Thursday July 15, 2021 Dhul Hijjah 5, 1442 Vol.14 no. 53070 QR 2

Fajr: 3:25 am Dhuhr: 11:40 am cloudy Asr: 3:04 pm Maghrib: 6:29 pm High : 39°C LOW : 33 °C Isha: 7:59 pm

World 7 Business 9 Sports 12 Britain to end prosecutions on Vodafone Qatar’s H1 profit Thrilling start as Qatar held to a Northern Ireland conflict up 65.5% to QR134 mn 3-3 draw by Panama in Houston

Cabinet agrees to consider holiday homes as hotel establishments the procedures and pre- cautionary measures that Cabinet affirms continuation of have been taken to combat COVID-19 precautionary measures the COVID-19 after it was briefed by HE Minister of QNA or divided unit on a daily or Public Health on the latest Amir congratulates Doha weekly basis or any temporary developments to curb the period not exceeding 30 con- pandemic. The Cabinet has approved secutive days. The Cabinet also reviewed President of France a draft decision of the Chair- The Cabinet meeting on the report prepared by the QNA man of Qatar for Tourism to Wednesday was chaired by Ministry of Municipality and Doha consider holiday homes as ho- Prime Minister and Minister Environment on the results tel establishments. of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid of the work accomplished to His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Under the project, holiday bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al implement the recommenda- Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday sent a cable of congratulations homes are considered hotel Thani. Holiday homes mean furnished housing units prepared tions regarding building per- to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron on the establishments, in accordance At the beginning, the for residence, and provided with utilities, whether they mits and the procedures for occasion of his country’s National Day. with the provisions of Law No Cabinet conveyed its highest are rooms, apartments, houses, villas or camps. They issuing them and took the ap- 20 of 2018 regarding tourism congratulations and blessings propriate decisions. regulation and its provisions. to His Highness the Amir of are rented as a complete or divided unit on a daily or It also reviewed the re- Holiday homes mean State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim weekly basis or any temporary period not exceeding sults of the 54th session of furnished housing units pre- bin Hamad Al Thani on the 30 consecutive days the Council of Arab Health pared for residence, and pro- occasion of the approaching Ministers, the 74th session of vided with utilities, whether Eid Al Adha, asking Allah Al- the World Health Assembly, they are rooms, apartments, mighty on this occasion good its people more splendor, leadership of HH the Amir. and the 149th session of the Eid Al Adha holidays houses, villas or camps, and health and happiness for His goodness, development and The Cabinet affirmed the Executive Board of the World to start from July 18 they are rented as a complete Highness, and for Qatar and prosperity under the wise continuation of work with Health Organization. QNA Employees are to resume Doha work on Monday, Dhu Al Hijja 16, 1442 H, corresponding to The Eid Al Adha holidays for July 26, 2021, it added. Kahramaa wins annual ministries, government As for Qatar Central Qatar-France relations entities and public Bank (QCB), banks institutions will and financial Qatarisation Award 2021 start on Sunday, institutions work- growing stronger: Envoy Dhu Al Hijja 8, ing under the Qatar General Electric- 1442 H, cor- supervision of QNA ity & Water Corporation responding to QCB and Qatar Paris (Kahramaa) has won July 18, and Financial Mar- the Annual Qatarisation will end on Sun- kets Authority Ambassador of Qatar to the Award 2021 for Best day, Dhu Al Hijja (QFMA), HE the French Republic HE Sheikh Ali bin Qatarization Progress 15, 1442 H, cor- Governor of Qatar Jassim Al Thani has affirmed that within the energy sec- responding to July 25, Central Bank shall the relations between Qatar and tor, in honour of its the Amiri Diwan announced specify the start and the end France have become stronger. continuous efforts to on Wednesday. of the holiday. Qatar and the French Republic attract Qatari talent were able to discuss in depth all as- and provide them with pects of bilateral cooperations as well the best opportunities. as regional issues, the ambassador Kahramaa seeks to de- added. velop its national cadres HGH performs complex brain surgery Congratulating the French peo- through effective plans ple on the occasion of the National to train and empower Hamad General Hospital’s (HGH) Neurosurgery team has successfully Day of the French Republic, the en- HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani. Qataris, whether its performed a complex and life-changing surgery on a patient suffering voy emphasized the essential place employees or graduates from a seizure disorder. It is the first time that brain surgery for epi- of cultural in the bilateral relations, ship between the two countries. He looking for training and lepsy with intra operative electroencephalography has been performed which was embodied in the existing also expressed his happiness that Qa- development oppor- in Qatar. Surgery involved making skin incision and temporary removal cooperation with the most prominent tar was