from neurode- and Dr. Nishant Narayanan ing problems of Parkinson’s researchers are once again The Lancet Neurology. to help with movement prob- underway for many years, velopmental diseases such as Vaikath – contributed their disease. Millions of people demonstrating how QBRI is Dr. Lawrence W. Stan- lems, medicines, and some- but the positive results of the autism spectrum disorder ( extensive knowledge in the around the world have to deal committed to paving the way ton, acting director of QBRI’s times brain surgery. It is esti- study in the Austrian capital ASD), intellectual disability field of neurodegenerative with this condition every day for new breakthroughs in Neurological Disorders Re- mated that 1% of the world’s suggest that researchers are a (ID) and epilepsy to neuro- disease to assist in the assess- of their lives and finding im- medicine, addressing the key search Center, said: “QBRI is population over the age of 60 step closer to that goal. Phase degenerative diseases such as ment of Parkinson’s disease munotherapy is so important. healthcare challenges facing committed to the discovery – some 7-10 million people – 1 of the trial was supported by Alzheimer’s disease ( AD) and biomarkers. “These results are very Qatar and the world.” of novel biomarkers that can is affected by the disease. the Parkinson Research Foun- Parkinson’s disease ( PD). Hilton the Pearl Qatar’s pandemic response inspired to vie for World confidence in govt, says GU-Q expert Travel Awards Tribune News Network of Government, and Dr Gerd qualities and domestic violence Tribune News Network Doha Nonneman, professor of In- reported by multiple agencies Doha ternational Relations and Gulf working on women’s issues, QATAR’S response to the pan- Studies. Dr Abusharaf noted that “The HILTON Doha The Pearl Resi- demic has inspired confidence Dr Rory Miller, who teach- pandemic didn’t introduce dences, the largest Hilton prop- in the government and result- es courses on small state secu- such domestic violence, but erty in the Qatari capital, has ed in the social unification of a rity at GU-Q, provided context exasperated it.” been nominated for the ‘Qa- community working together for Qatar’s pandemic response, In his analysis of the future tar’s Leading Hotel Residences to fight the effects of the crisis. noting that small states like outlook of the region’s econo- 2020’ award at the upcom- This analysis was shared in the Qatar are better equipped to mies, economics expert Dr An- ing 27th annual World Travel third instalment of QF partner quickly build social cohesion toniades described concerns Awards (WTA). The voting for Georgetown University in Qa- and institutions and make over the recovery timeline as the awards will be done online tar’s Pandemic Panels, a three rapid decisions. “You see all of The panellists included Dr Rogaia Abusharaf, Dr Alexis Antoniades, Dr “the trillion dollar question.” through September 10, 2020, part series of virtual discus- these factors coming into play Rory Miller and Dr Gerd Nonneman. He explained that “What mar- for the aforementioned cat- sions featuring GU-Q faculty in Qatar’s response.” ket participants are trying to egory. Launched in 1993, the all with openable windows experts and moderated by So despite the number of expertise, which continues to oped parts of the Middle East, assess is whether the easing World Travel Awards acknowl- and balconies to enjoy dreamy Dean Dr Ahmad Dallal. cases per million, “There’s be fractured under the block- highlighting aid and invest- of the lockdown restrictions edge the contribution of vari- views of the private beach or The third and final panel still a confidence in all levels ade, saying: “It would be very ment from Gulf neighbours as on some countries and the ous brands associated with the the Venice-inspired canals of investigated the types of glob- of society that they have the important, ideally, to have a possible mitigating strategy. gradual opening of some busi- travel, tourism and hospitality Qanat Quartier. al pressures that influence structures in place and the a coherent GCC framework A specialist on the coun- nesses will succeed, or if it will industries; and is divided into Ideal for both short and regional responses and how decision-making capabilities to have a collective response tries that comprise the Indian derail the progress made over three categories - country, re- long-term stays, the property’s these set the nations of the to deal with it.” While some economically and in terms of Ocean rim, Dr Rogaia Abush- the past few weeks in control- gion and world. residences are beautifully fitted Gulf, Middle East, and North states would be able to emerge health arrangements and lo- araf discussed the ways the ling the spread of the virus.” The ultimate benchmark of with all the comforts of a home, Africa on a path to pandemic from the crisis in better shape gistics and food security, but crisis has exposed the fragil- In a post-crisis world, he said, global recognition, a standout including modern kitchens with recovery. than others, he concluded, there isn’t.” ity of neglected health systems markets would see major in- feature of WTA is its annual a full range of state-of-the-art Panelists included Dr Ro- “There are few opportunities With the crisis depressing and spurred regional political novations inspired by changes programme - a series of region- Bosch appliances, smart furni- gaia Abusharaf, professor of to come out of this in a posi- economies and sending un- action, saying: “You will see in consumer behavior. “How al gala ceremonies organised ture with high-tech fittings like Anthropology; Dr Alexis An- tive light.” employed labourers home, Dr cooperation and competition states are dealing with the cri- to pick out winners from each keyless entry, high-speed Inter- toniades, professor and direc- Dr Gerd Nonneman fo- Nonneman also stressed the highlighted and amplifiedsis now will have a long lasting continent, which, in turn, is fol- net, JBL Bluetooth speakers, tor of International Econom- cused on the role and future risk posed by the secondary ef- as a result of the pandemic.” impact on the ground well af- lowed by a grand finale at the and Nespresso machines, am- ics; Dr Rory Miller, professor of a GCC, one of his areas of fects of the crisis on less devel- Touching on the gender ine- ter the Corona crisis ends.” end of the year. ple storage, designated dining “Our property offers a areas, and bathrooms ensuite beautiful seaside location and in every bedroom with Villeroy a range of accommodation op- & Boch sanitary fittings. tions ideal for both short and The residences also offer INJAZ Qatar continues to provide learning opportunities amid COVID-19 long-term stays”, said Hassan innovative dining options with El Wahidi, general manager, a range of restaurants in the Tribune News Network Financial Literacy – to reach participated in the launch of Other programmes im- learned about different forms Hilton Doha The Pearl Resi- property, as well as world-class Doha some 92,000 students since the first regional virtual Inno- plemented by INJAZ Qatar of CV and received tips on dences. “Having started our transformative recreation facil- inception. vation Camp ‘INJAZ Beyond include the ‘Maharat Min writing a powerful cover let- operations in Doha just a few ities from the upcoming sandy INJAZ Qatar is continuing to “We were able to prove Borders’, initiated by INJAZ Google’ programme compris- ter and resume. It also intro- months back, we are really beach, to the temperature-con- facilitate learning opportuni- our capabilities by withstand- Al Arab and sponsored by ing a 3-4 hour workshops for duced participants to the sci- happy to be nominated for the trolled outdoor pool, to Hilton’s ties for children and youth ing and adapting to changes Citi Foundation. From dif- more than 150 high school ence and art of interviewing. 2020 World Travel Awards.” eforea spa and Health Club and amid the disruptions caused imposed by the COVID-19 ferent countries in the MENA and university students; and Besides, INJAZ ran its Located alongside an invit- a Kids Club. to the education system by pandemic. The programmes region, around 200 students the virtual ‘Head Start’ pro- first Virtual Innovation Camp ing sea line and vibrant loca- Located in the heart of the coronavirus (COVID-19) were delivered online as a worked together with the gram in collaboration with Al sponsored by Citibank On- tion, Hilton Doha The Pearl Qanat Quartier, the property is pandemic. new method to enhance stu- help of volunteers and INJAZ Khor Girls Center. These pro- line. Student teams were pro- Residences consists of 414 within walking distance from a INJAZ Qatar has success- dents’ involvement and inter- team members to find inno- gramme aimed to improve vided with the opportunity fully-furnished accommoda- world of shopping, dining and fully implemented several action with several compa- vative solutions on education job chances for young people, to work collaboratively over tion options, including con- activities for kids; apart from programmes online under its nies,” said a press statement and healthcare challenges show opportunities online to three days to address a specif- temporary studios; one, two being just 30 minutes away three pillars – Entrepreneur- from INJAZ Qatar. created by the COVID-19 cri- empower them and prepared ic business challenge related and three-guest room modern from Hamad International Air- ship, Work-Readiness and As a start, INJAZ Qatar sis. them for the workplace. They to COVID-19 pandemic. suites, and stylish townhouses, port.

DFI selects 39 projects by Arab and global talents for 2020 Spring Grants

Tribune News Network the films that have received rocco, France, Qatar) by Doha the grants include Gaza My Dalila Ennadre; Speedboats Love (France, Germany, Por- (Italy, France, Qatar) by Yuri AN impressive slate of 39 pro- tugal, Palestine, Qatar) by Tar- Ancarani; and The Last Hill- jects by first- and second-time zan Nasser and Arab Nasser; billy (France, Qatar) by Diane filmmakers from around the The Gravedigger (Somalia, Bouzgarrou and Thomas Jen- world and established names France, Germany, Qatar) by koe. from the Arab world have been Khadar Ahmed; My Dad Is Aleph (Croatia, USA, Qa- selected for the Doha Film In- Not Dead (Morocco, Qatar) by tar) by Iva Radivojević; has stitute’s (DFI) Spring 2020 Adil El Fadili; The Exam (Iraq, received the DFI grant in Fea- Grants cycle. With 30 projects Germany, Qatar) by Shawkat ture Experimental or Essay from the MENA region, in- Amin Korki; Amparo (Colom- (Post-Production) category. cluding six helmed by Qatari bia, Sweden, Germany, Qatar) LABAN: The False Proph- filmmakers, the programme by Simon Mesa Soto; Freda ets of Johann Sebastian Bach continues in its mission to Highlighting the central role of women in cinema, 18 of the chosen projects are by talented female directors. (Haiti, Benin, France, Qatar) (Lebanon, France, Georgia, nurture a new generation of by Gessica Fabiola; Ghosts Germany, Qatar) by Daniel Jo- creative talents and support this year for its special 2020 role as a key contributor to broad spectrum of issues and ever-lasting commitment to (Turkey, Qatar) by Azra Deniz seph and In Hounds (Moroc- the development of origi- programme. Moreover, four the region’s creative indus- perspectives and has evolved the development of independ- Okyay; Rehana Maryam Noor co, France, Belgium, Qatar) by nal and compelling content. first-time grantee countries tries, three projects are by into a key initiative for the ent cinema and are delighted (Bangladesh, Singapore, Qa- Kamal Lazraq have received Highlighting the central role entered the programme this established MENA filmmak- next generation of filmmakers to see the inclusion of new tar) by Abdullah Mohammad the grant in Feature Narrative of women in cinema, 18 of the year, including Colombia, ers: Adil El Fadili’s My Dad from the Arab world and be- countries covered within this Saad; Tug of War (Tanzania, (Production) category. chosen projects are by talented Haiti, Bangladesh, Tanza- Is Not Dead; Shawkat Amin yond. The programme echoes cycle. It is a testament to the South Africa, Germany, Qatar) Films that have received female directors. nia, and one Virtual Reality Korki’s The Exam; and Dalila our core mission to amplify programme’s growing acclaim by Amil Shivji; and In White the grant in Feature Docu- Out of the nine projects (VR) short project - Razan Ennadre’s Jean Genet, Our important voices of our time among outstanding young Building (Cambodia, France, mentary (Production) cat- from beyond the MENA re- AlSalah’s The Greatest Wait Father of Flowers. and help talents realise their filmmakers globally who en- China, Qatar) by Kavich Ne- egory are: In the House of My gion, Diane Bouzgarrou and (After the Last Sky), which DFI’s Chief Executive Of- creative aspirations, to devel- trust their creative vision to ang. Father (Morocco, Belgium, Thomas Jenkoe’s The Last masterfully explores a virtual ficer Fatma Hassan Alremaihi op and support world cinema our funding initiatives,” she Films in the Feature Docu- Qatar) by Rachida El Garani; Hillbilly, was one was con- return to Palestine and an said: “Over the last nine years, while fostering cultural diver- added. mentary (Post-Production) Land of Women (Egypt, Den- firmed at Cannes parallel sec- aesthetic of land reclamation the Doha Film Institute’s sity. The recipients of the 2020 category are: Our Choices mark, Qatar) by Nada Riyadh; tion France’s Association for within virtual space - was Grants Programme has sup- “We proudly look towards Spring Grants are as follows: (Syria, France, Qatar) by and In The Curious Mr. Daoud the Diffusion of Independ- granted for the first time. Un- ported powerful stories and past and future grant recipi- In the Feature Narrative Salah Al Ashkar; Jean Genet, (Algeria, Qatar) by Sid Ahmed ent Cinema (ACID) earlier derlining the programme’s moving storytelling across a ents as an extension of DFI’s (Post-Production) category, Our Father of Flowers (Mo- Semiane. 04 Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Middle East / World

News in brief Lebanon army scraps meat from meals as prices skyrocket AFP is officially pegged at 1,507 meals offered to soldiers while for most of its food, but a scar- cattle farmers said Tuesday Mauritania says Beirut pounds to the dollar, a short- they are on duty”, the Nation- Lebanon is in the throes of city of dollars and a plummet- that more than 60 percent of Libyan crisis, age of hard currency has seen al News Agency said, citing its worst economic down- ing local currency have made butcher shops had closed in The Lebanese army has its black market value plum- the economic crisis. turn since the 1975-1990 such imports both costly and recent weeks. extremism threaten scrapped meat from all meals met to more than 8,000 to the On Tuesday, a kilogramme difficult. It blamed the collapse of Sahel states it offers to soldiers on duty as greenback. of lamb was selling for around civil war, with poverty surg- Lebanon, which has a sov- the pound and a decision by Nouakchott Violent extrem- food prices skyrocket because As a result, food prices 80,000 Lebanese pounds ing to now afflict around ereign debt equivalent to 170 commercial banks to halt dol- ism in West Africa and the of a deepening economic cri- have shot up by at least 72 ($53 at the official rate), up half of the population. percent of its GDP, defaulted lar withdrawals and transfers. Libyan crisis are contribut- sis, state media said Tuesday. percent since the autumn, the from 30,000 pounds ($20 at on its debt in March for the After a meeting on Tues- ing to unrest in the Sahel Lebanon is in the throes non-governmental Consumer the official rate) two months Nehme announced on Tues- first time in its history. day, the union addressed au- region, Mauritania’s President of its worst economic down- Protection Association says. ago. day the price of a 900-gramme The economic crunch has thorities, saying: “either you Mohammed Ould Ghazouni turn since the 1975-1990 civil Prices are expected to The price of a kilogramme packet of bread will climb sparked months of unprec- release our trapped dollar sav- told a summit on Tuesday war, with poverty surging to climb further as the currency of beef has shot up from from 1,500 ($1) to 2,000 Leb- edented protests against offi- ings from banks or you sup- bringing the French president now afflict around half of the continues to dive. 18,000 pounds ($12) to more anese pounds, according to cial corruption and the bank- port the livestock sector... oth- and other African leaders population. Lebanon’s army has “com- than 50,000 ($33). the NNA. ing sector. erwise we will have no choice together. Although its currency pletely scrapped meat from Economy Minister Raoul Lebanon relies on imports The union of butchers and but to completely close down.” Extremism is expanding in a worrying manner in the region, said Ould Ghazouni, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the G5 Watchdog accuses Sahel group. Chinese bosses He warned that the crisis Iran passes death sentence, upholds in Libya, where the struggle of Zimbabwe over power has turned the country into a battleground workers abuse for rival proxy forces, is one AFP of the main causes of the jail term in French-linked cases Harare deteriorating security situa- tion in the Sahel region as it AFP custody since. A Zimbabwean rights group on “feeds terrorist groups” with Tehran She is a dual national, a Tuesday accused Chinese-run weapons and money. (DPA) status Iran does not recognise. mining companies of “ram- Iran on Tuesday sentenced Her French colleague and pant abuse” after two workers Auction of Nigeria to death an opposition fig- partner Roland Marchal, who were shot and wounded, al- statues takes place ure who had lived in exile was detained around the same legedly by their Chinese boss, in Paris despite in France before his arrest time while visiting her in Teh- after they complained about last year, and separately up- ran, was freed in March in an outstanding wages. protests held a five-year jail term for a apparent prisoner swap. Police in the central city of Paris Statues from Nigeria French-Iranian academic. Marchal is also a research- Gweru said the dispute erupt- have changed hands in an Although they are both er at the Center for Interna- ed on June 21, when coalm- auction in Paris despite pro- parties to a landmark 2015 tional Studies (CERI) at Sci- ine owner Zhang Xuelin, 41, tests, with Christie’s auction nuclear deal, Tehran and Paris ences Po. reneged on a promise to pay house defending the sale as have seen their relations dete- He was freed after France wages in US dollars instead of legitimate. riorate in the past year. released Iranian engineer Jal- the local currency, whose value All the objects had been France was among the lal Rohollahnejad, who faced is fast depreciating. exhibited, had been the countries that passed a resolu- extradition to the United He allegedly tried to sack subject of publications in tion last week at the UN’s nu- States over accusations he some of the most vocal work- previous years and had previ- clear watchdog calling on Iran violated US sanctions against ers, leading to an argument ously been sold publicly at to clarify whether it had un- Iran. during which Zhang alleg- an international trade fair in dertaken undeclared nuclear Adelkhah and Marchal’s edly shot one of them in both 2010, French media quoted activities in the early 2000s, cases have been a thorn in re- thighs. A second worker had a a spokesman for the auction a move condemned by the Is- lations between Tehran and bullet graze through his chin, house as saying on Tuesday. lamic republic. Paris for months. said police. The Nigerian National The 2015 accord gave Iran “We condemn this deci- Zhang has been charged Commission for Museums sanctions relief in exchange sion by the Iranian authorities with attempted murder and and Monuments wrote a for curbs on its nuclear pro- who persist in holding Mrs released on bail. letter of protest to Christie’s gramme, but the agreement Ruhollah Zam, a former opposition figure who had lived in exile in France and had been implicated in anti- Fariba Adelkhah only for po- On Tuesday the Zimbabwe after hearing about the auc- has been on life-support since government protests, speaks during his trial at Iran’s Revolutionary Court in Tehran. (AFP) litical aims, in the absence of Environmental Lawyers Asso- tion in Paris on Monday. 2018, when the United States any serious evidence or fact,” ciation (ZELA) slammed the The agency believes that unilaterally withdrew. 13 counts of charges together service”. never returned. France’s foreign ministry said ethics of Chinese employers in the statuettes were acquired Opposition figure Ruhol- as instance of ‘corruption on The Guards did not specify Esmaili also announced in a statement Tuesday. the country. illegally during the country’s lah Zam -- who had reportedly earth’ and therefore passed when or where Zam had been that a five-year sentence for “We remain determined to “The problem of ill-treat- 1967-70 civil war. The director been living in Paris before the death sentence,” said judi- apprehended. Iranian-French academic secure the release of our com- ment of workers is systematic of the state museum of Benin Iran’s Islamic Revolution- ciary spokesman Gholamhos- Zam left Iran in 2009 after Fariba Adelkhah had been up- patriot,” it added. and widespread and what that City is said to have protested ary Guard Corps announced sein Esmaili. the election of hard-line for- held. Adelkhah’s support com- (shooting) incident did was against the auction. his arrest in October -- was Corruption on earth is one mer president Mahmud Ah- She was sentenced in May mittee has expressed concern to expose the rampant abuse The controversial objects accused of playing an active of the most serious offences medinejad, said Paris-based over “security charges includ- over her vulnerability to any of workers,” Shamiso Mutisi, are a pair of Igbo statuettes role in anti-government pro- under Iranian law. media watchdog Reporters ing conspiring against nation- outbreak of the novel corona- deputy director at ZELA, told estimated at 250,000- tests sparked by economic Zam was also sentenced to Without Borders (RSF). al security”, and will “serve five virus in prison, following a 49- AFP. 350,000 euros (280,000- hardship during the winter of time served over other charg- He lived in Malaysia and years” including time served day hunger strike she mount- “Wages are often very low 394,000 dollars), which 2017-18. es, Esmaili added, noting that then in France, where his fam- since her arrest, Esmaili told a ed between late December and and in many cases are not paid auctioned for 212,500 euros, Authorities said he incited the sentences can be appealed. ily still resides. news conference. February. on time. If someone tries to and an Urhobo figure valued unrest through a channel on The Revolutionary Guards According to the non-gov- A research director at Sci- Iran is battling the Mid- exercise their right as a work- at 600,000-900,000 euros, the Telegram messaging ap- described him as a “counter- ernmental organisation, Zam ences Po university in Paris, dle East’s deadliest COVID-19 er and demand what is due which did not find a buyer.(DPA) plication called Amadnews. revolutionary” who was “di- had made a trip to Iraq last au- Adelkhah was detained in outbreak, which has claimed to them they get assaulted or “The court has considered rected by France’s intelligence tumn for a media project and June last year and has been in more than 10,800 lives. shot.”

