Tuesday March 16, 2021 Shaban 3, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5207 QR 2

Fajr: 4:27 am Dhuhr: 11:43 am p artly cloudy Asr: 3:08 pm Maghrib: 5:44 pm High : 29°C LOW : 18 °C Isha: 7:14 pm

World 7 Business 8 Sports 12 Germany, France, Doha Bank gets nod to We are looking forward Italy halt AstraZeneca extend $2 billion bond to beating Al Gharafa: COVID-19 vaccine issuance period Al Wakrah coach

No visit visa or ID Amir, Maldives president review ties QNA renewal without Doha I discussed with His His Highness the Amir of State of Excellency the health insurance Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad President of Al Thani and President of the Re- the Republic public of Maldives Ibrahim Mo- Shura discusses draft law on healthcare services of Maldives hamed Solih held official talks at @ibusolih the Amiri Diwan on Monday. QNA compulsory health insur- The session discussed bilat- the ways to develop relations Doha ance. eral relations and the ways to between our two countries, According to the draft enhance and develop them, espe- hoping that his visit to Qatar will Health insurance will be law, health insurance is cially in investment and tourism contribute to supporting Qatari- made compulsory for all ex- mandatory to ensure the fields,in addition to discussing Maldivian cooperation in invest- patriates in Qatar, including provision of basic healthcare issues of common concern. ment and tourism. We also residents and visitors. No services to expatriates and In a tweet, HH the Amir said, discussed a number of regional visas will be issued, wheth- visitors to the country. “I discussed with His Excellency and international issues er for work or visit, and no The draft law provides the President of the Republic of of common concern. residence permit will be for the provision of health- Maldives @ibusolih the ways to renewed without health in- care services to beneficiar- develop relations between our surance, according to a new ies in emergency situations two countries, hoping that his vis- session was attended by a num- draft law. without requiring them to it to Qatar will contribute to sup- ber of members of the official del- It will also not be permit- pay any amount until the porting Qatari-Maldivian cooper- egation accompanying the Presi- ted to employ expatriates danger is overcome even if ation in investment and tourism. dent. without submitting proof of the service provider is not We also discussed a number of HH the Amir hosted a lunch- their participation in com- within the network of the regional and international issues eon banquet in honour of the pulsory health insurance beneficiary, and that this of common concern.’ president of Maldives, and his ac- His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with President of the Repub- during the duration of their does not prejudice the right From the Maldivian side, the companying delegation. lic of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. page 16 stay. of the healthcare service pro- The Shura Council on vider to refer to a company Monday discussed the draft insurance, or the employer law on healthcare services in or the recruiter, as the case PM opens Milipol Qatar 2021 Applications for the country, which included may be, to pay the cost of this 47 articles and 6 chapters. service. sailing trips can The draft law stipulates The draft law defines the now be made the provision of healthcare rights and duties of patients through Metrash2 services to citizens in gov- that must be observed when Milipol Qatar offers innovative ernment health facilities free receiving healthcare ser- The Coasts and Borders of charge. vices and the obligations of Security Department has Under the draft law, the the parties to the insurance launched a new service in Ministry of Public Health contract and providers of solutions to cyberattacks: PM Metras2 application, on the will set standards for the healthcare services, as well sidelines of the 13th Inter- provision of healthcare ser- as the penalties for violators national Event for Homeland vices in government and of its provisions. Security and Civil Defence private healthcare facilities The council decided to - Milipol Qatar 2021. as well as compulsory health refer the aforementioned The new service of Sail- insurance and supervision. draft law to the Public Ser- ing Application submission It will also provide an vices and Utilities Commit- and registration comes as integrated, high-quality, tee for study and to submit part of the efforts of the efficient and sustainable a report on it to the council. Ministry of Interior through health system and work on its departments to en- developing and maintaining Continued on page 2  hance and simplify proce- dures for the public using modern technologies. This service covers all marine vessels in Qatar territorial waters. (TNN) page 3 Time has come to find real political solution Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani at Milipol Qatar 2021 on Monday. page 16 Mercury likely Satyendra Pathak preme Committee for Delivery Doha The Milipol Qatar exhibition opened with and Legacy and the Public Secu- to go up again, in Syria: Al Khater the participation of the pioneers of the rity Department of the Ministry QNA Held under the patronage industry of equipment and technologies of Interior of Italy in the fields of says QMD Doha of His Highness the Amir of for internal security and civil defence. This public order and security man- State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim year’s edition derives its importance from agement of major sports events. The Qatar Meteorology Depart- Qatar has expressed its bin Hamad Al Thani, the 13th the innovative solutions it provides to the In a tweet, the PM said, ment (QMD) has predicted belief that the time has come edition of international exhi- challenges resulting from the increase in cyberattacks, and it “The Milipol Qatar exhibition significant rise in temperatures to find new avenues and bition for homeland security is an opportunity to exchange experiences between all opened with the participation from Tuesday until the weekend. paths towards a real and and civil defence (Milipol Qa- countries, producers and security experts.” of the pioneers of the industry “The minimum temperature is comprehensive political solu- tar 2021) was inaugurated by of equipment and technologies expected to range between 17 tion and transition in Syria Prime Minister and Minister for internal security and civil and 23°C and the maximum on the basis of the “Geneva of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid rity, especially the security of opened to a good number of defence. This year’s edition de- between 24 and 41°C due to 1” statement and Security bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al stadiums and sports events. visitors. rives its importance from the a deepening of low pressure Council resolution 2254. It Thani at the Doha Exhibi- The PM also listened to an The PM witnessed the sign- innovative solutions it provides on the surface, which leads to also stressed on the need for tion and Convention Center explanation about the latest ing of an agreement between to the challenges resulting from the wind shifting to the South- the international community HE Lolwah Rashid Al Khater. (DECC) on Monday. equipment in security and Qatar and France to establish increase in cyberattacks, and it erly direction,” the QMD said. to unite to support the Syrian The PM made a tour of civil defence fields. a partnership in the areas of se- is an opportunity to exchange Weather saw a noticeable drop people in facing the COVID-19 forts of the international com- the exhibition area and was Aimed at showcasing the curity for the 2022 FIFA World experiences between all coun- in temperatures across Qatar pandemic. munity had failed to reach briefed on the pavilions as latest innovative products and Cup in Qatar. tries, producers and security on Saturday and as per QMD Assistant Minister of amicable solutions. well as state-of-the-art devic- services related to homeland The PM also witnessed the experts.” projections, it was supposed to Foreign Affairs and Official Al Khater stated that es and technologies related to security and civil defence in signing of a protocol between the continue this way for the next Spokesperson of the Ministry after a decade of turmoil, enhancing safety and secu- the world, Milipol Qatar 2021 Security Committee of the Su- Continued on page 16  two days. (TNN) of Foreign Affairs HE Lolwah all parties have realised and Rashid Al Khater said that agreed that the solution in nearly a decade has passed Syria is not a military one, since the start of the Syrian but a political one. crisis, and the humanitarian She indicated the keen- crisis and the suffering of the ness to achieve stability, Mahaseel markets 10 million kilos of local vegetables since January Syrian people continues. She unity and independence of Mahaseel for Marketing and Agri. services to more than 350 local pro- kilos of fresh vegetables in the local expressed regret that the ef- Syria. page 6 Services Company (a subsidiary of ductive farms, through more than 100 market from the start of 2021, this Hassad) has successfully marketed marketing outlets around the country, quantity is equivalent to double the 10 million kilos of locally-produced including Al Meera, Lulu and Carrefour. amount marketed during the same vegetables in the Qatari market since During peak times, Mahaseel received period last year, which shows the January 2021. This figure is double more than 220,000 kilos of vegeta- company’s success in showcasing the Sidra, HMC launch orthopaedic the amount, which was marketed dur- bles per day. added value of the local produce,” ing the same period last year. “We are delighted to announce said Mohamed Ali Al Ghaithani, Maha- oncology surgery service (PG 3) Mahaseel provides marketing that Mahaseel marketed 10 milion seel General Manager. (TNN) page 2 02 Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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Quick read MURA IKHI MEETS MALDIVES FOREIGN MINISTER Qatar attends Arab health Amir congratulates ministers’ council meeting president of Hungary Minister of State QNA American cooperation in the The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad for Foreign Af- Doha fight against COVID-19; Arab- Al Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratulations fairs HE Sultan Chinese cooperation in health to President of Hungary Janos Ader on his country’s bin Saad Al Qatar participated in the sector; and the Arab transport National Day. (QNA) Muraikhi met 54th regular session of the ministers’ council decision No with Minister of Council of Arab Health Minis- 488 pertinent to resumption Deputy Amir congratulations Foreign Affairs of ters on Monday. The meet was and recovery of air travel. president of Hungary Maldives Abdulla held via videoconferencing. The meeting also discussed The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Shahid in Doha Qatar’s delegation to the the Arab strategic action plan Hamad Al Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratu- on Monday. Dur- meeting was headed by Min- on access to public health lations to President of Hungary Janos Ader on his ing the meeting, ister of Public Health HE Dr services for the displaced and country’s National Day. (QNA) they reviewed bi- Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari. asylum-seekers in the Arab re- lateral relations The meeting reviewed a gion; standardisation of Arab PM sends greetings to between the two number of important topics, health legislations; improving countries. (QNA) including the repercussions of maternal, children and adoles- Hungarian counterpart the coronavirus (COVID-19) cents’ health; and Arab strat- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh pandemic on the Arab re- egy for the elderly, health and Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Monday sent gion in the health field;A rab- environment. a cable of congratulations to Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban on his country’s National Day. (QNA) PM receives message from Pakistani counterpart Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Mahaseel records sale of 10m kg Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani received on Monday a written message from Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries and issues of common concern. The message was handed over by Paki- of local vegetables since January stan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed during a meeting with the prime minister at Doha Exhibition Tribune News Network cal farmers, exceeded QR50 million in 2020, steady profit. and Convention Center on the sidelines of the 13th Doha while it has reached QR29 million since the Moreover, Mahaseel runs all its opera- edition of international exhibition for homeland secu- beginning of 2021.” tions with full transparency and proficiency, rity and civil defence (Milipol Qatar 2021). (QNA) Mahaseel for Marketing and Agricu- The company enabled more than 16,000 as it documents all its transactions, starting lutural Services Company, a subsidiary of deliveries in 2020 and more than 5200 de- from receiving the products to settling all PM, Egyptian interior minister Hassad, has announced that it has success- liveries since the start of 2021. Mahaseel farmers’ financial dues. Instant receipts con- discuss relations on phone fully marketed 10 million kg of locally pro- receives fresh vegetables, then grades the taining all information are issued to farmers Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid duced vegetables in the Qatari market since products following the technical specifica- once the delivery is received. In case a prod- bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Monday held a tel- January 2021. This figure marks double the tions set by the Ministry of Municipality and uct is rejected or downgraded, a full report ephone call with Minister of Interior of Egypt Major-General quantity marketed during the same period Environment (MME), which is published on is issued by Mahaseel to the farmer, clearly Mahmoud Tawfik. During the call, they reviewed relations last year. Mahaseel’s website www.mahaseel.qa outlining all the reasons. between the two countries and the means of developing Mahaseel provides marketing services riod last year, which shows the company’s Mahaseel markets the farmers’ local Mahaseel also provides advisory and them, especially in the security field, in addition to discuss- to more than 350 local productive farms success in showcasing the added value of produce following two programmes -- Daily training programmes as well as conduct ing a number of issues of common concern. (QNA) through more than 100 marketing outlets the local produce,” said Mohamed Ali Al supply and Daman programme. Farmers field visits to the farms to monitors the prod- across the country, including Al Meera, Lulu Ghaithani, general manager of Mahaseel. can achieve a profit margin of up to 15 per- ucts quality, through specialised inspectors Andorra FM meets and Carrefour. During peak season, Maha- “Mahaseel’s market share increased cent under the daily supply programme for from the MME. seel received more than 220,000 kg of veg- to 33 percent for the local produce this products that meet the published specifica- Finally, all financial dues are fully settled Qatar’s ambassador etables every day. year, compared to 20 percent last year,” Al tions. While Daman programme is executed by Mahaseel to farmers within a period of 14 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of “We are delighted to announce that Ma- Ghaithani explained. “There are other mar- in coordination with the MME, it is a pre- days from the day the products are received. Andorra Maria Ubach Font met with non-resident haseel marketed 10m kilos of fresh vegeta- keting channels and programmes carried contractual agreement to purchase the main The company also distributes free unified Ambassador of Qatar to Andorra HE Abdullah bin Ibra- bles in the local market from the beginning out by designated authorities to market local vegetables, throughout the season at fixed crates to farmers to ensure the produces are him Al Hamar. During the meeting, they reviewed the of 2021. This quantity is equivalent to double produce.” Al Ghaithani concluded, “The to- and incentivised prices, that can reach up delivered to the facility in the adequate bilateral relations between the two countries. (QNA) the amount marketed during the same pe- tal purchase value of fresh produce from lo- to QR5 per kg, which provides farmers with quality. Qatar National Vision 2030 is a road map for future: Mahmoud MoCI recalls some 2016 Continued from page 1  of an effective mechanism to at- 2018-2022, while the develop- and 2018 LG TV models tract qualified national human ment of the third national devel- The Shura Council then con- cadres and create an attractive opment strategy which aims to Tribune News Network tinued its session, which was at- work environment for them in achieve a higher level of economic Doha tended by President of Planning the field of planning and strate- progress, development and popu- and Statistics Authority HE Dr gies, the role of the private sector lation stability has begun. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit and the role of the Qatari citizen He said the challenges facing in cooperation with the Video Home & Electronic at an invitation from Speaker HE in implementing the strategy, the implementation of the Qatar Center W.L.L, dealer of LG TVs in Qatar, has an- Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al taking into account the specific- National Vision 2030 have be- nounced the recall of LG TV: OLED65G6, and Mahmoud to brief the council on ity of the Qatari society, its herit- come less severe after drawing OLED77G (2016), OLED65G8, OLED65W8, the state’s efforts regarding Qa- age and culture. up plans to confront them. OLED77C8, and OLED77W8 (2018), due to the tar National Vision 2030 and the The PSA president gave a He affirmed that paying at- possibility of overheating the TV, which may cause challenges it faces. in an introduction in 2008, in He expressed the council’s comprehensive presentation on tention to infrastructure had certain damage to the power supply or back cover Mahmoud said Qatar Na- which HH the Amir said, “Qatar appreciation for the role of the Qatar National Vision 2030 in its preceded Qatar’s win in hosting and prevent the normal operation of the TV. tional Vision 2030 is a road map National Vision 2030 builds a Planning and Statistics Author- various fields, objectives, foun- the World Cup, and that this at- The recall campaign is part of the ongoing ef- for the future and constitutes bridge between the present and ity and before it the General Sec- dations and principles guiding it, tention would continue after the forts of the ministry to protect consumers and en- a platform for action by which the future. It envisages a vibrant retariat for Development Plan- the state’s efforts in implement- World Cup. sure that retailers follow up on product defects and the state will be enlightened in and prosperous country in which ning in preparing the first and ing it and the challenges it faces. He said the country will be repairs. its development in various fields there is economic and social jus- second National Development In response to the questions on the cusp of a new phase af- The Ministry said that it will coordinate the during the coming decades so tice for all, and in which nature Strategies and setting the nec- and inquiries of the council mem- ter 2022, and the focus will be maintenance and repair work with the retailer and that Qatar’s citizens and resi- and man are in harmony. We essary mechanisms to monitor bers, the PSA president clarified on efficientuse of resources, the will communicate with customers to ensure that dents benefit from its develop- need to galvanise our collective and follow up on them in order that important achievements provision of services and jobs for they have completed the necessary repairs. ment. energies and direct them toward to convert the goals of Qatar Na- have been made through the First citizens, increasing the efficiency The ministry urged all customers to report any He said the Amir His High- these aspirations. Strong Islamic tional Vision into a tangible real- National Development Strat- and productivity of the Qatari violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti- ness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and family values will provide ity in the country. egy 2011-2016 and the Second citizen and increasing interest in Commercial Fraud Department, which processes Al Thani summarised this vision our moral and ethical compass.” He stressed the importance National Development Strategy knowledge economies. complaints, inquires and suggestion. Hammadi inaugurates permanent exhibition at MoFA Human Rights Department QNA fairs Dr Turki bin Abdullah Al mechanisms that would pro- the Convention on the Rights government mechanism con- Doha Mahmoud and the department’s mote and protect human rights. of the Child, the Convention on cerned with the rights of women, staff gave an introduction on the He stressed that the national the Elimination of All Forms of children, the elderly and people Secretary-General of the department’s work and tasks in legislation issued during recent Discrimination Against Women, with disabilities. Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE promoting human rights, in ad- years reflected Qatar’s increas- the Convention Against Tor- The committee was formed Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Ham- dition to a presentation of the ing interest in promoting and ture, and the Convention on the under the chairmanship of the madi on Monday inaugurated digital library for human rights protecting human rights and Rights of Persons with Disabili- Minister of Administrative De- the permanent exhibition at the that was established, and the joining regional and interna- ties. velopment, Labour and Social Human Rights Department at training programme approved tional human rights treaties. He praised the institutional Affairs, and the membership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the department. He referred to Qatar’s ac- efforts, which recently culmi- various government agencies in (MoFA) to mark the Arab Hu- Several state entities cel- cession to seven out of nine of nated in the issuance of Cabinet addition to civil society organi- man Rights Day. ebrate the Arab Human Rights the basic international conven- Resolution No 26 of 2019 estab- sations and the National Human Assistant Foreign Minister Day, which was approved by tions on human rights, includ- lishing the National Committee Rights Committee, he explained. and Spokesperson for the Minis- the Arab League on March 16 of ing the International Covenant for the Affairs of Woman, Chil- Dr Mahmoud also referred try of Foreign Affairs HE Lolwah each year, the day on which the speech of the Amir His Highness said that human development on Economic, Social and Cul- dren, the Elderly and People to the Declaration on Human bint Rashid Al Khater visited the Arab Charter on Human Rights Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al and the protection and promo- tural Rights, the International with Disabilities, which comes Rights of the Gulf Cooperation exhibition on the occasion. entered into force in 2008 after Thani before the 73rd session of tion of human rights are at the Covenant on Civil and Political within the framework of compli- Council, which was adopted by Acting Director of the Hu- it was approved in May of 2004 the United Nations General As- forefront of Qatar’s priorities. Rights, the International Con- ance with the recommendations the Supreme Council at the end man Rights Department at at the Tunis summit. sembly in New York in Septem- He reaffirmed Qatar’s keen- vention on the Elimination of All of the monitoring committees to of its 35th session held in Doha the Ministry of Foreign Af- Dr Mahmoud referred to the ber 2018, in which HH the Amir ness to cooperate with regional Forms of Racial Discrimination, establish an independent central on December 9, 2014. Nation Tuesday, March 16, 2021 03 Interior ministers, top officials stress key role of Milipol in regional security