able to welcome French tour- tunities. It also has of part of skull to expose the brain (craniotomy) followed by neuro- French cultural institutions, from the ists again, stressing that the global shown a commitment to surgeons inserting electrodes inside the brain and on its surface to Palace of Versailles to Les Francis- health crisis highlighted the existing developing highly quali- identify the brain area that is producing abnormal electrical activities caines in Deauville and the National solidarity between Qatar and France, fied Qatari cadres, in and causing patient to have seizure. Also, during the surgery the Sports Museum in Nice. as they stood together to fight the line with the Strategic Qatarisation Plan and its human resources aspects neurosurgeon performed brain mapping which is a procedure that can He praised the existing friend- COVID-19 pandemic. within Qatar National Vision 2030’s four development pillars. page 15 help identify what different regions of the brain do. (QNA) page 16 MME steps up preparations for Eid Al Adha Scattered rain likely

QNA from Saturday: QMD Doha Tribune News Network The Ministry of Municipal- Doha ity and Environment (MME) has intensified continuous The cloud cover over Qatar will inspection campaigns on gradually increase from Thurs- food establishments, squares, day (July 15) until the middle of mosques, roads, public parks next week, leading to chances and beaches, as part of its of scattered rain from Saturday, preparations for the blessed the Qatar Meteorology Depart- Eid Al Adha. ment (QMD) has said. The preparations includ- The rains will be light to ed intensifying control over moderate in intensity and may slaughterhouses and sacrific- be accompanied by thunder and easterly-Southeasterly ranging es, emphasizing the adoption strong winds, which can lead to between 8-18 KT gusting to of precautionary and health dusty conditions and lowered 28 KT with thunder and rain. measures to ensure proper horizontal visibility, especially on Meteorological Department has workflow, intensifying health The MME has started cleaning up prayer grounds, mosques, roads, public parks and beaches in preparation for the blessed festival. page 4 Sunday and Monday, the QMD urged everyone to be careful control over restaurants and added. and to avoid marine activities health facilities, and ensur- about the etiquette and con- taking legal action. tasks during Eid Al Adha to control marine violations, The wind will be North- during the period. ing their compliance with all trols of using public places The ministry confirmed holiday. as well as cleaning all Eid health requirements. during the Eid Al Adha holi- the provision of equipment, The ministry also said chapels in preparation for Campaigns on beaches days, providing containers machinery and workers in that fishing and picnic boats the Eid Al Adha prayer, and have also been intensified, and guide signs, distributing the places of beaches and will be monitored, and joint intensifying pesticide spray- Qatar maintains economic resilience working to direct and guide waste bags to beachgoers, slaughterhouses, to carry inspection campaigns will be ing and rodent control opera- (PG 8) the public and educate them and controlling violations and out the necessary work and conducted with Coast Guard tions. despite pandemic 02 Thursday, July 15, 2021

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Maltese FM Meets Qatari Acting Charges d’Affaires 82 people referred to Public Prosecution for Valletta: Minister not wearing masks of Foreign and Euro- pean Affairs of the The designated authorities have Republic of Malta, referred 98 people to the Public Evarist Bartolo, Prosecutor’s office for failing to met with the Acting follow the country’s preventive Charges d’Affaires and precautionary measures to of the Embassy of prevent the spread of Coronavirus the State of Qatar (COVID-19). to Malta Khalid Among them, 82 people Ali Abdullah Abel. were charged with not wearing During the meet- masks in places where they are ing, they reviewed required, while 16 people were bilateral cooperation charged with not keeping a safe relations. (QNA) distance. The steps are in accordance Lebanese Deputy PM Meets Ambassador of State of Qatar Beirut: Deputy Prime with the Cabinet decision and Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Decree Law No. 17 of 1990 on in- Lebanese Republic, Zeina Aker, met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon fectious diseases, as well as the HE Mohamed Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, on the occasion of the end of his tenure. During the Minister of state for foreign affairs meets Ethiopian ambassador country’s COVID-19 prevention meeting, the minister expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the ambassador for measures. his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations between the two brotherly Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with The designated authorities countries, wishing him success in his future duties. (QNA) Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the State of Qatar HE Samia urged the public to follow the safe- Zakaria Gutu. During the meeting, bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries ty precautions in place to ensure were reviewed. (QNA) their own and others’ safety.