Tens of thousands of protesters Iran says still Lebanese judge who issued ruling demand political reforms in Sudan against US ambassador resigns DPA a rocky political transition in first wave of Khartoum since the ouster of autocrat al- DPA issued an order banning local Lebanon and the US ambas- Bashir in April 2019. Sudan Beirut and foreign media outlets in sador. Tens of thousands of Suda- has since late 2019 been led the country from interview- Mazeh was criticized nese went into the streets of by a transitional government virus outbreak A Lebanese judge who is- ing US Ambassador Dorothy by many Lebanese officials the capital Khartoum on Tues- made up of military and civil sued a ruling against the US Shea for a year after her re- who accused him of trying to day to demand swift political representatives, which has im- AFP virus deaths on Monday, its ambassador to Lebanon and marks against the pro-Irani- curb freedom of expression change and the establishment plemented various reforms, Tehran highest figure for a single day, accused her of interfering in an Hezbollah movement to in Lebanon. of a civilian government. but overall made slow progress raising the total to 10,670 out he country’s internal affairs the Saudi-owned Al-Hadath On Monday, the US dip- Protesters called for the towards democratization. Iran’s coronavirus epidemic of more than 225,200 cases of submitted his resignation on news channel. lomat said after meeting establishment of a parliament Al-Bashir was meanwhile is still in its first wave, the infection. Tuesday, the state-run news Mazeh said the com- Lebanon’s Foreign Minister and an independent judiciary, convicted in late 2019 on corrup- health ministry said Tuesday, Authorities have so far agency and a judicial source ments represented interfer- Nassif Hitti, “we turned the as well as reforms of the secu- tion charges, but never tried for a day after reporting the high- refrained from enforcing full said. ence in Lebanon’s internal page on this unfortunate dis- rity forces, while heavily armed alleged crimes against humanity est single-day death toll since lockdowns to stop the pan- Judge Mohamed Mazeh affairs, could incite sectar- traction so we can all focus soldiers and police officers committed under his rule. the country’s outbreak began demic’s spread and the use of submitted his resignation to ian strife and threaten social on the real crisis at hand, lined the streets of the capital. Protests also demanded in February. masks and protective equip- the Supreme Judicial Council peace. which is the deteriorating The day of the mass pro- an independent investigation “The coronavirus is cur- ment has been optional in as soon as he was informed According to a judicial economic situation in Leba- tests marks the 31-year-anni- into violence committed by rently peaking in border prov- most areas. that he would be the subject source Mazeh was referred non.” Lebanon is currently versary of the military coup security forces during a mass inces or cities which did not of a judicial investigation, the to the Judicial Inspection suffering its worst economic that brought former president sit-in and protests in 2019 that experience a peak in the first Iran recorded 162 coronavi- National News Agency (NNA) Authority because he caused crisis since the 1975-1990 Omar al-Bashir to power. led to al-Bashir’s ouster and months of the outbreak,” said rus deaths on Monday, its reported. Mazeh on Saturday a diplomatic spat between civil war. The volatile nation in the the establishment of an inter- ministry spokeswoman Sima highest figure for a single Horn of Africa has experienced im government. Sadat Lari. “Therefore, we’re still wit- day, raising the total to nessing the first wave in the 10,670 out of more than country,” she said, quoted by 225,200 cases of infection. state news agency IRNA. After years as military base, Somalia’s renovated stadium reopens According to Lari, Iran Iran closed schools, can- would only have a second wave celled public events and banned AFP tions of Somalia’s 60th anni- chased out the al-Qaeda linked renovation, which took in the if there was another rise in movement between its 31 prov- Mogadishu versary of independence from The stadium was handed Al-Shabaab Islamists from the football pitch, running track cases in provinces that “had a inces in March, but the govern- Italy, which will be marked on back to the government in capital, who had banned all and spectator seating. significant peak” when the first ment gradually lifted restric- Somalia’s president on Wednesday. August 2018 and was reno- sporting events in the capital Somalia plunged into cha- cases were declared. tions from April to try to reopen Tuesday officially reopened “Thanks to the president and had made the stadium os after the 1991 overthrow of Iran reported its first two its sanctions-hit economy. the country’s renovated na- who reopened the national vated with funding from their base since 2008. president Siad Barre’s military COVID-19 cases on February The increasing virus case- tional stadium, which saw its stadium today on the com- Norway and the European It had fallen into a state of regime, leading to years of 19 in the holy city of Qom. load has seen some previously first football match in 17 years, memoration of the 60th an- Union. disrepair, overrun with weeds clan warfare followed by the The central province of the unscathed provinces classified after serving as a base for Al- niversary of independence, and its walls peppered with rise of Al-Shabaab which once same name quickly became as “red” -- the highest level on Shabaab and later, African there will be a football game of people were invited,” said bullet holes testifying to the controlled large parts of the one of the worst-hit, along with Iran’s colour-coded risk scale Union peacekeeping troops. between two national teams,” police officer Mohamed Has- violence which has ravaged country and capital. the northern province of Gilan, -- with authorities allowing President Mohamed Ab- Sports Minister Khadija Mo- san. the city over the past 30 years. After being pushed out of a popular tourist resort. them to reimpose restrictive dullahi Farmajo, wearing a hamed Diriye told reporters. He said security was tight, The stadium was handed their main bastions by AMI- Official figures have shown measures if required. mask and dressed in a pale Apart from a few dozen with most roads leading to back to the government in Au- SOM, Al-Shabaab has con- an upward trajectory in new They include Khuzestan, blue tracksuit, cut the ribbon special guests and govern- the stadium closed to civilian gust 2018 and was renovated tinued to wage war against confirmed cases since early Hormozgan, Kurdistan, Ker- and took a few shots at the ment officials, the stadium transport. with funding from Norway the government, with regu- May, when Iran hit a near two- manshah, Bushehr, West and goal, leaving before a friendly remained empty as the event African Union peacekeep- and the European Union. lar attacks in Mogadishu and month low in daily recorded East Azerbaijan, and Khorasan match between two national was closed to the public. ers (AMISOM) from Uganda According to government against neighbouring coun- infections. Razavi, all located along Iran’s sides. “This was an opening occa- had been stationed in the sta- sources, more than $2 million tries which have contributed Iran recorded 162 corona- borders. This is part of celebra- sion where a limited number dium since 2011, after they was spent in the first phase of to the force. Asia / World Wednesday, July 1, 2020 05 Two dead, four hospitalised after gas leak in India pharma plant UN blames Afghan forces for deadly market shellig New Delhi At least two workers were killed and four more hospitalized after a gas leak at a Kabul The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Tuesday blamed Afghan forc- pharmaceutical plant in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh, police said on Tuesday. es for firing mortar shells that struck a busy market in a southern province, killing at least 23 civilians. News The incident occurred at the plant of Sainor Life Sciences Private Limited, a pharma com- “UNAMA’s initial impartial findings indicate Afghan National Army mortars inflicted heavy civilian pany located in the port city of Visakhapatnam, around midnight. casualties Monday,” the mission said on Twitter. in brief “Six people working at the plant inhaled the toxic gas. Two died on the scene, while four “Multiple credible sources assert that the ANA fired lethal mortars in response to Taliban fire, others are being treated at a hospital,” local police officer Udaya Kumar said by phone. missing intended target.” Afghan officials had previously blamed the Taliban for Monday’s explosions The unit was shut down immediately after the leak as a precautionary measure and the gas in the Sangin district of Helmand province, with President Ashraf Ghani condemning the incident as a had not spread in nearby areas, police said. (DPA) “terrorist attack”. (AFP) India’s ban on TikTok and other apps draws sharp China rebuke DPA left 20 Indian soldiers dead. “many complaints from vari- man Zhao Lijian told reporters had been invited to submit in which Indian soldiers were New Delhi Many popular apps like ous sources” about apps that that India had a responsibility clarifications to the govern- attacked by Chinese troops by TikTok, WeChat, Shareit and were “stealing and surrepti- to safeguard the rights and in- ment, which will decide wheth- batons studded with nails and India has banned 59 mobile BigoLive were banned. tiously transmitting users’ data terests of Chinese companies er the ban can be removed or stones. apps with Chinese links on The Information Technol- in an unauthorized manner.” in accordance with market will stay. Prime Minister Narendra grounds they present a danger ogy Ministry said the apps By Tuesday morning, Bei- principles. Among the apps banned by Modi has come under increas- to the country’s national secu- were “prejudicial to the sover- jing headquartered tech-giant “The cooperation between India include the microblog- ing public pressure to ban Chi- rity, drawing a sharp rebuke eignty and integrity of India, ByteDance’s TikTok and Helo China and India in a pragmatic ging service Weibo, Alibaba’s nese businesses. from Beijing. defence of India, security of apps were removed from the field is mutually beneficial and UC Browser and e-ecommerce Chinese mobiles have a New Delhi’s decision came state and public order.” Apple App store and the Goog- win-win. This cooperation platforms like Club Factory major share in the Indian against the backdrop of an It said there were “raging le Play store. Indian mobile users browse pattern has been artificially and Shein. smartphone market. ongoing stand-off between concerns” about data security Beijing said it was “strong- through the Chinese owned damaged and it is actually not The ban on Chinese apps India is also said to be Indian and Chinese forces in and safeguarding the privacy ly concerned” about the devel- video-sharing ‘TikTok’ app on compatible with India’s own comes amid widespread out- TikTok’s biggest international the Himalayan border region of 1.3 billion Indians. The opment. a smartphone in Amritsar on interest,” he said. rage and protests across India market with an estimated 120 of Ladakh. Clashes on June 15 ministry said it had received Foreign Ministry spokes- Tuesday. (AFP) The Chinese companies after the fighting in Ladakh million users, reports said.

Pakistan PM Philippine panel ‘quietly’ blames India for stock exchange Xi signs contentious reviewing thousands of attack drug war deaths AFP Islamabad Hong Kong national DPA gage affected families, provide Manila/Geneva them with legal options and Pakistan Prime Minister assistance in criminal prosecu- Imran Khan on Tuesday The Philippine govern- tion of law enforcers who have blamed India for a deadly ment has been “quietly” review- overstepped legal bounds in attack on the stock ex- security law ing more than 5,000 deaths their operations,” he added. change in Karachi, saying that occurred during its ag- “This review mechanism there was “no doubt” who DPA gressive years-long crackdown will not only reinforce account- was responsible. Beijing on drugs, the country’s justice ability on the drug campaign,” “Our security forces minister said Tuesday. he added. fought and thwarted a huge Chinese President Xi Jinping In a statement to the United “It will tighten the web of tragedy which was planned has signed a decree enacting a Nations’ Human Rights Coun- existing mechanisms to prevent by our neighbouring coun- national security law for Hong cil session in Geneva, Justice cases of impunity.” try India,” Khan told parlia- Kong, which has stoked fears Secretary Menardo Guevarra UN human rights chief ment, without offering any among pro-democracy activ- said an inter-agency panel con- Michelle Bachelet told the evidence. ists in the city and condemna- ducting the review will come top UN rights body in Geneva The home-grown Ba- tion from governments around out with a report by the end of that her Human Rights Office lochistan Liberation Army the world. November. concluded that there has been (BLA) claimed responsibil- Details of the law have not The panel, headed by the “near-total impunity” for police ity for Monday’s attack, in yet been released, but the state- Department of Justice, has killings of drug suspects, “indi- which three security guards run Xinhua news agency said it been “quietly conducting a ju- cating an unwillingness by the and a policeman were killed takes effect as of Tuesday. dicious review of the 5,655 anti- state to hold to account perpe- -- as well as the four assail- The legislation targets se- illegal drugs operations where trators of extrajudicial killings.” ants. cession, subversion, terrorism deaths occurred,” Guevarra According to a report that The BLA said it was and foreign interference in said. she presented to the Human targeting “Pakistan’s econ- Hong Kong, a special adminis- The evaluation was inde- Rights Council, at least 8,663 omy”, as well as “Chinese trative region of China that un- pendent of the national police’s people have been killed since economic interests” in Balo- til now has enjoyed freedoms internal mechanisms, he told the Philippines launched its chistan”. not seen on the mainland. Pro-China supporters display Chinese and Hong Kong flags as they raise a toast during a rally near the the meeting. campaign against illegal drugs “This plan, we have no Critics fear the law will government headquarters in Hong Kong on Tuesday. (AFP) “The panel intends to en- in 2016. doubt, was perpetrated by quash dissent in the financial India,” Khan told parliament. hub, which has been roiled by protected,” she said. rights groups have decried the Kong residents. Pakistan has long protests for the past year. Lam accused foreign gov- law’s passage. The city’s chief executive, blamed India for funding the Hong Kong Chief Executive ernments that are criticizing The European Commission who must answer to Beijing, Balochistan separatist move- Carrie Lam said in statement the law of double standards and considers the new legislation will be empowered to decide Taiwan says ‘one country, two systems’ ment and other groups. the law was “both necessary said that every country had the to be a breach of China’s in- which judges can hear trials for in Hong Kong has proven failed India did not directly re- and urgent in order to plug the right to have national security ternational commitments and state security cases. spond to Khan’s comments, loophole in national security in legislation. is “seriously concerned,” com- Amnesty International said DPA passed Hong Kong’s national which came after the Paki- Hong Kong.” Before Xi signed the decree, mission president Ursula von Beijing’s passing of national Taipei security law. stan foreign ministry Mon- In a separate recorded vid- the National People’s Congress der Leyen said. security laws on Hong Kong’s Tsai said she hoped that the day accused India of “com- eo message to the UN Human Standing Committee, a top leg- Japan earlier said the law’s behalf “represents the greatest Taiwan President Tsai Ing- Hong Kong people would keep plicity in acts of terrorism Rights Council, Lam defended islative body, unanimously ap- passage was “regrettable.” threat to human rights in the wen said on Tuesday that the fighting for values they’ve cher- against Pakistan”. the legislation by arguing that proved the legislation. It also The law would also see the city’s recent history.” model of “one country, two sys- ished, including freedom, de- New Delhi said it re- the central government in Bei- added it to Hong Kon’s Basic establishment of mainland The head of the rights tems” imposed in Hong Kong mocracy and human rights and jected those “absurd com- jing could not turn a blind eye Law. The text of the law has Chinese security agencies in group’s China team, Joshua has proven failed because Bei- noted that her self-governing ments”. to violent protests, as well as not been released and much of Hong Kong, according to a Rosenzweig, said that Beijing’s jing had betrayed its promises democratic island has set up an “Pakistan cannot shift to calls for independence and what is contained within is not summary previously published exclusion of Hong Kong’s exist- to keep a high degree of auton- action plan to offer humanitar- the blame on India for its do- foreign interference from some known. Sources told the South by Xinhua. Only a handful of ing legislature in drafting and omy for 50 years after the 1997 ian assistance. mestic problems,” an Indian Hong Kong politicians. China Morning Post the legisla- Hong Kong delegates to the passing the law shows that the handover from British rule. “Our Taiwan-Hong Kong foreign ministry spokesman “Basic rights and freedoms tion carries a maximum penalty national legislature saw a draft People’s Republic of China aims “It’s very disappointing Services and Exchanges Of- said. of the overwhelming majority of life in jail. of the law before its approval, “to govern Hong Kong through that China fails to keep its fice will open tomorrow (July of Hong Kong residents will be Foreign governments and a contentious point with Hong fear from this point forward.” promises,” Tsai told reporters 1) to further facilitate humani- in Taipei. tarian aid,” Tsai said. “The model of ‘one country, In a statement, the Main- two systems’ doesn’t work,” land Affairs Council, Taiwan’s Tsai asserted. top government agency on pol- Beijing used the model of icy dealings with Beijing, said New Zealand says APEC 2021 to be virtual summit “one country, two systems” to on Tuesday that the new office AFP Foreign Minister Winston in a statement. in November 2021 and numer- able to enter New Zealand with- bring the former European col- also includes special services Wellington Peters said holding the Asia- “Given the current global ous lead-in meetings. “If we out being quarantined.” onies Hong Kong and Macau for Hong Kongers seeking op- PacificE conomic Cooperation environment, planning to have had hosted an in-person APEC The decision to go virtual also back under its control. portunities to study, work, or The annual APEC summit of summit online, instead of in such a large volume of high-level we would have seen thousands eases a logistical headache for Taiwan has repeatedly re- invest in Taiwan. Asia-Pacific leaders will be virtu- Auckland, was a “pragmatic” visitors in New Zealand from late of people entering NZ from late organisers, who were struggling jected Beijing’s plan to apply Taiwan has had an in- al next year to avoid travel risks response to the crisis. 2020 onwards is impractical.” 2020 onwards, some from COV- to find sufficient hotel rooms in the same model to it. dependent government associated with the global coro- “COVID-19 has seriously More than 20,000 people ID-19 hotspots,” Peters said. Auckland after construction of Tsai’s comments came since 1949, but China consid- navirus pandemic, 2021 hosts impacted how we conduct in- were expected to visit New Zea- “We simply couldn’t guar- the planned venue was delayed after Beijing’s top legislative ers the democratic island part New Zealand said Tuesday. ternational diplomacy,” he said land for the 21-nation summit antee these people would be by a huge fire in October last year. body reportedly unanimously of its territory.