Tribune News Network issues in security and de- He praised the level of He also pointed out the ginning of hope for a way out Doha fence,” he said. progress Qatar has recorded ongoing cooperation between of the pandemic and carries He added that Ukraine was in the security field, as all the Qatar and Somalia in various great meaning under these A number of interior ministers one of the leading countries in security services in the coun- fields, especially in security, circumstances,” he added. and senior police officials from the field of internal security try possess the latest global training and rehabilitation. He also pointed to the friendly countries participat- and civil defence with leading technology. For his side, Director of participation of several Turk- ing in the Milipol Qatar 2021 companies in data analysis Minister of Internal Secu- Public Security of Turkey ish companies specialising have emphasised the impor- and cybersecurity, stressing rity of Somalia Hassan Hand- Mehmet Aktash praised the in defence and internal se- tant role of the International that they were ready to discuss abi Jamaali said the Milipol strength of Qatari-Turkish curity systems, which reflect Exhibition for Homeland Se- how Qatar can benefit from Qatar exhibition combines the relations describing the rela- the great progress Turkey has curity and Civil Defense as a these technologies. latest innovations and mod- tion between both countries made in the defence and secu- pioneering event in the Middle Minister of Interior of ern devices in the field of secu- as strong, deep-rooted. rity industry. East region. Moldova Pavel Voicu visited rity and the major companies “We are proud to be at the Alexander Ivanov Gartov, Minister of Interior of several pavilions during the working on the development head of a large security del- senior commissioner and di- Ukraine Arsen Avakov, who exhibition to find out the latest Somalian Minister of Interior Alexander Ivanov Gartov, of these devices are constant- egation at the Millipol Qatar rector of the Department of is participating in the Milipol technology in the field of inter- Hassan Handabi Jamaali Bulgarian government official ly working on innovation to exhibition, one of the most Government Surveillance and Qatar Exhibition for the sec- nal security and civil defence, meet the security challenges important international exhi- Prevention of Bulgaria, ex- ond time, expressed joy to be with the aim of obtaining ticipating ministers, especially Milipol Qatar has become one of the current time. bitions in the field of internal pressed his happiness in at- present at the event to com- the equipment that Moldova in the field of security and of the most important interna- He stressed that exchange security and civil defence,” he tending Millipol Qatar 2021, municate with exhibitors and needs in the next stage. crime fighting, as these ele- tional exhibitions specialising of information and expertise said. stressing that the exhibition discuss with specialists in the He added that the exhibi- ments are among the most im- in internal security and civil between countries in the fields “The Millipol Qatar exhi- offers the possibility of iden- security fields. tion provides a good opportu- portant priorities we have in defence, and attracts promi- of security, especially counter- bition is being held this year tifying the latest findings of “We consider it a very nity to strengthen bilateral re- Moldova in order to preserve nent international companies terrorism and cybersecurity, in an exceptional circum- international companies in important platform for com- lations with the participating the security of our citizens,” he leading in products and ser- has become imperative and stance but Qatar can, with its the fields of internal security munication and meeting for countries said. vices that enhance the capa- necessary to address the crime potential and capabilities, or- and civil defence, especially in senior officials from various “I sought to exchange ex- Lebanese Minister of In- bilities of countries in facing that requires international co- ganise a successful exhibition the areas of fire protection and countries to agree on urgent periences with my fellow par- terior Mohamed Fahmy said various security challenges. operation. by all standards, as it is the be- public safety. Ministry of Interior Coasts and Borders Security Department officials proud of launches sailing application on Metrash2 Tribune News Network ternational Event for Home- hance and simplify proce- Coasts and Borders Secu- direct registration through Milipol Qatar expo Doha land Security and Civil De- dures for the public using rity, said the service helps Metrash2 application and fence (Milipol Qatar 2021). modern technologies, the save time and effort for sea- the completion of all proce- Tribune News Network The Coasts and Borders The new service of Sail- ministry said in a statement goers, as the process of reg- dures for the sailing of ma- Doha Security Department has ing Application submis- on Monday. istering marine movement rine vessels. launched a new service in sion and registration comes Lieutenant-Colonel Ab- through the points of the This service covers all Major-General Dr Abdul- the Metrash2 application on as part of the efforts of the dul Aziz Al Mohannadi, as- Coasts and Borders Secu- marine vessels in Qatar ter- lah Yousef Al Mal, advisor to the the sidelines of the 13th In- Ministry of Interior to en- sistant director-general of rity has been replaced with ritorial waters. Minister of Interior, has praised the organising committee of Milipol Qatar 2021 for suc- cessfully organising the event together with the participation Ooredoo shines spotlight on ICT solutions at Milipol of a large number of exhibitors from different countries in such Major-General Dr Abdullah Yousef exceptional circumstances. Al Mal Tribune News Network availability, analyse network se- where we face ever more so- He said the exhibition is Doha curity in real-time and provide phisticated and frequent cyber- hosting many specialised com- mitigation systems to enable attacks. Our corporate strategy panies in the field of security, Ooredoo Qatar, the region’s companies and enterprises to incorporates a commitment to providing a great opportunity to leading enabler of digital en- shield their network operations complete digitalisation and benefit from one another, share terprise, is showcasing its ICT is showcased with Ooredoo’s comprehensive support for Qa- experiences and learn about the solutions at Milipol Qatar 2021, Direct Denial of Service solu- tar National Vision 2030, with latest developments in the secu- the regional event dedicated to tion. digital a core element of our rity field. homeland security. A third booth invites visi- strategy going forward. He also noted that the ex- Ooredoo’s comprehensive tors to explore Ooredoo’s Azure “Shining a spotlight on our hibition is also proof of the suite of ICT solutions, which are services, offering the capabil- ICT solutions at such an event success of Qatar’s health policy capable of fully securing opera- ity to scale up or scale down to allows us to demonstrate this while taking the necessary pre- tions and monitoring a custom- continuously meet changing commitment and support, and ventive measures to make life er’s infrastructure to mitigate business needs while ensuring convey to our customers the normal. Staff Major-General Abdullah risks, are on display at three that IT costs and services are many ways in which we can Talking to the media, Ma- Muhammed Al Suwaidi prominently positioned booths teams, enables the identifica- assets from cyber-threats such constantly aligned with busi- help them build solid defences jor-General Abdullah Moham- at the event. tion and dispatch of the closest as automated bot and injection ness demand. against cyber-threats and pro- med Al Suwaidi, assistant direc- cerned parties from the military Internet of Things solutions and most skilled drivers with attacks, as well as application- Those looking to back up tect their enterprises as we tor of public security, pointed and security fields to discuss highlighted at the event include trips and activities recorded. layer denial of service. critical data can find out more progress as a country towards out that the security personnel with the exhibitors, especially IoT Connect, a service that ena- Service calls and fulfilments per Event attendees can ex- about the Cloud Backup so- realising the many digital goals are in constant need of identi- as the country is about to organ- bles companies to track and day can therefore be increased plore the most comprehen- lution, while integration and of the vision.” fying the latest products of the ise a major sporting event like manage all their networked de- through better planning and sive suite of security services protection of the most valuable Business customers can specialised security and safety 2022 World Cup. vices, tracking tools and prod- control of vehicles and work- in Qatar through the display data is on offer with Ooredoo’s leverage the Ooredoo Advan- companies as well as the lat- He added that the Ministry ucts online, measuring data forces. of Ooredoo’s Security Opera- Cyber Recovery Solution. tage, making Ooredoo ‘Best for est equipment and innovations of Interior and the Committee bandwidth consumption and A raft of Managed Security tions Centre, while they can Sheikh Mohammed bin Ab- Business’, thanks to its breadth that help them in the perfor- for Security and Safety Opera- flagging international roaming solutions on show includes Qa- discover a new approach to dulla Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo and depth of talent, best fixed mance of their duties with the tions of the World Cup are keen connections. tar’s first end-to-end Web Appli- user protection from emerging Qatar, said: “We are proud to and mobile networks, broadest required efficiency. to provide everything the teams The Fleet Management cation Firewall, a fully managed cyber threats with Cloud Web partner with Milipol Qatar on portfolio of ICT services and so- He described the exhibition need in order to make the tour- solution, developed to allow cloud-based service designed Security. A suite of world-class an event crucial for our country lutions, and trusted partner for as a great chance for the con- nament a successful event. companies to manage their field to protect digital presence and solutions to monitor network and our businesses, in a climate 60 years. Sidra Medicine and HMC launch orthopaedic oncology surgery service

the tumour, said: “We are very QF entity treats 12-year-old boy with pleased that we were able to successfully remove the tumour abnormal bone growth in the hip on M.A’s hip. It involved almost 90 percent of the circumfer- Tribune News Network chemotherapy or radiation. ence of the femur neck without Doha “This means they require endangering the blood supply. expertise from both orthopaedic M.A’s surgery is a marvelous Sidra Medicine and Hamad and oncology surgeons. By join- achievement of the whole team Medical Corporation (HMC) ing forces with our counterparts from Sidra Medicine and HMC, have jointly established a new at Hamad Medical Corporation, who were involved in his care paediatric orthopaedic oncology our patients will benefit from and treatment. It is also testa- surgery service. both specialties and treated at ment to the high level of medi- The service is the first of its either facility to ensure they re- cal expertise available in Qatar.” kind to be offered to children ceive the highest level of care.” Following the surgery, M.A and young people diagnosed Dr Ahmed Mounir, senior has recovered fully with a com- with primary bone or soft tis- consultant Orthopaedic Oncol- (From left) Dr. Ahmed Mounir, patient M.A, patient’s M.A father and Dr bination of physical and hydro sue cancer, including benign ogy at Hamad Medical Corpo- Talal Ibrahim therapy and has started to fully and cancerous tumours. The ration, said: “A smooth, simple bear weight on the right lower multidisciplinary service is also and uninterrupted pathway of The team at Sidra Medicine hip was printed to plan his sur- limb. the first of its kind to be offered diagnosis and treatment for conducted more tests, including gical intervention. It was then He is now able to go about in Qatar for children and young children with suspected or con- computerised tomography (CT) decided that he would need to unrestricted in his daily activi- people. firmed bone or soft tissue tu- and magnetic resonance imag- undergo a surgical hip disloca- ties without any discomfort or In addition to paediatric mors has been established and ing (MRI) scans and pathology tion procedure to remove the pain. orthopaedic oncology surgery, agreed upon between both Sidra tests, which confirmed that the bony lesion. M.A’s parents said, “We are the service is supported by other Medicine and Hamad Medical lesion was in fact an Osteochon- The bony lesion in M.A’s hip thankful to Allah for our son’s sub-specialties such as diagnos- Corporation. This newly estab- droma. was removed in five-hour sur- his hip joint from the socket neck in a growing child, is tech- recovery under the care of the tic and interventional radiology, lished pathway would provide Osteochondroma is a com- gery jointly performed by Dr Ta- while preserving the blood sup- nically challenging and carries wonderful team at Sidra Medi- pathology, medical and radia- high-quality service to these mon non-malignant (benign) lal Ibrahim and Dr Abdelsalam ply to the hip joint. The proce- a very high risk of endangering cine. We also want to thank eve- tion oncology, physiotherapy patients by highly experienced bone growth that is an over- Hegazy from Sidra Medicine dure is technically demanding the blood supply of the femur ryone who helped him through- and occupational therapy and physicians and surgeons from growth of cartilage and bone and Dr Ahmed Mounir from and considered the pinnacle of head. Injury to the blood supply out his journey, including the is available at both Sidra Medi- both facilities in one place”. that occurs at the end of the the Orthopaedic Department paediatric orthopaedic surgery. of the femur head at such young amazing surgeons Dr Talal from cine and HMC’s Bone and Joint Patient M.A’s journey of bone near the growth plates. It at HMC. M.A’s case was one of Sidra Medicine is currently the age could carry the risk of death Sidra Medicine and Dr Ahmed Centre. care: Patient M.A is a 12-year- most often occurs between ages the first to be performed under only hospital in the country to of the head of the femur at the from HMC. Dr Talal Ibrahim, division old boy who was referred to 10 and 30, with the bony lesion the new joint paediatric ortho- offer this service for children hip joint (socket). This may re- “Our son is now able to go chief of Paediatric Orthopaedic Sidra Medicine with an abnor- enlarging a patient’s growth and paedic oncology surgery service and young people. We are very sult in early degeneration of the about his day without any physi- Surgery at Sidra Medicine, said: mal gait, causing him to limp. development. In M.A’s case, it offered by Sidra Medicine and pleased with our collaboration joint, severe pain and limitation cal challenges and walk normal- “Most children with bone can- Initial scans indicated there was was affecting his ability to walk HMC. with HMC and to Dr Ahmed of movement and the patient ly as if nothing was ever wrong. cer often end up seeing multiple a difference in length of his legs properly and causing him a con- Dr Ibrahim, who lead M.A Mounir for offering this life-sav- might need to have an artificial What a blessing to have access doctors as they undergo differ- and a restricted range of mo- siderable amount of discomfort hip dislocation surgery, said: ing service for children in need.” joint in the future to alleviate to such great care in Qatar for ent tests, surgeries and treat- tion in his right hip, because of a as well as pain in the right hip. “M.A’s surgical hip dislocation Removal of such a big lesion, the pain. our children. We are truly grate- ment programmes, including bony lesion in the same hip. A 3D model of M.A’s right involved removing the ball of that involves most of the femur Dr Mounir, who removed ful.” 04 Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Nation QBRI hosts influential science communicator for informative talk in the natural sciences from an moderator of the session, said: future. Hashem Al-Ghaili shares motivational early age, Al-Ghaili highlighted “Hashem Al-Ghaili’s passion Speaking of the objectives journey using social media to help millions the role of higher education in for science communication of his platforms, he said: “The opening opportunities for him has had an incredible impact main goal is not to feed people grasp scientific developments to pursue his passion. on millions around the world. with information, but to feed He earned his master’s de- His efforts help to highlight them with the process of find- Tribune News Network The Yemeni biotechnolo- gree in Molecular Biotechnol- the importance of research and ing information and question- Doha gist, TEDx speaker and sci- ogy from Jacobs University, to make scientific findings ac- ing everything. Thousands of ence communicator is known an English-language university cessible to a wider audience discoveries are published every Qatar Biomedical Research for his knowledgeable use of in Bremen, Germany, which in easy-to-understand visual day, and people need to under- Institute (QBRI), part of infographics and videos to gave him access to the latest formats. Through his videos, stand the process of obtaining Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- document major scientific technologies and laboratory Hashem continues to inspire abstract knowledge and how sity (HBKU), recently hosted breakthroughs and technologi- equipment. Given the choice of people who want to pursue it can be applied to their own Hashem Al-Ghaili to share his cal achievements. His “Scien- My Journey in Science Com- of informing, educating, and pursuing his PhD, Al-Ghaili in- science as a career, and this is means of communication.” journey with science communi- ceNaturePage” on Facebook munication, held as part of the raising awareness of science stead went on to become a full- firmly in line with our goals at For more information cation and how he helped mil- has more than 32 million fol- Career Development in Sci- and science to non-expert au- time science communicator QBRI to build capacity and de- about QBRI’s state-of-the-art lions of non-scientists to better lowers and reaches around 400 ence Webinar series, Al-Ghaili diences – has gained immense and he continues to find new velop a new generation of sci- research facilities and centers understand scientific subjects million users a week, while his discussed the key skills needed popularity as a lucrative career ways to share his knowledge. entists.” focusing on research related such as climate change, neuro- videos have garnered nearly 16 to communicate science effec- path for many science gradu- Commenting on the lec- Al-Ghaili believes that 80 to diabetes, cancer, immunity, science, cancer, genetic engi- billion views. tively. In recent years, science ates. ture, Dr. Adviti Naik, postdoc- per cent of Internet content and neurological disorders, neering, and many more. During the QBRI Webinar, communication – the practice While he took an interest toral researcher at QBRI and will be multimedia in the near please visit qbri.hbku.edu.qa QRCS and UNHCR provide Yemen hospitals with life-saving surgeries, medical facilities Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed a pro- ject to improve healthcare ser- vices for Yemeni refugees in collaboration with the United QA launches global Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Recently, 19 surgeries exclusive partnership were performed on ill refu- gees, including vein trans- plantation, diagnostic/ with luxury fragrance therapeutic catheterisation, cardiac stent placement, tu- needs of medical equipment, the beneficiaries, how to facili- and the provision of medicines humanitarian conditions. brand ‘diptyque’ mor removal, sampling, and consumables and furniture for tate medical examinations and to patients helped put an end She commended the services burn skin graft. a total cost of $66,768. surgical procedures, coordina- to many years of pain. All op- offered by QRCS to Al-Hafi Tribune News Network ers in comforting essences and The QRCS Representa- The UNHCR and QRCS tion between health facilities erations, stents and vein grafts and Al-Rahbi health cent- DOHA fragrances that will take them tion Mission in Yemen has delegation visited Al-Thawra and QRCS, the mechanism for were secured free of charge. ers, which have been fully fi- on a sensory journey to create acquired medical facilities for General Hospital and Al-Jom- completing the delivery of the Patients were provided with nanced since the beginning of Qatar Airways (QA) has in- travel memories with Qatar Air- the Al-Thawra General Hos- houri Teaching Hospital. This Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of optimised medical services, the last year. troduced a new line of luxurious ways. We are proud to be offer- pital, the Al-Jomhouri Teach- emphasises ongoing efforts to Al-Jomhouri Hospital, and comprehensive examinations, According to a statistical toiletries for premium passen- ing world-class products from ing Hospital and the Sanaa ease the increasing burden on ways to overcome delays in drugs, and transportation of report by QRCS medical staff gers. Created by the pioneering brands such as diptyque that Central Laboratory. Supplies public hospitals, as well as to delivery. ambulances from and to hos- at health centers, 30,508 re- parfumerie maison diptyque, have a lasting impact on our included 36 syringe pumps, address shortages in medical In a statement, Dr. Mona pitals.” cipients were served under the the new range of toiletries will passengers.” six DC Shock equipment and equipment, drugs and labora- Al-Hamadani, the project re- Dr. Al-Hamadani de- project and 31,879 refugees adorn the First and Business diptyque’s Executive Direc- three vein viewers. tory solutions. ferral officer, said, “The timely scribed the intervention as a and Yemeni patients were free Class washrooms on board tor Fabienne Mauny said, “Trav- This is part of a pro- During the visit, they dis- response, medical examina- lifeline for patients to relieve of charge, both at health cent- the aircraft and at the airline’s el has formed an integral part of gramme to meet the urgent cussed the health conditions of tions, surgical interventions their suffering from severe ers and beyond. premium lounges around the our House since its creation in world. 1961. We are therefore delighted Qatar Airways is excited to to partner with Qatar Airways, be the first airline to launch the a company that shares our pas- range of diptyque toiletries with sion to provide our customers worldwide exclusivity. with enchanting experiences. Qatar Airways becomes ‘Official Airline Partner’ The new collection includes We are very happy to launch this a velvet hand lotion with luxu- exclusive collection of products rious scents of sweet almond designed for passenger wellness of Global Surgical and Medical Support Group and petitgrain, hand wash with and pleasure.” notes of lavender, rosemary and Founded in 1961, the dip- Tribune News Network looking after people and saving global network, which currently a hint of ylang ylang, infused tyque story began in Paris, Doha thousands of lives during the stands at over 130 destinations. facial water with floral notes of with three friends propelled by current COVID-19 pandemic.” With more frequencies being rose, virginia cedar and lemon the same creative passion and Qatar Airways (QA) has GSMSG President Dr Aar- added to key hubs, QA offers petitgrain and essential face unique taste. With more than 70 become the OfficialAirline on Epstein said: “GSMSG is unrivalled connectivity to pas- cream with a heart of roses, vo- standalone boutiques and 700 Sponsor of the Global Surgical honoured to partner with Qa- sengers. luptuous notes of prickly pear wholesalers, the brand boasts and Medical Support Group tar Airways in bringing some A multiple award-winning and the freshness of lemon pe- its strong presence across the (GSMSG) to support its ef- of the highest quality medical airline, QA was named ‘World’s titgrain. Shower gel, shampoo, globe. forts in providing medical re- and surgical care to communi- Best Airline’ by the 2019 World conditioner and body lotion The collaboration reflects lief to vulnerable communities ties in need around the world. Airline Awards, managed by complete the range of products diptyque’s celebration of the across the world. With Qatar Airways’ interna- Skytrax. It was also named offered to customers at the air- French art of living, taking The GSMSG is a charitable tional reach, we will improve ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, line’s premium lounges at Ham- Qatar Airways’ passengers on non-profit organisation that the lives of hundreds of thou- ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ad International Airport (HIA) a beautiful olfactory journey represents over 1,200 medical sands. Additionally, GSMSG and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, and other key airport hubs. with these delightful skincare professionals who dedicate time teams include expert trainers recognising its ground-break- Qatar Airways Head of products. This collection from to offer top-tier services in aus- as respond to the global COV- bust international network help and instructors in everything ing Business Class experience, Product Development and Ser- Qatar Airways and diptyque is tere settings overseas and serve ID-19 pandemic. the medical teams reach more ranging from frontline care to Qsuite. It is the only airline to vice Design Genevieve Rosario just the start of a longer term populations in need. QA Group Chief Executive people around the world.” nursing to advanced surgery. By have been awarded the coveted said, “We are so excited to be and immersive journey that As the official airline partner Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Air- “We at Qatar Airways are training medical professionals ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ ti- introducing our premium pas- the two brands hope to elevate of GSMSG, QA will fly medical ways strongly believes in giving incredibly grateful for the com- worldwide, we can leave a long- tle, which is recognised as the sengers to a new and exclusive with more collaborations in the volunteers on duty to several back to the global community mitment and hard work of lasting impact on entire com- pinnacle of excellence in the range of diptyque toiletries that months to come. international destinations. QA’s and making a difference. As an healthcare professionals. As a munities. Qatar Airways makes airline industry five times. HIA we hope will become a part of The collaboration between global network will support the airline that connects commu- gesture of appreciation in No- this possible by bringing our was recently ranked ‘Third Best their lifestyles. “The lavish and Qatar Airways and diptyque is organisation to expand its reach nities and people worldwide, vember 2020, we gave away teams to where they are needed Airport in the World’, among exquisite toiletries are designed facilitated by FORMIA, a lead- further to provide medical and we are delighted to support 100,000 free tickets to frontline the most.” 550 airports worldwide, by the to enhance the customer experi- ing international guest amenity surgical care, training of physi- GSMSG’s highly commendable healthcare professionals to say The national carrier of Skytrax World Airport Awards ence, surrounding our custom- and hospitality specialist. cians and medical staff, as well initiative and through our ro- thank you for their heroic work Qatar continues to rebuild its 2020.