Tomoh for Community Development QC marks World Youth backs QRCS vaccine equity campaign Tribune news network Skills Day 2021 today Doha Qatar Red Crescent Society TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Tamken (QRCS) has signed a coopera- DOHA In collaboration with Et- tion agreement with Tomoh laqq Business Management for Community Development The theme of World Youth and Bedaya Centre, Qatar to promote the latter as a com- Skills Day 2021, which is Charity launched ‘Tamken,’ munity sponsor of the Vaccine oberved today (July 15), is ‘Re- an integrated training pro- Equity campaign via digital imagining Youth Skills Post- gram to improve individuals’ platforms. Pandemic’. economic, social, and psy- The agreement was signed This year, this day will chological skills. Individuals by QRCS Secretary-General Ali be observed in a challeng- with ideas and small projects, bin Hassan Al-Hammadi and ing environment because those in need of market train- Tomoh for Community Devel- port for the campaign, hav- public awareness about COV- of the ongoing COVID-19 ing, and people with special opment Director-General Eng. ing a special influence on the ID-19 vaccination while also pandemic. According to needs are among those tar- Nasser Abdul-Aziz Al-Mogai- humanitarian and charitable supporting the government’s the International Labor geted by the program, as are seeb. Al-Hammadi said, “We field”. goal of reaching as many peo- Organization, global youth those affected by the Covid-19 are proud to work together Eng. Eng. Al-Mogaiseeb ple as possible. Furthermore, it employment will fall 8.7 The World Youth Skills Day 2021 will honour youth resilience and pandemic and those looking with different local organiza- emphasised the importance of has a significant humanitarian percent in 2020. creativity in the face of adversity. for a project that will provide tions towards the success of a QRCS’s Vaccine Equity cam- component in that it encourag- The World Youth Skills a steady source of income for global humanitarian campaign paign, with its humanitarian es the general public to donate Day 2021 will honour youth the world. Qatar Charity has a more stable life. that will save millions of lives and sustainable development the cost of vaccination for refu- resilience and creativity in the trained and hired over 50,000 Income-Generating and help to get things back to dimensions. “Signing this gees and displaced people.” face of adversity. It seeks to Palestinian youths, both male Projects normal. Inspired by our social memorandum of understand- The agreement calls for draw attention to how techni- and female, through its ‘Taqat’ Qatar Charity also places responsibility towards the vul- ing (MoU) with QRCS matches the use of cyberspace and so- cal and vocational education initiative, which is one of the a high priority on income- nerable, as part of a country our goals of enhancing aware- cial media networks to launch and training (TVET) systems world’s most unique humani- generating projects that aim that is a beacon of charitable ness in the fields of community community events and pro- have responded to the pan- tarian initiatives. to improve the living condi- work and the values of solidar- development and social em- grams, as well as to create me- demic, participated in the The initiative helps to re- tions of low-income families ity and giving, we welcome eve- powerment.” dia and educational materials recovery, and imagined pri- duce unemployment, improve and assist them in becoming ryone who is willing to join our “Undoubtedly, bilateral to promote the Vaccine Equity orities for the post-COVID-19 the financial situation of Pales- self-sufficient. These projects Vaccine Equity campaign”. partnerships with established campaign. world. tinian families, and strengthen are being carried out in agri- “It is our pleasure to have humanitarian aid provid- It aims to provide COV- Qatar Charity has launched capabilities through training the role of creative youths. culture, animal husbandry, with us Tomoh for Community ers like QRCS contribute to ID-19 vaccines to 3.65 million a number of flagship programs in these extraordinary circum- This initiative provides an op- trade, transportation, and oth- Development, such a leading social work. We collaborate refugees, displaced people, both within and outside the stances. portunity for poor and unem- er areas. Qatar Charity has im- organization that champions with QRCS to promote the and migrants in 20 countries, State of Qatar, as it believes in Qatar Charity is working ployed youths, particularly in plemented 10,000 economic good morals and noble ideals,” campaign by developing and and is being co-implement- the importance of providing to provide suitable job oppor- the difficult economic condi- empowerment projects during said Mr. Al-Hammadi. “We implementing a variety of in- ed by QRCS and the World job opportunities and enhanc- tunities for young people in a tions in Palestinians, particu- 2018-2020, benefiting 55,000 hope that this partnership will novative and interactive com- Health Organization (WHO) ing young people’s skills and number of countries around larly in the Gaza Strip. people. help to further mobilize sup- munity programs that raise Foundation. QC raised over $500 mn to implement its projects in 2020: Annual report

from a health crisis to a ‘development tar Charity strategy, which focuses on to the IOM, noting that the organiza- The total number of beneficiaries of crisis’ in a matter of months, as its ef- child protection, disaster relief, com- tion had received continuous support fects erased years, if not decades, of prehensive development, and social from Qatar Charity in several coun- Qatar Charity’s projects was 14 million progress and development in fragile harmony. tries including Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and countries, and poverty, food insecu- According to the report, develop- Bosnia and Herzegovina. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ni thanked the guests for their attend- rity, and education rates reached their ment projects benefited 54 million Doran Farah, Minister of Trans- DOHA ance at the start of the annual report worst levels in decades in 2020,” he people worldwide over the last five port and Civil Aviation of the Somali launch event. explained. years, at a total cost of $1.6 billion. Republic, spoke at the event and em- During the launch of its annual “The moment I address you, the To keep up with the decline and According to the report, Qatar phasised the importance of Qatar report for the year 2020 in the pres- SARS-CoV-2 virus has succeeded in rearrange priorities, he said Qatar Charity has increased its collaboration Charity’s role in mitigating the effects ence of its Chairman, Sheikh Hamad reaching almost every country in the Charity needed to review all of its stra- with various international organisa- of the severe Corona crisis on the So- bin Nasser Al Thani, Qatar Charity world, exacerbating the humanitarian tegic plans in the countries where it tions. It affirmed that it had commit- mali community. He praised Qatar announced that it raised more than needs of millions of people,” he said. operates. ted to working with the United Na- Charity’s flexibility in dealing with the $500 million in donations to carry out “The total revenues of Qatar Char- He also urged governments, do- tions Economic and Social Council crisis. humanitarian campaigns in 2020. ity from donations during 2020 ex- nors, and financial institutions to take to raise public awareness about the He said, “Qatar Charity is working Qatar Charity CEO Yousef bin ceeded $500 million, 90% of which as aid is expected to decline while hu- collective responsibility for making United Nations’ goals, activities, and with the Somali government to pro- Ahmed al-Kuwari, and Muhammad came from the Qatari community manitarian needs escalate.” humanitarian and development assis- issues. Qatar Charity is the first Mid- vide humanitarian support in several al-Ghamdi, Assistant CEO of the Gov- and individuals who responded to our The QC chairman expressed his tance more accessible in order to meet dle East and North African organisa- areas, including food security, water, ernance and Institutional Develop- successive humanitarian campaigns, pride in the collaboration and part- the unified goal of 2030. tion to be granted advisory member and relief.” ment Sector at Qatar Charity, were reflecting trust in Qatar Charity be- nership between various international A presentation was made of Qatar status. This affiliation has enabled the The Assistant CEO of the Govern- also present, as was Antonio Vitorino, cause it provided them with the high- and local partners. He also thanked Charity’s most significantachieve - International Organization for Migra- ance and Institutional Development Director-General of the Internation- est standards of transparency and the the State of Qatar, led by the Amir His ments during the previous year tion to deal with and collaborate on a Sector at Qatar Charity, Muhammad al Organization for Migration, and ability to track their donations using Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad (2020) by providing an overview of wide range of global migration issues. Ali Al-Ghamdi, concluded the event Doran Farah, Minister of Transport the latest technology,” he added. Al Thani, for his unwavering support the most important information and Since 2016, Qatar Charity has with a speech in which he said: and Civil Aviation of the Somali Re- Furthermore, he said, “We feel re- to Qatar Charity since its inception. figures included in the annual report. joined the StartNetwork, which is an “We have revised all our policies public. assured about our work over the past Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Individual donations accounted for 92 initiative of 42 international NGOs, and interventions to align with is- The event honours Qatar Charity’s year (2020) because we used our re- CEO of Qatar Charity, spoke about the percent of the revenue, with 223,000 Start Network. sues of gender justice, climate issues, most significant accomplishments sources as effectively as possible, but difficulties and challenges that Qatar people donating. In his remarks on Qatar Char- and inclusion for people with special while also reviewing the most signifi- at the same time, we recognise the Charity faced in 2020, stating that it The total number of beneficiaries ity’s annual report, Antonio Vitorino, needs, building the capacities of or- cant challenges it faced in the previous magnitude of the difficult challenges was a difficult year for which NGOs of Qatar Charity’s projects was 14 mil- Director General of the International ganizations and local communities year (2020). that await us in the coming years with were unprepared. lion, according to the report, and the Organization for Migration, thanked and providing them with tools to with- Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser Al Tha- the global economy under great strain, “The corona crisis quickly turned annual report referred to the new Qa- Qatar Charity for its generous support stand future disasters and conflicts.”

04 Thursday, July 15, 2021 Nation HMC sees increasing number of patients on blood thinner meds

CATHERINE W GICHUKI same time, these medications causing either bleeding or clot K in vitamin and supplement DOHA have safety and efficacy compa- formation. before using them. Leafy green rable with traditional agents.” “In case of a cut, apply pres- vegetables are generally high in Hamad Medical Corporation According to him, HMC sure on the bleeding area and vitamin K. It is recommended (HMC) has seen the implemen- sees many patients who are on follow first aid measures. If that a patient has a formal di- tation of the anticoagulation anticoagulants every year. bleeding is heavy or is not stop- etitian referral prior to starting NIGERIA FM MEETS QATAR AMBASSADOR ABUJA: Minister of clinics and the introduction of “Depending on the indica- ping, the patient should seek anticoagulant. Diet instructions Foreign Affairs of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama met with Ambassa- new oral anticoagulants in the tion of the treatment, includ- health care immediately,” he are usually adjusted to the an- dor of the State of Qatar to Nigeria HE Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Al recent years, enabling thou- ing treatment of thrombosis, said. He added that anticoagu- ticoagulation product used and Muhannadi, on the occasion of the end of his tenure. At the meet- sands of patients to receive dif- prevention of recurrence of lation medications come with the general situation of the pa- ing, the bilateral relations were reviewed. The Nigerian minister ferent forms of anticoagulation thrombosis or as prophylaxis red flags which necessitates im- tient,” he said. thanked the ambassador for his efforts in supporting and enhanc- services. Also known as blood to prevent the development of mediate medical care such