Myanmar finds soldiers guilty in Rohingya atrocities court martial Chinese researchers warn of new AFP curity forces of committing crimes, or sentences. Yangon atrocities in various villages, Rights groups Amnesty In- swine flu with potential for pandemic including Gu Dar Pyin, where ternational called the lack of DPA can also infect humans. cerned that the virus may adapt Three Myanmar military they alleged at least five shallow transparency on the court mar- Beijing The virus variant genotype better to humans and then officers were found guilty by mass graves had been found. tial “alarming”. 4 Eurasian avian-like H1N1 vi- spread more widely. In addi- a court martial investigating Estimates from survivors in “Closed door trials shroud- Scientists in China have rus, or G4 EA H1N1, shows all tion, immunity to other types atrocities against Rohingya Bangladesh put the death toll ed in secrecy, and marred by identified a variant of the swine the signs of being a possible of flu does not offer protection Muslims in conflict-ridden in the hundreds. a lack of independence in the flu virus that has the potential to trigger for a pandemic, the sci- against these genotypes. Rakhine state, the army an- After initially denying the military judiciary system, are develop into a human pandemic. entists warn. The scientists therefore nounced Tuesday. allegations, the military started not the way to end military im- The team led by George Gao Studies in pig farms in strongly recommend closely The rare action against court martial proceedings in punity in Myanmar,” said Am- from the Chinese Centre for various Chinese provinces had monitoring its distribution in military members came as My- September, admitting there nesty’s Ming Yu Hah. Disease Control and Prevention shown that this variant has been pigs and humans. anmar faces charges of geno- had been “weakness in follow- Civilian leader Aung San Suu in Beijing reported its findings prevalent among animals since Pigs are considered to be cide at the United Nations’ top ing instructions” in the village. Kyi admitted at the Internation- in the journal “Proceedings of 2016. In addition, about one in important carriers of influ- court over a brutal 2017 crack- The commander-in-chief’s al Court of Justice in December, the National Academy of Sci- 10 of 338 pig farm workers ex- enza viruses because they can down against the Rohingya. office announced Tuesday the Residents, who fled from conflict however, that disproportionate ences of the United States of amined had antibodies against infect both birds and humans Some 750,000 Rohingya court martial had “confirmed between the Myanmar army and force may have been used. America.” the pathogen in their blood, with them. The swine flu virus, fledto neighbouring Bangla- the guilty verdict” and sen- the Arakan Army (AA), arrive at The military has main- The team wrote that the var- leading the team to conclude known as H1N1, triggered fears desh with accounts of wide- tenced three officers. a temporary refugee camp at tained any atrocities were com- iant of the H1N1 influenza virus, that people could be infected in of a global pandemic in 2009, spread murder, rape and arson. No details were provided a monastery in Sittwe, Rakhine mitted by a few maverick indi- which circulated as swine flu in principle. but was quickly brought under Rights groups accused se- on the perpetrators, their State. (AFP) viduals. 2009, occurs mainly in pigs, but The researchers are con- control. 06 Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief George Floyd Murals Bring Deeper Coronavirus Brings Meaning To Issues Of Injustice American Decline The art goes further than the image of Floyd’s face as it manifests empowerment, unity and calls for justice Out In The Open N Minneapolis, hues of blue and yellow form And the art goes further than the image of the face of a George Floyd mural, with a reso- Floyd’s face. His power has manifested itself in Ilution to his last words scrawled against the messages of empowerment that line the board- purple of his sweatshirt: “I can breathe now.” ed windows of shops in Dallas. Images of unity US’s disastrous response to the COVID-19 has exposed its dysfunctional Radiating from the halo cast by a sunflower and calls for justice stand prominently as mem- standing prominently behind him are the bers of the Dallas Army of Artists continue to institutions that will lead to its precipitous decline as the world’s names of those who passed before him, all too work with local businesses to cover the wooden rich and most powerful country soon: Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Tamir planks that line their stores in precaution of Rice — and the list goes on. damage and break-ins amid unrest. The country erupted in outrage following Art has long been a part of struggles against Jon Healey the death of Floyd by police on Memorial Day inequity and oppression. It’s a powerful and Tribune News Service in Minneapolis. Protests flooded the streets universal language that transcends all barriers and chants ran clear through the night across and informs people from all walks of life. It hu- HE US’s decline started with little states at the sheer horror of the death of the manises the struggle and connects with people things that people got used to. Amer- 46-year-old Black man who died when a po- emotionally in a way that organised protest can- icans drove past empty construction lice officer pressed his knee against his neck for not replicate. Even small endeavours go a long sites and didn’t even think about why nearly eight minutes, ignoring pleas for him to way in injecting meaning that cannot be formu- the workers weren’t working, then stop. But along with those protests, rallies and lated by speeches or explanations. wonderedT why roads and buildings took marches, art has formed. Just as Floyd’s yellow, Take Dallas’ giant eyeball sculpture, which so long to finish. They got used to avoid- blue and purple mural appeared at the place of sits outside the Joule, a five-star hotel. “NOW ing hospitals because of the unpredictable his death, so have thousands of others appeared UC US” was spray painted at the bottom of and enormous bills they’d receive. They across the country and the world. the piece along with Floyd’s initials and last paid 6 percent real-estate commissions, In Houston, his hometown, Floyd’s image words, “I can’t breathe.” You don’t need to sup- never realising that Australians were pay- is accompanied by thick white angel wings; a port the spray-painting of private (or public) ing 2 percent. They grumbled about high halo floats above his head forming the phrase, property to understand that this was a power- taxes and high health-insurance premi- “Forever breathing in our hearts.” Similar wings ful statement. It made visible the frustration ums and potholed roads, but rarely im- follow him to Dallas where his image expands exacerbated by injustice that can no longer be agined what it would be like to live in a jobs and livelihoods, Americans must now even declining living standards. across the boarded windows of the Dallas Chop ignored. And as a result has made its way into system that worked better. be subjected to months of images of Ital- And a biggest danger might come House; a painted banner remains blank for other murals across the city as symbolism sig- When writers speak of American de- ians casually walking around on the streets later. The US has long enjoyed a so-called viewers to decide the message for themselves. nifying that change is coming. cline, they’re usually talking about inter- while they cower in their houses. It’s a exorbitant privilege as the financial cen- At a time when the video of Floyd’s death Most importantly, however, art never lets national power — the rise of China and painful and stark demonstration of na- tre of the world, with the dollar as the has been so heavily circulated, we see not the us forget. As we walk the streets we call home, the waning of US hegemony and moral tional decline. Even more galling, the US’s lynchpin of the global financial system. reflection of a police officer’s knee on his neck these new images serve as a reminder that authority. To most Americans, those are COVID failure means that its citizens can That means the US has been able to bor- but the reflection of the strength in his face. We there is still work to be done. They sit beside distant and abstract things that have lit- no longer travel freely around the world; row money cheaply, and Americans have choose to remember Floyd in life rather than the murals that went up after Michael Brown tle or no impact on their daily lives. But even Europe plans to impose a travel ban been able to sustain their lifestyles through death. These pieces memorialise the life of a was killed by police in 2014, beside the vi- the decline in the general effectiveness on Americans. cheap imports. But if enough investors — man whose time on Earth was cut too short. His brant paintings of figures from past civil rights of US institutions will impose increasing But the consequences of US decline foreign and domestic — lose confidence in face has become a symbol of the injustices of the movements, besides the images that tell the costs and burdens on Americans. And if it will far outlast coronavirus. With its high the US’s general effectiveness as a country, world, a reminder that we are still a long way long tale of Texas history. eventually leads to a general loss of inves- housing costs, poor infrastructure and that advantage will vanish. from the America we’ve dreamed of. Art stands the passage of time. tor confidence in the country, the damage transit, endemic gun violence, police If capital begins to abandon the US and could be much greater. brutality and bitter political and racial the dollar in large amounts, the currency The most immediate cost of US de- divisions, the US will be a less appeal- will crash and Americans will find them- cline — and the most vivid demonstration ing place for high-skilled workers to live. selves paying much more for everything — comes from the country’s disastrous That means companies will find other from cars to televisions to gasoline to im- response to the coronavirus pandemic. countries in Europe, Asia and elsewhere ported food. Interest rates will be raised in Leadership failures were pervasive and a more attractive destination for invest- an attempt to lure back investment capital, catastrophic at every level the president, ment, robbing the US of jobs, depress- and the country might undergo a period of agencies such as the Centers for Disease ing wages and draining away the local stagflation worse than the 1970s. Large- Control and the Food and Drug Adminis- spending that powers the service econ- scale unrest would undoubtedly result tration, and state and local leaders all fum- omy. That in turn will exacerbate some and — in the worst-case scenario — the US bled the response to the greatest health of the worst trends of US decline — less could collapse like Venezuela. threat in a century. As a result, the US is tax money means even more urban decay This is an outcome to be avoided at all suffering a horrific surge of infections in as infrastructure, education and social- costs. But it’s an outcome that is no longer states such as Arizona, Texas and Florida welfare programmes are forced to make out of the realm of possibility, thanks to the while states that were battered early on are big cuts. Anti-immigration policies will complacency, arrogance and misplaced still struggling. Countries such as Italy that throw away the country’s most important priorities of US leaders and the deep and are legendary for government dysfunc- source of skilled labor and weaken a uni- bitter divisions among US voters. If the US tion and were hit hard by the virus have versity system already under tremendous goes from rich, world-straddling colossus crushed the curve of infection, while the pressure from state budget cuts. to floundering dysfunctional developing US just set a daily record for case growth Almost every systematic economic nation in just a few decades, it will be one and shows no sign of slowing down. advantage possessed by the US is un- of the most spectacular instances of civi- This utter failure to suppress a dis- der threat. Unless there’s a huge push to lisational decline in world history. Every ease that most other countries managed turn things around — to bring back im- mind in the country should be bent to- to contain will have real economic costs migrants, sustain research universities, wards the task of reversing the decline and for Americans, as fear of the virus drives make housing cheaper, lower infrastruc- restoring national competence. people back into their homes and busi- ture costs, reform the police and restore nesses suffer. competence to the civil service - the re- (Noah Smith is a Bloomberg (Tribune News Service) In addition to worrying about their sult could be decades of stagnating or Opinion columnist) Words, Race And The Pandemic Widespread use of terms such as “Chinese virus”, “lockdown” during the pandemic invokes racism and violence

Rosamond S King hundreds of years of racist blaming immi- rus threat not with masks, physical distanc- Tribune News Service grants, nonwhites and non-English speakers ing and handwashing, but with guns. for carrying diseases — from the plague to Even though the majority of mass shoot- S an English professor, I write and teach HIV and now the new coronavirus. ers in the United States have been white about words for a living. But you don’t The president’s use of the term “Chinese men, the rhetoric of white supremacists and Aneed a PhD to realise some of the lan- virus,” like his referring to antiracist protes- militias is one of protecting white America guage we use to talk about the COVID-19 tors as “thugs” and “lowlifes,” is part of his from Muslims, Blacks, Latinx immigrants, pandemic invokes racism — and sometimes pattern of promoting racism and white su- and Jews. The armed agitators in the Michi- subtly promotes violence. premacy. But his refusal to use accurate lan- gan state capitol brandished their guns President Donald Trump has often guage to describe the virus is also bad public because, in their words, they wanted their called the coronavirus “the Chinese virus,” policy. Paying attention to facts and to sci- “freedom” from “lockdowns” and other per- referring to it as the “kung flu” at his cam- ence can save lives. ceived attacks on their liberty. paign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Most people Consider the use of the term “lockdown” Thinking about the language we use recognise this language as racist, even if they to describe stay-home policies. Ellen DeGe- when we talk about the coronavirus and don’t know about the harm it’s doing. neres recently drew justified criticism for the pandemic is not about ‘political cor- Between mid-March and mid-April likening being isolated in her multimillion- rectness’. It’s about accuracy. And there of this year, the Asian Pacific Policy and dollar mansion to “being in jail.” is no lock or force involved in the stay-at- Planning Council recorded significant in- Before COVID-19, “lockdown” was most- home restrictions implemented by state creases in attacks against Asian Ameri- ly used to refer to locking prison inmates in and local governments. cans and Asians. The group tracked more their cells for extended periods — sometimes Along with physical distancing, hand- than 1,500 such incidents, from name- days on end — because of a real or perceived washing and masks, the words you choose calling to physical assault, in that one- security threat, or as collective punishment. numbers that far exceed our representa- But please don’t use “shelter in place.” can remind others — and ourselves — that month time frame alone. The system of mass incarceration, as tion in the population. The term originally referred to the imminent we’re fighting a virus, not other people. Trump has implied that Asians and many journalists, scholars and activists So yes, using “lockdown” to refer to ci- threat of a natural disaster, nuclear war or Asian Americans are not only responsible have explained, is the largest organised, vilians voluntarily staying at home is both chemical spill; before the pandemic, it was (Rosamond S King is a writer and for spreading the virus, but may have cre- for-profit form of injustice in this country inaccurate and problematic. Instead, try mostly used to describe hiding from an “ac- associate professor of English at ated it, too, an assertion for which there is no since slavery, it affects millions of Black “home isolation,” “self-isolation” or just tive shooter.” The use of this phrase suggests Brooklyn College, part of the City evidence. His allegations are in keeping with and Latinx people and our families in “staying at home.” that people should be fighting the coronavi- University of New York)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Europe / Americas Wednesday, July 1, 2020 07 UK confirms seeing US intelligence UN rights chief slams virus response in China, Russia, US AFP on freedoms of expression” in cases were detected, it is clear on ‘Russian bounties to Taliban’ Geneva Egypt and “excessive and ar- that this epidemic threatens AFP briefed about the findings and bitrary enforcement” of pan- both peace and development -- London the White House argued on The UN rights chief on Tues- demic response measures in El Censorship and and that it calls for more civil, Monday there was “no consen- day said COVID-19 was being Salvador. criminalisation of speech political, economic, social and Britain’s Defence Secretary sus” among intelligence agen- instrumentalised to silence “Censorship and criminali- are likely to suppress crucial cultural rights, not less,” she Ben Wallace on Tuesday con- cies about their veracity. free speech, citing China and sation of speech are likely to information needed to said. firmed having seen US intel- Russia has flatly rejected Russia, while voicing alarm suppress crucial information address the pandemic Bachelet said the pandemic ligence briefings about alleged suggestions it would pay Tali- at statements in the US that needed to address the pandem- was deepening local and re- Russian bounties offered to ban soldiers to kill US troops. “deny the reality” of the virus. ic,” she told the 44th session UN High Commissioner for gional threats to peace, with Afghan militants to kill Ameri- But Wallace’s comments UN High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Human Rights Michelle Bachelet essential services, already dev- can troops. suggest the findings were con- for Human Rights Michelle Rights Council. astated by conflict, left “acutely “I am aware of the intel- clusive enough for the United Bachelet pointed to Russia, The former Chilean presi- deny the reality of viral conta- vulnerable” to the crisis. ligence,” Wallace told a par- States to alert its close ally China, Kosovo, Nicaragua dent said it was vital for leaders gion, and increasing polarisa- Bachelet reiterated her call liamentary defence sub-com- about the potential dangers among others where “threats to maintain “consistent, cred- tion on key issues, may intensi- for the easing or suspension of mittee hearing when asked Defence Secretary Ben Wallace posed to its own forces in Af- and intimidation against jour- ible and fact-based communi- fy the severity of the pandemic sanctions “to ensure that medi- specificallyabout the alleged ghanistan. nalists, bloggers and civic ac- cation” with citizens, praising by undermining efforts to curb cal care and aid is accessible to Russian bounties. “I can’t are kept safe.” “I don’t think I would say tivists, particularly at the local South Korea’s “open” approach its spread,” she said. all”. comment on intelligence mat- The New York Times and that there is any greater dan- level, (were being used) with to its pandemic response. Opening the session in Ge- She said racial and ethnic ters other than to say we take other US media said Wash- ger (to UK forces) than the the apparent aim of discourag- “In contrast, in Belarus, neva, Bachelet gave a global minorities and indigenous peo- lots of measures to defend and ington began sharing its intel- danger they face every day ing criticism of the authorities’ Brazil, Burundi, Nicaragua, update on the COVID-19 pan- ples are both more likely to die make sure our soldiers, men ligence with London last week. from Al Qaeda or indeed other responses to COVID-19”. Tanzania and the United States demic’s impact on human of COVID-19 and were hit the and women of our armed forc- US President Donald forces in Afghanistan,” Wal- Bachelet also voiced con- -- among others -- I am con- rights. hardest by its socio-economic es, when they are deployed, Trump initially denied being lace said. cern about “severe restrictions cerned that statements that “Six months after the first consequences.

News in brief EU reopens borders to 15 Germany, Lithuania sign armed forces agreement RIGA: Lithuania and Germany have signed a defence coopera- tion agreement that forms the legal basis for soldiers from the countries but US excluded two NATO partners to be stationed in the territory of the other country, according to the Ministry of Defence in Vilnius. AFP transition that ends on Decem- The agreement, which was signed on Tuesday by Vice Brussels ber 31. Defence Minister Vytautas Umbrasas and German Ambassador The original goal was to Matthias Sonn, supplements the existing NATO forces statutes. The EU on Tuesday agreed reopen to countries with an epi- “Germany is the most important ally and supporter of Euro- to open its borders to 15 coun- demiological situation “compa- pean stability and security,” Umbrasas said. tries from July 1, but the United rable or better” than that in the The initiative for the agreement came from the German States, where the coronavirus bloc -- that is with 16 or fewer side. Lithuania had previously only made such an agreement is still spreading, will remain cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 with the United States, according to the ministry. excluded. inhabitants over the past two As part of increased protection for NATO’s eastern flank, China made it to the list, weeks. the Bundeswehr is leading a NATO battalion in the Baltic state. which will be updated every However, the health-based (DPA) two weeks, but on the condition criteria collided with national that Beijing do the same for Eu- interests and geopolitics, with ropeans, a statement said. some countries reluctant to Austria woman wins right to Apple data US neighbour Canada as collectively ban the US while of dead partner well as Japan, Australia, New welcoming visitors from China, VIENNA: A woman has won the right to get access from Apple Zealand and Uruguay were in- where the pandemic began. to her dead partner’s account in a ruling that could set a prec- cluded without conditions on To break the deadlock, edent for other heirs in Austria, her lawyer said on Tuesday. the list which was drawn up by Croatia, which currently holds A district court in Dornbirn in the western state of Vorarl- diplomats on Friday, but re- the EU’s rotating presidency, berg ruled late last year that the woman had a right to access quired final approval. on Monday initiated a silent ap- the data, her lawyer Stefan Denifl said. Algeria, Georgia, Japan, proval procedure, which ended Apple informed Denifl’s office recently that they would not Montenegro, Morocco, Rwan- on Tuesday. appeal the case but comply with the verdict, he added. da, Serbia, South Korea, Thai- EU citizens and their family The couple was not married but the woman was the land and Tunisia rounded out members are to be exempted deceased’s heir. Denifl said the case could help other heirs in the countries, which was agreed from the ban as well as long- Austria seek data from Apple. to by vote among the EU’s 27 term EU residents and their “It means to get personal memories, which among others member states. family members, the statement help to deal emotionally with a death,” he said, adding Apple Non-essential travel to the said. had ignored requests for access before the court case. EU has been banned since mid- The list is seen as a maxi- An Apple representative told AFP that he could not immedi- March, but only after member mum position with countries ately comment on the case. states closed their national bor- able to limit it further. Apple says on its site that privacy is a “fundamental hu- ders in confusion and without A staff manipulates samples at a laboratory of German biotech company Centogene, which opened a The United States is cur- man right” and “one of our core values”. (AFP) coordination as the pandemic walk-in testing centre at the airport in Frankfurt am Main on Tuesday. (AFP) rently the country most affected grew. by COVID-19 with more than Though the list was legally for implementing the content decide to lift the travel restric- ner,” the statement added. 125,000 deaths while daily in- Brazilian minister’s swearing-in postponed non-binding, the EU said mem- of the recommendation.” Na- tions... before this has been Britain is considered part fection rates in Europe have over allegedly false CV ber states “remain responsible tional authorities “should not decided in a coordinated man- of the EU during its post-Brexit stabilised. RIO DE JANEIRO: The swearing-in of Brazil’s newly appointed education min- ister, Carlos Decotelli, has US could hit 100,000 new virus cases a day: Fauci been postponed after a Ger- man university contradicted AFP was headed in the “wrong per day, and they need to The testimony comes lic spaces. his claims of having studied Washington direction” on the pandemic be tamped down quickly to as the United States, the And he also offered a there for two years, local and demanded that Ameri- avoid dangerous surges else- world’s hardest-hit nation, blunt message to the nation’s media reported. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro A top US health expert cans wear masks and avoid where in the country, Fauci with more than 2.6 million young adults who have en- The ceremony had been (left) and his new Minister of Educa- warned Congress on Tues- crowds after lax behaviour stressed. infections, was left off the list gaged in “dangerous” behav- scheduled for Tuesday. tion Carlos Alberto Decotelli. (AFP) day that new coronavirus propelled new outbreaks. “Clearly we are not in of 15 countries to which the ior including congregating in Decotelli’s academic cur- cases could more than dou- “I’m very concerned and total control right now,” he European Union will open its bars, not wearing masks, and riculum vitae says he did two years of post-doctoral studies at ble to 100,000 per day if au- I’m not satisfied with what’s said adding: “I would not borders from July 1, and as it not following social distanc- the Bergische Universitaet Wuppertal, but the university told DPA thorities and the public fail going on, because we’re go- be surprised if it goes up to grapples with how to assure ing guidelines. he had only spent three months there in 2016. Decotelli does to take steps to suppress the ing in the wrong direction,” 100,000 a day if this does a safe reopening of schools in “I think we need to em- not have a degree from the university, it added. pandemic. he testified to a Senate panel. not turn around.” the coming months. phasize the responsibility Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier said that Deco- Infectious disease expert Alarming spikes in new The dire messaging re- Fauci said he believed that we have, both as individ- telli has a doctorate from the University of Rosario in Argentina. Anthony Fauci, a leading cases in southern hotspots inforced concerns about the some states are “skipping uals and as part of a societal Bolsonaro announced the economist’s appointment last member of President Donald Texas and Florida are driv- US ability to rein in a pan- over some of the check- effort to end the epidemic, week after the previous education minister, Abraham Weintraub, Trump’s coronavirus task ing the daily national total demic that has claimed some points” that assure safe reo- that we all have to play a part resigned following a string of scandals. The government will now force, said the United States of new cases to over 40,000 126,000 American lives. penings of business and pub- in that,” Fauci said. check Decotelli’s curriculum vitae, according to website G1. (DPA)