Innovate to break sound tropes and make it real, advises Qumra Master Mangini Academy Award-winning, self, taking listeners through tion. You must hear what some- They studied the 1982 Blade novate and break the tropes of and five-time nominatedthe process of designing sound body is trying to tell you – that is Runner in detail and what they sounds. sound designer, Mark Man- for his films, including ‘Blade elegant filmmaking.” took from the film – and is their Other Qumra Masters, who gini shared vital importance Runner 2049’ (2017), ‘Star Trek Writers contact him when tribute to it – “is the mood, the will share their insights this of sound in realising the full IV: The Voyage Home’ (1986), they have a narrative roadblock, unusual tonalities.” year are: BAFTA and Academy creative expression of films in ‘Gremlins’ (1984) and more. said Mangini. “They ask if I can Mangini said he has an ex- Award-nominated cinematog- Qumra Masterclass Befitting the concept of a use sound to get past the block tensive sound library of over rapher Phedon Papamichael, masterclass, Mangini shared in a more elegant way than we 60,000, and he is constantly internationally celebrated direc- Tribune News Network insights on how he created can say it in words.” His in- finding new ways to create tor and Cannes veteran James Doha sounds, collecting them and volvement as a sound designer sounds that befit the mood of Gray and Silver Lion winning drawing inspiration from any- has even extended to the editing the film, going to lengths such as film director and screenwriter Sound could not have be- thing around him -- including Mark Mangini during his masterclass at Qumra 2021 table, where his and the editor’s hiring a metal scrapyard to cap- Jessica Hausner. come more evocative a topic of several fascinating food analo- work can be complementing ture the sound of metal clash- Public can access Qumra discussion than in the Qumra gies. Endorsing new technolo- great role to play in delivering boundaries of his approach to and uplifting for the movie. ing on metal and placing sound online by purchasing a Qumra Masterclass by Mark Mangini, gy, he said the “advent of digital the essence of the story in film- sound design. He broke con- He delved deep into creat- recorders across a bee farm to Pass that offers the full Qumra Academy-award winner and recording and editing revolu- making – the suspension of dis- ventions of approaching sound ing sounds for movies such as capture the buzz of honeybees. Screenings and Qumra Talks five-time nominated sound de- tionised the industry”. belief. “You know what you are design in the silo of post-pro- ‘Blade Runner 2049’, creating He explained how to bring out programmes. signer. Calling himself an “old- doing is not real and your role duction and stressed the im- what he said was ‘the Blade the magic of silence through the Qumra Pass is open to all In conversation with Rich- timer”, he quickly adapted and is to support the filmmaker’s portance of working closely Runner’ sound – which com- use of sound and detailed the citizens and residents of Qatar ard Peña, programme director rehauled his skills. “I love hard conviction to create something right from the pre-production bined music and sound in a way ‘Top of the Pyramid’ approach and the MENA region and ap- of the Film Society of Lincoln drives and repeatability: The closer to reality. The advances stage. “Every phase of produc- where “they never competed of director George Miller (Mad plications will be processed on Center and director of the New single biggest change that oc- in technology gives us to tools ing a motion picture must have with each other”. He recalled Max 2). a first-come first-serve basis. York Film Festival from 1988 curred in my arena – sound de- to create new versions of reality, sound design engaged,” he said. the film’s directorD enis Vil- He advised young film- The Qumra Pass is priced at until 2012, at Qumra, the Doha sign – [influenced] not just how whether it is fabricated or not.” “Sound can be used as a very ef- leneuve asking him “erase the makers to build a collection of QR500; students and Culture Film Institute’s (DFI) annual we produce sound but also how Mangini said he creates an ficient story-telling tool that can boundary between sound and real sounds, to avoid synthetic Pass by Qatar Museums holders talent incubator for Arab cin- we exhibit sound for films.” alternate sound reality, and quickly speak to audience in ad- music. He wanted audience to sounds, to revisit the sounds can purchase it for a discounted ema, Mangini was his candid Mangini said sound has a this meant he had to push the dition to dialogue or conversa- switch off the critique within.” they have created and to in- price of QR350. World Tuesday, March 16, 2021 05

News US is world’s leading arms in brief Taliban to take part in Afghan supplier, Saudi top importer summit in Russia Kabul: The Taliban’s po- litical office has confirmed The US accounted for 37% of global arms sales during the 2016-2020 period, and sold arms to 96 countries that it will take part in an Afghanistan summit in Rus- Abdul Hamid Dbeibah dpa to diversify its arms suppliers sia this week, a spokesman Stockholm and build up a domestic ca- for the militant group said pacity. on Monday. More than a third of the glob- France was the third-larg- Mohammad Naeem said Libya’s al arms sold worldwide during est exporter, on 8 percent, and that a high-profile, 10-mem- the past five years originated recorded several large deals ber delegation of the interim unity in the United States, under- with, among others, India, Taliban headed by Mullah scoring its role as the world’s Egypt and Qatar including Abdul Ghani Baradar, the government top weapons seller, a Swedish- combat aircraft and navy ves- group’s deputy leader, would based research institute said sels, the institute said. participate in the summit in sworn in on Monday. Germany and China were Moscow. The Afghan govern- The US accounted for 37 also among the five main ex- ment confirmed its partici- dpa percent of global arms sales porters. The top five account- pation on Saturday. Tripoli during the 2016-2020 period, ed for three quarters of global Moscow is planning to and sold arms to 96 coun- arms exports. host a senior-level confer- Members of Libya’s new in- tries. Half of its sales went to China supplied major ence on Afghanistan on terim unity government were the Middle East, the Stock- arms to 51 countries, but March 18. Invitations were sworn in on Monday before holm International Peace Re- several large markets are extended to the Afghan gov- the parliament in the eastern search Institute (SIPRI) said. closed over political reasons, ernment, political leaders, city of Tobruk. US exports increased 15 per- including India, Japan and the Taliban, and repre- The government, led by cent compared to the 2011- Australia. sentatives from the United Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid 2105 period. China’s exports were down States, China and Pakistan. Mohammed Dbeibeh, aims to Global volumes of almost 8 percent compared to Russia’s diplomatic bid lead Libya until long-delayed arms transfers were stable the previous period and it has comes amid intensifiedU S elections scheduled for De- in the five-year period,S I- not succeeded in making size- efforts to accelerate the Af- cember 24. PRI said of the 0.5 percent able inroads in the Middle ghan peace process ahead It replaces the UN-backed dip compared with 2011-2015, Forces loyal to Yemen’s Saudi-backed government enter the Abs district of the northwestern Hajjah East, according to SIPRI. of a potential withdrawal of Government of National Ac- noting they were on level with province recently. (AFP) Asia and Oceania was US troops from the country cord (GNA), which has been in Cold War highs, according the top arms-importing re- on May 1. (dpa) charge of Tripoli and western to its latest review of global placed before 2020, and “sev- large sources, but Britain’s gion, with 42 percent of areas, as well as the competing arms transfers. eral countries placed very sig- China’s exports were down global share of exports has arms imports in 2016-2020. eastern administration linked “It is too early to say nificant deals during the pan- almost 8 percent com- dropped with the completion The Middle East region’s Duterte says spike with warlord Khalifa Haftar. whether the period of rapid demic,” Wezeman told dpa. pared to the previous peri- of large deliveries of combat share of global arms imports in virus cases not Parliament approved growth in arms transfers of the He noted that Poland, od and it has not succeed- aircraft to Saudi Arabia. was about 33 percent. In ad- cause for concern Dbeibeh’s Cabinet last week. past two decades is over,” said Japan and Germany, for in- ed in making sizeable Russia, the world’s sec- dition to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, After the swearing-in cere- Pieter Wezeman, senior re- stance, placed large orders for ond-largest exporter with one- Qatar and the United Arab Manila: Philippine Presi- mony, Parliamentary Speaker searcher with the SIPRI arms combat aircraft in 2020. Half inroads in the Middle fifth of global arms deliveries, Emirates (UAE) were among dent Rodrigo Duterte on Aguila Saleh said it is time to and military expenditure pro- of the US exports went to the East, according to SIPRI sold weapons to 45 countries. the world’s top 10 importers. Monday assured Filipinos put aside disputes after years gramme. Middle East, where Saudi Ara- More than half of Russia’s ex- The institute uses a five- that a recent spike in the of division and fragmentation. Although 2020 - the year bia alone accounted for one- US has signalled a tougher ports went to India, China and year cycle to even out fluctua- number of coronavirus “It is time to shake hands, of the coronavirus pandemic fourth of US exports, making stance on exporting guided Algeria. tions caused by a big order cases should not be a forgive and rise above our dif- - saw a 16-per-cent drop year- it the country’s single most bombs used in the Yemen Russia’s exports, however, during any specific year. cause for concern, as ferences,” Saleh told lawmak- on-year in the value of global important market. conflict, it “looks very unlikely declined by a fifth compared The arms transfers data- officials announced more ers and the new Cabinet. arms transfers, SIPRI was cau- US arms exports increased that the US would stop the to the previous five-year peri- base does not include small vaccines were expected to Saleh also called for a com- tious regarding fluctuations in its sales by 15 percent Wezem- supply of advanced combat od. The decrease was “primar- arms and is based on public be delivered. One year since prehensive national reconcili- a single year or attributing the an said it remained to be seen aircraft or ships,” he said. ily due to the significant drop sources ranging from nation- he imposed coronavirus ation process and the unifica- decline to the pandemic. if the new US administration Saudi Arabia remained in their sales to India,” Weze- al and regional newspapers restrictions on the country, tion of state institutions to be There were disruptions in under President Joe Biden the world’s top importer, with man said. to specialized international Duterte said the pandemic the first steps towards reform supply chains also in the arms would revise export policies 11 percent of the global total. India - the world’s second journals, as well as govern- was just a “small” challenge and stability. industry, but most orders were to Saudi Arabia. Although the Britain and France were other largest importer - was seeking ment and industry reports. to Filipinos. “We can beat this Covid-19,” he said in his weekly televised address. “This is a small matter. We have been through a lot. Syrians demonstrate in Idlib to mark 2011 uprising anniversary Do not fear, I will not leave you.” The Health Depart- dpa a witness said. in foreign fighters and powers. ment earlier announced Beirut Activist Mustafa Dah- The Britain-based Syr- 5,404 new cases, bringing non said the demonstra- The Syrian crisis, which ian Observatory for Human the country’s total caseload Thousands of Syrians tion’s main message was that started with peaceful pro- Rights said on Sunday that to 626,893 on Monday. The demonstrated in Idlib, the the revolution in Syria is con- democracy protests on at least 388,652 people have death toll was at 12,837, it last rebel stronghold in the tinuing and that the people March 15, 2011, soon been killed in Syria’s conflict. added. The number of daily country, on Monday and are sticking to their goals. evolved into a full-blown Around 62 percent of Syria is cases has been surging vowed the Syrian revolu- “Ten years and the revo- under the control of govern- since last week and hit a tion that started 10 years ago lution continues,” read one conflict ment forces and allied para- six-month high at the week- would not stop. placard held by demonstra- militaries, while the remain- end as more contagious “Down with the regime” tors, who were also holding started with peaceful pro- der is divided among Kurdish variants of the coronavirus and “freedom, freedom” the Syrian opposition’s three- democracy protests on March militias, Turkish-backed re- were detected in the coun- chanted the crowd from the star flag. 15, 2011, soon evolved into a bels and Islamist fighters, the An aerial picture shows Syrians waving the national flag during a try. (dpa) city of Idlib and its outskirts, The Syrian crisis, which full-blown conflict, drawing monitor said. gathering in the rebel-held city of Idlib on Monday. (afp) Myanmar protests continue as Bank services hit across India as workers strike dpa Since banks across the “The strike is a total success. the solution?” military imposes martial law New Delhi country were closed on Satur- 850,000 people stayed off work The strike comes after Fi- day and Sunday, it effectively and huge numbers participated nance Minister Nirmala Si- Key banking operations across means a four-day halt of bank- in marches and rallies across tharaman in the federal budget dpa India were affected on Monday ing services in India. the country,” CH Venkatacha- announced the privatization Yangon as around 850,000 employees Employees from govern- lam, general secretary of the All of two state-run banks as part went on strike to protest the ment and small private banks India Bank Employees Associa- of the government’s ambitious There were further dem- proposed privatisation of state- as well as regional and rural tion, said by phone. 24-billion-dollar divestment onstrations in Myanmar on run banks in the country. banks joined the strike. Top “You [the government] are target this year. Monday with reports of sev- The two-day strike was private banks were not affected. trying to sell the banks to pri- The government had al- eral deaths, as protesters called by the United Forum of Services like deposits and vate people who have mainly ready privatised IDBI, a major turned out despite the mili- Bank Unions, an umbrella or- withdrawal at branches, cheque contributed to the huge bad bank, back in 2019 and has also tary’s brutal suppression of ganization representing nine clearance and loan approvals loan problem that besets the merged 14 public sector banks rallies across the country over unions of bank employees. were affected due the strike. banking sector in India. Is that over the last four years. the weekend, resulting in the bloodiest day so far. On Monday, at least four demonstrators were shot dead in Myingyan and Mandalay in Pakistan imposes restrictions the north, and at least two in Yangon in the south, according to control new wave of virus to the Irrawaddy newspaper. Protesters stand near makeshift barricades during demonstrations The latest deaths follow against the military coup in Yangon on Monday. (AFP) dpa have been shut twice in the past those of several dozen people Islamabad year and then reopened. who were killed on Sunday, protester Htoo Htoo told dpa. It was unclear who was be- “The new strain of the coro- according to local media and The military has imposed hind the arson attacks. Pakistan on Monday put virus navirus discovered in Britain was the Assistance Association for martial law in several districts, Under martial law, sol- hotspots in densely populated cit- responsible for a rapid increase in Political Prisoners (AAPP). according to state television, diers no longer have to wait for ies under lockdown as the coun- infections,” Punjab Health Minis- There were at least 38 casu- including in Hlaing Thar Yar, an order from military leaders try battles a third wave of the ter Yasmin Rashid told the media alties, AAPP said, although Shwe Pyi Thar, North Ok- during an operation but can coronavirus. on Monday. some observers on Monday kalapa, North Dagon, South shoot or occupy homes in the “Smart” lockdown have been The new restrictions were im- said the figure was higher. Dagon and Dagon Seikkan, six concerned neighbourhoods if imposed in at least seven major posed as the country witnessed a In Yangon, 59 people were Yangon townships where for- they see fit. cities of the central Punjab prov- steady increase in new infections. killed and 129 injured in the eign factories are located, par- “When the Chinese em- ince and the capital Islamabad, The country has so far re- crackdown by police and se- ticularly Chinese-owned ones. bassy issued the statement, said Sajid Shah, a spokesperson ported 607,453 cases of Covid-19 curity forces, Myanmar Now Martial law was imposed the military imposed martial for the Health Ministry. and 13,537 related deaths. At least news site said in a tweet, citing after arson attacks on several law in our township and some There are restrictions on peo- 2,253 new cases and 29 deaths three hospitals. Chinese textile factories in other townships. Because the ple’s movements and a ban on were reported during the last 24 “The death tolls of yester- Yangon, in which many Chi- military is afraid of the Chi- gathering indoors, the early clo- hours, according to the Health day were higher than what we nese workers were trapped or nese government and they sure of parks and markets and a Ministry. Last month, Pakistan can learn. injured, the Chinese embassy only want to protect Chinese shutdown of educational institu- kick-started the vaccination of Some dead bodies were said on Facebook. It called on properties, not our civilians’ tions for two weeks. front-line health workers, but the sent to hospital but some were authorities to protect Chinese lives,” Nay Min Khant, a resi- Wearing a face mask and main- campaign received a lukewarm re- taken to their homes. So the businesses and Chinese citi- dent of Shwe Pyi Thar town- taining social distance have been sponse as many are sceptical about number is hard to confirm,” zens. ship, told dpa. made mandatory again. Schools the vaccine, a gift from China. 06 Tuesday, March 16, 2021