as a According to him, blood ing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, thinners, the anticoagulants are thrombosis in high-risk situa- nosebleed that lasts longer than thinners are used in many clini- and wished him success in his new responsibilities. (QNA) medications that help to pre- tions, patients are treated via 10 minutes, cough up or vomit cal conditions and the main vent blood clots. haematology, internal medi- blood or passing stool with goal is to treat or prevent the Speaking to Qatar Tribune, cine, cardiology and/or surgi- HMC Senior Consultant Oncology blood; a sudden onset of severe development of serious blood HMC Senior Consultant Oncol- cal specialties,” he said. Dr Honar Cherif headache; dizziness; confusion clots. He added that the dosage ogy Dr Honar Cherif said, “The Dr Cherif said patients on or trouble speaking; difficulty and the duration of treatment two major development dur- anticoagulation medications contact healthcare provider breathing or chest pain; exces- vary remarkably according to Ministry of Justice ing the recent years have been are at an increased risk for immediately if having cuts sive bruising over the legs or the indication. the implementation of anti- bleeding and therefore, they or injuries that will not stop reddish spots that look like a The most common indica- coagulation clinics, which are need to avoid activities that bleeding even after applying rash or sore throat, fever and tions are treatment of throm- wins reputed GIS specialised to follow up patients may increase this risk or nega- constant pressure. chills. bosis in the lungs or extremities treated with these medications, tively affect the desired action He also advised them to Regarding the diet for those (also called deep venous throm- and the introduction of new oral of their treatment. always inform healthcare pro- on blood thinners, Dr Cherif bosis); treatment of thrombosis Excellence Award anticoagulants, the direct oral He urged those on anti- viders when patient starts tak- said that some of the anticoagu- in vital organs like the heart or QNA objective criteria for selecting anticoagulants (DOACs), previ- coagulation medication to be ing a new medication or stop lants need special considera- the brain; prevention of recur- Doha candidates for the award. ously called new oral anticoagu- careful when using sharp ob- taking one; pay attention prior tion with diet due to food-drug rence of thrombosis if the risk He added that the award lants (NOACs). jects that can cause injury or to the use of any other drugs, interaction which might either for thrombosis still exist after The Ministry of Justice, reflects the level of develop- “These are easier to admin- bleeding; avoid violent sports including over the counter increase or decrease the drug treating one; and prevention represented by the Informa- ment and modernisation at- ister and more convenient to or activities that can cause medication and pain relivers as effect. of thrombosis that may follow tion Systems Department, tained by the ministry’s digi- use as they do not need tight bruises or bleeding; use a soft it might potentiate or decrease “Patients are also advised to orthopedic surgery or other op- received the American ESRI tal systems, particularly the laboratory monitoring. At the toothbrush and electric razor; the effect of the anticoagulant look at the content of vitamin erations. Institute’s SAGAwod Excel- geographic information sys- lence Award in Geographi- tems, which were developed cal Information Systems in accordance with the most (GIS). The Institute an- recent international systems nounced the award winner and are most consistent with MME to intensify control, inspection campaigns during Eid Al-Adha via video conference in the information security and cy- presence of Khalid Mu- bersecurity standards. The Ministry of Municipality and hammed Amin Ibrahim, He said that the Ministry Environment (MME) has announced Director of the Ministry of of Justice had completed an that its competent authorities have Justice’s Department of In- integrated digital system to intensified continuous inspection formation Systems. serve the public and relevant campaigns on food establishments, According to Khalid Mu- government sectors, such as squares, mosques, roads, public hammed Amin Ibrahim, the the Ministry of Interior, the parks and beaches, as part of its award is given to ministries Ministry of Municipality and preparations for the blessed Eid and institutions that received Environment, and the Minis- Al-Adha. The preparations include the highest rating in a set of try of Transport and Commu- intensifying control over slaugh- criteria established by the nications, which had thank- terhouses and sacrifices, stressing winners’ selection commit- fully provided all support and the adoption of precautionary and tee, which is an independent assistance for the success of health measures to ensure proper committee with scientific and joint projects. workflow.(QNa) World Thursday, July 15, 2021 05 12 killed in Pakistan bus ‘blast’, including 9 Chinese Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it was the result of a gas leak that caused an explosion dpa Islamabad People wave Taliban flags as they drive through the Pakistani border town of Chaman on Wednesday. (AFP) At least nine Chinese engi- neers with a hydro power pro- ject were among 12 killed in northern Pakistan on Wednes- Britain will work with day when the bus they were riding in was struck by a blast. Taliban if it becomes Police and military sources described the incident as an attack caused by a roadside Afghanistan govt bomb. Pakistan’s Foreign Min- dpa ernment will engage with istry, however, said it was the London it,” Wallace told the Daily result of a gas leak that caused Telegraph. an explosion and sent the bus The UK is willing to work But he also said: “Just careening into a ravine. with the Taliban if it enters like other governments One Pakistani soldier and government in Afghanistan, around the world, if they two local workers accompa- Defence Secretary Ben Wal- behave in a way that is seri- nying the Chinese were also lace said. ously against human rights, killed in the attack in the town The militants will meet we will review that relation- of Dasu, near the country’s with representatives of the ship.” border with China, a military Afghanistan government lat- The Wyre and Preston source told dpa. er this week as Taliban fight- North MP acknowledged to Security sources said an ers surge through