French hospital staff protest in push for budget surge 40% of virus carriers in Italian AFP during a march in the French Paris capital. “We want a significant ges- town show no symptoms Doctors, nurses and other ture, and now -- not in three hospital staff staged protests years,” he said. AFP 85 percent of the population of Molecular Medicine of the across France on Tuesday to The SUD-Sante union Paris for COVID-19. University of Padua and the press for pay hikes and budget chief, Jean-Marc Devauchelle, They found that 2.3 percent Department of Life Sciences at increases for a healthcare sys- has called on the government More than 40 percent of peo- of Vo was infected at the begin- Imperial College London. tem that was pushed to the to boost take-home pay across ple diagnosed with COVID-19 ning of quarantine, compared “Despite ‘silent’ and wide- edge by the coronavirus pan- the sector by 300 euros a in one Italian town showed no with 1.2 percent at the end of spread transmission, the dis- demic. month, a move that would cost signs of being ill, according to lockdown, and that more than ease can be controlled.” The The rallies came as the some 14 billion euros. research published on Tuesday 40 percent of those who tested team found that asymptomatic government prepares to wrap “We need acts that live indicating that asymptomatic positive showed no symptoms. COVID-19 carriers had a simi- up on Friday weeks of talks up to the gratitude,” Philippe carriers may be significant The authors of the re- lar viral load to those who got with health workers on hospi- Martinez of the CGT union said spreaders of the virus. search, published in the jour- sick, suggesting that while not tal overhauls in response to the A health worker holds a placard reading ‘The COVID test it’s us’ during at the Paris demonstration -- a The authors said their re- nal Nature, said their findings ill themselves they could still crisis. a demonstration in Marseille, as part of a nationwide day of protests reference to the nightly rounds search showed how important showed how rapid case isola- spread the virus. Employees have long com- to demand better working conditions. (AFP) of applause for hospital staff mass testing and isolating car- tion and mass testing was able “Even asymptomatic in- plained about insufficient staff during the height of the coro- riers was in containing clusters to effectively eliminate the vi- fections have the potential to and low pay that prompts doc- ing off the talks last month, lowest paid among the OECD navirus crisis. of the virus. rus from Vo. contribute to transmission,” tors and nurses to take jobs at and officials have already put group of developed economies, President Emmanuel Ma- The town of Vo, population “Testing of all citizens, said Enrico Lavezzo, from the private clinics instead. That an additional 6.3 billion euros because of years of budget cuts. cron, who has made social 3,200, registered Italy’s first whether or not they have University of Padua, who con- issue led to a series of strikes ($7 billion) on the table. “They’ve promised six bil- justice a key theme for the fi- death from the disease in late symptoms, provides a way to tributed to the study. over the past year. But that amount falls far lion euros but I’m still waiting nal two years of his term, is February. It was immediately manage the spread of disease This was particularly note- Prime Minister Edouard short for many employees. to see,” said Louis Rios, a psy- expected to announce meas- placed in a two-week lock- and prevent outbreaks get- worthy for policymakers seek- Philippe promised “signifi- They say French healthcare chiatric nurse in the Essonne ures resulting from the talks as down, during which research- ting out of hand,” said Andrea ing to limit COVID-19 clusters cant” pay increases when kick- workers are already among the department south of Paris, soon as next week. ers were able to test more than Crisanti, of the Department from spreading, he said. AAB launches the all new Toyota Highlander 2020 Hybrid page 10

Wednesday, july 1, 2020

25,735.10 8,998.56 25,735.10 1,781.33 +139.30 pts -53.73 pts +139.30 pts Gold +0.48% PPP law will open new horizons for Dow QE sensex Qatari private sector: Khayyat page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 18.53 Brent 41.15 -1.34% WTI 39.38 -0.81% Silver +2.58% GTA launches new tax portal ‘Dhareeba’ for firms the process of filing tax returns nels to serve all its partners Taxpaying companies for the companies in a fast, ac- such as the government, tax need to register on curate, and transparent way. agents, and the taxpayers. It The launch of Dhareeba is has been designed to manage, Dhareeba within 90 in line with the Qatar Digital calculate, and review various days from July 1 All companies are required Dhareeba is built on SAP Government’s 2020 strategy types of taxes to help taxpay- to register on the new portal international business man- that helps to facilitate all tax ers identify the procedures re- starting from July 1, 2020, and agement platform, which is procedures while meeting lated to their transactions and Tribune News Network complete the registration pro- the latest in intelligent tech- Qatar’s future requirements receive notifications on the Doha cess within 90 days. nologies that accelerate the to establish a link between all progress of their operations. Taxpayers who register on transformation of data into tax-related entities in accord- All taxpaying companies The General Tax Author- the portal before September business value and it will serve ance with the latest interna- are required to register on the ity (GTA) has announced the 30, 2020, will be exempted as a vital link between GTA tional standards, systems, and Dhareeba website from July launch of the first phase of the from the existing penalties re- and its partners, government expertise in this respect. 1, 2020, as the registration new online tax-paying system lated to previous registration bodies, and taxpayers. This The new tax portal pro- on the old system will soon be Qatargas delivers first called ‘Dhareeba’. and issuance of tax cards. system promises to simplify vides GTA with digital chan- discontinued. Q-Flex LNG cargo to Adriatic terminal in Italy Tribune News Network offshore of Porto Levante Doha in the northern Adriatic Masraf Al Rayan, al khaliji near Rovigo, Italy. It is the Qatargas Operating Com- world’s first offshore gravi- pany Limited (Qatargas) on ty-based LNG regasification Tuesday announced the de- terminal. The terminal is livery of the first cargo of liq- operated by ExxonMobil (70 begin merger negotiations uefied natural gas (LNG) on percent), Qatar Terminal (23 a Q-Flex LNG carrier to the percent), a subsidiary of Qa- Adriatic LNG receiving termi- tar Petroleum, and Snam (7 The merger will lead to creation of one of the largest Sharia-compliant banks in Qatar with QR164 bn assets nal in Italy. percent). The cargo aboard the Qa- The terminal is connected Tribune News Network targas-chartered LNG vessel to the Italian national distri- Doha ‘Tembek’ was loaded at Ras bution network through inte- Laffan on June 9, 2020, and grated pipelines. In a joint press release issued delivered to the Adriatic LNG The terminal has a regasi- on Tuesday, Masraf Al Rayan terminal on June 21, 2020. fication capacity of 8 billion (Al Rayan) and Al Khalij Com- This is the first cargo dis- cubic metres of LNG per year mercial Bank (al khaliji) have charge operation by Qatargas that is equal to half the total announced that they have en- to this LNG terminal involving Italian LNG import capacity tered into initial negotiations a Q-Flex LNG carrier. and it currently supplies over regarding a potential merger The Adriatic LNG termi- 10 percent of the country’s to create a larger and stronger nal is located 14 kilometers natural gas requirements. financial institution with a solid financial position and liquid- ity to support Qatar’s economic growth and to finance devel- opment initiatives in line with Sharp improvement 2030 Qatar Vision. The proposed merger is subject to the approval of the in air cargo volumes Qatar Central Bank, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, for ME airlines in May the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and other relevant of- Agencies there, due to the loss of belly ficial bodies and the approval of London cargo operations on passen- the shareholders in each of Al ger aircraft. International Rayan and Al Khaliji after the Cargo demand from the Air Transport Association completion of a detailed legal Middle East was down 25 per- (IATA) reckons belly capacity and financial due diligence. cent during May, but that’s fell 66.4 percent during May, The new entity will main- still an improvement on the 36 but up from the 75.1 percent tain all its dealings in compli- percent decline in April, new decline in April. ance with Sharia principles. data from an industry group- “The gap between demand The potential merger will lead ing show. It provides testimo- and capacity shows the chal- to the creation of one of the ny to improving demand since lenge in finding the space ob largest Sharia-compliant banks lockdowns eased. aircraft still flying to get goods in Qatar and in the Middle Yet, traffic on all key routes to market,” IATA Director East with total assets exceed- for Middle Eastern carriers is General and CEO Alexandre ing QR164 Billion ($ 45 billion) still low, with international de Juniac said. and a shareholders equity of capacity declining by 24.4 “For all that, prospects for more than QR19 Billion ($ 5.2 percent compared to May last air cargo remain stronger than billion). The merger is expected to contribute positively to the economic development in Qatar by supporting corporate businesses and small and year. Globally, cargo demand for the passenger business but The merger is expected to medium-sized entities. and capacity were down 20.3 the future is very uncertain. contribute positively to the eco- and 34.7 percent respectively. Economic activity is picking nomic development in Qatar by sector. economies the banks currently banks in the areas of corporate, tari lenders Barwa Bank and But the figures still represent up from April lows as some supporting corporate business- The merger is also expected operate in. retail and wealth management, IBQ in 2016. The bank broke improvements in April. economies unlock. But pre- es and small and medium-sized to create value for all stakehold- The potential merger would and private banking. away from the talks, leading Interestingly, global ca- dicting the length and depth entities, and would also create a ers, including the shareholders, aggregate in the combined en- Masraf Al Rayan was previ- to a tie-up between Barwa and pacity remains unable to of the recession remains diffi- strategic partner for the public the banks’ customers, and the tity the key strengths of the two ously in merger talks with Qa- IBQ in 2018. meet the demand that is cult,” Juniac said. QIIB launches salary card for workers in Qatar

ever. Through this card, the bank QIIB becomes first bank in Qatar to issue can also facilitate the worker’s ac- cess to banking services without salary cards before workers’ arrival in Doha the need to visit the bank or open an account.” Tribune News Network ployees who earn up to QR5,000 Meer said, “QIIB encourages Doha per month, after directly deposit- its corporate clients to use the sal- ing the salaries into the employee’s ary card in order to pay the salaries Within the framework of its in- salary card, without the need to of their eligible workers, and have tegrated corporate solutions, QIIB open an account for the worker their needs and requirements met has announced the launch of salary concerned. by a cooperative and resourceful card that allows companies to pay In addition to the card’s safety staff, as per the standards set by the workers’ salaries in an easy and features, ease of use, and issuance, Wages Protection System.” convenient manner, in compliance there will be no minimum balance QIIB continuously strives to with the requirements of the Wages required for the salary card that enhance its personal and corpo- Protection System. can also be used at any ATM and rate banking solutions, and has As a first in Qatar, this salary point of sale within Qatar. In or- made great strides in this respect, card can be issued to workers prior der to issue the salary cards to its The QIIB corporate branch in Doha. QIIB Business Development Head whether in terms of diversity or to their arrival in Doha, upon the workers, companies shall be reg- Omar Abdulaziz Al Meer meeting customer requirements issue of their visa number. istered in the Wages Protection QIIB Business Development solution for companies with re- and keeping abreast with the latest QIIB’s salary cards allow com- System and shall have an account Head Omar Abdulaziz Al Meer gard to workers’ salaries, as well of salaries from the company to the banking solutions, products, and panies to pay the salaries of em- with QIIB. said, “This card provides an ideal as a flexible and smooth transfer worker without any delay whatso- technologies. Economy & Business Wednesday, July 1, 2020 09 Airbus cuts 15,000 jobs to face aviation’s ‘gravest crisis’ Qatar money supply jumps 5% to QR583 bn in May 2020 AFP measures to reflect the post COV- the job cuts were needed to come to Paris ID-19 industry outlook,” it said in a terms with the new reality. Tribune news network imately QR806.3 billion. statement. “We must now adopt more far- doha Regarding the real estate European aircraft maker Airbus The company said 5,000 positions reaching measures,” Faury said. sector, the number of build- said on Tuesday it is planning to cut would be cut France, 5,100 in Germa- He said management was “fully Qatar’s total broad money ing permits issued in May de- around 15,000 jobs worldwide, 11 per- ny, 900 in Spain, 1,700 positions in committed to limiting the social im- supply (M2) reached QR583.4 creased by 43.9 percent com- cent of its total workforce, in response Britain and 1,300 positions at Airbus’ pact of this adaptation.” billion in May 2020, an annual pared to April 2020, and by to the coronavirus which it described other worldwide sites. The aviation industry has been increase of 5.1 percent compared 58.9 percent compared to May as the “gravest crisis” the industry has It warned that “compulsory ac- hammered by the travel restrictions with May 2019, according to 2019. Likewise, the number of seen. tions cannot be ruled out at this imposed to contain the outbreak, with monthly statistical bulletin re- sold properties in May has fall- The cuts are to be implemented by stage”, in an indication that some em- firms worldwide still uncertain when leased by Planning and Statistics en by 16.3 percent compared to the summer of 2021, Airbus said in a ployees could be made redundant. they will be able to get grounded Authority (PSA) on Tuesday. April 2020, and by 45.6 percent statement, and follow a drop of nearly It said the plan would now be dis- planes back into the air. On the other hand, cash compared to May 2019. 40 percent of the commercial aviation cussed with unions and Airbus would “Airbus is facing the gravest crisis The announcement came as union equivalents, including com- Regarding the data of build- business in recent months. seek to use different measures to bring this industry has ever experienced,” sources told AFP that French flag car- mercial bank deposits reached ings permits issued, the total “With air traffic not expected to about the reductions, including vol- said chief executive Guillaume Faury. rier Air France would cut 7,500 jobs QR864.4 billion during May number of permits reached 271 recover to pre-COVID levels before untary departures, early retirement, The company had already in April by the end of 2022 as part of a cost- 2020, an annual increase of 7.2 permits during May 2020, re- 2023 and potentially as late as 2025, and long-term partial unemployment said it was cutting production of its cutting drive that has gained new ur- percent compared to May 2019, cording a monthly decrease of Airbus now needs to take additional schemes. planes by around a third. Faury said gency in the wake of the pandemic. when deposits recorded approx- 43.9 percent. Sharqi hails QNB’s PPP law will open new support to “conference on development of PPP” horizons for Qatari Tribune news network doha private sector: Khayyat Qatar Chamber (QC) has an- nounced that QNB Group would support the “Conference on De- velopment of Public-Private Part- UCC Holding will be the golden sponsor of first PPP conference in Qatar nership” to be held on July 7 un- der the patronage of Minister of Tribune news network Commerce & Industry HE Ali bin doha Ahmed Al Kuwari and QC Chair- man Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al UCC Holding – a leading general Thani, a statement said on Tues- contracting company in Qatar - has day. announced its golden sponsorship The conference comes a few of the first “Conference on Devel- days before the Public-Private opment of Public-Private Partner- Partnership Law enters into force ship” to be held in Doha on July 7. on July 11, 2020. QC Director-General Saleh bin Hamad The conference aims to de- QC Director-General Saleh bin Al Sharqi velop the partnership between the Hamad Al Sharqi hailed QNB’s public and private sectors, UCC sponsorship of the conference, said in a statement on Tuesday. noting that this emphasised its QC Director-General Saleh bin The conference organiaed by interest in enhancing partnership Hamad al Sharqi hailed QNB’s Qatar Chamber in cooperation between public and private sectors sponsorship to the conference, with “Hawkamah Center” - the and underscored the bank’s lead- noting that this emphasised center of governance - is scheduled ing role in providing finance for its interest in enhancing part- to be held via the video conference. the projects of the private sectors. nership between public and In early June, Qatar adopted Sharqi expressed his hope that private sectors and under- the first law for government part- the conference will conclude with nership with the private sector. views and recommendations that scored the bank’s leading role This law is considered an impor- help in enhancing partnership be- in providing finance for the tant step for the creation of an tween private sector companies projects of the private sectors appropriate investment climate and the government in the light and attracting private capital, in of the partnership law which will addition to supporting the private come into force after few days. conference, eluded the strategic sector and activating its pivotal QNB Group announced its full partnership with the QNB Group role in strengthening the national support for the conference. in organising this important con- economy and contributing to the On his part, Yousef Ali Dar- ference, noting that the public- realization of Qatar’s 2030 Vision. wish, General Manager - QNB private partnership had become Moutaz Al Khayyat, Chairman Group Communications under- the main drive for business in the of UCC Holding said, “This confer- scored the bank’s commitment to world. ence comes at the right time as the providing full support to the first “Governments are interested private sector looks forward to ex- “Conference on Development of to engage the private sector in de- plore opportunities and benefits of- Public-Private Partnership” as a velopment and in financing infra- fered by the new partnership law.” Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of the PPP Conference and Moutaz Al Khayyat (Left), Chairman of UCC Holding strategic partner. structure,” he added. During a ceremony held to hon- at an event in Doha on Tuesday. He praised the leading role Sheikh Thani pointed out that our UCC Holding’s golden spon- played by the Ministry of Com- holding a conference on the sub- sorship of the conference, Khayyat would be an additional incentive recent researches and studies that to activate this partnership, based merce and Industry and Qatar ject represented a considerable praised the government’s decision to accelerate the application of the were published in this regard and on accountability, transparency Chamber in establishing and opportunity for the private sector to issue the government partner- first law to develop governmental what the private sector can expect and mutual benefit. strengthening laws aimed at devel- to learn about partnership models ship law, assuring that implemen- partnership with the private sec- from this partnership. Corporate governance plays a oping the partnership between the and international experiences. tation of this law will open great op- tor,” Sheikh Thani said. Qatar Chamber, through its significant role in raising the com- public and private sectors, noting The conference also represents portunities for the private sector to The conference will host speak- representation of the business petitiveness of companies by en- that it is important for the growth an opportunity for the public sec- participate in development and the ers from the public and private community in Qatar and the ser- hancing transparency, improving of the Qatari economy according to tor to introduce its views on part- revival of Qatar in all fields. sectors. Businessmen and a num- vices it provides, strives to achieve the company’s management, and the best international experience. nership and the great prospects it “We take pride that UCC Hold- ber of government agencies are a set of strategic goals; the most ensuring sound strategic decisions Darwish also said, “We are opens to the private sector for de- ing took part in the execution of participating, in addition to local prominent are supporting and are made. This is reflected in the confident that the objectives of velopment and growth. some vital construction projects in and foreign experts. Opportuni- developing a sustainable business reduction of the cost of capital and the conference are in line with the The conference, held remote- Qatar and was a part of this renais- ties and challenges that will result environment in Qatar for domestic improving the financial perfor- bank’s strategy of creating a sound ly, is expected to be attended by sance,” Khayyat added. from the law regulating the part- and foreign business, enhancing mance of companies. At the macro and transparent economic envi- prominent speakers from Qatar During his visit to UCC Hold- nership between the public and Qatar’s distinguished and diversi- level, corporate governance helps ronment, in line with Qatar Na- and other countries to review vis- ing’s headquarters, Sheikh Thani private sectors will be discussed. fied economy and helping to at- reassure investors and enables an tional Vision 2030.” tas of partnership between both bin Ali Al Thani, chairman of the In addition, most important tract foreign investment. environment that guarantees a On his part, Sheikh Thani sectors and opportunities created organising committee of the con- international experiences in the The model of the public-pri- rewarding return and acceptable bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of by the new law, QC said in the ference, valued the golden spon- field of partnership between the vate partnership is receiving great risks, and thus strengthens the ca- the organising committee of the statement. sorship provided by the company. two sectors will be discussed dur- global attention from the perspec- pability of the economy to attract “Holding such conferences ing the conference, as well as the tive of governance as a mechanism investment. Digital transformation a necessity in post-COVID-19 world: KPMG official