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

Time To Stop Messing Around With Time Qatar Seeks To Ensure t’s that time of year again light saving time. It’s the third time when Americans reset their he has proposed this change since Iclocks one hour ahead, grum- 2018, when his state’s Legislature ble about losing an hour of sleep voted in favor of stopping the time Marginalised Children Benefit — and wonder why on Earth we shift. Earlier versions didn’t get keep observing the outdated very far. This time may be differ- tradition of tinkering with time ent, however, because Rubio has twice a year. enlisted the support of seven other It’s a good question. There’s senators from both parties. From Quality Education no practical benefit to the bi- We sure hope the third time annual clock-changing ritual is the charm because the benefits beyond reminding people to for keeping this tradition, if there Education Above All Foundation, Qatar Fund For Development and the Ministry of check their smoke alarm bat- ever were any, aren’t relevant in teries. But there are plenty of 2021. It didn’t deliver any signifi- Education in Kenya sign an agreement to educate 250,000 out-of-school children in Kenya annoyances and maybe some cant energy savings, as was hoped health risks too. It sows confu- when adopted during World War sion and discombobulation (is I. And though we have all heard it spring forward, fall back — or the argument about kids having the other way round?). Some to walk to school in the dark if we studies have found a correlation don’t move the clocks back for between changing the clocks and winter, it’s not really an issue to- increased heart attacks, strokes day. Most young schoolchildren and car accidents. That’s not don’t walk to school by them- proof, of course, but given how selves anymore, according to the messing with time schedules can National Center for Safe Routes disrupt sleep, and messing with to School, because it’s not per- sleep can decrease alertness and ceived to be safe no matter how impair physical health, it’s not light it is outside. And older kids hard to see a connection. generally have later schedules, But inertia is a powerful force. so not only would they not be af- We keep doing it because we’ve fected by the later sunrise, they’d been doing it. And with more im- have more daylight for after- portant issues commanding the school programmes and sports. attention of Congress, lawmakers And the poor farmers we have must find it a lot easier just to fol- heard so much about? It’s a myth low this pointless tradition than that adopting daylight saving was to take to the time to examine it. a measure to help agriculture. Nevertheless, momentum is In fact, when California voted to building nationally to dump this start the clock-changing practice practice and stick with daylight in 1949, farmers were very much saving time year-round. (In the opposed to it, noting that cows event you are confused — and didn’t care whether it was 6 am or many of us are — daylight saving 3 million o’clock. It was the cham- is recognised for the eight months ber of commerce folks who liked from March to November; stand- the change because they thought, ard time is what we revert to for with good reason, that it would the other four months.) encourage more economic activ- Sixteen states including Cali- ity in the evening, which is when fornia have endorsed the idea people are more likely to go out QNA children (OOSC) from accessing education.” of remaining on daylight saving to a movie or dinner. A study by Doha The project seeks to ensure the provision of time permanently, and others JPMorgan Chase Institute backs quality teaching and learning by implementing are considering it. Two states up that assertion. It found that inister of Education and Higher Qatar’s contribution of more than $30 the alternative provision of education, build- don’t do the clock-changing consumer spending increases af- Education HE Mohammed bin Ab- million over the next three years will focus ing teachers capacities, renovating classrooms, thing at all, but that’s because ter we start daylight saving time del Wahid Al Hamadi has lauded the on providing educational opportunities in constructing WASH facilities, and improving they recognise standard time in spring and decreases when we agreement signed by the Education access to learning for children with disabilities year-round: Arizona (except for return to standard time in the fall. Above All Foundation, Qatar Fund For arid and semi-arid areas and the urban and to guarantee equitable access to education for the portion within the Navajo There are some who would DevelopmentM (QFFD) and the Ministry of Edu- informal settlements in Nairobi through all children enrolled in the project. nation), because of the summer prefer permanent standard time, cation in the Republic of Kenya, which will be Educate A Child (EAC), a global programme To date, EAA’s Educate A Child (EAC) pro- heat, and Hawaii, because of its which means more daylight in implemented by the United Nations Children’s of EAA projects, and partnerships to provide gramme, alongside its partners, has secured proximity to the equator, which the morning year-round. But Fund (UNICEF). over 791,000 commitments to enroll OOSC into gives each day there a roughly we think it makes more sense to “In my country, nothing makes us more equitable basic education for 250,000 quality primary education in Kenya, with more equal amount of daylight all year have more daylight at the end of proud than working with our partners to pro- children in Kenya. This project will address than 540,000 OOSC already enrolled. long. The European parliament the day when more people are vide educational opportunities for boys and the fundamental issues that prevent In order to complement national education has also voted to stop changing awake and active. Besides, it girls with special needs, and with vulnerable strategies and priorities, EAA works to address the clocks but has yet to actually would be less disruptive, as we and marginalised children,” Al Hamadi said out-of-school children from accessing poverty, rehabilitates schools, provides psy- implement the change. already spend two-thirds of the during a virtual signing the agreement event. education. chosocial support and sports education, car- Time may be running short for year on daylight saving time. Al Hamadi added, “Qatar’s contribution ries out targeted capacity-building initiatives the clock-changing foolishness. But the most important thing of more than $30 million over the next three HE Mohammed bin Abdelwahid Al Hamadi, and advocates for the education rights of the Last week Sen. Marco Rubio, R- is for us to stop messing with the years, will focus on providing educational op- Minister of Education and Higher Education hardest-to-reach OOSC. Fla., reintroduced a bill that would clocks twice a year. Time’s up for portunities in arid and semi-arid areas and In so doing, EAA continues to alleviate bar- put the nation on permanent day- this silly tradition. the urban and informal settlements in Nairobi provide equitable basic education for 250,000 riers to education, such as poverty, refugee sta- through Educate A Child (EAC), a global pro- children in Kenya. This project will address the tus, gender discrimination, inadequate infra- (TCA) gramme of EAA projects, and partnerships to fundamental issues that prevent out-of-school structure, and challenging geographies. It’s Time To Find Real Political Solution In Syria: Al Khater ‘International community must unite to support the Syrian people in facing the pandemic COVID-19’

In this regard, she indicated does not only mean the continua- QNA that keenness to achieve stability, tion of the political crisis, but more Doha unity and independence of Syria importantly, the continuation of We believe that it is crucial for and make it over narrow political the humanitarian crisis, even with the international community, interests must be the main pillar all the efforts made by the interna- atar has expressed its be- as well as the UN bodies, to for any future solution between the tional community to help the Syr- lief that the time has come to different parties. ian people face this crisis. Qfind new avenues and paths come together in support of “Moreover, concerted efforts “We have failed to elevate peo- towards a real and comprehensive the Syrian people in facing must also be made to combat ter- ples’ suffering, and this crisis has political solution and transition in this humanitarian challenge, rorism in all its forms and manifes- now been exacerbated with the Syria on the basis of the “Geneva and we must work actively to tations. But most importantly, we spread of the COVID-19, a pan- 1” statement and Security Council provide aid, and ensure that must ensure that the path towards demic that has exhausted even the resolution 2254. a real solution includes transi- most prosperous of nations strug- It also stressed on the need for this aid reaches all those in tional justice and a commitment gling to face it,” she added. the international community to need. to protect human rights and the Al Khater wondered, then how unite to support the Syrian people HE Lolwah Rashid Al Khater rights of civilians,” she added. can a country like Syria, face its in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Al Khater said the efforts of the own ordeal and deal with such a This came in a speech by As- United Nations Secretary-General pandemic in addition to its heavy sistant Minister of Foreign Af- and the Special Envoy for Syria in and burdensome challenges. fairs and Official Spokesperson of the Syrian crisis and the hu- supporting a political path to reach She affirmed, “We believe that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs manitarian crisis and the suffering a peaceful solution to the Syrian it is crucial for the international HE Lolwah Rashid Al Khater be- of the Syrian people continues. She crisis are greatly appreciated. community, as well as the UN bod- fore the high-level virtual side expressed regret that the efforts of “We, as an international com- ies, to come together in support event held on Monday under the the international community had munity, must support these efforts of the Syrian people in facing this title “Syria — Accountability After failed to reach amicable solutions. and work to support the efforts of the humanitarian challenge, and we 10 Years” on the sidelines of the Al Khater stated that after a Constitutional Committee and the must work actively to provide aid, 46th session of the Human Rights decade of turmoil, all parties have implementation of all elements of and ensure that this aid reaches all Council. realised and agreed that the solu- Security Council Resolution 2254.” those in need in accordance with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry Al Khater said that nearly a tion in Syria is not a military one, Al Khater considered that the the relevant Security Council reso- of Foreign Affairs HE Lolwah Rashid Al Khater. decade has passed since the start but a political one. continuation of the Syrian crisis lutions.”

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Tuesday, March 16, 2021 07

News Germany, France, Italy in brief Vatican: No blessings for homosexual relationships Rome: The Catholic Church does not have the authority to bless homosexual couples, according to an official document halt AstraZeneca jab on Monday. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued the declaration in a “response to a doubt.” “In some ecclesial con- British PM Boris Johnson on Monday rejected the idea Britain would suspend the AstraZeneca vaccine texts, plans and proposals for blessings of unions of persons of the same sex are being advanced,” it said. dpa But a blessing over human relationships is only compatible Berlin WHO panel to meet on Tuesday to if it is “according to the designs of God inscribed in creation.” review AstraZeneca vaccine safety “It is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partner- Germany, France and ships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of mar- Italy on Monday became the Geneva: A panel of experts from the World Health Organization riage ... as is the case of the unions between persons of the latest countries to temporarily will meet Tuesday to review the available safety data on the same sex,” it said. (dpa) suspend use of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. vaccine developed by Astra- The meeting was scheduled in the wake of several European Zeneca over blood clot con- countries suspending use of the jab over concerns about pos- Spain’s dy prime minister steps down cerns, joining others in Europe sible links to incidents of blood clots. including Ireland, Denmark, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media Madrid: Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Pablo Iglesias, of the Norway and the Netherlands. briefing inG eneva that the Advisory Committee on Vaccine leftist United We Can (UP) alliance, unexpectedly resigned The German Health Min- Safety will meet to examine the reports. on Monday, saying he plans to stand for a seat in Madrid in istry pointed to a recommen- The WHO is in close contact on the matter with the Euro- upcoming regional elections. dation from the Paul Ehrlich pean Medicines Agency, the EU’s drugs regulator, Tedros said, Iglesias, who is extremely unpopular in conservative Institute (PEI) for vaccines adding that such assessments are a “routine practice” and that circles, said he would run against the conservative regional and biomedicines that further no link has yet been determined. (afp) government leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso in the Madrid regional research was required. elections on May 4. “After new reports of He plans to leave his post in government at the start of thrombosis of the cerebral proved in late January, has gramme and it’s great to see it campaigning on April 30. veins in connection with the launched an investigation into being rolled out at such speed “Democracy is threatened by a new right a la Trump,” Igle- vaccine in Germany and Eu- the vaccine, as have national across the UK,” he said. sias tweeted in explanation. “Today, it is necessary to confront rope, the PEI considers fur- German Health Minister Jens Spahn in Berlin on Monday. (afp) health authorities in several The Czech Republic and this criminal right.” His comments also referred to right-wing ther investigations to be nec- European countries. Poland also said that they had populist Vox Party. (dpa) essary,” a ministry spokesman traZeneca jab and was experi- Mario Draghi and Health Min- British Prime Minister Bo- no immediate plans to sus- said. encing symptoms like strong ister Roberto Speranza. ris Johnson on Monday reject- pend vaccinations with the As- Health Minister Jens headaches or bleeding under Last week, several people ed the idea Britain would sus- traZeneca vaccine. Russia’s Navalny held in prison camp Spahn said Germany had re- skin was urged to seek out a in Italy died who had previ- pend the AstraZeneca vaccine. “We are acting in line with east of Moscow corded seven cases of throm- doctor. ously been vaccinated with Johnson said the medi- the recommendations of the bosis in cerebral veins among French President Emma- the AstraZeneca jab, though cines regulator in Britain was [EMA]. For now no decision Moscow: Around one and a half months after being sen- 1.6 million vaccinations with nuel Macron also said the jab no causal link has been estab- “one of the toughest and most on suspending AstraZeneca tenced in a court ruling that was criticised internationally, the AstraZeneca jab. “It oc- will stop being used until a lished in those cases. experienced” in the world, and vaccinations in Poland has Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has been taken to a Russian curred very rarely,” Spahn new assessment is conducted AstraZeneca said on Sun- they see “no reason at all” to been taken,” Health Ministry penal camp. said. “This concerns a very low by the EMA over whether day that there is no evidence discontinue any of the vac- spokesman Wojciech Andrus- He is being held in the Vladimir region about 100 kilome- risk - but if there really is a link there is ay link between the its Covid-19 vaccine increases cines being administered to iewicz told PAP agency, who tres east of Moscow, a message posted on his Instagram ac- with the vaccinations, it is a vaccine and reported inci- the risk of blood clots. Britons. added that adverse vaccine count said on Monday, along with a photo of himself with new, disproportionate risk,” Spahn dents of blood clots. He called Several other countries in “They believe that [Brit- events occurred after just 0.36 very short haircut. He is under constant surveillance, he said. added. it a “precautionary measure” Europe have also temporarily ain’s current vaccines] are per cent of AstraZeneca jabs “But if you take it with humour, it is possible to live,” he wrote. Spahn said that in order and said there is the possibil- halted vaccinations with the highly effective in driving administered in Poland. Although he believes the numerous media reports about to resume use, Germany was ity that the vaccinations could jab produced by the British- down not just hospitalization Czech Health Minister torture in the camp, he has not observed any violence so far, waiting for a new assessment be resumed quickly. Swedish pharmaceutical giant but also serious disease and Jan Blatny said that the posi- the 44-year-old wrote. At the end of last week, it became of the jab by the European Italian medicines regula- and Britain’s Oxford Univer- mortality,” he told reporters tive benefits of the vaccine known that Navalny had been taken away from a pre-trial Medicines Agency (EMA), tor Aifa called its nationwide sity, which has been inconclu- on Monday, according to the were undeniable, but added detention centre, but there had been no sign of life from him which he expected “ideally suspension a precautionary sively linked to a risk of blood Press Association (PA) news that recent incidents in other for days after that. On Monday, the opposition leader’s lawyers to come to a decision by the move and said it would wait clots. agency. countries and their investiga- said they waited for hours outside the camp for information, end of this week.” Meanwhile, until the EMA’s decision, af- The EMA, which recom- “We continue to be very tions were being followed very but received none. (dpa) anyone who received the As- ter talks with Prime Minister mended the vaccine be ap- confident about the pro- closely. London police under fire over vigil as attendee describes ordeal

dpa London

The killing of a London woman ear- lier this month and the policing of a vigil to remember her continued to shake the British establishment on Monday, as more details emerged about what happened at the weekend ceremony. London police chief Cressida Dick was due to meet Prime Minister Boris Johnson and lawmakers later on Monday to discuss ways to protect women from violence in the wake of Protestors hold placards and a banner outside the entrance to Downing Street, the murder of Sarah Everard, who the official residence of Britain’s Prime Minister, in London on Monday.( AFP) first went missing while walking home on March 3. said. The vigil, planned by women’s sponse as “unacceptable” and several Everard’s fate became all the rights campaigners, was cancelled by calls for her resignation from law- more shocking after a London police the organizers after London’s Metro- makers. officer was charged with her kidnap- politan Police threatened the group British Home Secretary Priti Pa- ping and murder on Friday. with fines and prosecution under leg- tel told lawmakers on Monday while A woman who attended the Sat- islation restricting social contact due she found footage and images of of- urday vigil and was pinned to the to the coronavirus pandemic. ficers pinning women down and ground by police officers - seen in an But hundreds of women and arresting them to be “upsetting,” image that went viral online - said men nevertheless went to pay their she added the government supports on Monday that she was only there respects, which ended in tense ex- officers and the work they do. to light a candle. Speaking about the changes between the police and the “This government backs our po- incident on British television, Patsy attendees. lice in fighting crime and keeping the Stevenson said she did not under- The Metropolitan Police has public safe, but in the interest of pro- stand why she was “pushed to the since been accused by lawmakers, viding greater assurance and ensur- ground so forcefully” and was “terri- campaigners and citizens for being ing public confidence, I have asked fied” by her ordeal. too heavy handed. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Con- “It happened very quickly and I Dick has refused to step down as stabulary to conduct a full, independ- was only there to lay a candle down, police chief despite London Mayor ent lessons learned review,” she told I did not expect that to happen,” she Sadiq Khan describing the force’s re- lawmakers in British Parliament.

Peace bell rings to commemorate New Zealand mosque attacks dpa Wellington memorate the anniversary. On the prevent all forms of terrorism.” The anniversary, US President Joe Biden United States encouraged technology The World Peace Bell in New Zea- said the country stood with New Zea- companies to enforce their terms of land tolled on Monday as the coun- land in condemning all forms of ter- service and community standards to try remembered the victims of the rorism, regardless of ideology. prevent terrorists from using their 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. “Our thoughts and prayers con- platforms to incite violence, Biden Fifty-one people died as a result of tinue to be with the victims and their said. the attacks at the Al Noor and Lin- families. As a democratic society, Those who died in the New Zea- wood mosques on March 15, 2019, we reject any attempts by individu- land attacks were honoured in a with many others injured and trau- als or groups to stoke the flames of portrait on screen during Saturday’s matised. intolerance and hate.” Biden had event, while their names were read. The bell, in Christchurch’s Bo- made countering “racially or ethni- Led by the local Muslim commu- tanic Gardens, was rung at a small cally motivated violent extremism,” nity, government, and local Maori service Monday afternoon. Pri- including violent white supremacist tribe Ngai Tuahuriri, the service was vate prayers were also held at both ideology, a top priority, he said in a also streamed live online. mosques. A larger remembrance statement. “We are committed to Last year’s service was cancelled service was held on Saturday to com- work with international partners to due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 3-day Doha Islamic Conference to begin on March 30 pg 10

Tuesday, march 16, 2021

32,855.79 10,241.47 50395.08 1,728.90 +77.15 pts +0.79 pts -397.00 pts Gold +0.53 % QBA holds meeting with UK’s Sir Dow QE sensex Gerald Grimstone, Simon Penny page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 26.33 Brent 68.84 -0.55% WTI 65.32 -0.44 % Silver +1.60 % Ezdan reports profit of QR347.94 mn for 2020

Tribune News Network Doha

The Ezdan Holding Group on Monday announced that the company registered profit of QR347.94 million for 2020 compared to QR309.29 mil- lion in 2019. The Group’s earnings per share (EPS) in 2020 stood at QR0.013 compared to QR0.012 in the previous year. The Group generated revenues of QAR1.4 billion in 2020 compared to QR1.66 billion in the previous year. Board members of Doha Bank at the bank’s General Assembly Meeting in Doha on Monday. The Board of Directors has recommended no dividends for 2020 and recommendation for the same will be submit- ted for approval at the Annual Doha Bank gets nod General Assembly meeting. Ezdan announced that In- vestor Relations’ Conference will be held via a conference call to review the financial to extend $2 billion results of the company on March 31. The headquarters of Ezdan Holding Group in West Bay, Doha. bond issuance period QSE maintains upward trend Shareholders approve dividend distribution of QR0.075 per share Tribune News Network which gained almost 1 percent, over the next 20 years, as Tribune News Network would exceed $1 billion. my and Commerce and any responsibility for the year Doha was the best performing sector part of a wider plan to make Doha The bond can be issued in other competent authorities. 2020 and agreed to pay remu- index for the day. the emirate more competi- various major currencies in- Speaking on the occasion, nerations for board members Qatar’s stock market ended The banking index gained tive as Gulf countries brace Doha Bank on Sunday got cluding US Dollar, Australian Sheikh Fahad said, “Delega- for this year. He also stated higher on Monday, extend- 0.68 percent as most of the for the post-oil era. approval from shareholders Dollar, Yen, Swiss Francs, and tion from ordinary AGM of that the AGM has appointed ing gains from the previous major constituents of the in- In Abu Dhabi, the index for the extension of the period Sterling Pound in varying ma- shareholders would be valid KPMG to audit Doha Bank’s session. The Qatar Stock Ex- dex made gains. gained 0.4 percent, supported for issuance of bonds under turities not exceeding 30 years. for three years starting from accounts for the year 2021. change (QSE) index gained The QSE Total Return In- by a 0.8 percent rise in the the bank’s EMTN programme It can be issued either by the date of the convention of During the meeting, the 0.79 points, or 0.01 per- dex increased 0.01 percent country’s largest lender First that was previously approved an SPV guaranteed by Doha the general assembly meeting chairman announced that cent, when the bourse closed to 20,170.95 points and the Abu Dhabi Bank. Saudi Ara- in 2018 with the same compo- Bank or through Doha Bank of the bank in March 2021,” the shareholders have unani- trading at 10,241.47 points QSE Al Rayan Islamic In- bia’s benchmark index, how- nents and parameters. directly and the total out- Sheikh Fahad announced mously approved the pro- on Monday. dex dropped 0.08 percent to ever, eased 0.2 percent. Approval from the share- standing or due Debt Notes that shareholders have also posed amendments to articles The volume of shares trad- 4,329.24 points. The QSE All Economic recovery from holders to this effect was tak- ‘Bonds’ of the bank should not endorsed the board of direc- 3 and 14 of the Articles of As- ed decreased to 178.225 mil- Share Index added 0.20 per- the coronavirus crisis in the en during the bank’s General exceed at any time the bank’s tors corporate governance re- sociation of the Company and lion on Monday from 181.545 cent to 3,237.75 points. oil-rich Gulf region will be Assembly Meeting chaired by capital and reserves. port for the year 2020, balance authorised the chairman and/ million on Sunday and the Meanwhile, Dubai’s main slow, weighing on the region’s Doha Bank Chairman Sheikh The shareholders author- sheet and profit and loss ac- or the vice-chairman and/or value of shares decreased share index closed 0.7 percent banking sector, S&P Global Fahad bin Mohammad bin Ja- ised the board of directors of count for 2020. The sharehold- the managing director to in- to QR424.554 million from higher, with blue-chip devel- Ratings said. bor Al Thani. Doha Bank and those author- ers also endorsed the board’s dividually sign the amended QR652.5 million on Sunday. oper Emaar Properties and Events like Dubai Expo As per the approval, ised by the board to take all recommendation to distribute Articles of Association and Four out of the seven sec- Dubai Investments both ad- this year and the World Cup in bonds can be issued in vary- necessary actions to execute cash dividends to shareholders complete the procedures for tor indices closed in the posi- vancing 2.5 percent each. Qatar next year, as well as a re- ing amounts which would, in these issuances within the by QR0.075 per share. obtaining the necessary ap- tive territory, while indices The Dubai government bounding oil market, will pro- the aggregate, not exceed the programme after obtaining During the same meeting, provals from the competent of four sectors closed in the on Saturday announced its vide some support but growth EMTN programme valuing the approval of Qatar Central the chairman and board mem- authorities, and ratifying the red zone. plan to increase tourism and will remain below historical $2 billion and no single deal Bank, the Ministry of Econo- bers were discharged from the authorisation. The telecom sector index, hotel capacity by 134 percent levels, S&P said.