district af- the paper it would be diffi- improvised explosive device ter district taking control of cult for the UK to work with (IED) went off as the bus was large swaths of the country a group responsible for the carrying the Chinese and their Soldiers move from an army helicopter an injured Chinese national at a military hospital in Gilgit, on Wednesday. (AFP) amid the withdrawal of US deaths of 457 British per- Pakistani guards from Barseen forces. sonnel, however he noted: camp, around 15 kilometres a blast.” The Chinese embassy During a visit to Wash- “All peace processes require from Dasu, to the project site 8 dead, 9 missing in hotel collapse in eastern China in Islamabad called the inci- ington Wallace indicated you to come to terms with early morning. dent a bombing, contradicting his disappointment at Presi- the enemy.” The blast hit as the bus Beijing: At least eight people said. The Siji Kaiyuan Hotel in teams including earthquake the Pakistani ministry. dent Joe Biden’s decision to The US withdrawal of drove out of the highly-forti- died after a hotel in eastern the city’s Wujiang District sud- specialists deployed, the city China’s Foreign Ministry withdraw US forces, saying forces is expected to con- fied camp that includes resi- China collapsed, local authori- denly collapsed on Monday af- said. The cause of the col- in Beijing condemned the at- the rest of the international clude by August 31. dential quarters for Chinese ties said on Tuesday. ternoon. So far, six people had lapse was not initially clear and tack and asked Pakistan to community had little choice On Friday the Taliban workers. The bodies of eight people been rescued, with five of them was being investigated. The protect the safety of Chinese but to follow suit. claimed it now controls 85 Scores of people were in- were recovered while a further injured, the city government provincial authorities called for personnel, institution and But the Defence Secre- per cent of Afghanistan’s jured and the death toll might nine people were missing in said. A large-scale rescue and safety inspections to prevent projects, according to media tary added that Whitehall territory. rise from the 12 so far, police the rubble, the city government recovery operation was un- similar incidents happening reports. was willing to work with the The next day Prime official Mohamed Yousaf told of Suzhou in Jiangsu province derway, with search dogs and elsewhere. (dpa) Beijing is building the Taliban, who signed a deal Minister Boris Johnson said dpa. Dasu hydro power project in with the US in February Britain was not abandoning Around 30 people, mostly the district of Kohistan under 2020. its commitment to Afghani- Chinese, were on board the linked with the Pakistani Tali- At least six hours after the different version of events. an investment plan that forms “Whatever the govern- stan despite him signalling bus when it was hit, he added. ban, who are different from first reports of an attack, the The ministry said the bus part of the Belt and Road Initi- ment of the day is, provided the end of the UK’s 20- No group has claimed respon- their Afghan counterparts, and Pakistan Foreign Ministry in “plunged into a ravine after a ative, a flagship economic and it adheres to certain interna- year military mission in the sibility for the suspected attack nationalist rebels often target the capital Islamabad con- mechanical failure resulting infrastructure programme of tional norms, the UK gov- country. so far, but Islamist militants Chinese interests in Pakistan. firmed the deaths but gave a in leakage of gas that caused Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Rowhani says Indonesia’s chances of Civilian groups organise to deter looters daily virus nuke deal with as South African unrest death toll hits 72 caseload US wasted dpa mission of inquiry into various passes 50k dpa Johannesburg corruption charges during his Tehran time in office, from 2009 to dpa Civilian groups are report- 2018, but had failed to comply Jakarta Iran’s chances of reaching edly forming in some South with a court summons. a new nuclear deal with the African townships to defend Military patrols have begun Indonesia reported more United States were wasted, against looters, following days in strategic locations around than 54,000 new coronavi- according to outgoing Iranian of violent protests triggered by hospitals and airports, as well rus cases on Wednesday, a President Hassan Rowhani. the imprisonment of former as in Johannesburg’s Alex- record single-day increase, as “I very much regret that president Jacob Zuma. andra township, according to the country grapples with an obstacles were placed in the The nationwide death toll government information. Amid explosion of Covid-19 in- government’s path and thus stands at at least 72, with no the clashes, four Somalis have fections that has strained the chance of an early agree- new fatalities confirmed since been killed and others injured. hospitals. ment in the nuclear negotia- Tuesday evening. The Somali Foreign Minis- The additional cases tions was squandered,” Row- Reports emerged from try confirmed on Tuesday that brought the number of total hani said on Wednesday. townships around cities such several Somali shops in Zuma’s confirmed infections to nearly Rowhani blamed hardlin- as Cape Town, Mahikeng and home province of KwaZulu- 2.7 million, according to Health ers in the country, who not East London that civilian resi- Natal had been looted. Ministry data. only oppose the 2015 Iran nu- dent groups had formed to Khartoum called on the Another 991 deaths over the clear deal, but are also against protect infrastructure. Coun- South African government to past 24 hours took the virus-re- making a new agreement in ter-movements have formed in protect Somali citizens from lated death toll to 69,210. The negotiations currently being other provinces amid reports of brutal attacks, after Somali new figures mean that Indone- held in Vienna. further looting. A member of the South African Police Service detains an alleged looter outside the Chris Hanni Mall in traders have been targeted in sia is one of the global hotspots Rowhani also vehemently The chairman of the rul- Vosloorus, on Wednesday. (AFP) the past. Meanwhile, the Afri- for Covid-19, along with India rejected the hardliners’ criti- ing African National Congress can Union urgently called for and Brazil. Cases have surged cisms that the Iran nuclear (ANC) party, Gwede Man- of Johannesburg. “You don’t blink in the middle