id-19 period with more and centric strategy, the new The panelists said the pandemic will result in a huge transformation more services being avail- digital reality and changing in the way organisations do business and interact with suppliers able online for customers to customer base. ‘Digital transformation has use. For example, in the real Second, the organisations seen several waves, the first estate sector an increasing across sector should be look- Tribune news network nomics of business are im- Enterprise Solutions. one was only focused on number of companies are of- ing at deploying self-service doha pacted due to Covid-19 and During the online ses- touch points with the client. fering online virtual visits to solutions and AI base virtual the speed of recovery during sion, Hneini shared his in- Now we see more push their customers. In the finan- assistants to improve the ef- KPMG in Qatar held a semi- and beyond Covid-19. sights on the importance of cial sector, we can see an ex- ficiency of the IT help desk, nar last week to share their The session was organ- identifying the four types towards operations, supply tension of new online servic- and finally to implement, ideas on digital transforma- ised by KPMG in Qatar to of recovery businesses and chain, IT, HR and finance. es such as mortgage and loan review or add more flexibil- tion in Qatar post-Covid-19. provide viewers with an op- organisations have come to The right digital plans applications especially with ity to their customer reten- At the event, titled “accel- portunity to gain insights face with during the pan- should encompass the the new Qatar Fintech hub.” tion and loyalty strategy, erating digital transforma- from the following KPMG demic: hard reset, surge, whole enterprise to deliver During the online ses- especially in some industries tion in Qatar post-Covid-19”, panel of experts: Amer Baz- transform to re-emerge and the needed results’ sion, panelists explained the where customers are more KPMG in Qatar’s Partner erbachi, Assistant Director modified business as usual. three trends expected to be inclined to compare service and Head of Digital Inno- Cybersecurity; Chakib Oua- Hneini stated, “Digital Nizar Hneini, KPMG in Qatar’s Nizar Hneini explored by companies in providers. vation and Advisory Nizar bi, Manager Digital Trans- transformation has seen sev- Partner and Head of Digital In- the short and medium term The panelists concluded Hneini began the seminar by formation; Devesh Vijay, eral waves, the first one was novation and Advisory to arc customer growth and that the pandemic will result sharing how the sectors are Manager Data and Analyt- only focused on touch points tion across various sectors in retention. Firstly, the com- in a huge transformation in recovering post-Covid-19. ics; El Moustapha Izidbih, with the client. Now we see whole enterprise to deliver Qatar and stated, “Digital in- panies should be looking at the way organisations com- This included the analy- Manager Infrastructure and more push towards opera- the needed results.” novation has been applicable reviewing and prioritising municate, do business and sis of two dimensions identi- Cloud; Nizar Hneini, Partner tions, supply chain, IT, HR Hneini also highlighted across sectors and business- customer journeys across all interact with suppliers, regu- fied by KPMG as: the effects Digital & Innovation Adviso- and finance. The right digital the importance of the readi- es. This trend will continue relevant touch points in or- lators and other third par- of change and how the eco- ry; Monica Sandhu, Manager plans should encompass the ness of digital transforma- to extend in the post-Cov- der to align with a customer ties. 10 Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Economy & Business AAB launches the all new Toyota Highlander 2020 Hybrid Tribune news network by an 8-inch display audio system, a doha Top features large colored head-up display, Apple Toyota’s largest hybrid- CarPlay®, and Android AutoTM. n line with the efforts of the gov- Additional benefits for occu- ernment of Qatar to limit the electric SUV features a pants include ambient illumination, spread of the Covid -19 virus, and spacious interior with a a 6-speaker sound system, multi- a commitment from Abdullah Ab- three-row seven-seat adjustable power driver seat, 60:40 dulghani & Bros Co (AAB) to en- configuration split-folding second-row seats, fully Isure the protection of the health and flat-folding third-row seats, and safety of its customers, the company ● Toyota has combined its smart entry and start system. has initiated its second digital launch leadership in HEV development As with any other Toyota model, in Qatar with the introduction of the and extensive experience in the safety remains a top priority for the all-new Toyota Highlander, a new SUV market with its legendary all-new Highlander that comes with member to the Toyota Hybrid Vehi- quality, durability, and reliability an advanced safety system. This is cle (HEV) family, the company an- (QDR) to create the all-new complemented by Toyota Safety nounced in a statement on Tuesday. Toyota Highlander HEV Sense, an advanced safety technology Announcing the launch of the all package that includes Pre-Collision new Toyota Highlander RK Muru- ● Exceptional fuel efficiency at System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise gan, AAB Acting CEO said, “Toyota’s 20 and 19.3 km/L for intelligent Control (DRCC) with All-Speed largest hybrid-electric SUV features AWD model available exclusively Range, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), a spacious interior with a three-row with an HEV powertrain and Automatic High Beam (AHB). seven-seat configuration. Proving In addition, the car features a that large vehicles can also be eco- Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co officials with the newly- launched Toyota Highlander at the company’s showroom in Doha on Tuesday. comprehensive array of safety fea- friendly, Toyota today brings a new tures to protect its occupants, such as level of efficiency to the Middle East’s 8 SRS airbags, including side-curtain SUV market with the regional launch airbags for all three rows, Vehicle Sta- of its biggest Hybrid-Electric Vehicle bility Control (VSC), Traction Con- (HEV) to date.” trol (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System Firas Mufti, Senior Marketing (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), trailer-sway Manager said, “Available exclusively control, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with a hybrid-electric powertrain, with brake hold function, Blind Spot the new vehicle offers exceptional Monitor (BSM), Panoramic View fuel efficiency at 20 and 19.3 km/L Monitor (PVM), Rear Cross Traffic for intelligent AWD model available Alert (RCTA), Hill-start Assist Con- exclusively with an HEV powertrain, trol (HAC), Tire Pressure Warning the all-new Toyota Highlander takes System (TPWS), driver and front pas- its place at the pinnacle of Toyota’s senger seatbelts with pretensioners electrified SUV line-up.” and force limiters, and a clearance Awwad Mohamed, Senior Man- sonar featuring eight sensors located ager, Toyota National Sales com- formance,” said Kei Fujita, Chief Rep- delivering a maximum torque figure support from Toyota’s customers for cle’s second row of seats has a sliding in the front and rear bumpers. mented, “The new Highlander have resentative of Middle East & Central of 231 nm. The system is mated to a this eco-friendly approach. range to ensure spacious third-row Available in eight distinctive exte- advanced safety features that provide Asia Representative Office, Toyota direct-shift Continuously Variable A sculpted shape with chiseled accommodation for two adults, to- rior colours, the all-new Highlander greater peace of mind for drivers and Motor Corporation. Transmission (CVT), which contrib- lines gives the 2020 Highlander a gether with easy access. The cabin provides customers the opportunity their passengers.” Fujita continued, “By continually utes to a minimum fuel consump- powerful personality, yet it exudes a provides plenty of storage compart- to express their individuality. These Toyota has combined its leader- striving to push the boundaries of our tion value of 20.0 km/L in the model modern, sophisticated attitude that ments, as well as five USB charger include four brand distinguished ship in HEV development and exten- environmental technologies, we aim equipped with Intelligent AWD while makes it ideal for family-friendly terminals for the front and second- colours; porecious galena, a solid, sive experience in the SUV market to establish new precedents that will delivering enhanced driving pleasure. adventures. The SUV’s wide, stable row seats. Embracing a design phi- slightly bluish-silver that combines a with its legendary quality, durability, lead the world to a cleaner, greener Drivers can also select from Eco, Nor- stance is expressed through a two- losophy that has created more space, lustrous texture with a bright finish; and reliability (QDR) to create the tomorrow. This allows our customers mal, and Sport driving modes to suit stage trapezoidal upper and lower more utility, and is more friendly, the Premium Red, a high-quality, deep all-new Toyota Highlander HEV. The to experience the pleasure of cars that their driving styles. grille, which is accented with chrome all-new Highlander ensures that driv- red that creates a stand-out look; innovative vehicle builds on a legacy are ecofriendly and fun to drive, while ‎The SUV’s hybrid-electric batter- trim for a premium look. ers and passengers enjoy maximum blackish brown mica, a calming dark of more than 23 years at the forefront protecting our environment for future ies are continuously charged by either The solid, rear-sloping cabin comfort and convenience throughout brown with depth and luster; and of eco-friendly technology, 15-mil- generations to enjoy. I would like to the petrol ‎engine or when decelerat- structure and upward-flowing rear their journey, wherever they may be dark blue mica, a textured dark blue lion satisfied HEV customers, and the thank all of our customers for their ing and braking, eliminating the need flare contribute to a dynamic feel. At traveling to. for an urban image. most extensive HEV line-up in the continuing support, which remains a to plug in a power cord. Furthermore, the back of the vehicle, the all-new The car’s cabin includes a range Meanwhile, the interior is avail- region. constant source of inspiration on our the HEV features a host of advanced Highlander’s width is emphasized of advanced features, including a able in a choice of gray, beige, or After setting a goal of develop- journey to develop ‘ever-better’ cars.” technologies, yet drives like any con- through the distinctive shape that ex- dual-zone automatic air conditioning black. The all-new Highlander comes ing a vehicle that would provide both The all-new Highlander combines ventional vehicle and ‎does not re- tends from the inside of the rear com- system with rear control panel and equipped with new 18-inch or 20- unrivaled family security and height- all the familiar Toyota SUV attributes quire special fuel. bination lamp toward the bumper Smart-flow (S-FLOW) control that inch alloy wheels, both of which are ened driving pleasure in every situa- of comfort, drivability, and safety with The launch of the all-new High- corner. Meanwhile, the panoramic provides air conditioning to occupied available in two designs and express tion, Chief Engineer Yoshikazu Saeki low emissions, greater fuel efficiency, lander comes in line with Toyota’s roof’s large glass opening enhances seats only. The cluster gauge features strength and elegance through their turned his attention to establishing Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), continuous commitment to play a the sense of openness and comfort for a 7-inch color multi-information dis- three-dimensional spokes. the highest standards for design and space on demand, and an impressive leading role in constantly innovating all occupants. play (MID), which is complemented quality. Saeki commented, “With the 1,500 kg towing capacity. and developing technologies that pro- Moving inside, the 2020 High- Highlander, we want users to feel the The 2020 Highlander’s sophis- tect the environment, which forms a lander offers a comfortable, pre- joy of driving, go on new journeys, ticated body is based on the brand- cornerstone of the company’s busi- mium quality environment with and drive even further. Ultimately, we new Toyota New Global Architecture ness. Electrification of vehicles has impressive flexibility. The wish to enrich the lives of our custom- (TNGA-K) vehicle platform. This ro- been a strong focus for Toyota since seven-seat vehi- ers by bringing them unforgettable bust foundation is complemented by 1997. Since then, the company has driving experiences. For the develop- a lightweight high rigidity bodyshell successfully launched a variety ment team and I, being able to con- with a low center of gravity, which of HEVs, leading the way to a tribute to the memories of our cus- provides the SUV with exception- steady growth in the adoption tomers in this way is a huge honour.” ally nimble handling and comfortable of its environment-friendly ve- “We are delighted to launch the highway cruising characteristics. hicles and pushing cumulative latest addition to our HEV line-up in The all-new Highlander’s thrilling sales to over 15 million. Com- the Middle East. In line with our com- drive personality is brought to life by bined, this enormous sales re- mitment to contributing positively to a new electrified hybrid system that cord represents a reduction of the earth and its societies, the all-new combines two power sources. The ve- more than 120 million tons of Highlander has been engineered to hicle’s 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol CO2 compared to the sales of offer outstanding fuel efficiency while engine is coming with a combined equivalent conventional vehicles delivering first-class comfort and per- power of 240 hp, they are capable of and underscores the tremendous

Shell to take up to $22 bn hit from coronavirus, plunging oil prices range is higher compared with the relax lockdowns and businesses The charge is larger than the $15.8 billion net outlook previously provided, it has slowly reopen. profit the firm earned last year had a limited impact on earnings in Yet some analysts warn that the current macro environment,” the market remains vulnerable to the group cautioned. a second wave of coronavirus infec- AFP comes after rival BP revealed ear- And it forecast that benchmark tions and lockdowns. London lier this month that it was taking London North Sea Brent crude BP, which is axing around a hit of between $13 billion and prices would stand at an average of 10,000 jobs or 15 percent of its Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell $17.5 billion in the same period as just $35 per barrel in 2020, before global workforce in response to vi- will take a vast charge of up to $22 a result of sustained coronavirus recovering somewhat to reach $40 rus turmoil, decided Monday to sell billion (19.6 billion euros) due to fallout that ravaged the world’s ap- in 2021, $50 by 2022 and $60 by its petrochemical business to pri- chronic fallout from coronavirus petite for oil. 2023. In response to the killer dis- vately-owned rival Ineos for $5.0 and collapsing oil prices, it an- “Given the impact of COVID-19 ease, companies worldwide closed billion to bolster its finances. nounced on Tuesday. and the ongoing challenging com- their doors and airlines grounded Shell has yet to take such dras- The Anglo-Dutch company said modity price environment, Shell planes towards the end of the first tic action, but announced in March in a statement that it will face a continues to adapt to ensure the quarter. Coronavirus slammed the that it will cut operating costs by charge of between $15 billion and business remains resilient,” Shell brakes on global economic activity $3.0-4.0 billion over 12 months, $22 billion in the second quarter, said in the statement. and shattered oil-intensive indus- and reduce its annual spending by after crude futures had suffered It added: “In light of this, Shell tries. one-fifth to $20 billion. a spectacular crash on COVID-19 is announcing today a revised long- A pharmacist, wearing a protective mask, services a customer at a drugstore in The outbreak also sent oil pric- In April it cut its dividend for fallout, the Saudi-Russia price war term commodity prices and margin the Sudanese capital Khartoum recently. (AFP) es plunging off a cliff -- and even the first time since the 1940s after and oversupply. outlook, which is expected to result caused them briefly to turn nega- sinking into loss in in the first quar- The charge will thus likely be in non-cash impairments in the tivities as it seeks to move towards pected to stand at between 2.3 and tive. ter of this year. The loss of $24 mil- larger than the $15.8 billion net second-quarter results.” becoming carbon neutral by 2050. 2.4 million barrels of oil equivalent Prices have since rebounded lion compared to a profit after tax profit the firm earned last year. The move also reflected a Shell also predicted that up- in the second quarter. sharply on an easing global crude of $6.0 billion in the same period a Tuesday’s announcement planned reshaping of refining ac- stream crude production was ex- “Although this production supply glut and as governments year earlier. Dennis Foggia shows amazing speed, wins Losail thriller page 13 Wednesday, JULY 1, 2020

File photo of the start of Austrian F1 Grand Prix in Spielberg on June 30, 2019. Seven months after they last competed, the F1 circus will push a post-lockdown ‘re-set’ button to open the 2020 season in Austria on July 4. (AFP) Formula One deploys war chest of coronavirus strategies for Austria AFP First revised F1 race calendar in 2020 Leading F1 world title winners which he argued would mean Paris having a limited number of he coronavirus outbreak forced the postponement or cancel- 7: Michael Schumacher (GER) -- 1994 (Ben- Tag Porsche), 1989 (McLaren-Honda), 1993 people in isolation were there The Formula One season Tlation of the first 10 races in the 2020 Formula One season. etton-Ford), 1995 (Benetton-Renault), 2000, (Williams-Renault) an outbreak. roars into action at the Aus- The sport revised calendar for the year with the first eight of the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 (Ferrari) 3: Ayrton Senna (BRA) -- 1988, 1990, 1991 “If necessary we will have trian Grand Prix in Spielberg originally planned record 22 races is below. F1 still hopes to 6: Lewis Hamilton (GBR) -- 2008 (McLaren- (McLaren-Honda) replacements on standby at this weekend with “military- have a season with 15-18 races. Mercedes), 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 3: Nelson Piquet (BRA) -- 1981 (Brabham- the factory,” Mekies said. like”, coronavirus-busting Date Country Venue (Mercedes) Ford), 1983 (Brabham-BMW), 1987 (Williams- World champion Lewis sanitary regulations. July 5 Austria Spielberg 5: Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG, 1911-1995) Honda) Hamilton’s Mercedes team Every single person who July 12 Austria Spielberg -- 1951 (Alfa Romeo), 1954 (Maserati/ 3: Niki Lauda (AUT) -- 1975, 1977 (Ferrari), say they have entirely reor- sets foot inside the Red Bull July 19 Hungary Budapest Mercedes-Benz), 1955 (Mercedes-Benz), 1956 1984 (McLaren-Tag Porsche) ganised their garage, adding Ring, where the first two races August 2 Britain Silverstone (Ferrari), 1957 (Maserati) 3: Jackie Stewart (GBR) -- 1969 (Matra-Ford), tents and canopies so as to of the rescheduled season take August 9 Britain Silverstone 4: Sebastian Vettel (GER) -- 2010, 2011, 1971, 1973 (Tyrrell-Ford) avoid slowing down the work place, must adhere to strict August 16 Spain Barcelona 2012, 2013 (Red Bull-Renault) 3: Jack Brabham (AUS) - 1959, 1960 (Cooper- on their cars. health and safety protocols August 30 Belgium Spa-Francorchamps 4: Alain Prost (FRA) -- 1985, 1986 (McLaren- Climax), 1966 (Brabham) There will also be a tracing developed jointly by the or- September 6 Italy Monza app which all team members ganisers and teams, who have must download, granting ac- employed their genius for lo- The Red Bull Ring, nest- philosophy of working through groups and even split into checks and no spectators will each race,” Brawn said. cess to all their contacts. gistics to the task at hand. ling in the picturesque Styrian every scenario, plan A, plan subgroups so as to limit any be allowed in the arena. “That’s the nature of F1. Haas team principal Guen- “The meticulous ap- mountains, has been put into a B, plan C,” said Brawn, who possible cross contagion. It’s very military like in its ap- ther Steiner said last week he proach of the teams to both fortress-like lockdown and will added there was a two-metre The teams will travel in ‘Live and learn’ proach.” was more than happy with the logistics and engineering and play host to a first race on July social-distancing rule and motor-homes and once on Organisers also say they Ferrari’s sporting direc- ongoing safety measures. procedures and protocols is 5 and a second a week later. compulsory visors or masks. site will use the facilities will be ready to react and im- tor Laurent Mekies says the “We could not have done what we’ve transferred into Brawn predicted teams Each team has been re- there to cook. prove or adapt to developing strategies will make the sport more really, what has been our approach to dealing with would be quick to adapt to all duced to a maximum of 80 Anyone at the track must situations in the same way more resilient to coronavirus, put in place is the best possi- this challenge,” F1 chief Ross new measures. staff, they will be asked to re- submit to coronavirus test- they do with races. especially the sub-division of ble,” the Italian leader of the Brawn said. “It suits our culture, our frain from mixing with other ing and regular temperature “We will live and learn at teams to carry out activities, American team said.