FIFA World Cup to boost reverse logistics business: GWC CEO

Satyendra Pathak “Disassembly, repair, and return Doha through a defined system. The final consideration in the reverse logistics While logistics will play a signifi- chain is what repair, disassembly cant role during the upcoming 2022 or refurbishment will be required FIFA World Cup Qatar, reverse lo- before final onward shipping. For gistics will also create big business many consumer manufactures, this opportunities once the mega sport- may be simply sorting and packing, ing event is over, GWC Group CEO but this step can vary widely depend- Ranjeev Menon has said. ing on your industry, re-use plans or Reverse logistics are all of the onwards final destination,” he said. logistics activities performed in sup- “The key is to remember that porting product sold to customers, service doesn’t end at the point of a refurbishing returned goods and turnaround but needs to extend back disposing of end-of-life goods. through the existing value chain, or The 2022 FIFA World Cup in even creating another through re- Qatar is going to be the most sus- manufacturing,” he said. tainable FIFA World Cup ever, even “Work to match your in-house including a stadium ‘Ras Bu Aboud’ GWC Group CEO Ranjeev Menon sales and service team with the that is designed to be fully disman- starting point manufacturer, the tled and shipped overseas, along logistics can only be implemented if Next is finding an integrated ing a ball up the hill means that you fessional service team that can help end-point user, and your logistics with 170,000 seats from the remain- we change the way we think about logistics partner, he said, adding, need to have support at every junc- to build and manage clear processes provider to plan, test, and trial your ing seven host-country stadiums. the supply chain and product lifecy- “Once you’ve decided to make the ture along the way, ensuring security quickly and effectively will shorten reverse logistics chain before put- Achieving this level of sustain- cle. It’s about capturing and creating reverse logistics mind-switch, you’ll and preserving value through effec- turnarounds and make sure that all ting it into full use. The stronger ability can only happen with vision, new value from areas where you may need to evaluate your logistics part- tive tracking and monitoring. documents, procedures, and expec- your partnership, the more value foresight, planning, and careful ex- have recognised, accepted, and even nerships and channels, making Even a single break in the logis- tations are set in advance.” that you’ll be able to create and cap- ecution. For business, effective use priced-in costs that you felt were a sure that you have a partner that tics value chain can lead to a knock- “Businesses should consult with ture on this journey,” he said. of reverse logistics can lead to re- natural part of your business.” can take you from point of origin on effect that severely reduces the their services team to clearly evalu- Typical reverse logistics ser- duced costs, faster service, managed “A reverse logistics mindset- to point of use and back again with potential of reverse logistics, he said. ate and establish the processes that vices are, return material authori- losses, even unplanned profits. shift can help unlock value by meas- a fully integrated service. At GWC, Highlighting the importance of matter to their turnaround, whether sation (RMA), returned product Describing how GWC is invest- uring what can be returned, re-used, we’ve been investing heavily to sup- establishing reverse-logistics pro- it’s a focus on speed and throughput, disposition, product repair and re- ing to grow its own capabilities in re- refurbished, or recycled. Beyond port the complete logistics lifecycle, cesses and protocols, he said, “Identi- or ensuring equipment quality and packaging, disposal management, verse logistics and what it can mean product value-capture, it will also including freight forwarding and fying the chokepoints and how you’re documentation to make sure that repair and clean vendor manage- for businesses, whether established allow you to manage customer sat- clearance, storage and distribution, going to handle them is the next big everything arrives as expected in its ment, customer service manage- in Qatar or gearing up to meet the isfaction and experience, smooth venue access and reverse logistics.” step in managing a change. This is onward destination,” he said. ment, compliance monitoring and demand of the world’s greatest sport- out kinks in your supply chain ful- If forward logistics is like rolling particularly true in small markets like With the right pre-work and ser- reporting, empty container man- ing event, Menon said, “It starts with filment, and balance in-bound and a ball down a hill, he said, reverse lo- Qatar, where most shipping is pass- vices team, he said, reverse logistics agement, return to vendor, asset a reverse-logistics mindset. Reverse out-bound loads,” he said. gistics is just the opposite, and roll- ing through customs points. A pro- is an easy decision. recovery and recycling. Economy & Business Tuesday, March 16, 2021 09

Milipol Qatar showcases latest innovations in homeland security: Sheikh Khalifa Tribune News Network Doha

The Qatar Chamber has par- ticipated in the Milipol Qa- tar 2021 Exhibition, which was inaugurated at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on Monday, with the participation of 143 local and international exhibiting com- panies. Being organised by the Ministry of Interior in coop- eration with Paris-based in- ternational event organizer Comexposium, the interna- tional exhibition is dedicated to showcase the latest inno- vations in the homeland se- curity and civil defence. Through its booth in the expo, the Qatar Chamber will highlight the services it offers for the business community and companies. It will also of- fer information about doing businesses in Qatar, in ad- dition to the investment cli- mate and other issues related to the Qatari private sector. companies offer in the fields companies to visit the exhibi- Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim of internal security. tion. It is a great opportunity bin Mohammed Al Thani, During his tour of the for local companies to learn the Chairman of the Qatar exhibition, Sheikh Khaifa more about the homeland se- Chamber, participated in the stressed the importance of curity sector, especially about opening ceremony of the ex- the Milipol exhibition and cybersecurity and the latest hibition. noted that it was one of the innovations in the field of He toured the pavilions most leading fairs specialised public safety, he said. of the companies participat- in technologies of homeland The expo represents a link ing in the exhibition, during security in the region. between global manufactur- which he was briefed on the Sheikh Khalifa called ers, users, and security and products and innovations the on Qatari businessmen and safety experts, he added.

OPINION Investing in talent to QBA holds meeting with UK’s Sir strengthen Qatar’s Gerald Grimstone, Simon Penny ICT ecosystem Tribune News Network future will require a thor- Doha ough understanding of ICT. Those talents who have The Qatari Businessmen As- the skills, knowledge and sociation has held a meeting experience will become the with UK’s Minister of State for future leaders of the sector, Investment Affairs Sir Gerald contributing towards the Grimston, as well as with its continued development of Commercial Commissioner Qatar’s technology ecosys- for the Middle East Simon tem – which will enable the Penny. realization of the leader- HE Jon Wilks, the UK Am- ship’s vision. bassador to Qatar, was also Developing ICT talent present at the meeting, which Dr. Abdulla Khalid Al-Ali requires us to spark an saw the two sides discussing Computer Science and Engi- interest in young people to ways to strengthen the stra- neering Department Head, participate in the sector, tegic partnership, especially College of Engineering, QU and to nurture an innova- in trade and export, and to tion mindset that embraces highlight the most important he information and creativity and forward- investment opportunities. communications tech- thinking as critical skills. First Deputy Chairman Tnology (ICT) sector rep- It takes imagination to de- Hussein Al Fardan and board resents the basic building velop new technologies and members Sherida Al Kaabi, blocks of an intelligent so- advanced solutions, and we Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal ciety, and plays a core role must encourage talented Al Thani, Sheikh Nawaf bin in achieving the ambitions of young people to think big to Nasser Al Thani and Saud Qatar National Vision 2030. achieve significant break- Al Mana represented QBA Developing the country’s ICT throughs. along with members Omar Al capacity is therefore essen- A collaborative ap- Fardan, Khaled Al Mannai, tial for a more prosperous proach is the best way to Nabil Abu Issa and Sarah Ab- and sustainable future, in do this. By combining the dullah (QBA Deputy GM). which digitally-driven indus- expertise and knowledge The United Kingdom is tries thrive and contribute of public and private sector constantly looking forward to towards economic diversifi- entities, we can reach a cooperation with businessmen cation and growth. But while greater number of stu- to attract more investments, investing in technology is dents and provide them especially after Brexit, where critical, it is imperative that with world-class learning there are great opportunities ICT talent is nurtured at the experiences. Qatar Uni- to enhance cooperation with same time – because, after versity’s College of Engi- UK partners such as Qatar, QBA officials with UK’s Minister of State for Investment Affairs Sir Gerald Grimston and Commercial Commissioner for the Middle East Simon all, an intelligent society re- neering, for example, has said Ambassador Wilks. Penny, during a meeting held in Doha on Monday. quires appropriately-skilled partnered with Huawei, He also spoke about the people to ensure continued a company renowned for commercial and economic percent from 2019, achieving partnership extends to many citing time for both countries especially since the Qatari pri- growth and development its technology innovation relations between the two £6.7 billion, and the volume fields, especially in trade, in- as the United Kingdom is set- vate sector today was able to well into the future. across the world, to build a countries, which he described of trade exchange between the vestment, culture, education, ting its independent trade pol- express the potential. In an increasingly platform that enables our as among the most important two countries during the first energy and others. He also icy for the first time in more During the meeting, QBA connected world, digi- students to compete and pillars of the development of nine months of 2020, amount- pointed out that since March than 40 years, and as Qatar members discussed the impli- tal transformation is a exchange ideas with the bilateral relations. ed about QR9.1 billion. 2017, when Qatar announced a continues to push its National cations of the current global driver of socio-economic goal of enhancing their ICT As the volume of trade On his part, Sir Gerald commitment to invest 5 billion Vision 2030 forward. crisis on the global economy growth across all sectors knowledge, practical skills, and economic cooperation Grimston pointed out the pounds in the Qatar-UK Busi- Hussein Al Fardan said and investment opportunities. and industries. Advanced and innovation awareness, between Qatar and the United depth of the existing econom- ness and Investment Forum, the Qatari and UK have been The members also discussed technologies such as 5G while taking advantage of Kingdom topped the list of ic relations between Qatar Qatar has already pledged to enjoying long-term relations Qatar’s preparations for the and artificial intelligence their global expertise and British export and import sec- and UK, which are based on undertake specific investment and Qatari investments in the 2022 World Cup and how the (AI) play an integral part in best practices. tors during the year 2020, and a long common history, add- projects, while work continues UK are among the successful British companies can support shaping a more sustainable By investing in ICT the volume of trade exchange ing that this relationship con- in additional investments in investments. He shared his as- Qatari companies in these future, and will contribute talent, we are investing in between Qatar and the Unit- tinues to grow from strength the United Kingdom. Noting piration to work and cooperate preparations. towards building Qatar’s the future of Qatar. A well- ed Kingdom increased by 21 to strength, and its bilateral that this is happening at an ex- further and discuss new ideas, knowledge-based digital established ICT ecosystem economy. will foster competitiveness, As per the World socio-economic growth, Economic Forum’s Global and development. Work- Competitiveness Report ing alongside exceptional Special Edition 2020, Qatar partners, such as Huawei, China’s industrial production, retail sales rebound ranks ninth globally in ICT and in collaboration with adoption. The local ICT governmental organiza- DPA-AFX climbed 35.1 per cent year-on- In January to February, ing from Covid, especially in started to pick up in May last sector is strong, which is tions, academic institutes, Beijing year in January to February fixed asset investment grew 35 terms of consumption, Iris year. enabling wide-scale digital and training agencies, we period, faster than the 7.3 per per cent from the same period Pang, an economist at ING Activity is expected to re- growth and transforma- can work as one commu- China’s industrial produc- cent growth seen in December. last year. Economists had fore- said. main strong in the near-term, as tion. With solid infrastruc- nity to promote innovation tion and retail sales rebounded This was also bigger than the cast a faster expansion of 40 But the very low base also the easing of virus restrictions ture in place, now is the and the growth of Qatar’s in January to February, reflect- expected rate of 30 per cent. per cent. The surveyed unem- masked the degree to which boosts consumption and fiscal right time to look towards ICT talent. This will set us ing a strong recovery from the Likewise, retail sales ployment rate came in at 5.5 these strong figures are driv- stimulus among key trading empowering ICT talent well on the way towards a pandemic driven downturn, growth accelerated to 33.8 per per cent in February, up from en by underlying growth, the partners should keep exports to strengthen the overall more sustainable, digitally- figuresfrom the National Bu- cent from 4.6 per cent in De- 5.2 per cent in December. economist added. These low strong, according to Julian Ev- ecosystem. Jobs in Qatar’s driven future. reau of Statistics showed Mon- cember. Sales were forecast to This set of data shows the base-effects could last un- ans-Pritchard, an economist at day. Industrial production gain 32 per cent. Chinese economy is recover- til April as economic activity Capital Economics. 10 Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Economy & Business Strengthening US 3-day Doha Islamic Conference economy presents a new challenge to Fed to begin on March 30 virtually Agencies The stronger outlook has sent the yield on the 10- For the past year, Federal year Treasury note climbing Digital economy and sustainable development will take centrestage at the conference to be held on Zoom Reserve Chair Jerome Pow- as investors have dumped ell has expressed a wish for bonds, which are typically Tribune News Network cilitate seamless payment and more rescue spending from safe-haven investments dur- Doha to implement its vision and Congress, better control of ing downturns. The yield on strategy trailing a digital trans- the viral pandemic and clear the 10-year reached 1.62% Under the patronage of formation of banking services, evidence of an improving in afternoon trading Friday; Prime Minister and Minis- products and transactions, economy. it had been below 1% at the ter of Interior His Excellency Dukhan Bank announced the He’s finally getting all end of last year. The rise in Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin launch of Dukhan Pay (D- three. Yet all of that hardly the 10-year yield in recent Abdulaziz Al Thani, the Qatar Pay), its contactless payment makes Powell’s job easier. weeks “caught my atten- Capital city will host the sev- platform, to meet customers’ At the Fed’s policy meet- tion,” Powell acknowledged enth Doha Islamic Finance increasing demand for digital ing this week and at a news earlier this month. Conference under the title banking products and servic- conference to follow, the In anticipation of faster “Digital Economy and Sustain- es. Additionally, the bank has chair will take up a new chal- growth and inflation, inves- able Development”. released wristbands that will lenge: Convincing financial tors have priced in at least Being organised by Bait facilitate payment under the D- markets that even as the eco- three Fed rate hikes by Al-Mashura Finance Consulta- Pay payment platform.” nomic picture brightens, the 2023 — a much earlier lift- tions Company, with Dukhan Customers can benefit Fed will be able to continue off than the Fed itself has Bank as the strategic partner from worldwide acceptance of providing support without forecast. In December, the and exclusive sponsor, the the new technology at millions contributing to high infla- central bank’s policymakers conference will be held from of merchants, he said. tion. Powell’s message will collectively projected that March 30 to April 1, 2021, on “This is available at points likely be that the economy they wouldn’t begin raising ZOOM platform, in line with of sale across fast-food res- still needs substantial back- rates until at least 2024. the precautionary measures taurants, convenience stores, ing from the Fed in the form Seeking to reassure in- against the spread of corona- pharmacies, and petrol sta- of short-term interest rates vestors, Fed officials have virus. Doha Islamic Conference Organising Committee Chairman and Bait Al-Mashoura Finance Consultations tions. As a digital-forward near zero and bond purchas- said they regard the rise in Governmental bodies, in- Vice Chairman Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (right) with Dukhan Bank’s Chief Marketing and Com- bank, Dukhan Bank’s efforts es that are intended to lower the 10-year yield as a posi- ternational organisations, and munications Officer Talal Al Khajah. remain focused on leading long-term borrowing rates. tive sign, evidence that the financial and academic institu- massive transformation across Complicating the Fed’s financial markets expect tions in the fields of econom- viewing models for the econo- nology and providing wearable its operations and scaling dig- task is that investors envi- the economy to stead- ics, finance and technology will mies of the virtual world, and payment devices. itisation of its services,” he sion a swift and robust re- ily strengthen. Many econo- participate. the governing legal and sha- Highlights “They focus on developing added. “Leveraging digital pro- covery later this year that mists agree. Besides, the event is being ria controls, highlighting the ● Prof. Dr. Khalid Al-Sulaiti: mobile solutions and applica- cesses and facilitating pioneer- could accelerate inflation “Markets are respond- organised as part of an academ- importance of the participa- Islamic financial tions, as well as promoting in- ing technologies follow in the and send long-term rates ing to the ongoing, and ac- ic partnership with the College tory economics, and its role in institutions witness an vestments directed at: financial bank’s promise to offer secure, surging. Behind that fear is celerating, recovery,” said of Sharia and Islamic Studies overcoming crises and achiev- technology “FinTech” and sup- simplified, andseamless bank- the belief that as vaccines Lewis Alexander, an econo- at Qatar University, the College ing sustainable development accelerating digital porting cybersecurity, while ing experience to its customers are more widely admin- mist at the investment bank of Islamic Studies at Hamad goals.” transformation offering solutions and innova- as it seeks to emerge as ‘Qatar’s istered and money from Nomura. “In many respects, Bin Khalifa University, and the Sulaiti said Qatar was ● Talal Al-Khaja: Dukhan tions in a range of sectors, most Bank of Choice’.” President Joe Biden’s $1.9 the Fed is dealing with the University of Central Lanca- among the fastest growing Bank enhances its notably: digital payments, trillion rescue package problems of success.” shire in the United Kingdom. markets in the Islamic finance remittances services, point of Post-pandemic flows through the economy, But if longer-term rates The conference is expected to sector, in light of the rapid de- portfolio of electronic sales services, bill payment, Dr Osama Qais Al-Duraie, growth will accelerate so fast rise too high, the economy contribute to the development velopment witnessed by the banking services crowdfunding projects, as well Vice Chairman of the Organ- that the Fed will feel com- could suffer as borrowing of the Islamic finance industry sector and the supervision ap- ● Dr. Osama Al-Duraie: We as IoT banking solutions. izing Committee, and Manag- pelled to quickly raise rates becomes more expensive in Qatar and the world. proach of Qatar Central Bank, ing Director and CEO of Bait to quell inflation pressures. for consumers and busi- Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim which adopts the best interna- were keen to attract Promising future Al-MashuraFinance Consulta- If that were to happen, the nesses. The average rate on Al Sulaiti, Chairman of the Or- tional banking and financial experts and specialists for Talal Al Khajah, Chief tions Company, said the firm economy could suffer an- a 30-year fixed mortgage, ganising Committee and Vice practices. the even Marketing and Communica- was holding this edition of the other setback. for example, has topped 3% Chairman of Bait Al-Mashoura Sulaiti pointed out that tions Officer at Dukhan Bank conference online due to the The economy’s outlook after having set a record low Finance Consultations Com- the strength demonstrated by strategies to hedge against po- (formerly Barwa), expressed COVID-19 pandemic. has improved significantly of 2.65% as recently as early pany, said the conference was Islamic financial institutions tential risks and to continue gratitude for the opportunity He pointed out that the since the Fed’s policymak- January. Mortgage rates of special importance this year in Qatar facing the impacts of achieving growth despite chal- for the bank to sponsor the topics of the Doha Islamic Fi- ing committee last met in could price out some would- because it was taking place at a COVID-19 pandemic indicates lenges. conference since its first edi- nance Conference were care- late January. Job gains ac- be home buyers if they go time when the world is facing that it will lead the growth of This coincides with the ac- tion. He stressed that the con- fully selected according to a celerated in February, sales too high. the repercussions of COVID-19 the Islamic finance sector at celerated digital transforma- tinuous support for the Doha forward-looking vision for the at retail stores jumped after When the Fed’s meet- pandemic. the regional level, especially tion witnessed by Qatari Islam- Islamic Finance Conference future of Islamic finance, and $600 relief checks were dis- ing ends Wednesday, much “That’s why we were keen after the good financial results ic financial institutions, aiming stems from Dukhan Bank’s that the organising committee tributed at the start of the attention will focus on the to hold the event to forsee the disclosed by Qatari Islamic at introducing new financial firm belief in the importance of was keen to attract senior ex- year and Biden signed his release of its updated eco- features of the global economic financial institutions and the services and products that keep evaluating the Islamic banking perts and specialists in the top- economic relief package into nomic and interest rate pro- recovery after the pandemic, generous dividends that reflect pace with the aspirations of experience and discovering the ics of the conference to support law last week. jections. and to shed light on the role of its strong capitalization, high their customers while enhanc- features of the future. the role of Islamic finance and Islamic finance at this stage, re- solvency and the success of its ing contactless payment tech- “As the bank seeks to fa- its institutions globally. International Gas Union President Dr Kang to deliver GECF Gas Lecture