tempt of court has rapidly de- order to be restored. Vigilante rapidly since last month. On deal had weakened Iran’s nu- tashe, distanced himself from “Burning shopping com- of a crisis.” Criminals were sab- volved, in some instances, into groups have tried to prevent the June 1, daily new cases were at clear programme. claims that the violence was plexes has nothing to do with otaging the country’s economic large-scale, bloody riots. violence from spilling over into 4,824 nationwide. According to Rowhani, in response to ANC member Zuma, but everything with foundation, he noted. Zuma was sentenced last residential areas in KwaZulu Hospitals across the is- the Atomic Energy Organiza- Zuma’s imprisonment, in com- thugs,” he said. What started at the week- week to 15 months in prison, Natal and Gauteng province, lands have been forced to turn tion of Iran has shown it can ments given to the media in the Asked about the possibility end as protests against Zuma’s which he began serving late where entire commercial areas away patients, with some fac- bring uranium enrichment township of Vosloorus, south of pardoning Zuma, he added: 15-month jail term for con- Wednesday. He faces a com- were looted and set on fire. ing oxygen shortages. levels from below 4 per cent to between 20 and 60 per cent in a very short period of time. “If needed, and within Philippines verifying report Chinese the framework of our peace- S Korea sees highest daily COVID ful nuclear projects, we could ships dumping waste in disputed sea even raise the level to 90 per cases since start of pandemic cent,” he said, according to dpa “When the ships don’t said. “We have to accord our the presidential website. Manila move, the poop piles up,” ac- neighbours and our friends dpa Daily rates were above For these, with the excep- More urgent at the mo- cording to Liz Derr, founder the presumption of good faith Seoul 1,000 for the eighth consecu- tion of some southern regions, ment, he said, is an agree- The Philippine government and CEO of Simularity. “The when they say something tive day. The Seoul metropoli- level two will apply from ment in the current Vienna said Wednesday it was veri- damage to the reefs in the last about an issue of fact. So we South Korea has hit a new tan area, which also includes Thursday, according to which negotiations that would re- fying a report by a US-based five years is visible and dra- are according that statement high in the daily number of the Gyeonggi province and the meetings of more than eight vive the Iran nuclear deal. technology firm that Chinese matic.” “It is so intense, you the presumption of good new coronavirus infections, western coastal city of Incheon, people are prohibited. “We were denied that vessels have been dumping can see it from space,” she faith.” Nearly 300 ships have with 1,615 cases recorded on is particularly badly affected. Lee Ki Il from the Ministry chance, but we hope that the human waste and sewage in added. been spotted in various parts Tuesday, health authorities The region is on the high- of Health has called on citizens next government will seize reefs in the disputed South Presidential spokesman of the South China Sea since said. est of a four-level plan regard- to refrain from “social gather- the opportunity to reach an China Sea. Harry Roque said the Philip- March, including areas that New infections within 24 ing coronavirus restrictions. ings” and to stay at home if agreement in the national in- According to Simularity, pine government was looking are claimed by the Philippines hours have not been at this Among other things, the rules possible. terest,” Rowhani said. an American firm the analy- into the report, but added it and are within the country’s level in the country since the state that gatherings of more South Korea has made it Incoming President Ebra- ses satellite imagery, the sew- was presuming good faith on exclusive economic zone. beginning of the pandemic. than two people are prohibited through the pandemic relative- him Raisi is due to form a age effluent from the Chinese China’s part when it alleged China claims almost the The total number of cases of after 6 pm. ly well so far. However, only government in early August ships have created harmful that the analysis was based entire South China Sea as its Covid-19 rose to 171,911, ac- In view of the continuing 30.6 per cent of the 51.3 mil- and the future of the Iran Chlorophyll-a concentration on a satellite imagery from territory and has built artifi- cording to the data. rise in infections, the govern- lion residents have received the nuclear deal is high on his in the waters that were damag- Australia in 2014 and not the cial islands with military-ca- South Korea finds itself on ment decided to tighten re- first vaccination shot.Younger agenda, according to media ing coral reefs in the disputed South China Sea. pable facilities over reefs and the edge of a fourth wave of in- strictions for other regions of adults in particular have not reports. area. “We’re verifying it first,” he outcrops in the area. fections. the country as well. yet been vaccinated. 06 Thursday, July 15, 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

The Delta Variant Of COVID-19 Is Coming Hold On To The Hard For The Unprotected ITH vacations back on the schedule and weddings and other summer Lessons Of Pandemic activities in full swing in Southern California, it’s easy to forget that a Wpandemic is still raging. Despite the efforts of public health officials to curtail infections and the Vaccines may be making the world safer. But that doesn’t mean our newfound work by scientists to develop vaccines in record time, COVID-19 is not done with us yet. That much is clear from the surge in new cases in California self-knowledge is irrelevant. It is possible to hold on to the knowledge, to keep and Los Angeles after weeks of steep declines in the spring. Officials in Los Angeles County reported 3,000 new cases in just three days — exponential building on it, without remaining stuck in anxiety growth from just a month ago, when new daily cases were counted in the low hundreds. It’s a similar story across the state, the nation and the globe. Virginia Heffernan Though it wasn’t wholly unexpected for infections to rise after Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the state’s pandemic closures and mask mandates on June 15, T’S getting harder and harder to remem- it’s troubling nonetheless. ber the height of the pandemic, when some The jump in coronavirus cases is being