The 20 Formula Ferrari to add pro-Zanardi One drivers have trained hard for message to the livery of the belated start of the Formula their F1 cars One season on DPA/AFP July 5 in Austria. Rome But they must The Ferrari cars racing in this weekend’s season-open- be prepared for ing Austrian Grand Prix will have a message of support pain, especially for former Formula One pilot Alex Zanardi. in the neck area A “Forza Alex” (Come on Alex) message will be visible from both sides of the cars’ rool hoop, the ANSA news agen- Drivers should be fit but neck could be cy said on Tuesday, quoting sources from Scuderia Ferrari. Zanardi, an Italian for- a problem in belated F1 start mer racing pilot who became a Paralympic champion after Former F1 race car driver and Paralympic champion Alex Zanardi. DPA kilometres per hour. And im- His son Mick, who is week later on the same Spiel- losing his legs in a 2001 rac- Berlin proved aerodynamics make competing in F2 racing, berg course, massage and ing accident, was seriously Doctors added that Za- Zanardi has become one it things even more difficult showed an unplugged ver- manual therapy are best, and injured on June 19. nardi, 53, is still in intensive of the great figures in disa- World champion Lewis because it allows the cars to sion of sorts on how to train the five days until first prac- The 53-year-old smashed care, “where he remains in bled sports following the 2001 Hamilton and the other 19 go faster through turns, add- the neck, with a rubber band tice for the second grand prix against a lorry during a hand- an induced coma with an un- motor racing accident on the Formula One drivers have ing to the g-forces. and a tree. Australian Daniel should suffice. bike relay event in Tuscany. He certain prognosis”. Lausitzring track in Germany. had almost four additional The Spielberg course Ricciardo used a friend in- had a second brain operation The hospital also said that He raced for Jordan, Mi- months to prepare for the for the season-opener has stead of a tree to help “make GENERAL FITNESS SHOULD on Monday, and remains in an they had agreed with Zanardi’s nardi and Lotus in F1 in the Formula One season. 10 turns, and another ma- my neck big and nice.” The BE TOP induced coma. family that they would no long- early 1990s before switching But apart from a few days jor stress test for the neck main task though is to simu- Not only world champion er do medical updates unless to the CART championship of pre-season training in is the constant braking and late the always changing per- Hamilton underwent a rigid Condition still serious after there were significant changes in the United States where he February the super fit driv- accelerating during the 90 manent stress. fitness regime over the past latest operation to his condition. was series champion in 1997 ers have not sat in a racing minutes and more of racing. weeks and months. Team- Zanardi remains in a seri- Zanardi suffered head and 1998. car for 31 weeks since the “Some could run into prob- THE PAIN AFTERWARDS AND mate Valtteri Bottas cycled ous condition in an induced injuries with multiple facial He returned to F1 with Wil- December 1 season finale in lems towards the end of the WHAT TO DO? in Corsica and moved his coma after the latest round of factures after the crash on liams in 1999 before heading Abu Dhabi - which could lead race,” says Daniel Schloesser Schloesser says that gym out onto the Monaco neurological surgery, doctors June 19. back to CART. to some pain in the neck area a former physiotherapist and adrenaline allows the driv- beach promenade. Also in said on Tuesday. An investigation has be- Zanardi brought back two once racing gets underway. trainer of F1 drivers Nico Ros- ers to compete through a lot Monaco, Red Bull’s Max Ver- “Twenty-four hours af- gun into the circumstances gold medals from the 2012 berg and Nico Hulkenberg. of pain. But what they would stappen trained on his balco- ter the operation the patient’s surrounding the accident London Paralympic Games THE CRITICAL AREA experience afterwards is ny, and Schloesser believes clinical condition is unchanged on the ‘Obiettivo Tricolore’ and four years later won two The neck is the prob- HOW TO TRAIN? “more than a regular aching that “cardio fitness should be while his neurological develop- stage relay race which sees more in Rio de Janeiro. lem, or better the forces it Michael Schumacher muscle” and rather in the di- fine for everyone.” But that ment is stable and remains seri- participants journey across He won the Rome mara- has to endure in racing cars once built a special machine rection of pulled muscles. To still leaves the neck as the ous,” said the Santa Maria alle Italy on handbikes, wheel- thon in 2010 and the New York travelling at more than 300 to train the neck. be fit for the next race, just a vulnerable part. Scotte in Siena in a statement. chairs or cycles. race the following year. 12 Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Sports Stadium’s completion an important step on the road to recovery and Qatar 2022

Xavi Hernandez 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater Doha on beIN SPORTS during the launch show. Serie A, La Liga and arlier this month, I could not agree more with from my home in Qatar, both Tim and Nasser. All of us, EI watched intently as the including fans, players, coach- Premier League country announced the com- es, ambassadors, country lead- pletion of Education City Sta- ers and residents of the region, dium and paid tribute to front- have an amazing opportunity action continues line healthcare workers – in (and responsibility) to truly this country and beyond – who make a difference in deliver- have risked their lives to help ing not only the greatest World exclusively on us all during these unprec- Cup in tournament history, but edented circumstances. also a uniquely unifying tour- I must start this piece by nament that pulls us together, beIN SPORTS thanking our key workers in after this unprecedented pe- the healthcare sector, along riod of separation. Tribune News Network with those working in essential I have no doubt that foot- Doha Premier League activities, for their dedication ball will help us return to some champions Liverpool during these months. All of kind of normalcy. The sport is beIN SPORTS, the global them are working hard to feed resuming in many parts of the sports channel continues to face Manchester us, look after us, provide medi- world. The pandemic has been broadcast the best European City on Thursday cine and take stranded people The completion of Education City Stadium, a venue for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, saw tributes being a life lesson for us all. I think football matches with back to home to their families. Your ef- paid to frontline healthcare workers during these unprecedented circumstances of global pandemic. we will all appreciate the little back Serie A, Premier League as Real Madrid and forts throughout this once-in- things in life after this testing and LaLiga action Barcelona compete a-lifetime crisis make you the those who are working on the time. I believe football is the live and exclusively in 24 real heroes of our generation. “One clear symbolic sign of hope frontline. It made me proud to best and most powerful tool to countries across MENA. for the La Liga title And for that, I am eternally was this month’s announcement be part of this journey with Qa- unite cultures, countries and In the English Premier while Juventus is the grateful to each and every one about the completion of Education City tar and the Supreme Commit- people of all backgrounds. We League, Liverpool have been closest to grab the of you. Stadium. It signaled better times ahead tee for Delivery & Legacy – for have the opportunity to make confirmed as champions but Qatar, where I currently whom I have been an ambassa- the World Cup in 2022 the with seven games remaining Serie A trophy for live with my family, has not and also the progress Qatar continues dor since 2016. event which brings the world for the men from Merseyside, been spared from this crisis. to make in the face of so My fellow ambassador, Tim together after the pandemic, Liverpool can now look to 9th time in a row It has been a challenging time many challenges.” Cahill, wrote a piece recently and I look forward – now more break Manchester City’s re- – but thanks to the effort and saying that Qatar 2022 has a than ever before – to this tour- cord set by Pep Guardiola two currently lead the table with work of the authorities and all unique opportunity to be the nament truly delivering some- seasons ago – reaching over 71 points from 32 games and the population, I do see some means to help those who have thing more than amazing… 100 points in a single season. Barcelona second with 69 light at the end of this long, suffered so much in this health something unique. At a time Liverpool’s Egyptian hero points from 32 games. dark tunnel, both here and nouncement about the comple- continues to make in the face crisis, given it is likely to be the when the world needs it most. and star player Mohamed Real Madrid face Getafe around the world. tion of Education City Stadium. of so many challenges. first global football event post- Take care of yourselves and Salah became the first ever on Thursday at 23:00 Mecca One clear symbolic sign It signaled better times ahead To me, it was fitting that pandemic. These sentiments your loved ones. Egyptian to win the Premier Time. of hope was this month’s an- and also the progress Qatar the ceremony was dedicated to were also echoed by Qatar (Sc.qa) League title. Salah has a re- Five teams in LaLiga are markable record at Liverpool also fighting for a place in with 71 goals scored in 101 the top 4 – as Atletico Ma- appearances. drid, Getafe, Real Sociedad, On Thursday, the Pre- Villareal and Sevilla com- ‘Doughnut, Rat’ - Becker, Kyrgios mier League champions pete for a UEFA Champions 2021 Africa Cup of Nations travel to Manchester to face League spot. trade insults over Zverev last season’s At the bottom of the ta- champions Manchester ble, Espanyol, Leganes, Mal- AFP body telling off fellow sports- postponed to 2022 City in a heated fixture at lorca and Celta Vigo fight for Berlin man/woman is no friend of 22:15 Mecca Time. survival with 6 games left in mine! Look yourself in the AFP matches in September while the New women’s competition Ironically, this year Liv- the season. Boris Becker and Nick Kyr- mirror and think you’re bet- Cairo Confederation Cup will wrap Ahmad also announced the erpool will receive a ‘guard In Italy, leaders Juventus gios exchanged verbal blows ter than us... @NickKyrgios.” up towards the end of this year cancellation of the women’s Cup of honour’ at the Etihad Sta- are still competing with Lazio Tuesday on Twitter after the Kyrgios quickly respond- 2Next year’s Africa Cup of with a ‘Final Four’ expected to of Nations which was scheduled dium. and Inter Milan for the Serie Australian branded fellow ed amid of flurry of back-and- Nations in Cameroon has been take place in Morocco. to take place in November while The Premier League is A title. With games coming in tennis star Alexander Zverev forth tweets. postponed until 2022 due to These last two competi- revealing the launch of a new far from over, though – with fast, teams need to be at their “selfish” for partying during “For goodness sake Boris, the coronavirus pandemic, the tions were interrupted in March club competition for 2021. seven match days remaining, best shape and give their all the coronavirus pandemic, I’m not competing or trying Confederation of African Foot- ahead of the semi-finals phase. “I am expressing my pride the race for the remaining on that football pitch. Lazio despite promising to self- to throw anyone under the ball announced on Tuesday in a Another tournament that in seeing the birth of a women’s UEFA Champions League beat Fiorentina 2-1 as 7th isolate. bus,” he wrote. video conference. has also been pushed back is Champions League on the Afri- places are up for grabs as placed AC Milan beat 5th German legend Becker, a “It’s a global pandemic CAF president Ahmad Ah- the African Nations Champion- can continent,” the CAF presi- Tottenham Hotspur, Chel- placed AS Roma 2-0. six-time Grand Slam winner, and if someone is as idiotic mad said African football’s gov- ship for domestic-based play- dent, who faced allegations of sea, Leicester City, Manches- Antonio Conte’s Inter Mi- took umbrage with Kyrgios’ as Alex to do what he has erning body took the decision ers. It will kick off in Cameroon sexual misconduct last year, ter United, Wolverhampton lan host Brescia on Wednes- comment over viral footage done, I’ll call him out for it. as “health was the main prior- in January 2021. said. Wanderers, Sheffield United day. of Zverev partying despite Simple.” ity”. Other CAF The embattled president, and Arsenal all compet- beIN SPORTS’ studio pledging to “follow self-iso- Kyrgios followed up with: African countries have special events who was also questioned last ing for a place in the UEFA coverage for the Serie A, lating guidelines” after play- “@TheBorisBecker is a big- suffered to varying de- including its year by French authorities in Champions League and Premier League and LaLiga ing in Novak Djokovic’s coro- ger doughnut than I thought. grees from the pan- star-studded Paris over corruption allega- UEFA Europa League. will be broadcast on beIN navirus-hit Adria Tour. Can hit a volley, obviously not demic with South awards tions, added that new board On Wednesday, Arsenal SPORTS HD1, HD2, HD3 Zverev took part in the the sharpest tool in the shed Africa the hardest ceremony, elections are tentatively sched- host 20th placed Norwich and HD4 for Arabic; beIN exhibition event organised by though.” hit among those south featuring uled for March 2021 in Mauri- City as Leicester City take on SPORTS HD11 and HD12 Djokovic, who last week tested Seemingly in an attempt of the Sahara, recording the likes of Liv- tania. Everton. Also, on Wednes- for English; as well as beIN positive for COVID-19 along to cool the spat, Becker re- more than 144,000 cases, erpool duo Mo- His chequered tenure of the day, 4th placed Chelsea SPORTS’ 4K channel – pro- with Grigor Dimitrov, Borna plied: “You’re funny guy .... while Egypt has suffered the hamed Salah and scandal-prone body saw the travel to London rivals West viding viewers with exhila- Coric and Viktor Troicki. how is it down under? Re- worst in North Africa with Sadio Mane, have departure of Moroccan gen- Ham United in a crucial rating bilingual coverage. The 23-year-old Zverev spect all the guidelines?” over 66,000 infections. also been cancelled. eral secretary Mouad Hajji in game for both teams. beIN guests, present- tested negative and vowed to However Kyrgios, who “The peak of the pandemic CAF members who March. The fight for survival has ers and talent will include isolate but was purportedly has never advanced past the has not been reached yet,” Ah- attended the meet- Last week, FIFA pledged also been one of the most Egyptian legends Mohamed filmed at a busy bar over the quarter-finals of a Grand mad added. ing did not discuss $1.5 billion in grants and loans exciting yet – with Nor- Aboutrika and Wael Gomaa, weekend, leading an exas- Slam, dismissed the former The Cup of Nations was regional qualification as a relief fund to help national wich City, Aston Villa, AFC Qatari star Mohamed perated Kyrgios to slam his world number one, saying: set to be played in January matches for the 2022 and continental federations in Bournemouth, Watford and Saadon Al Kuwari; Tunisian behaviour on Instagram on “Haha nah bro I’m good, and February 2021, reverting World Cup in Qatar. stemming the economic down- Brighton and Hove Albion all football legends Tariq Dhi- Monday. don’t act like you’re my back to its traditional winter Ahmad said the turn caused by the pandemic. flirting with relegation. ab and Hatem Trabelsi and Becker, the head of Ger- friend now because you got slot after experimenting with current decisions are CAF announced the alloca- In Spain, the LaLiga sea- many others. man men’s tennis, stood up sat down.” a summer tournament in subject to change tion of an additional $16.2 mil- son is one of the most exciting beIN entertains and op- for his compatriot and fired Becker, a former coach to Egypt last year. with the fluid- lion to assist national associa- yet – with both Real Madrid erates in 43 countries glob- back at Kyrgios on Tuesday. 17-time Grand Slam winner The CAF Champions ity of the virus tions in mitigating COVID-19’s and FC Barcelona competing ally, including 24 countries “Don’t like no #rats! Any- Djokovic, was unimpressed. League will complete its contagion. financial challenges. for the title. The ‘Los Blancos’ across the MENA region. Longines Hathab – Qatar equestrian season 3 to resume on Aug 7

Tribune News Network Covid-19 pandemic. in Arabic, is an initiative of HE the main partners of the se- this time. Of course, we were Doha Longines Hathab Tour 10 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al ries, which is open to Qataris and are aware that there are will now take place on August Thani, President of the Qatar and residents of Qatar. greater things to consider than With national COVID-19 re- 7 and 8; Tour 11 on August 14 Olympic Committee. The com- Ali Al Rumaihi, Event sport. Covid-19 has changed strictions being lifted in phases and 15; and the Tour 12 finale petition series is organised Director, Longines Hathab – the way we live, and we have to and the Qatar Olympic Com- over three days on August 27, and hosted jointly by Qatar Qatar Equestrian Tour, said: do everything we can to ensure mittee recent announcement 28, and 29. All Tours will be Equestrian Federation (QEF) “The Organising Committee is the safety and health of every- on the resumption of sport- held at the Qatar Equestrian and Al Shaqab, member of very happy to confirm that the one involved. ing activities after July 20, Federation and will feature Qatar Foundation. It is aimed series will resume. We have “We have taken this into the Longines Hathab – Qatar only the showjumping (indi- at improving the standard of put in a lot of effort in trying account when planning for Equestrian Tour Organising vidual and teams) discipline. horse riding among Qatari to make the third season of the resumption of season 3. Committee has confirmed that Dressage and Future Riders youth, while encouraging the the Tour the best so far. Eve- Unlike other sports, horse season three action is ready to competition, which were a involvement of private stables ryone was very happy about riding is generally a contact- start again. part of the earlier legs, will not and individual horse owners the way the season was pro- less sport. The nearest per- The third season of the an- be taking place. to spread awareness of horse- gressing, including riders and son a rider gets into contact nual series, which started in For the health and safety manship as part of Qatar’s his- event partners, and then the with is the horse’s groom. The October 2019 was originally of equestrian fans, the respec- tory and tradition. The vision postponement came just as we safety of our riders and every- scheduled to conclude in April tive tours will be held without for Hathab is to be a national Longines Hathab – Qatar spire Qatar’s next generation were entering the final excit- one involved in the Longines this year. It had been suspend- spectators in the arena. How- series of equestrian competi- Equestrian Tour will run its of equestrian champions and ing stages of the season. Hathab – Qatar Equestrian ed, after the completion of the ever, fans of the series can fol- tions to inspire Qatar’s next course, and not end prema- increase awareness of horse- “We really appreciate the Tour is paramount, and we 9th Tour, in line with national low the thrilling action live on generation of international turely, will be welcomed by the manship. support of our Tour partners, will put all necessary precau- health guidelines aimed at Al Kass TV. champions. local equestrian community, Longines, ExxonMobil, Longines, ExxonMobil, and tions in place to ensure their preventing the spread of the Hathab, meaning “canter” News that the 2019/2020 given the series’ vision to in- and Salam International are Salam International, during health and wellbeing.” Sports Wednesday, July 1, 2020 13 Dennis Foggia shows amazing speed, wins Losail thriller

laiti and led him by plus one and Foggia continued at the Results Grand Final (15 laps, Losail International Circuit, Qatar) Al Sulaiti, Sheikh second in the sixth. For the front and went on to defend first time, the margin grew be- the lead, winning the race by # Rider Team Time Soud push QMMF tween them to 1.5 seconds in 0.571 margin. Sheikh Soud, 1 7 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) 28:58.851 the 10th lap and despite best just behind them, provided a 2 11 Saeed Al Sulaiti (QMMF) +0.571 Team to victory of his efforts, Al Sulaiti was not pulsating slipstream drama against Leopard able to dislodge Foggia off the and passed Porta just before 3 97 Sheikh Soud Al Thani (QMMF) +21.277 P1. The fight suddenly jumped the line to bag the third spot 4 48 Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) +21.299 Racing by 44 points to another level when by two hundredths of a second the last two laps much to the delights of the 5 71 Hamad Al Sahouti (QMMF) NC Tribune News Network were left. hosts QMMF. 6 42 Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) NC DOHA Al Sulaiti Hamad Al Sahouti was * 90 Sheikh Jassim Al Thani (QMMF) mounted a sharp fifth ahead of Marcos Ram- Teenaged Moto3 Leop- attack and would irez and Sheikh Jassim * No points for extra rider ard Racing rider Dennis Fog- have overtaken Al Thani’s seventh place Riders’ standings (after six races) gia repulsed animated bids Foggia before the T1 was not counted towards by QMMF Team’s spearhead of the final lap. the team’s points as he # Rider Team R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Total Saeed Al Sulaiti and claimed But he was an extra 1 11 Saeed Al Sulaiti (QMMF) 40 36 40 40 40 36 232 the sixth and last race in a QMMF Team’s star performers Saeed Al Sulaiti (left) and Sheikh Soud went rider for the 2 97 Sheikh Soud Al Thani (QMMF) 36 31 36 0 36 33 172 virtual duel between the two Al Thani. wide QMMF teams at the floodlit Losail In- Team. 3 42 Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) 0 30 33 31 31 29 154 ternational Circuit on Monday. in Qatar earlier this year, while tipped to cap his display with 4 7 Dennis Foggia (Leopard Racing) 0 0 0 29 33 40 102 The 19-year-old Foggia, his teammate Enea Bastianini another triumph. continuing his surge, upped his clinched the third spot behind There was however an ex- 5 43 Xavi Artigas (Leopard Racing) 33 33 30 0 0 0 96 game and first grabbed the pole winner Tetsuta Nagashima citing early exchange of sting- 6 90 Sheikh Jassim Al Thani (QMMF) 0 29 0 30 29 0 88 position ahead of Al Sulaiti, the and Lorenzo Baldassarri, the ing moves and counter-moves winner in four races, by 0.033 runner-up. between QORC Moto winner 7 5 Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) 31 27 29 0 0 0 87 of a second. Then he brushed The QMMF Team, driven Al Sulaiti and Foggia, who off numerous attempts by Al by Al Sulaiti’s huge contribu- was ninth in the Moto3 race 8 52 Danny Kent (Leopard Racing) 0 40 0 33 0 0 73 Sulaiti during the race, espe- tion of 232 points, amassed 617 in Qatar in the coronavirus-hit 9 8 Abdulla Al Qubaisi (QMMF) 0 0 31 36 0 0 67 cially in the final two laps, be- in the SIM racing series and 2020 season. The lead changed fore taking his bike past the fin- defeated the rivals by a good hands and the pace set by them 10 48 Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) 0 0 0 0 30 31 61 ish line half a second quicker. margin of 44 points. began to prove a bit too hot to 11 71 Hamad Al Sahouti (QMMF) 0 28 0 0 0 30 58 Third place went to QMMF’s For the home finale,A l Su- match for the rest. In the fifth Sheikh Soud Al Thani, who laiti was red hot favourite af- lap, Al Sulaiti came within beat Lorenzo Dalla Porta by ter taking four victories in five three tenths of a second to Leopard Racing’s # TEAMS’ STANDINGS R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Total two hundredths of a second. races. In fact, even the race that catch Foggia, who was sixth in Dennis Foggia: 1 QMMF 76 124 107 106 105 99 617 Porta was the 2019 Moto3 he did not win, he was second. his first race and improved it to Tastes victory in 2 Leopard Racing 64 130 92 93 94 100 573 world champion and moved With his vanquisher Danny third in the second race. virtual race in to the intermediate class for Kent, the ex-Moto3 world Foggia however managed Losail. QORC Observer: Omar Aswat Italtrans Racing Team of Italy. champion not returning for the to maintain both focus and Timekeeping Officer: Aaron Limbago He was 24th in his debut race last race, Al Sulaiti was heavily pace to stay ahead of Al Su- Saeed Al Sulaiti game for Silverwood backs ‘talisman’ Stokes to lead from the front be England’s wicketkeeper Root to miss the next week, rather than Jon- future in SIM racing ny Bairstow or Ben Foakes. opening Windies The warm-up game Raajiv Tripathi crashed. I finished second. will involve 27 members of DOHA “And then in Losail, I’d put Test match England’s 30-man train- in one of my best efforts of the ing squad, with uncapped Three-time QSTK600 SIM racing. There were some AFP bowlers Jamie Overton and winner Saeed Al Sulaiti has a moments during the race London Amar Virdi missing out strong belief that he can have a when I felt I could overtake along with Root. bright future in e-Racing. him but it was not possible. England coach Chris National selector Ed After leading the QMMF Foggia also raced quite amaz- Silverwood is confident Smith is set to announce Team to a massive 44-point ingly, I must add. I regret that “talisman” Ben Stokes will a slimmed down England victory against three-time could not pull it off and but lead from the front in Joe squad on Saturday for the Moto3 world champions I’m contented with the second Root’s absence during next behind-closed-doors series. Leopard Racing with four spot. week’s first Test against the Among some of the se- wins in six virtual races, the “So considering that I did West Indies. lection issues still to be ex-World Superbike Champi- Saeed Al Sulaiti not finish lower than second in Stokes is set to captain clarified are the top four, onship racer said: “I believe any race, it is a satisfying feel- England for the first time the first-choice spinner and that I can have a good future. I or time to do virtual racing, I ing for my level and skills,” Al after it was confirmed on the composition of the fast- always liked to play the virtual would give it my shot, I how- Sulaiti said. Tuesday that regular skipper In this file photo taken on August 16, 2019, England’s captain Joe Root bowling attack. racing. Initially through simu- ever feel deep inside my heart, Talking about the team’s Root would miss the series (left) talks to teammate Ben Stokes on the third day of the second The top-order rivals are lation racing, I learnt about I’ll stick to real life racing. This performance and the victory, opener at the Ageas Bowl to Ashes cricket Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. (AFP) divided between the two various tracks and how to get fun is really matchless,” he he said, “I enjoyed racing be with his wife Carrie, who sides, Dom Sibley and Zak the racing lines correct. added. against Leopard riders and is expecting the couple’s sec- job. He is a talisman, he ly there is a good cricket Crawley in one team and “Slowly, I invested a lot of Al Sulaiti was delighted it was a big fun. Sheikh Soud ond child later this week. leads from the front any- brain in there as well.” Rory Burns and Joe Denly in time and my level improved a to assist the QMMF Team and I tried to do well for the Under health protocols way,” Silverwood told a con- England hope to have the other. lot. I truly loved e-Racing but win the digital battle against team and it helped us win the for the series, Root will be- ference call on Tuesday. Root back in time for the Moeen Ali and Jack Leach I never thought to be so good Leopard Racing, one of the championship. This was what gin a seven-day self-isola- “He’s conscious of the second Test at Old Trafford will be in Team Stokes, with at it. Take the Losail race as an best bike racing talent feeder we were aiming for. tion period at home once he people around him as well so starting on July 16. fellow spinners Dom Bess example, the lap times of mine teams in the world. “I am very “I am very happy to con- leaves hospital with his fam- I think he’ll do a great job in But he will miss Eng- and Matt Parkinson repre- and winner Dennis Foggia happy with four wins out of six tribute and bring the champi- ily, in a measure designed to Rooty’s absence.” land’s lone warm-up match senting Team Buttler. ranked among the top five on races. Still I have one regret onship home. I led the rider’s combat the spread of coro- Former England pace- ahead of the series, a three- “You know the people the global leaderboard, which that I could not make it six out classification by a huge mar- navirus. man Silverwood added: “It day intra-squad clash at the who are the mainstay of is fantastic for me,” he added. of six. I know my level, which gin. I am very delighted with That means vice-captain will be interesting to see Ageas Bowl starting Wednes- our side, the engine room, “If I get a chance and good is good. In the second race at my performance and I will be Stokes, who has not led a what he does because obvi- day, between a side led by but this is a great opportu- backing, I’d love to build my the Red Bull Ring in Austria, I looking forward to more such cricket team since he was a ously it is his first time cap- Stokes and a team skippered nity for some of the other future in the SIM racing. And was chasing Danny Kent hotly. races until the life becomes teenager, is set to be their taining England. by Jos Buttler, who will dep- players to show us what they whenever I get an opportunity I lost the balance suddenly and normal,” he said. skipper for the first Test. “We know he has got an utise as vice-captain. can do in this game,” said “I think he’ll do a great aggressive nature but equal- That suggests Buttler will Silverwood.