Tribune News Network frastructure”, will signify the sity of Oklahoma with a Ph.D. sources Development National uled to May 2022. The IGU has Doha golden jubilee milestone for in Petroleum Engineering in Companies in 2016 and for held the WGC since 1931 as one the Series and serve as an op- 1981. He became an Assistant the Restructuring Committee of the world’s largest and most The Gas Exporting Countries portunity to reflect on the cur- Professor at the University of on the National Energy and important global gas industry Forum (GECF), the global plat- rent state of affairs in the gas Tulsa (Oklahoma) in May 1983 Resources Development Com- events. The IGU currently ac- form of the leading gas produc- industry. and has held a professorship at panies in 2017. Under the lead- counts for more than 160 mem- ing nations, will be hosting the Kang has over 30 years of Seoul National University (Ko- ership of Kang, IGU’s mission ber associations and corpora- 50th lecture of its signature academic and energy indus- rea) since 1986. during this triennium (2018- tions of the gas industry. GECF Gas Lecture Series on try related experience and has In Korea, Prof. Kang has 2021) is to advocate for the Starting in 2014, the GECF Wednesday, (March 17) at 1 been one of the key opinion held numerous high profiled environmental and economic Gas Lecture Series developed pm. leaders and first movers in en- positions, such as a Civil Mem- role of natural gas as an integral from a small and modest at- Featuring Dr Joe M Kang, ergy-related debates in Korea ber of National Energy Council part of a sustainable global en- tempt to foster dialogue into President of International Gas since 1986. He started his pro- from 2005 to 2009 presided by ergy system, as well to oversee a reputable platform of excel- Union (IGU), the lecture, en- fessional career as a develop- the President of the Republic of the 28th World Gas Conference lence – committed to the pur- titled “A Clean, Secure, and ment engineer at Schlumberger Korea, and as the Chairman of (WGC), which was scheduled suit of high-quality debate, Affordable Energy Future Re- in Houston, Texas, right after the Board of Directors for Ko- from 2007 to 2010. Dr Kang man for Korea’s Reorganising to be held in Korea this year but insights, and service to the gas quires Electricity, Gas, and In- graduating from the Univer- rea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) has also served as a co-chair- Committee on Overseas Re- which has now been resched- industry.

ready-reckoner EMUI 11 on Huawei MatePad Pro: What’s new with the latest software update?

Tribune News Network to not only control both devices cess, taking away the need to keep lery. With this range of apps, users Doha together, but also share files with switching between apps, be it for are able to improve further on simply drag and drop or even use reference or for messaging, and the overall note-taking, drawing Huawei recently shared the the laptop or tablet peripherals to replacing it by having both apps or even animation, thanks to its EMUI 11 software update for control the phone. running side by side, simultane- compatibility and enhancements its flagship tablet, the MatePad With the EMUI 11 update for ously. This is easily done by simply for EMUI 11 on the MatePad Pro. Pro. While we all know about the MatePad Pro however, Multi- swiping and holding inwards from For example, NoteShelf, is a note EMUI 11 update for Huawei’s Screen Collaboration gets a few the right side of the screen to taking app which is designed for smartphone lineup, things are improvements that enhances the access the edge panel. This panel work and study thanks to a wide quite different with the MatePad whole experience. Now, not only will have all apps that are com- range of brush options and image Pro, resulting in some new fea- can the user run apps on both patible for multi-window listed, and text insert support. On the tures and a better experience that devices side-by-side, but can also from which users can select two other hand, Zen Brush 3 is more of aims to enhance productivity and take advantage of the MatePad apps from the list, tap, hold and an artist’s tool that allows them to improve creativity. Pro’s larger screen. This means drag them out to initiate Multi- get experimental with calligraphy that users can launch an app on Window, thereby having them run and ink painting. Animators can Multi-Scene Collaboration the smartphone and then use the side by side. Users can also add try out FlipaClip’s easy-to-use ani- One main feature that the MatePad Pro to display it, while two more floating windows which mation tools to create their own update brings is the new and also using their smartphone can be resized and moved around animations which they can create improved Multi-Screen Collabora- separately. For example, users can transfer files, images and vid- benefits of privacy. as need. by drawing with the M-Pencil. tion. A feature introduced mainly showcase a video or a presenta- eos by dragging and dropping it, Overall, the EMUI 11 soft- for bringing smartphones and tion on the MatePad Pro’s display which is perfect when it comes to Multi-Window M-Pencil & more apps ware update for the MatePad Pro laptops together, Multi-Screen from their smartphone, without adding these files to documents or The EMUI 11 software update The EMUI 11 software update is designed to improve the user Collaboration basically allows having their notifications popping presentations being drafted on the for the MatePad Pro also includes also improves the overall experi- experience in a variety of factors. users to stream their smartphone up on the tablet screen or any tablet. All of this not only works as the new Multi-Window feature. ence with the HUAWEI M-Pencil These improvements are aimed to displays to the larger display of a interruptions if they receive a call. a smart solution when it comes to This feature serves as a solution to compatible with a range of new enhance their overall productivity laptop or tablet. This allows them In addition to this, users can also showcasing work but also adds the streamline the overall work pro- apps that are available on AppGal- and creativity. Economy & Business Tuesday, March 16, 2021 11

Bitcoin falls Ford, Infiniti back sharply in spotlight after week- on China end record consumer rights show Agencies

Bitcoin fell back Agencies sharply on Monday af- ter hitting a record high Auto brands Ford and Ni- of $61,781.83 over the ssan’s Infiniti were among weekend after U.S. Presi- those companies criticised on dent Joe Biden signed off Monday on Chinese state tel- on his $1.9 trillion fiscal evision China Central Televi- stimulus and ordered an sion’s (CCTV) popular annual acceleration in vaccina- consumer rights show. tions. Known as the “315 Show” Bitcoin’s new high in China, the World Consumer also came as ten-year Rights Day programme has U.S. Treasury yields hit over the years highlighted a 13-month high of 1.64% foreign and domestic brands on Friday. over issues ranging from poor- Because some inves- quality products to the illegal tors tend to see bitcoin collection of personal data. as an hedge against infla- Big brands, fearful of be- tion, analysts believe the ing featured in the two hour rise of bitcoin has been prime-time broadcast, have helped by the prospects been known to prepare re- of a steep economic re- sponses ahead of time, just in covery. case. “Since the start of The show criticised Ford 2020, correlations be- over malfunctioning gearbox- tween bitcoin and cop- es in several models includ- per, equities and, in Volkswagen plans to build half a dozen battery cell plants in Europe. ing the Focus, citing customer particular, breakeven in- complaints. Ford did not alert flation have increased”, customers or actively fix the William De Vijlder, BNP problem, according to the Paribas chief economist, show. wrote in a note looking Ford’s local joint venture at the drivers behind the VW takes aim at Tesla with with Changan said in a state- surge of the cryotocur- ment that the company will of- rency. fer free repairs to vehicles with Bitcoin has more than affected gearboxes. doubled in 2021, after Nissan Infiniti was report- quadrupling last year. ed to be trying to stop custom- In early deals in own European gigafactories ers from complaining about London, the world’s gearboxes in premium sport- most popular cryptocur- utility vehicles. rency briefly went un- The world’s No. 2 carmaker says it wants to have six battery cell factories operating in Europe by 2030 Infiniti said on its WeChat der $55,000 and at 1118 social media account it would GMT was down 5.2% at Agencies specifically say how much the with financial targets, board aims to sell more than 2 mil- improve customer commu- $55,973.30. plan will cost. It said in Decem- member Thomas Schmall said. lion electric vehicles a year by nications in reference to the Ten-year U.S. yields ber that it planned to spend 35 Volkswagen is also work- the end of the decade. criticism. also retreated back to Volkswagen plans to build billion euros ($41.7 billion) on ing on a major expansion of Shifting to design, Volk- While China has been en- 1.61% on Monday morn- half a dozen battery cell plants e-mobility as a whole by 2025. charging infrastructure, a lack swagen unveiled plans to have gaged in a campaign against ing. in Europe and expand infra- The group had been a lag- Prismatic vs of which is still seen as a big a new unified prismatic bat- anti-competitive behaviour Bitcoin’s new record structure for charging electric gard on electrification until it barrier to the mass adoption of tery cell from 2023, which will by its technology giants, those on Saturday was deliv- vehicles globally, accelerating admitted in 2015 to cheating cylindrical battery-powered cars. support cost cuts generated companies emerged largely ered into thinner mar- efforts to overtake Tesla and on U.S. diesel emissions tests Via existing efforts and by the higher level of in-house unscathed on Monday’s broad- kets due to the weekend, speed up mass adoption of and had to deal with new Chi- Volkswagen unveiled plans to partnerships with oil major BP cell production and could im- cast. However, UC Browser, with technical factors battery-powered cars. nese quotas for electric vehi- have a new unified prismatic as well as top European utili- pact its current suppliers. owned by Alibaba, was singled magnifying the move The world’s No. 2 carmak- cles. It now has one of the most battery cell from 2023. Electric ties Enel and Iberdrola, Volk- Electric vehicle makers, out for including medical ads higher, according to er, which is in the midst of a ambitious programmes in the vehicle makers, including Tesla, swagen aims to operate about including Tesla, are using cy- of unqualified companies. Justin d’Anethan, sales major shift towards battery- industry. are using cylindrical battery 18,000 public fast-charging lindrical battery cells, which UC Browser could not im- manager at digital as- powered cars, said on Monday Volkswagen said the Euro- cells, which resemble flashlight points in Europe by 2025. resemble flashlight batteries mediately be reached for a set company Diginex in it wants to have six battery cell pean factories will have a joint batteries and are relatively This represents a five-fold and are relatively inexpensive comment. Hong Kong. factories operating in Europe production capacity of up to inexpensive and easy to expansion of the existing fast- and easy to manufacture. Beijing has stepped up “The crypto market by 2030, which it will build 240 gigawatt hours (GWh) a charging network, Volkswa- Prismatic cells, which re- consumer rights protection in is derivatives heavy,” he alone or with partners. year, adding the first 40 GWh manufacture. Prismatic cells, gen said, adding it would in- semble a thin hardcover book, recent years as China pushes noted. “Our transformation will would come from Sweden’s which resemble a thin vest 400 million euros in the are housed in a rectangular to drive domestic consump- “A small move up be fast, it will be unprecedent- Northvolt, with production hardcover book, are housed in initiative. metal case and are more ex- tion and ease the economy’s triggered many liquida- ed,” Chief Executive Herbert starting in 2023. a rectangular metal case and In North America, Volk- pensive. Pouch cells, another reliance on imports. tions throughout Sat- Diess told Volkswagen’s Power As part of the deal, Volk- are more expensive. swagen targets 3,500 fast- alternative, are thinner and The programme has in urday and Sunday, thus Day, which also featured the swagen will raise its 20% stake charging points by the end of lighter, and resemble a flexible previous years criticised firms becoming a not-so-small CEOs of BP, Enel and Iberdro- in Northvolt and also take over Poland, Slovakia or the Czech 2021 via its Electrify Amer- metal mailing envelope. including Apple, Nike and move.” la in an effort to match some of the Swedish firm’s stake in a Republic by 2027. Two more ica unit, while in China, the “On average, we will drive Starbucks. The rally may also the buzz of Tesla’s Battery Day planned battery cell venture plants will be set up by 2030. world’s largest car market, down the cost of battery sys- The country’s market have been dampened by last September. in the German city of Salzgit- While the first two facto- the group aims for 17,000 by tems to significantly below regulator on Friday said it re- a Reuters report that In- “E-mobility has become ter, which will form the second ries are already reflected in 2025. 100 euros ($119) per kilowatt ceived more than 21.3 million dia would pursue a ban core business for us,” he add- factory from 2025. Volkswagen’s financial plan- In China, where Volkswa- hour,” Schmall said. “This will consumer complaints and re- on digital assets, a rain ed. This will be followed by ning, the group is currently in gen last year acquired 26.5% of finally make e-mobility afford- covered economic losses of 4.4 cloud for bitcoin follow- Volkswagen, whose shares a factory in Spain, France or “deep discussions” about how battery maker Guoxuan High- able and the dominant drive billion yuan for consumers in ing high-profile endorse- rose as much as 3.8%, did not Portugal in 2026 and a site in the subsequent plants fitted tech Co Ltd, the carmaker now technology.” 2020. ments this year from the likes of Tesla’s Elon Musk, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, and investment giants Goldman Sachs and BlackRock. US air travel rises to highest levels yet since pandemic hit Seth Melamed, the Tokyo-based chief oper- Agencies the 1.26 million people that However, Sunday’s against COVID-19 — about down. April will be better than ex- ating officer of crypto- TSA screened on the compa- screenings were still 45% 70 million Americans have This time, the recovery pected as passenger traffic currency exchange Liq- The number of people fly- rable Sunday a year ago. lower than on the compara- received at least one dose and “seems like it’s real,” Bastian and fares rise. The airline uid, said legislation of ing in the United States has It marked the fourth ble day in 2019, and screen- 37 million have completed said on a J.P. Morgan inves- said people are booking the sort India is propos- eclipsed the year-ago level straight day that TSA saw ings in March are running their vaccination, according tor conference. leisure trips to beach and ing won’t be an impedi- for the first time in the pan- more than 1 million people 53% lower than the same pe- to government figures. United Airlines CEO mountain destinations but ment to further gains for demic period, although travel pass through its checkpoints riod two years ago. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Scott Kirby said his airline business travel is still lag- bitcoin. remains deeply depressed — Friday was a new peak, Several airlines report Bastian said Monday that will generate “core” cash ging. “Because it’s decen- from 2019. nearly 1.36 million. The that after dismal sales in bookings began picking up instead of burning cash for Airline stocks rose in late- tralised, government The Transportation Se- seven-day moving average January and February, more five or six weeks ago. March, and he expects the morning trading. United and bans or acceptance is curity Administration said of TSA traffic hit its high- people have bought tickets to Since the pandemic hit, positive trend to continue in American Airlines rose about somewhat irrelevant,” 1.34 million people passed est level since March 2020, travel in spring or summer air travel has picked up a the months ahead. 9%, Delta gained more than Melamed said. “Capital through U.S. airport check- when travel was collapsing as as infection rates decline and few times — mostly around Southwest Airlines said 4% and Southwest Airlines will find a way.” points on Sunday, topping COVID-19 spread rapidly. more people get vaccinated holidays — only to drop back said revenue for March and added 1%.