Australia still Lakers set to sign guard JR Smith eyeing one-day Pak cricket contingent in UK England tour: Finch TCA/ DPA earlier than 9 am on July 1. COVID-19 testing that follows tests negative for coronavirus Los Angeles In order to be able to join the same protocol the rest of AFP the team, replacement players the team had to follow. Sydney The Lakers are working to must follow a protocol to en- Lakers players were admin- AFP successive negative COVID-19 They will not be allowed sign guard JR Smith for the sure their ability to safely join istered drive-up tests for both Australia are still prepar- London tests. to travel to England until they rest of the season, according a team at the secluded ESPN the virus and its antibodies on ing to tour England, white-ball But the other four of the 10 have recorded two consecutive to people familiar with the Wide World of Sports campus June 23. cricket captain Aaron Finch said All 20 players and 11 man- players who originally tested negative tests. situation, which would reu- next month. Teams have until July 1 to on Tuesday, even as the pan- agement personnel in the positive for the virus last week Pakistan will play three nite LeBron James with his According to the league’s finalize their rosters and travel demic forced the postponement Pakistan touring party have will have to stay in Pakistan for Tests and three Twenty20 in- former Cleveland teammate health and safety manual, any party, which can include 35 of a series against Zimbabwe tested negative for coronavi- now after failing further tests. ternationals against England as the Lakers head to Florida player signed to a contract af- people, for the league’s return slated for August. rus since arriving in Britain, Mohammad Hafeez, Wa- starting in August, with the ex- for the resumption of the ter June 23 has to com- to play. The Lakers first of eight The team were “conscious the England and Wales Cricket hab Riaz, Mohammad Has- act dates still to be confirmed. NBA season. plete a questionnaire games before the playoffs will of being ultra-flexible” under Board said on Tuesday. nain, Shadab Khan, Moham- The Pakistan squad arrived Smith, 34, will be added about his medical his- take place on July 30 against the coronavirus restrictions but The ECB added that Eng- mad Rizwan and Fakhar in England late Sunday and to replace Avery Bradley, tory, be examined by the Clippers and will be tel- were still mentally preparing to land’s latest round of tests, for Zaman are now eligible to have started a 14-day manda- who decided to not join team doctors who will evised on TNT at 6 pm. head to England for a planned their training group and man- travel to England and join tory quarantine period before the team in Florida because review whether or not The firstround of the limited-overs tour, Finch said. agement conducted on Mon- the original squad that left on intra-squad practice games. of family reasons. Once he is at risk of com- playoffs will begin August 17. “As a player I know that in day had also yielded a com- Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket A 30-strong England Bradley is officially plications Teams will be sequestered in my mind I am preparing to go to plete set of negative results. Board said. squad and support staff are listed as a player because their hotels and on the ESPN England and play. Whether that England players and staff “All the six players were currently in a bio-secure train- who opted out of COV- Wide World of Sports campus happens -- we’ll wait and see,” have now had three COVID-19 re-tested on Monday, follow- ing camp at the Ageas Bowl of the league’s ID-19 for as long as they play. The last he said Even in Australia, which tests. ing their first negative test on ahead of next week’s opening resumption, and un- possible day of the NBA Finals has dealt well in suppressing the The ECB’s announcement June 26,” the PCB confirmed. Test against the West Indies. the team can dergo is October 13. virus, the recent spike of cases followed a statement from However, Imran Khan, This first fixture in the add Smith as a in Melbourne was proof play- Pakistan that six more play- Kashif Bhatti, Haider Ali and three-match series will mark replacement Guard JR Smith: Likely to team up with ers could never be certain when ers had been cleared to join Haris Rauf tested positive for the return of major interna- player - no Lakers’ star LeBron James. they would play again, he added. the tour after recording two a second time. tional cricket from lockdown. 14 Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick

The late Tariq Aziz (right) with Principal of Pak Shamaa Aziz addresses a community gathering at Sheraton Hotel in Aziz with children attired in traditional Pakistani dresses in Aziz obliges his fans by signing autographs School and College Nabila Kaukab and Dr Fartash Syed. Doha in 1996. Doha. in Doha. Community members pay rich tributes to renowned television host Tariq Aziz Aziz was the first anchor of the state-run Pakistan Television. His hosting skills on the popular show ‘Neelam Ghar’ made him a household name akistani community leave deep imprints on the memo- members in Qatar have ries of their spectacles and fans. expressed deep sorrow The unshaken fame has become over the demise of fa- the destiny of this dynamic per- mous television game sonality due to his artistic and Pshow host Tariq Aziz, who passed constructive services for the land away in Lahore on June 17 at the with his undoubted patriotic spir- age of 84. it. He is considered the pioneer Aziz started his professional of anchoring in Pakistan when career at Radio Pakistan in 1960. he successfully hosted the inter- He was the first anchor of the nationally famed TV programme state-run Pakistan Television. ‘Neelam Ghar’, after a long strug- His hosting skills on the popular gle in the field of showbiz. This show ‘Neelam Ghar’ made him a show brought him to the level household name in Pakistan and where people considered him abroad. He was also a former par- as a knowledge factory and this liamentarian and a respected poet. show hit the heights of fame and He was awarded with the prestig- glory. Today’s mature generation ious ‘Pride of Performance Award’ is deeply inspired by the personal- by the government of Pakistan in ity of this legend because they are 1992. He also worked in a number brought up with his most inform- of films. He won the hearts of his ative programme Neelam Ghar. I fans in 2018 when he announced do remember as a teenager at that to donate his lifetime earnings to time how it was the desire of eve- the government of Pakistan after ryone to be a part of that glorious his death. show. For almost three decades, Aziz visited Qatar in 1996 to Thursdays were the most awaited deliver a lecture to community days of the week for the people of members at the invitation of Pa- every age group -- when his show kistan Muslim Welfare League, used to be on air for an hour. He Qatar as part of the 50th anni- ruled the state television for dec- versary celebrations of Pakistan’s Tariq Aziz (sixth left) with community members in Doha. ades. Besides his services for the independence under the auspices national television, he also par- of Pakistan Jubilee Celebrations an institution, a trendsetter, an have been a very valuable asset ticipated in politics to serve his Council. era in himself, a poet, the king of for me which I always apply while people in a practical way. He was Qatar Tribune spoke to a gameshow, a superstar, a larger hosting any stage show. He was a a legendary literary figure, a revo- cross-section of community mem- than life personality with the university or institution in his own lutionary debater, an inspiration- bers who described Aziz as an art- kindest heart. He had also been a right. He was a poet, writer and al poet, a dynamic host and above ist par excellence. Excerpts. member of the National Assembly compere par excellence. He also all, a true patriot. The nation will of Pakistan from 1997 to 1999. In entered into politics and worked miss forever. His opening words Tahir Mahmood Chaudhary my view, he was the first member in radio and films. in the show ‘Daikhti Ankhon, Former Founding President of Pak of NA who came from the middle Suntay Kanoun, Apko Tariq Aziz Youth Society, Qatar and Former class and played a positive role in Nabila Kaukab ka slaam Pohnchay’, will echo in Founding President, Pakistan Mus- legislation for the welfare of the Principal, Pak Shamaa School and the minds of his fans forever. lim Welfare League, Qatar. general public. College As the president of PMWL-Q, On the eve of the golden jubi- Shahida Khan I invited him to Qatar as a key- Anwar Ali Rana lee celebrations of Pakistan, late Chairperson, Pakistan Women’s note speaker on the occasion of Prominent community member Tariq Aziz honoured Pak Shamaa Forum Qatar Pakistan golden jubilee celebra- Another legend has left us. School and College. He accept- With the death of Tariq Aziz, tions in 1997. During his three-day Tariq Aziz was a master of every ed the invitation on a single call an era of ethics, knowledge, sober stay with us, we had very friendly art. We all grew up watching his from our president, MA Shahid, conduct, culture and norms comes discussions with him about Paki- Anwar Ali Rana show. He was the founder of TV and left the institute indebted to Shahida Khan to an end. He was a legend who stan and politics. With vast gen- game shows of his time. We forget him forever for his kind visit. He had groomed more than three gen- eral knowledge and artistic quali- his death. I remember his hands our heroes very quickly but I am also addressed the community as people wanted him to speak erations of Pakistan. The knowl- ties, he was a great human being. trembling when he held the mi- sure he will never be forgotten. I gathering with his conventional more. Tariq Aziz was a renowned, edge we gained from his popular He was always worried about the crophone because of his young met him in 1992 at Moon Light but obviously inspirational way, unsurpassed and multi-talented television programme Neelam disadvantaged sections and their age. But the moment the cameras School. He was a very humble per- and spoke on the subject titled personality of Pakistan. People Ghar is still fresh in our memories. welfare. Tariq Aziz was the first started rolling, the voice came out son and possessed a charismatic ‘Pakistan and Pakistanism’. The who belong to showbiz, shine in The way he would announce any face to appear on television in with its trademark grandeur. He personality. He guided me when I programme scheduled for 40 the sky of glamour and earn the gift still echoes in my mind: “aur Pakistan, which ended only with can best be described as a legend, was young. The tips given by him minutes prolonged to two hours everlasting fame. But some stars yeh water cooler aap ka hua”.