Billionaire Elon Musk changes his Tesla job title to ‘technoking’

Agencies a move which sent shares in the company said in its latest In 2019, Musk’s theatrical of being seen smoking marijua- the controversial but popular filing to theU S stock market launch of Tesla’s Blade-Run- na on the live stream, while he Elon Musk, the billionaire digital cryptocurrency soar- regulator, the Securities and ner-meets-cyberpunk pick was under investigation by the chief executive of Tesla with a ing. Musk, who was dethroned Exchange Commission (SEC). up truck, designed to prove SEC for tweeting that he had penchant for eccentric behav- as the world’s richest man The South African-born the company could make a “secured” funding to take Tesla iour, has changed his job title last month as Tesla’s share American entrepreneur, credible electric version of private, Musk told the Guard- to “technoking” of the electric price slumped, has previously whose net worth is estimated America’s favourite vehicle, ian by email: “Guardian is the car manufacturer. changed his Twitter biography at more than $170bn, second descended into farce when du- most insufferable newspaper In addition to Musk, who to “#bitcoin”. only to the Amazon founder, rability tests involving sledge- on planet Earth.” also retains his position as “Effective as of 15 March Jeff Bezos, has a penchant for hammers, a simulation of a The 49-year-old has also chief executive, the company’s 2021, the titles of Elon Musk eccentric and at times divisive 9mm bullet strike and hefty been involved in an extended financial chief, Zach Kirkhorn, and Zach Kirkhorn have behaviour. metal balls went wrong. feud with Vernon Unsworth, has been rebranded as “master changed to technoking of Te- Earlier this year, Tesla A year earlier, a decision to a diver who helped rescue a of coin”. sla and master of coin, respec- posted a job advertisement for smoke marijuana on a live web team of young football players Kirkhorn’s job title change tively. Elon and Zach will also a customer support specialist show resulted in a 6% fall in Te- stuck in an underwater cave is a nod to Tesla’s $1.5bn maintain their respective posi- with responsibilities includ- sla’s share price, and the depar- in Thailand, after Unsworth (£1bn) investment in bitcoin tions as chief executive officer ing handling complaints made ture of two of its senior execu- criticised Musk’s plan to save the company made last month, and chief financial officer,” against Musk on social media. tives. Asked about the wisdom them with a submarine. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and chief executive officer of Tesla Marc Marquez cleared to ride again, Qatar MotoGP return hopes boosted page 14 TUESday, MARCH 16, 2021

QATAR NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM BEGINS TRAINING FOR EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS

Qatar national football team players during a training session at the Aspire Zone as they gear up for the European qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The Asian champions will start their campaign in Group A, alongside UEFA Euro 2016 winners Portugal, Serbia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. The squad is scheduled to fly out to Hungary on March 20th. ‘We are looking forward UEFA Champions League to beating Al Gharafa’

play with three defenders. Al Wakrah coach But they had changed their Lopez sounds a style in their previous match, perhaps because they faced warning to Gharafa strong Al Sadd. “They have a clear idea of ​​ Moenchengladbach’s German midfielder Lars Stindl (centre) gestures Tribune News Network the way they want to play and during a training session in Moenchengladbach, Germany, on Monday, Doha from the previous two games a day ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg they got four points. Now, they match against Manchester City. (AFP) Upbeat Al Wakrah coach are playing with more confi- Marquez Lopez is confident of dence and great desire, there- his team upstaging Al Gharafa fore this team could pose a Madrid duo with in their 2020-21 season QNB great danger to us. Stars League Week 21 match “Meanwhile, our team is at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa going through a difficult peri- work to do, Bayern Stadium on Tuesday. od in terms of results and per- QNB Stars League’s Week formance. We did not provide 21 matches have been scheduled the required level in the previ- and City seem safe for April 6, but this game was ous match (which we lost 1-3 rescheduled in view of Al Ghara- to Al Ahli). We did not show DPA El Pais. “It doesn’t matter if fa’s play-off with Uzbekistan’s the required desire and did Berlin you are Sergio Ramos who has FC AGMK in Doha on April 7 for Al Wakrah coach Marquez Lopez during a pre-match media conference on the eve of the QNB Stars not make the effort that would been here longer than anyone a berth in the 2021 AFC Cham- League Week 21 clash against Al Gharafa at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Monday. have allowed us to gain points. The UEFA Champions or Rodrygo or Vinicius.” Pro- pions League group stage. “We made many mistakes League last 16 concludes with gress is difficult forA talanta Exuding confidence ahead should be ‘we are doing well, and now we are required to holders Bayern Munich and but coach Gian Piero Gasper- of the clash, Lopez said, “Our there are three matches left and perform in a different way. I Manchester City having a ini nourishes hopes after play- players have an excellent men- we want to get the most points am confident that our team seemingly simple passage into ing most of the home leg with tality and they work hard and possible’,” said Marquez. is able to perform better. We the quarter-finals but Madrid Remo Freuler dismissed and diligently to continue the series Al Wakrah player Saleh Al must make greater efforts in pair Real and Atletico have conceding only late in the game. of positive results in the remain- Yahri, said, “We want to reap the the next match in order to re- work to do in their second legs. “We really want to test our- ing league matches. And we three points from this important turn to the winning path,” said Record champions Real selves by playing even, if we hope to beat Al Gharafa. match against Al Gharafa in or- Jokanovic. host Atalanta on Tuesday can do something good,” said “We did not get enough rest der to completely stay way from Al Gharafa player Ahmed leading 1-0 from Bergamo but Gasperini, who last season led before this game, but we spared the relegation zone. Alaaeldin said, “The match is having missed the chance to the the Bergamo side to the no effort in order to prepare in “Implementing instruc- an opportunity to correct our kill the tie against 10 men. quarter-finals in their maiden the best possible way so that the tions of the technical staff is path. We need to win in order Atletico head to London a Champions League campaign. series of positive results could very important in achieving to return to the top four and day later having to overturn a Atletico Madrid have a clean continue. Now that the players our goal and all players have satisfy our fans. 1-0 deficit against Chelsea if bill of health as Diego Simeone have recovered from injuries great determination to con- “Al Wakrah are an organ- they are to secure a place in has Jose Gimenez back as an and new players have been re- tinue the positive results. ised team that cares about pos- Friday’s draw for the last eight option in the centre of defence; cruited, the team is in a differ- “Al Gharafa are a good session of the ball. They have and semi-finals. the Uruguayan missed the first ent condition. team, but all teams have weak- young and talented players as City return to Budapest for leg through injury. “We want to beat Al Ghara- nesses. We will try to take ad- well as an outstanding striker their ‘home’ match on Tuesday He can also call on Kieran fa. After that, there is a break vantage of their weaknesses.” in Mohamed Benyettou. Their having alreaady beaten Borus- Trippier who was suspended and we hope that the team gets defence is also strong and we sia Moenchengladbach 2-0 in for the game in Bucharest. the same number of points we We’ve to make greater will do our best to exploit their the Hungarian capital while Chelsea are unbeaten new got last season. In general, we efforts to return to weaknesses in order to win. on Wednesday Bayern will ex- manager Thomas Tuchel’s first are close to achieving our goal winning path: Al Gharafa Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jokanovic speaks to the media on Monday. “Our chances of reach- pect to ease through against dozen games in charge in all of survival in the top flight, but coach Jokanovic ing the top four still exist and Lazio leading 4-1 from Rome. competitions and their impres- if the players think that the Meanwhile, Al Gharafa efforts to win the match. Lopez) always prefer to con- we must play the next three Liverpool, Porto, Borussia sive form has moved them to team is guaranteed to stay, then coach Slavisa Jokanovic said “Al Wakrah, under their trol the match, possession matches as if they are finals in Dortmund and Paris Saint- fourth domestically - Atletico that will not be good for us. It his team will be making all Spanish coach (Marquez of the ball, and they often order to achieve our goal.” Germain progressed last week. in contrast top La Liga but are Real Madrid are without struggling to cling on to what injured full backs Alvaro Odri- was a once substantial lead. ozola and Dani Carvajal and But Chelsea have netted have Casemiro suspended. just 13 goals in Tuchel’s reign Quick read But the good news for though he is not yet worried coach Zinedine Zidane is but the scoring prowess of No spectators allowed at Tokyo Olympic torch relay start that Sergio Ramos is fit again Timo Werner et al. though Eden Hazard is injured A comeback is nearly im- Tokyo: Spectators have been barred from the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic torch relay to be held later this month again after his latest comeback possible for Lazio in Munich due to persistent concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, local organizers said on Monday. On March 25, the Tokyo Olympic attempt at the weekend. but Bayern, who went four organizing committee will kick off the torch relay of the postponed Games at the J-Village football training centre near the Fuku- Without Hazard, young points clear in the Bundesliga, shima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the site of Japan’s worst nuclear accident 10 years ago. However, the opening ceremony Brazilians Rodrygo and Vin- will take nothing for granted and the first section of the 121-day relay “will not be open to the public,” the organizers said. The ceremony will be broadcast icius could start rather than be and could have David Alaba live via a Tokyo 2020 official channel, while the relay will also be streamed live by public broadcaster NHK, they said. The the bench. The latter has spo- back after the Austrian missed Olympic flame will be carried in turns by about 10,000 torchbearers across the nation’s 47 prefectures. The relay ends at ken about the pressure to win their win at Werder Bremen. the July 23 opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games which were delayed 12 months due to the global pandemic. Organizers are things at Real Madrid. Premier League leaders A file photo of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic flame “committed to ensuring the safety and security” of the torch relay by taking countermeasures to prevent the spread of any “There is always pressure Manchester City are likely to displayed outside Fukushima railway station, infections among spectators, locals, participants and staff members, they said. (DPA) and at the biggest club in the shuffle their pack once more in Fukushima Prefecture. (AFP) world it is worse,” Vinicius told mid-week against Gladbach. Sports Tuesday, March 16, 2021 13 Guardiola disagrees with defender’s belief Man City can win quadruple

DPA London

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was at odds with one of his own players over whether his side can win the quadruple on Monday. Defender Oleksandr Zinchenko said at a press con- ference he could see “hungry eyes” in the City squad and they were capable of winning all four trophies in which they are competing this season. “Of course everything is possible,” said the Ukrain- ian. “We have an unbelievable squad, the best players in the world. Definitely, why not? “Inside the dressing room or Man City’s Spanish manager Pep inside the team I can see hun- Guardiola on Saturday. (AFP) gry eyes. Everyone is so hungry urday’s victory at Fulham. for the titles. That’s what we Guardiola confirmedS ter- want.” This was immediately ling’s omission was simply a knocked down by Guardiola, case of rotating his players who urged the left back to fo- and said the England forward cus on the job at hand, namely had not needed to tweet in re- Manchester United’s Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay (2L) and English defender Harry Maguire (L) contest the ball that goes in for the opening goal credited as an own goal scored by Tuesday’s Champions League sponse to internet rumours it West Ham United’s English defender Craig Dawson during the English Premier League match against West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Sunday. (AFP) clash against Borussia Moe- had led to a disagreement be- nchengladbach. tween the pair. Guardiola said: “I am older “Some crazy rumours on than Mr Zinchenko. I have socials today ... That’s abso- more experience and I am not lutely FALSE,” Sterling wrote. Man Utd benefit from own agreeing with him. Guardiola said in re- “Zinchenko only has to be sponse: “He doesn’t need to worried about a good game do it. Nothing happened. He tomorrow and going through. was not selected, that’s all.” This is the only way. Four ti- Guardiola added Sterling had tles has never happened be- reacted well to his decision, as goal to beat West Ham fore and I think it is not go- he would expect. ing to happen.” City go into He said: “Always. Raheem DPA team-mates know in no uncer- to prod behind a Greenwood the second leg of the last-16 and all the players make train- London tain terms that they needed to cross that Rashford was ready tie, which is being played in ing and react really well. “tidy up” and stop giving the to tap home at the far post, but Budapest due to coronavirus “I don’t expect they are Manchester United will ball away during that exple- the resulting corner proved restrictions, with a 2-0 aggre- happy, that’s normal. It’s al- start April second in the Pre- tive-filled break in play that costly. gate lead. ways happened since football mier League standings after was followed by the hosts’ best Fernandes swung in the Guardiola confirmed Ra- was created. Craig Dawson’s own goal saw chance to that point. set-piece from the left and heem Sterling will travel with “Raheem, in this case, high-flying WestH am fall to Quick build-up after win- Dawson directed into his the squad after being left out has been so important for the defeat at Old Trafford. ning the ball ended with own net under pressure from of the matchday squad for Sat- team and all of us.” With the Europa League Greenwood cutting onto his Maguire in the 53rd minute. trip to AC Milan and FA Cup left and floating a cross to the The goal opened play up. quarter-final at Leicester com- far post, where Marcus Rash- The video assistant referee ing up before the international ford - a surprise starter after ruled Maguire had not fouled break, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s an ankle issue - failed to get Tomas Soucek in the box after Zidane laments next Hazard injury side kicked off an important clean contact. a review, with the giant Czech week with a solid performance Fabianski just about gath- midfielder towering over the that could rule him out of Clasico on Sunday. ered a dangerous cross from United defender and heading Mason Greenwood twice Greenwood soon after but wide soon after. DPA But he did not train on struck the post on a night when West Ham were defending Fernandes forced Fabian- Barcelona Monday and now misses the Dawson’s own goal proved the well on the whole, throwing ski into a fine one-handed stop second leg of the Champions difference. themselves in the way of shots down to his right in between Real Madrid coach Zinedine League last meeting with Atal- David Moyes’ men were West Ham United’s English defender Craig Dawson reacts after he and clearing balls into the box. those moments, with Moyes Zidane admitted he was at a anta on Tuesday. set up to frustrate a month on scored an own goal at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. (AFP) But the visitors had their turning to Said Benrahma and loss to explain the injury prob- Real Madrid said Monday: from their extra-time FA Cup goalkeeper to thank for keep- Manuel Lanzini in a bid to in- lems suffered by the club’s at- “After the tests carried out to- loss at Old Trafford and failed minutes after the break when The visitors had started ing things level at the break ject new attacking impetus. tacker Eden Hazard. day on our player Eden Haz- to muster a shot in the first Bruno Fernandes’ corner was positively but failed to launch as United attacked at pace Play was swinging from “Hazard’s injury is inexpli- ard, he has been diagnosed half - the first Premier League touched on by Scott McTomi- a serious first-half attack, with and Greenwood hit a low, left- end to end as both sides cable, something is happen- with a muscle injury in the side to manage that since nay and the unsighted Dawson Michail Antonio left ploughing footed shot that Fabianski su- pushed, with Maguire stretch- ing,” he said Monday. right psoas.” Madrid have not March 2018. turned into his own net. a lonely furrow up top. perbly tipped onto the post in ing to cut out a Coufal cross “I cannot explain it. We all put a date on his return but But the Hammers also West Ham attacked with Moyes’ men are a threat the 37th minute. before Issa Diop inexplicably want to help him. I hope he will Diario AS reported: “He has gave little away in the opening more purpose after fall- from crosses and Dean Hen- Rashford got away a tame welcomed on Greenwood and be with us soon.” The Belgium been out for a total of 320 days period, with Lukasz Fabianski ing behind but Moyes’ wait derson - again deputising for header from a clipped Fer- saw the teenager rattle the international has now suffered (since joining club) and he will superbly tipping a low Green- for a first win away at Old David De Gea - made no mis- nandes pass that the West post in the 77th minute. 10 different injuries since join- miss the Clasico (April 11). wood shot onto the post when Trafford continues, with take when clearing a deflected Ham goalkeeper stopped Shaw threw himself in front ing the club at the start of last “I don’t know if it’ll be with frustrated United had their Fernandes superbly denied Aaron Cresswell ball from the simply before the break, from of a Soucek attempt as United season. The 30-year-old came me or with someone else, but best chance. before Greenwood thumped left, leaving Jarrod Bowen which the hosts returned held out for a fourth successive on as a substitute at the week- sooner or later we’ll see the real But Solskjaer’s side finally the post as United looked to needing treatment. strongly. league clean sheet for the first end against Elche for only his Eden,” added Zidane. “I want found a way through eight settle any nerves. Harry Maguire let his Vladimir Coufal did well time under Solskjaer. 14th appearance of the season. that for him with all my heart.” Mbappe error as PSG suffer shock home defeat

for the first time sinceN ovem- flight goals, a tally he is two Champions miss a shot at top ber 2012. short of. PSG had lots of the ball and However, the 22-year-old DPA PSG went close twice more shots, but the quality of finished the match with just Paris in quick succession with 11 Nantes’ chances was better. two shots and was guilty of the minutes on the clock, as La- PSG lacking a ruthless woeful pass that released Kolo Paris Saint-Germain failed font tipped Angel Di Maria’s streak as they continue to play Muani for the equalizer. to capitalise on Lille dropping long-range effort over before catch-up Lille’s draw present- While Kolo Muani and Si- points as they suffered a shock gratefully seeing Marquinhos’ ed PSG with the perfect oppor- mon may have done the dam- 2-1 home defeat against rele- header from the resulting cor- tunity to put themselves back age in attack, it is fair to say gation-threatened Nantes. ner skim the top of the net. in control in the Ligue 1 title Nantes’ turnaround would not Lille were held by Monaco Nantes were convinced race, but they failed miserably have happened without La- earlier on Sunday and PSG they were owed a penalty soon here - only rock-bottom Dijon font. looked set to replace them at after but Presnel Kimpembe (two) have won fewer games The goalkeeper made a the Ligue 1 summit once they was not adjudged to have than Nantes (five). string of saves in the first half found the breakthrough, but fouled Kolo Muani. It was not as if the Paris- – ending the game with four in remarkably Nantes hit back in Mauricio Pochettino’s men ians did not have the chances total – and without them Les the second half to salvage a po- made the most of that let-off either, they just failed to make Canaris would have been on the tentially massive win. just before half-time, Draxler the most of them and their end of a hiding. As it was, he Alban Lafont produced a capitalizing on a failed clear- questionable defending was kept them in the game and the number of smart saves to keep ance and lashing a left-footed punished. forwards stuck to their end of PSG at bay before he was even- effort out of Lafont’s reach. Such slip-ups have been a the bargain in the second half. tually beaten by Julian Draxler Mbappe went close early in habit of PSG’s this term – af- What’s next? in the 42nd minute. the second half yet shot wide ter all, it was their seventh PSG turn their attention Given Nantes’ lack of at- after doing the hard part. in Ligue 1 in 2020-21. If they to the Coupe de France on tacking threat in the first The France star was made want to retain the crown, they Wednesday as they look to half, Draxler’s goal looked as to pay at the other end, his are running out of time to find deal a psychological blow to though it would be enough wayward pass going straight consistency. their Ligue 1 title rivals Lille. until Randal Kolo Muani to Kolo Muani, who impres- Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe (left) takes a shot during the French L1 match Before the match, you Nantes are not in action again pounced on Kylian Mbappe’s sively jinked past Kimpembe between PSG and Nantes at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) would have believed this was until next Sunday, when they mistake to restore parity and and finished emphatically. going to be all about Mbappe, could take another step to- subsequently teed up Moses Kolo Muani was decisive the top before squaring to Si- ing a lengthy VAR [video assis- but their desperation yielded who was making his 100th wards safety against Lorient, Simon to complete an unlikely again 19 minutes from time, mon for an easy finish - the tant referee] check for offside. little, consigning them to suc- Ligue 1 appearance for PSG who are just one point above turnaround. latching onto a flick-on over goal allowed to stand follow- PSG piled the pressure on cessive home league defeats and chasing his century of top- them in 17th. 14 Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Sports Marquez cleared to ride again, Qatar return hopes boosted to work on strength, but the Spaniard rides bike again for progression is very fast. “The difference between first time since July last year the left and right arms is get- ting smaller and smaller and, Agencies ing two rounds of 2021 and on a cardiovascular level, I that remarkable return now look ready. epsol Honda Marc appears to be one step closer “I am waiting for the doc- Marquez rider has tak- after finally making his mo- tor to discharge me from the Ren a huge step towards torcycle return. doctor and for me to feel good making his MotoGP return by In a post on Instagram, muscularly, to take a motor- jumping on a bike for the first Marquez said: “After eight cycle. time since July last year. months and after the Doctors “I feel that that moment is Marquez rode a bike for approval in the last check-up, getting closer and closer.” the first time since the An- I finally felt this feeling again He added: “What I am not dalucia Grand Prix in July although it was with a mini going to do is ride a MotoGP of last year. The eight-time moto!” [bike] all at once. World Champion was able Marquez broke his right Marc Marquez posted a video of himself riding a motorcycle for the first time since his aborted MotoGP comeback in Jerez, Spain, last year. “I will start with a small to ride a minimoto machine humerus in a crash during motorcycle, to see how I feel over the weekend after get- last year’s season-opening The Honda rider has had slowed by an infection from ruled out starting the first In a video released by and, if I am doing well, be- ting the doctor’s approval, Spanish GP at Jerez, and three operations on his arm, his second surgery in August. race of the season in Qatar Honda earlier this week, cause next time I will ride reports MotoGP. has been out of action since the latest coming in Decem- Motorsport.com adds: at the end of March, with the Marquez said about his re- a bigger one, a [Honda] Last week, the Spaniard an aborted comeback a few ber which finally moved his Marquez made it clear during Spaniard appearing on the covery: “The sensations are CBR1000, on a large circuit, signalled his intent to ride in days after surgery at the An- recovery in the right direction Honda’s 2021 launch event provisional entry list for the very good. to feel again the sensations of Qatar at either of the open- dalusian GP. after the healing process was last month that he hadn’t Qatar GP. “We have recently started going 300km/h.”

Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar Remaining India-Eng T20Is in Ahmedabad minus fans ANI three T20Is. Everything ready in MotoGP: New Delhi “We will form the policy for the refund of money to the The remaining three T20Is spectators, who have already between India and England purchased the tickets for these will be played behind closed three T20’s. Those who have Moment of truth arrives doors as a precautionary received complimentary tick- measure against COVID-19. ets are requested not to visit MotoGP a narrower front fairing with The number of COVID-19 the stadium,” GCA, Vice Presi- ‘shark teeth’. In their goal of cases is rising in the country dent, Dhanraj Nathwani said he countdown has be- taking a good bite into the and as a result, it has been de- in a statement. gun. After the Official World Cup, they will also be cided that the remaining three England and Wales Cricket TQatar Test, the MotoGP supported by the Tech3 duo, T20Is at the Narendra Modi Board also issued a statement teams and their respective made up of Danilo Petrucci Stadium will be played behind and said, “We have just re- riders are counting down the and Iker Lecuona. closed doors. ceived confirmation that the days to face the long-awaited Uncertainty also makes an Speaking to ANI, sources remaining T20I matches will Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar appearance when assessing in the know of developments take place without spectators. that will kick off the 2021 Aprilia’s options for success said the decision has been We have also seen the state- World Championship. in the first round of the sea- taken keeping in mind the ment by the Vice-President of After a longer than usual son. In Noale there is a certain COVID-19 scenario. the Gujarat Cricket Associa- winter, the test days at the contained euphoria after the “Yes, we have decided that tion confirming the fact. Aside Losail International Circuit strong performances by Aleix the remaining games will be from meaning there will be and the reactions of the great Espargaró (Aprilia Racing played behind closed doors considerably less noise in the protagonists allow us to draw Team Gresini) on the back of keeping in mind the safety of stadium it doesn’t materially a fairly realistic sketch of what the RS-GP during the Test. It the cricket-loving fans and the affect us as we remain in our we can expect to see in the first is a totally new machine, on players. Safety will always be bubble and even when crowds rounds of the season at the Qa- which the Italian manufactur- the priority and this is an ever- were in attendance we never tar and Doha GPs. er has placed enormous hope. evolving situation as we figure came into contact with any of Inevitably, most eyes will The Ducati Lenovo Team, comprising of Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia, and Pramac Racing’s Johann The new chassis and the the way as we fight the virus,” them, and the ball was sani- be focused on reigning World Zarco, who is already flirting with breaking the 360 km/h barrier all looked good on their GP-21s. new engine are accompanied a source said. tised whenever it was hit into Champion, Joan Mir (Team by noteworthy innovations The Gujarat Cricket As- the stands.” Suzuki Ecstar), and his team- tive new teams and three rook- tar GP could just be what Quar- the season, such as last year in the aerodynamic design, sociation said that they will The third T20I is sched- mate, Alex Rins. Both come ies began to make their mark, tararo needs to launch his bid in Jerez. The precedent also as well as in the exhausts and refund ticket prices for the last uled for Tuesday (March 16). into the early rounds some- experiencing a steep learning on the MotoGP™ crown, but he invites optimism, with Rossi the ‘salad box’, not forgetting what under the radar follow- curve. Despite the crashes, will challengers come from the tasting victory four in the de- the inclusion of its first carbon ing a lowkey Test, where the Jorge Martín (Pramac Rac- outside, but also from within. sert -the last in 2015- and swingarm. After delving into work around the GSX-RR ing) stepped up to be the best El Diablo’s teammate Maverick Viñales also having his mo- the race pace as well, it remains didn’t grab the same head- of the rookies, but both Enea Vinales was also competitive ment in 2017. Since then Lo- to be seen how reliable an RS- lines as other manufacturers, Bastianini (Avintia Esponso- on one lap, but it remains to sail has been red thanks to An- GP will be on which to lay the despite innovations with the rama) and Luca Marini (SKY be seen if he can continue that drea Dovizioso’s double with foundations for the future. Es- chassis and swingarm, while VR46 Avintia) followed closely form on Sundays. Ducati in 2018 and 2019. In pargaro wants to amortize his also having the luxury of test- behind him. The Yamahas look well fact, we must go back to 2014 new ‘beast’ immediately, while ing the 2022 engine. The focus will of course be primed to challenge once to remember the last triumph his new partner, Lorenzo Sa- Although both managed to on the first GP, and the abil- again, with Petronas SRT rider of a Honda, in the hands, vadori, will try to soak up the finish in the Top 10 combines ity to bring their testing form Franco Morbidelli perhaps of course, of Marc Márquez experience of being a full-time times of the Test, there are still to the track. Ducati Lenovo the rider who has looked most (Repsol Honda Team). rider in MotoGP™. With cau- some questions hanging over Team, comprising of Jack comfortable on the M1 in re- Falls have also been pre- tious optimism, they feel this their time attacks. Not quite Miller and Francesco Bagnaia, cent months. sent within KTM, perhaps the can be the year we see the best being able to match up with and Pramac Racing’s Johann With three race wins and manufacturer that arouses of Aprilia. some of their rivals in terms Zarco, who is already flirting second overall in the Cham- the greatest uncertainty fol- With less than two weeks of speeds could see them once with breaking the 360 km/h pionship in 2020, Morbidelli lowing their performance in to go until the MotoGP™ ma- again make life difficult for barrier all looked good on is among the frontrunners to Qatar. The fact that they were chines are rolling again in the themselves during Qualify- their GP-21s. challenge once again for hon- not able to compete last year middle of the desert, the ex- ings, however, they remain The Desmosedici was spot- ours, and he will have the added at Losail with an RC16 that pectations cannot be higher. Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan during their marriage ceremony confident of their ability to ted equipped with new front bonus of riding alongside Val- dazzled throughout the year Suzuki will open their title de- in Goa, India, on Monday bring it on Sundays. aerodynamics, as well as a dif- entino Rossi, as the MotoGP™ paints a rather unpredictable fence, although many indica- Suzuki’s 2020 will forever ferent ‘salad box’ and a front icon begins a new chapter of his picture. tors point to Ducati and Yama- be remembered for its Drivers ‘holeshot’ similar to that al- storied career. The evergreen The feelings from the Test ha as the powers to beat in the Kohli, Pandya lead wishes and Teams World titles. They ready used by most factories, ‘Doctor’ went from low to high doesn’t invite too much op- first round, without forgetting narrowly missed out on the Tri- and the changes helped Miller in the Test supported by the timism, but their own riders the legacy of Honda and the for Jasprit and Sanjana ple Crown thanks to the efforts end the Test as the fastest rider new material package, which have pointed out that the re- emotional factor that the buzz of Ducati, who were awarded thanks to a stratospheric - un- included innovations in the sults do not really reflect their around the possible return of ANI wrote: “Congratulations @ the Constructors’ Champion- official – record, outgunning aerodynamic fairing, the fender level. Both Brad Binder (Red the racing giant Marquez. New Delhi Jaspritbumrah93 ship. Having witnessed the ac- Fabio Quartararo (Monster and even the chassis. Bull KTM Factory Racing) What about the unknown and @SanjanaGanesan tion in Losail in recent weeks, it Energy Yamaha MotoGP), and With the improvement in and his new partner, Miguel quantities? Can KTM or April- As India pacer Jasprit Bum- Wishing you two a happy mar- is clear that this wasn’t a flash it tees up the season opener terms of top speed and its rid- Oliveira, come from winning ia have their say at Losail? rah tied the knot with sports ried life.” in the pan either. The Bologna nicely, with the Australian and ers consolidating their race races in 2020 and will try to The possibilities are limit- presenter and anchor Sanjana Mayank Agarwal wrote: brand has grabbed numerous Frenchman looking among the pace in the final days of test- be competitive from the start less as we enter into a season Ganesan on Monday, wishes “Congratulations @Jasprit- headlines and it is no wonder. favourites to take the first 25 ing, it makes one think that thanks to their remarkable in which the outcome is any- poured in for the duo as they bumrah93 @SanjanaGanesan In the recent Test, their six pi- points on offer in 2021. Yamaha have a great oppor- knowledge of an RC16 that body’s guess. Who will draw started a new journey. Wishing you happiness and lots debuted with their respec- A strong showing at the Qa- tunity for the perfect start to also features new kit such as first blood in Qatar! The 27-year-old Bumrah health together.” shared an adorable pictures Cheteshwar Pujara also from the wedding ceremony took to Twitter and wrote: and the cricketer termed the “Congratulations @Jasprit- date (March 15) as one the bumrah93 Amir Cup Volleyball: Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah win qualifying matches happiest days of their lives. and @SanjanaGanesan! Indian cricket team members Wishing you guys the very best including skipper Virat Kohli, as you begin this special jour- Hardik Pandya and the Board ney together.” of Control for Cricket in India Former cricketers Suresh (BCCI) shared their blessings Raina, Yuvraj Singh and Harb- for the couple on social media. hajan Singh also wished the Taking to Instagram, Kohli couple. wrote on Bumrah’s post, “Con- Taking to Twitter, Raina gratulations and God bless you wrote, “Congratulations @Jas- both. Much love.” pritbumrah93 & @Sanjana- Taking to Twitter, India all- Ganesan. Wishing you both a rounder Hardik Pandya wrote, very happy married life.” “Congratulations @Jasprit- “Congratulations @Jas- bumrah93, @SanjanaGane- pritbumrah93, @Sanjana- san. Wishing you a healthy and Ganesan,” former spinner happy married life.” Harbhajan tweeted. “Many congratulations on Yuvraj took to Twitter and the start of this beautiful jour- wrote: “Many congratulations ney. Wishing you both a lifetime to @Jaspritbumrah93 and Al Rayyan defeated Al Gharafa (left) 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-14) while Al Wakrah edged of happiness,” BCCI tweeted. sanjana !! May this bond be a Al Khor 3-2 (19-25, 17-25, 30-28, 25-17, 15-8 in the their absorbing Amir Cup volleyball India batsman Shikhar lifetime of happiness god bless qualifying matches played at the Qatar Volleyball Association Hall on Monday. Dhawan took to Twitter and you lovely couple.” Tuesday, March 16, 2021 15 Reports by Catherine W Gichuki For events and press releases email [email protected] or African Panorama call (974) 4000 2222

Team Kenya members with Kenyan Ambassador to Qatar HE Paddy C Ahenda, Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Wash- Winners of Qatar’s Strongest Man competition with organisers. ington Oloo and other diplomats and staff at the Kenyan embassy. Kenyan group discovers mantra for fitness: Inspire people to take up body-building Christopher Oketch, the leader of Team Kenya group that consists of fitness trainers and athletes, says they believe they can earn a living through fitness training and body-building while keeping their bodies healthy

itness, they say, is all about inspiration and perspiration. A group of Kenyans in Qatar has taken it upon itself to in- spire people through fitness Fand body building. Members of the group, Team Kenya, who have been participating in the annual Qatar’s Strongest Man com- petition organised by Aspire Zone Foun- dation since 2013, believe one can earn a living through fitness training. The group includes Christopher Oketch who earlier this year won his sixth consecutive title as Qatar’s strongest man, and Joseph Iroo Ekadeli who came second in this year’s competition. Oketch has dominated the sport after dethroning fellow Kenyan Ekadeli, who won the inaugural edition in 2013. The other members include Meshack Otieno Ogola, Joseph Oketch, Abraham Abonyo, Mustafa Chibola, Daniel Atieno and Michael Wain- aina. Joseph Iroo Ekadeli and Christopher Oketch Christopher Oketch (centrre) and Joseph Iroo Ekadeli (right) at Qatar’s Strongest Man competition 2021 Group members at the Embassy of Republic of Kenya Christopher Oketch, the leader of Team Kenya group, said his organisa- Ekadeli competed in 2013 and from year even start with 2.5kg.” Building championships. I am very proud and asked me how to take part in the com- tion consists of fitness trainers and ath- the 2014, seven of them have taken part Body-building, Oketch pointed out, of that.” petition.” letes who believe that they can earn a in the competition. “The competition de- has a sea of benefits including good health, Kenyans in Qatar who are interested Ekadeli said their goal is to inspire. living through fitness training and body- mands not only strength but also disci- the chance of becoming a stronger version to join the group can do so, he informed, Besides inspiring people here in Qatar, building while also keeping their bodies pline and endurance,” he said, adding of yourself, discipline, while also being adding: “We do our training at Strongman they do a lot back home. “I hosted Strong- healthy. that a large number of people -- not only therapeutic, among others. Gym and Martial Arts located in Al Waab est Man competition in Nakuru, Kenya, He said he very much wanted to re- Kenyans but others as well -- have been Talking about their food intake, Oketch which offers personalised and group train- where I come from.” tain the title and even during the COV- inspired by what they do. said, “A high protein diet and a minimum ings. Just like the way Oketch is inspiring ID-19 pandemic he trained hard so that “We train people and tell them that if amount of carbohydrates and fats, and “Kenyans who would like to join the people in Kamukunji in Nairobi through he does not lose it. “All year-round the they eat a balanced diet, they can achieve greens with high amount of multivitamins team can get in touch with us.” body-building events, he believes this other athletes work so hard to win, so you the strength they aspire to. With our tough is what we eat.” According to him, most of them work work inspires the society in a big way. have to train hard so they don’t overtake regimen of training and eating, we can do OKetch said they eat a minimum of in different gyms but have identified this “With many young people being unem- you.” what we do,” he stressed. five times a day with controlled portions gym as a common place where they can ployed, this kind of activity keeps them oc- According to him, Team Kenya also Their aim, he pointed out, is to en- of proteins, calories and others. meet. cupied and they don’t have time to engage strives to take all the top three positions courage people to be physically active for In order to give back to the commu- Talking about the future plans for the in bad habits. in the competition but added that others healthy bodies. nity, Oketch has been heavily into sports group, Oketch said, “We want to do it like “We let them know that one can earn a in the Kenyan team also want to take the Talking about the organisers of the Qa- promotion in Kenya since 2016. They have what we did in the year 2014 whereby we living through fitness. It’s better for them top position. In this year competition, tar’s Strongest Man competition, Oketch been hosting ‘Mr Kamukunji’ talent hunt bagged the top three positions. We also to engage in this activity instead of staying Mohammed Dweidar bagged the third said, “Every year, Aspire makes sure the in Nairobi, a charitable non- profit event want to continue with preaching the ben- idle at home.” position. The intense challenge came at competition is better than the previous that has been a success. “On March 26-27 efits of fitness and health.” Ekadeli said they train five days a week. Conan’s Wheel, where contestants lift- one. This year’s was far better than the this year we’ll be hosting the 4th edition For his part, Ekadeli who was the first This year he was the first in the track pole ed a 180kg bar on a rotating platform; previous ones despite all the odds.” with ‘Strong Man’ and ‘Strong Woman’ Kenyan to participate in Qatar’s Strongest activity by 32 seconds. sand bag lifting that varied from 90kg to For those who would like to be like competitions and other activities. Man competition in 2013, said, “I decid- “Everything is possible. One should 110kg, and a 120kg Giant Tyre Flipping as them, Oketch has this advice to offer: “The event has attracted a lot of inter- ed to give it a try because I had a passion find one’s passion. I have been trying all well as a Farmer’s Walk while lifting 90kg “Start small. If you want to be a stronger est. Many athletes will come and showcase for it. I inspired some and they joined the kinds of sports and the only one I found on each arm pulling a six-tonne truck! version of yourself, get a trainer or a pro- their talents. The winners will represent team. When people saw me on television myself in is fitness training becauseI like According to Oketch, only Joseph Iroo fessional and start where you are. You can Kenya in the World Body Natural Body and other mediums, they approached me to inspire people.”

Celebrating caregiver’s certificates

It was a cause for celebration as a group of Kenyans graduated with a caregiver’s certificate offered by Al Mutamiz Education Center. The event held recently was attended by Kenyan Ambassador to Qatar HE Paddy C Ahenda, Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Washington Oloo, the centre’s officials as well as ambassadors and diplomats from South African, Ghana, Central African Republic and Nigeria. 16 Tuesday, March 16, 2021 The Last Word

Amir holds official talks with president of Maldives

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Republic of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih held a session of official talks at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. The session was attended by a number of Their Excellencies the ministers. The Amir hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the president of Maldives and his accompanying delegation. An official reception was held for the president upon his arrival at the Amiri Diwan. (QNA)

MILIPOL QATAR 2021 kicks off in Doha

‘Milipol strengthened position in security market despite pandemic’

(Continued from Page 1) COVID-19 pandemic.” vanced homeland security and grades and new project develop- Organised by Qatar’s Min- participation with almost 30 com- While the number of exhibi- Civil Defence products, equip- ment for homeland security and istry of Interior in partnership panies, other prominent exhibit- Talking to Qatar Tribune on tors this time is a bit less com- ment and technologies,” she said. civil defence. Milipol Qatar 2021 with Paris-based international ing countries are Belgium, Paki- the sidelines of the exhibition, pared with the previous edition, Out of the total exhibiting highlights an expansive range of event organiser Comexposium, stan, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Milipol Events Director Marie Lagrenee said, the participation of companies, she said, as many as leading-edge defence, security, the event allows the exhibitors to Denmark and Lithuania. Lagrenee said, “The exhibition several new international exhibi- 75 exhibitors are from the inter- monitoring and protection solu- present their latest innovations “Powerful associated knowl- has received a very good response tors shows how eager are global national market. tions designed to protect socie- and represents a real business op- edge-sharing programmes featur- from the visitors on the very first brands to enter the Qatari market. “ArtificialI ntelligence, cyber- ties,” Lagrenee said. portunity. ing dialogues, case studies and day. The participation of mega “Around 150 exhibitors from security, mega-events security “This event meets a large part According to a statement pro- debates on the challenges and op- brands in this year’s edition shows 17 countries are participating in and crisis management technolo- of the growing security needs vided by the organisers, almost portunities in homeland security that Milipol Qatar has strength- the exhibition this year, out of gies are globally impacting the of Qatar alone in line with the 16.5 percent of the exhibitors are in the region will be organised as ened its position in the security which 53 percent are new exhibi- security industry and are lead- country’s National Vision 2030,” from the Civil Defence sector. part of the three-day exhibition,” market since the outbreak of the tors. They present their most ad- ing to major investment in up- she said. While France has the biggest Lagrenee said.

PM MEETS HEADS OF DELEGATIONS PARTICIPATING IN MILIPOL QATAR 2021

Prime Minister and Minister of tion for homeland security and Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin civil defence (Milipol Qatar 2021) Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani at the Doha Exhibition and Con- on Monday met separately with vention Center. Minister of Interior of Iraq Oth- During the meetings, they re- man Ali Farhood Al Ghanimi, viewed bilateral relations between Minister of Interior and Munici- Qatar and their countries and the palities of Lebanon Mohammad ways to develop them, especially Fahmi and Commander-in-Chief in the security and defence fields. of the National Gendarmerie of The prime minister later host- France General Christian Rodri- ed a luncheon banquet in honour guez, on the sideline of the 13th of the heads of delegations partici- edition of international exhibi- pating in Milipol Qatar 2021. (QNA)