Renowned Urdu scholar Dr Mazhar Mahmood Shairani passes away

enowned Urdu writer his matric examination in preparation of Persian to Urdu and scholar Dr Mazhar 1952, FA examination in 1954, dictionary. RMahmood Shairani, passed BA in 1956, MA (History) in He supervised and guid- away in Lahore recently. 1958, MA (Persian) in ed a number of students He was the recipient of the 1960 and PhD (Urdu) in Islamabad and La- 22nd Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab in 1987. Dr Mazhar hore, who were later Award in 2018. The award has had a very long awarded M.Phil and been instituted by Majlis e Frogh teaching and re- Ph.D degrees. e Urdu Adab, a world renowned search experience. During his dis- literary organisation based in He served as a lec- tinguished career, Qatar since 1991. turer, assistant pro- he wrote a large Dr Mazhar was also a mem- fessor and associate number of research ber of Majlis’ Pakistan Award professor of Persian in articles, which were Jury in 2019 and 2020. He was various government colleges published in more than 50 the son of Akhtar Shairani, a in Muzaffargarh, Sheikhupura books and journals. well-known poet and grandson and Lahore from October 1960 Mohammad Atiq, Chairman of Prof Mahmood Shairani, a re- to October 1995. From October of Majlis e Frogh e Urdu Adab, puted research scholar and critic. 2003 to June 2017, he was asso- described Dr Mazhar’s death as Dr Mazhar was born on October ciated with Government College/ an irreparable loss for Urdu lan- 9, 1935 in Jodhpur, British India. University, Lahore as a research guage, Pakistan and Dr Mazhar Mehmood Shairani receives the 22nd Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Award from Director of Poetry Department, Ministry He passed supervisor. He also supervised Majlis e Frogh e Urdu Adab. of Culture and Sports Shabib Bin Arar Al Noaimi, in Doha in 2018. Nation Wednesday, July 1, 2020 15 Experts at QF conference explore ways to build resilience in schools Tribune News Network teachers as the one individual ties where use of technology Doha who is the guardian of knowl- is not prevalent or where it edge and students are the ones might be seen as a barrier to The impact of coronavirus who receive the knowledge. education. (COVID-19) on education That level of education is not According to Dotse, stu- has been profound and led helpful as it doesn’t create dents in Ghana are not al- to disruption and changes to a partnership between the lowed to bring mobile devices academic institutes across students and teachers,” said to schools and that culture the world. While many have Dotse. needs to change. “Tech devices adapted to a new normal by In what he called a “stu- should be the new textbooks,” either going virtual or trying dent-centred approached,” stressed Doste, adding that other innovative learning ap- Dotse recommended that edu- technology-driven learning proaches, others have been Participants at the WISE session on resilience in schools. Amira Yahyaoui Daniel Dotse cation systems be completely will also help making edu- unable to transform or cope overhauled to make teachers cation accessible to a larger with the challenges that the ing educational institutions number of instructional hours According to Waite, many circumstances they operate understand the socio-econom- number of students. pandemic has presented. more resilient to crises such as that should matter, but the school administrators require in,” Waite added. ic background, lifestyle and Amira Yahyaoui, CEO and The World Innova- a global pandemic. learning and growth that stu- teachers and students to fol- A group of students sitting family circumstances of their Founder of mos.com, who also tion Summit for Education School are trying to adapt dents are achieving. low a certain plan, which of- in a classroom listening to a students, and have teachers spoke at the event, said the fu- (WISE), a global initiative of to virtual learning by keep- “You can’t do the old ten needs to be implemented teacher as a one-way form of know how to reach out to stu- ture of education will be online Qatar Foundation, recently ing their old ways of working thing and the new thing at in its entirety even if it is not knowledge transfer does not dents outside the classroom. - even if that is hard for some convened educational ex- intact that are not compatible the same time. Policies need working efficiently. Having work in the modern world, Such flexibility would allow to digest. perts from different back- with current circumstances, to allow schools to let go or goals instead of plans, she said Daniel Dotse, CEO and learning to continue, such as “If Generation Z and the grounds and industries for said Chelsea Waite, research retire old processes in order said, would allow educators Co-Founder of Lead for Gha- through home visits, in com- kids of today have to choose on online event titled ‘Edu- fellow at Clayton Christensen for the new ones to com- to “test the plans and as- na. munities where normal school- between going to school and cation Disrupted, Education and one of the panellists. pete,” said Waite. sumptions and adjust it” if According to Dotse, educa- ing is disrupted but access to YouTube education, they Reimagined Part II’ to dis- For instance, teachers may Another success factor to the initial setup was to prove tors need to learn about their technology is not an option. would pick YouTube educa- cuss the future of education try to meet a certain number achieve resilience in education ineffective. students outside the class- All the panellists stressed tion,” said Yahyaoui, adding and how schools can prepare of instructional hours that is to design the academic year “This moment seems ripe room so they can adjust their the importance of making that correct use of technology for upcoming challenges. they have planned for a month according to the goals a school for change. But lasting change teaching based on individual both students and teachers is what will make educational One of the sessions at the or a semester. However, ac- wants to achieve, instead of comes from deep inside needs. comfortable with technol- institutions more resilient for event discussed ways of mak- cording to Waite, it’s not the the plans for that year. schools’ models, not just the “Most of the time, we see ogy, especially in communi- the future. NU-Q professors QU’s pharmacy graduates play crucial developing an app on contact tracing role in limiting, managing coronavirus Tribune News Network They have been playing major role in medicine companies and hospitals, while also serving as counsellors Doha Tribune News Network exhausted than usual due to A research grant to teach Doha the COVID-19 crisis and the how infectious diseases fear of becoming infected and spread and how they can be QATAR University’s (QU) infecting others. Despite all contained through a mobile College of Pharmacy (CPH) these challenges, healthcare gaming platform has been alumni along with other phar- professionals are showing awarded to two Northwest- macists are playing pivotal exemplary resilience to over- ern University in Qatar (NU- learning incorporates inter- role in protecting the public come this crisis.” Q) professors. activity, immersion, mean- from coronavirus (COVID-19) Dr Saba Sheikh Ali, Professors Anto Mohsin ingful choices and emergent, and in the management of the PharmD graduate and clini- and Spencer Striker are de- unpredictable outcomes via pandemic. cal pharmacist at Hamad veloping the app through a exploration, which encour- They have continued to General Hospital added: “Be- grant awarded by Hamad Bin ages the most important goal provide services across differ- ing a healthcare provider in a Khalifa University (HBKU). of all education: curiosity ent settings, starting from the Dr Mohammed Diab Dr Alla El-Awaisi Dina Abushanab pandemic is very challenging. The app – Dr. Sara: Dis- and drive for lifelong learn- early stages of the medication While many people are isolat- ease Detective – will have ing,” he said. supply chain in pharmaceu- ed in their homes doing their players exploring an unrave- With research and de- tical companies, up to the part to prevent the spread of ling pandemic through a velopment already under- community pharmacies and the virus, pharmacists and character-driven simulation, way, Professors Mohsin hospital wards. They have also other health professionals are where a character could be a and Spencer are working been providing counselling to stepping out and risking their disease detective. As you play alongside immunologist, Ali patients in their homes. lives to help manage and pre- the game you learn more Sultan of Weill Cornell Med- “Since March, 2020, when vent the spread of COVID-19.” about the science of epide- icine-Qatar and HBKU, with COVID-19 pandemic reached In recognition of CPH miology, contact tracing and additional support from the Qatar, the pharmacists have alumni efforts, CPH Dean Dr the complex world of conta- Hamad Medical Corpora- been in the frontline and sig- Mohammad Diab said: “Dur- gion. tion. nificantly contributing in the ing this coronavirus pandem- According to Mohsin and The game’s demo is ex- fight against the pandemic. ic, a great responsibility lies Spencer, the game will also pected to be ready for trial in Despite all challenges, phar- Dr Saba Sheikh Ali Dr Nour Isleem Nancy Zaghloul with each one of us to help in offer a suspenseful adven- December 2020. macists continued to ensure containing the spread of the ture that includes a narra- Mohsin is an expert in that our patients get the most questions and concerns, pro- Therapy Management (MTM) demands. Internationally, Ms virus. You, our selfless health- tive, puzzles and an interest- public understanding and effective, safe, and individu- viding the necessary informa- Clinic coordinator and clinical Amina Radou, CPH graduate care professionals, are spend- ing way to understand the engagement in science and alised medication therapy”, tion related to their medica- pharmacist at Al Wakra Hospi- and a clinical research associ- ing long hours assisting those challenges of disease control. promoting science literacy. said Dr Sara Hayder, PharmD tions, as well as labelling and tal, said: “It is a tough time for ate - MédiS Laboratories in in need and are in the frontline Mohsin, whose research He is the recipient of two graduate, HMC PGY1 Phar- packaging medications while me as a clinical pharmacist dur- Tunisia said, “It started with in the fight against the virus. focuses on science and tech- QNRF grants and has been macy Residency programme maintaining high standards of ing this COVID-19 pandemic. setting up a COVID-19 crises Your hard work, commitment nology studies, said that they exploring scientific culture in coordinator and clinical phar- hygiene. People nowadays are An integral part of our role is cell at my work site, which I and dedication have saved hope the game will accom- Qatar since 2016. macist at Al Wakra Hospital. worried about being in places of attending clinical rounds and took part of as a member of thousands of lives and will plish several things includ- Mohsin received his Ph.D In response to COVID-19, gatherings, such as pharmacy. having face-to-face interactions the pharmaceutical laborato- continue to save more.” ing, “stimulating an interest in science and technology the Pharmacy Department at Therefore, this service contrib- with patients, listen to them ry’s medical department. We Diab added: “I understand in science, technology, medi- studies from Cornell Univer- Hamad Medical Corporation utes to protecting both the pub- and address their concerns. had to make sure that timely how challenging working un- cine, public health and other sity. (HMC) launched home delivery lic and healthcare providers”. However, during the pandemic procedures were set, imple- der these exceptional circum- related fields.” Striker is an expert in of medicines, which is a pioneer- Dr Nour Isleem, PharmD we started utilising the concept mented and evaluated in or- stances must be, however, it’s As teachers and gamers, digital media production ing service to ensure patients’ graduate and clinical pharma- of tele-pharmacy and providing der to maintain work in a safe a learning opportunity as well. both professors encourage and design, and creator of safety and to emphasise the im- cist at ENT department, Am- our interventions and educa- environment and continue the My heartfelt thanks to every the interdisciplinary rela- an award-winning next gen, portance of social distancing and bulatory Care Center, added, tion/counseling through the production and supply of es- pharmacist and healthcare tionship between learning digital book ‘History Adven- staying at home. Several CPH “We are spending more than phone. It was not easy at the be- sential medicines nationally practitioner for risking their and playing. tures, World of Characters’, alumni working at HMC were 10 hours daily in the phar- ginning but with time, patients and internationally.” lives to be able to give back to Spencer, an expert in which is available for down- assigned to provide the service. macy to prepare medications were satisfied and appreciated Ms Dina Abushanab, CPH the community. CPH Assis- digital media design, said the load in more than 50 coun- Reflecting on her experi- that are sent safely to patients’ our service as we are following MSc graduate and a drug tant Dean for Student Affairs project will connect gaming tries. ence, Ms Nancy Zaghloul, CPH homes.” up with them and making sure information pharmacist at Dr Alla El-Awaisi said: “We technology to a learning ex- He is the founding crea- graduate and staff pharmacist Besides home delivery ser- they understand their treat- Hamad Bin Khalifa Medi- are incredibly proud of the perience. tive director of Galxyz, a Sili- at Heart Hospital said: “My vice, several other COVID-19 ment plan.” cal City, remarked: “We, as commitment and dedication “Great curricular design con Valley games and learn- role as a hospital pharmacist prevention measures were im- Pharmacists also worked healthcare providers, have of our alumni in combating and great game design have a ing startup, and the recipient includes receiving calls from plemented inside HMC hos- behind the scenes to maintain been challenged by working this pandemic nationally and lot in common. Game-based of four Webby Awards. patients, processing their pre- pitals. Dr Dania Alkhiyami, the constant supply of medica- in a completely new context. internationally in the different scriptions, answering their PharmD graduate, Medication tion and to meet the surge in We have been feeling more sittings they are working in.” QM to reopen museums and heritage sites today under new guidelines Tribune News Network open the rest of its museums Qatar Museums has done ex- organised in partnership with During this initial phase, pub- Visitors (12 years of age and Doha in phases while implementing traordinary work during the We are proud of our cultural the Musée National Picasso- lic programs, group tours and above) are required to bring new health and safety proto- pandemic to engage the pub- institutions and pleased to Paris, at the Fire Station. The special events remain suspend- and wear a mask and are en- Qatar Museums (QM) cols, following global stand- lic through digital initiatives, welcome back our audienc- museums, galleries and herit- ed, and QM’s playgrounds, li- couraged to use the hand sani- will reopen to the public to- ards, and carefully monitoring we now begin to reopen our es, offering them not only age sites are open from Sunday braries, and parks (including tiser stations placed through- day (Wednesday), under the progress to ensure the wellbe- doors.” through Thursday, between MIA Park) remain closed. out the location. Signage guidance of its President ing of staff and visitors. “We are proud of our cul- inspiration and knowledge the hours of 9am to 3pm. In accordance with the reminding visitors to keep a HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Ahmad Al Namla, CEO of tural institutions and pleased but also providing a space Museum gift shops will guidelines set out by the Min- safe distance from other visi- Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums, said, “With to welcome back our audi- for creativity and respite be re-opened in MIA, Mathaf istry of Public Health, a lim- tors has also been installed. a number of its museums and gratitude toward the Ministry ences, offering them not only that is needed now more and NMoQ -- although NMoQ ited number of visitors and Cloak rooms are unavailable heritage sites, as approved by of Public Health for its guid- inspiration and knowledge than ever galleries will remain closed staff are allowed inside each during this period. In addi- the Ministry of Public Health’s ance throughout these difficult but also providing a space for as the museum is undergoing museum. Visitors are required tion, interactive features at Office of Health Security and times, we are excited to gradu- creativity and respite that is — Ahmad Al Namla maintenance work -- as well as to pre-book tickets on the each museum such as touch- Communicable Disease Con- ally begin to welcome back needed now more than ever,” cafés with limited service from QM website and the Culture screens have been temporarily trol in Qatar. The reopening is the public to a number of our said Namla. Residence, while the heritage Saturday to Thursday. IDAM Pass App. Upon arrival at the removed, and gallery guides aligned with the second phase museums and heritage sites. The museums and galler- sites will include Al Zubarah, Restaurant MIA will operate museum, ticket holders must will be offered online only. of the ministry’s general re- To create a safe and comfort- ies that will open tomorrow Al Jassasiya and Barzan Tow- at a limited capacity for din- submit a “green” health status More information on QM’s sumption of public activity in able environment for staff and include the Museum of Islamic ers. The permanent collections ner, while JIWAN will be open to the Ehteraz virus tracing new health and safety meas- Qatar, based on milestones in visitors, we have put in place a Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of of MIA and Mathaf are open at the Qatar National Museum app. Each person will also be ures and ticketing information the control of the COVID-19 robust set of health and safety Modern Art and Garage Gal- to visitors, as is the special (NMoQ) at a limited capacity checked for a normal temper- can be found on QM’s website: pandemic. QM plans to re- measures. While the team at lery at Fire Station: Artist in exhibition Picasso’s Studios, for lunch and afternoon tea. ature reading at the entrance. https://visit.qm.org.qa/. 16 Wednesday, July 1, 2020 The Last Word

MoI and WHO Ma ur ikhi bids farewell to Indian ambassador Katara Handicraft Competition draws discuss traffic inspiration from women’s handcraft safety contract for The Cultural Village Foundation (Ka- roads in Qatar tara) is organising the Katara Handicraft Competition, inspired by the tradition of THE Ministry of Interior (MoI) women crafts, in collaboration with the reviewed its efforts in the field of Qatari Women’s Pen Forum. The aim of traffic safety at a remote meet- this competition is to provide great op- ing held with the World Health portunities to exchange ideas, experienc- Organization (WHO) recently, in es and discover the aesthetics of the work the presence of representatives of Qatari women and to document their of several relevant authorities in national identity. the country. The meeting focused As part of the competition’s condi- on documenting the traffic safety tions, the contestant must be at least 18 contract for roads in Qatar. years old and must choose to work on one The presentation of the min- of the following vocabulary relating to istry, made by Director of Infor- women’s craft heritage: Al-Marash, Sadu mation and TrafficA wareness or Makhala and use it in contemporary 18 (first floor) no later than September 1. Department Colonel Moham- creative works that are products, handi- Samples shall be drawn up and executed mad Radhi Al Hajri, highlighted crafts or souvenirs that contribute to the by the participant, specially for the com- efforts to enhance traffic safety Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi on Tuesday met with Ambassador of inspiration of their values and beauties. petition. in the country. He also outlined India to Qatar HE P. Kumaran, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. During the meeting, Persons wishing to participate in the The first-place winner will receive Traffic Department’s projects the minister thanked the ambassador for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between the two competition must submit a sample of QR25,000, the second-place winner will that are underway to reduce traf- countries, wishing him success in his future assignments. (QNA) products, handicrafts or souvenirs to the receive QR20,000 and the third-place fic accidents, as well as deaths Qatar Women’s Pen Forum in Building winner will receive QR15,000. (QNA) and serious injuries resulting from them. Colonel Hajri said the Gen- eral Directorate of Traffic has paid great attention to improving road safety through the use of the latest technologies for monitoring and QC signs $30m MoU with Indonesian govt controlling traffic, such as speed radars and surveillance cameras. Tribune News Network signing of the MoU and thanked need. He added that this has contribut- Doha the people of Qatar and Qatar He pointed out that Qatar Char- ed significantly to decreasing road Charity for supporting the people ity began work in Indonesia after accidents. Qatar Charity (QC) has signed of Indonesia over 14 years. He also the tsunami that struck Aceh Prov- Colonel Hajri also highlighted a three-year memorandum of un- stressed the ongoing cooperation ince in 2005 and built a residential the directorate’s efforts to develop derstanding (MoU) with the Min- between the Ministry and Qatar complex called “Al Rayyan”, ben- driving schools in the country and istry of Religious Affairs of Indo- Charity for the next three years in efiting 170 families, most of whom the standards followed in them for nesia to undertake projects in five the implementation of develop- were affected by the tsunami. preparing and training drivers. development areas at a cost of ment projects to achieve the objec- It is worth mentioning that Qa- He explained the technical $30 million, through its office in tives of sustainable development tar Charity has implemented some and legal standards adopted for Indonesia. by 2030 2,000 projects under the agree- vehicle inspection in Qatar in or- Karam Zeinhom, director of Ambassador Sulaiti said the ment, which had previously been der to ensure the safety of vehi- the office of Qatar Charity in In- framework convention confirmed signed with the Indonesian gov- cles, including their environmen- donesia, and Mohammad Muzaf- the existing strategic partnership ernment, at almost $18 million. tal safety. far, head of Legal and Foreign Co- and the important role of the Qatar Qatar Charity has carried Concerning the investigation of operation Affairs at the Ministry, Charity in the humanitarian field. out hundreds of projects annu- accidents, he stated that the Traf- signed the MoU in the presence of Karam Zeinhom, director of the office of Qatar Charity in Indonesia, and Moham- She also reviewed the strong ally, with almost 1,000 projects, ficD irectorate has a comprehen- Fachrul Razi, minister of Religious mad Muzaffar, head of Legal and Foreign Cooperation Affairs at the Ministry, relations between the two coun- mostly water projects, in addition sive approach, including legal and Affairs and HE Fawzia bint Idris signed the MoU in the presence of Fachrul Razi, minister of Religious Affairs and tries and thanked the Indonesian to building mosques, schools and technical procedures supported by Salman Al Sulaiti, ambassador of HE Fawzia bint Idris Salman Al Sulaiti, ambassador of Qatar to Indonesia. Government for facilitating the hu- houses, including the construction a database, to probe a road mishap. Qatar to Indonesia. manitarian mission of Qatar Char- of 120 houses in 2018 following the Besides, courses are oganised from The current MoU is a continu- will be implemented in the fields tation sector, and the productive ity in the country. Garut flood. time to time to hone capabilities ation of the first agreement signed of education, culture, sponsorship skills development sector for the The director of Qatar Charity’s Qatar Charity, in cooperation of investigation officers. Colonel with the Government of Indonesia and social welfare, according to the marginalised and needy. It also office in Indonesia said this is the with the Ministry of Religious Af- Hajri also highlighted the directo- in 2006. The MoU is expected to MoU. includes the natural disaster relief largest agreement of Qatar Charity fairs, last month distributed food rate’s traffic awareness efforts and benefit 27 cities across eight prov- The MoU also covers the infra- sector, which provides food and in Indonesia, adding that all activi- and non-food items to 15,837 fami- reviewed the work of the Traffic inces in Indonesia. In addition to structure sector, such as building non-food assistance and shelter. ties and projects have been planned lies of those who have become un- Awareness Department to enhance seasonal projects such as Iftar, mosques and multi-service educa- On this occasion, the minister with the relevant government bod- employed due to the coronavirus road safety. (QNA) Zakat Al-Fitr and Udhiya, projects tion centers, the water and sani- of Religious Affairs welcomed the ies to reach out to those most in epidemic. QA will begin three weekly Ooredoo donation to support QCS activities flights to Toronto on July 4 Tribune News Network stressed that addressing can- Doha cer requires concerted efforts Tribune News Network governments, trade partners that never fell below 30 des- and constant co-operation Doha and airports as a trusted part- tinations during this crisis Ooredoo has supported Qa- between all institutions and ner during this crisis and we and the provision of over 300 tar Cancer Society’s activities agencies in the state, as QCS Qatar Airways (QA) will op- intend to continue delivering charter flights globally, Qatar through a monetary donation cannot operate in isolation erate three weekly flights to on this mission. Airways has helped repatri- as part of the telecom opera- from the others. Toronto Pearson International “We have worked closely ate close to two million during tor’s Corporate Social Respon- Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, Airport from July 4, 2020. with the Government of Can- this crisis. sibility programme and in line director PR at Ooredoo, said: The flights will be operated ada and its embassies around The airline has received with Qatar National Vision “We’re committed to support- by an Airbus A350-900 offer- the world during this crisis to widespread praise and thanks 2030, which focuses on invest- ing the communities in which ing 36 seats in Business Class bring home safely over 16,000 from passengers and govern- ing in human health. we operate, a commitment and 247 seats in Economy Canadians through our ments, including Canadian The donation is Ooredoo’s which is an integral part of our Class. scheduled flights to Montreal embassies worldwide, as the contribution to achieving QCS’ Dr Dera Al Dosari Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari Corporate Social Responsibili- Qatar Airways Group Chief and special charter flights airline that can be relied on to vision to be a community part- ty strategy as we work towards Executive Akbar Al Baker said, to Toronto and Vancouver. take people home. nership platform to make Qa- eration between the two sides educate the community, and achieving Qatar National Vi- “In these difficult times, cus- Qatar Airways has never With the addition of sched- tar a leader in cancer preven- in raising public awareness of to support, empower and ad- sion 2030. Healthcare is vital tomers are looking for an air- stopped operating to Canada uled flights toT oronto, Qatar tion and control, said a press cancer through the establish- vocate for individuals living to the wellbeing of our com- line they can rely on and trust. throughout this crisis and we Airways will operate seven statement from QCS. ment of the Ooredoo Cancer with cancer, with engaging in munities, and in particular, to Our unrivalled experience in are pleased to strengthen our passenger flights per week to Dr Dera Al Dosari, direc- Awareness Center in 2017. professional development and support the most vulnerable taking people home safely and support to the people of Can- Canada: · Three-weekly flights tor of Resources Development He affirmed that QCS will scientific research in the field members. We are proud to be reliably continues to provide ada with the addition of these to Toronto (Airbus A350-900) Department at QCS, thanked continue efforts to achieve its of cancer. working with Qatar Cancer the assurance people need. three weekly scheduled flights · Four-weekly flights to Mon- Ooredoo for the kind ges- mission to prevent cancer and Pointing to the impor- Society in their efforts to fight We have built a strong level of to Toronto.” treal (Airbus A350-900 and ture in support of the Society, control its burden in Qatar tance of community partner- cancer and take care of pa- confidence with passengers, By maintaining a network Boeing 777) pointing to the previous coop- by working with partners to ships in fighting cancer, he tients and their families.”

QF ensures ‘homely stay’ for students living on campus during lockdown

Tribune News Network ments for their stay. partner universities, had to Doha Student housing staff also resolve was how to maintain collaborated with QF’s partner a sense of community when When university students universities to start a pantry people are unable to physically at Qatar Foundation (QF) in each of Education City’s meet each other or gather in were on their spring break in student housing complexes, communal spaces. March, Jeta Kreka, an inter- where all residents could ob- The solution was to host national student from Albania tain food, grocery and other virtual events to keep the stu- living in student housing at essential items free of charge. dent community connected, Education City, decided to use “The idea was that stu- such as through virtual iftars the week off to stay indoors. dents can get basic supplies during Ramadan, online yoga She wanted to relax in her within their housing so they sessions and gaming sessions, room, but little did she know Moom Thahinah Ameni Abida don’t have to go out for grocer- and regular check-ins through that the COVID-19 pandemic ies, or take a taxi or anything WhatsApp and emails. would herald a lockdown that The student housing facility at the Education City. think I would make the same that their needs are taken that might expose them to the “Human beings are social meant she would have to stay decision to stay in Qatar,” said care of and that they are feel- virus,” said Basit Iqbal, Resi- animals, and we need compa- indoors for several months. and flights suspended, many Kreka decided to stay in Kreka. ing safe, comfortable and se- dence Life supervisor at QF. ny. We need to feel supported, “Many of us had decided international students found Qatar over the summer as Realising the mental and cure so they can focus on their Students who have re- and support others, and with- to settle down in our rooms themselves having no option travelling wouldn’t only put emotional stress on-campus academics,” said Dr Matthew mained at Education City are out that we don’t really have after the mid-term exams and but to remain on campus. her at risk of exposure to the students would go through Nelson, head of Student Resi- currently also provided with much. Especially at times get prepared for the second While most educational in- virus, but also her family in during the pandemic, especial- dence Life at QF. three meals a day free of cost, when you are supposed to be half of the semester, but what stitutes around the world re- Albania, which includes her ly those who could not finan- About 85 percent of the regular supplies of masks and socially isolated, we need to we didn’t know was that this quested all resident students grandmother and a brother cially pay for summer housing, students staying on-campus sanitisers, and shuttles to stay united to move forward,” situation was awaiting us on to vacate campus housing, QF who suffers from asthma. QF waived the housing fees for are international students, nearby Lulu hypermarket, as said Ameni Abida, a student the other side,” said Kreka, has allowed students to con- “It has been quite frustrat- all residents staying on cam- many of whom were unable well as to the airport if they de- at QF partner university UCL a freshman at Georgetown tinue living on campus if they ing and hard over the past four pus during this time. to return to their home coun- cide to leave. Qatar and a QF Student Hous- University in Qatar (GU-Q), a choose to, even if flights to months of staying alone in one “Our focus has really been try due to travel restrictions, The main challenge that ing resident. “It is something partner university of QF. their home country were avail- single room, but if I were to on how we can support the which Nelson says led to QF the QF student housing staff, to be grateful for and shouldn’t As universities were closed able. go back to the start of this, I students best and make sure making the necessary arrange- and student affairs staff at be taken for granted.”