driven by the highly contagious 4,000 Americans were dying every day. Delta variant, which is now the dominant strain in California and the U.S., As recently as January, a person died of and which is finding fertile breeding ground among the millions who are not COVID-19 every eight minutes in Los An- yet fully inoculated — including almost half of Californians. Igeles County. Embalmers were overwhelmed. Some of the unvaccinated have a valid reason for skipping the jab. Kids California ran out of storage space for the younger than 12 aren’t eligible for inoculation yet, and some people have dead, so the South Coast Air Quality Manage- been advised by their doctors to not get vaccinated because of specific health ment District, which regulates smog across the problems they have. But for the most part, the ranks of the recalcitrant are Southland, lifted restrictions on cremations. made up of people who could be vaccinated safely and have easy access to At the time, all of this — and the over- vaccines — but have chosen, either deliberately or by inaction, to take their whelmed hospitals, the lockdown, the unem- chances with a deadly infection, come what may. ployment, the closed schools, the grounded And what may well come is sickness and death. All but a tiny fraction planes — seemed unforgettable. It was stagger- of the people who are dying — yes, scores of Americans are still dying every ing, surreal; it would stay with us forever. day from COVID-19 infections — are unvaccinated. Breakthrough infections But in this “vaccine summer,” we seem to of the fully vaccinated do happen; vaccines in general don’t work as well for be celebrating our relative freedom with amne- some people, with the exceptions concentrated among the elderly and those sia. with compromised immune systems. But those breakthrough cases are ex- Two weeks after my second dose of the ceedingly rare, and its rarer still for them to be severe enough to result in Moderna vaccine, I told myself I’d still be vigi- hospitalization. lant. I told myself I’d go slow, wear my mask, At least for the moment, that is. As the Delta variant shows, mutations keep my social distance. can make the virus more formidable. And every new infection, no matter But then vaccinated friends came to visit. At how mild, offers a new opportunity for mutation. What if that next mutation first we stayed outside in masks; then we sat in can burst through the defenses of current vaccines? What if new strains at- the kitchen in masks. Then without. Now hours tack young children, who can’t yet be inoculated and who so far have been pass and I don’t even think about the pan- largely spared from serious illness? demic, though it is still claiming some 8,500 When the vaccine first started to roll out, that hard work. After more than a year of plague, politics and polemics, we are due a little lives worldwide every day. At some point, I’m many feared it would be hard to go back to nor- Because our imaginations opened up, too. celebration. But that will be short-lived if COVID-19 gains a new toehold this not sure when, I stopped keeping close watch mal. The country seemed stuck in a dysphoria The stories of people quitting jobs, or joining summer and authorities are forced to respond with new restrictions. No one on the death toll in the US — it’s more than that combined disbelief, anxiety and boredom. the front=line workers, or resolving to marry or wants that to happen. Those who have put off vaccination hoping that an ebb 606,000 — and began to hug and shake hands All we had were our new abnormal routines. divorce or have children or move to the Yukon in infections meant they were safe must recognize the growing risk and stop again. Fear kept the pandemic in the front of But after my vaccinated night out, I started — these changes, many of them radical, suggest waiting to get their shots. And all of us, vaccinated or not, should continue to my mind, until the fear abated. to worry it would be too easy. that the turbulence shook loose hidden yearn- take precautions when out in public. That’s what happens with trauma: We for- Like an adult who visits her parents and ings in many of us. get. The mind can be kind to us in this way. It finds herself acting like a teenager again, we The vaccines may be making the world saf- would be impossible to move on if we let every may find it irresistibly tempting to lapse into er. But that doesn’t mean our newfound self- sight of haze on the horizon provoke thoughts our old ways. It has even seemed possible, at knowledge is irrelevant. It is possible to hold on of crematoria chimneys or trigger memories of times, to delete all of 2020 from our minds, to the knowledge, to keep building on it, with- ventilator shortages and dying relatives. skip in memory from summer 2019 to summer out remaining stuck in anxiety. But it’s also important to remember — not 2021 with no summer in between, while treat- There’s an old joke about a man on a train just the trauma but also the lived experience ing crumpled masks and gallon jugs of sanitizer that succinctly warns against that stuckness. during the worst of the outbreak. The pan- as relics of a bygone civilization. “Oy, am I thirsty,” the man moans. “Oy, am demic made room for long periods of contem- Some refuse to vaccinate, but nearly 50% I thirsty.” This goes on for hours until finally his plation and stock-taking, to say nothing of of Americans have put the pandemic largely seatmate gets him a Coke, and the man gulps it brooding, fightingand fretting. Relationships behind us with an injection or two. Maybe we down. A few minutes pass until the man speaks faltered. Careers stalled. Tens of millions of should pump the brakes. The reflections of up again: “Oy, was I thirsty,” he moans. “Oy, jobs evaporated, and many aren’t coming back. the last 14 months shouldn’t just be shoved in was I thirsty.” Teenagers, many cooped up at home, suffered a cupboard with the ramen and dried milk we Oy, were we scared. But we can recall and extreme psychological duress. Working par- stockpiled. Nothing throws one’s life choices honor that period of fear without bringing the ents struggled, and some, especially mothers into relief like a sustained global life-or-death spiked cortisol with us. A tragic and chastening who shouldered most of the burden of child emergency. Relationships, money, work, rest, year awakened us to life’s brevity, its precious- care, hit breaking points. Millions of workers health, political and moral commitments — ness and its possibilities, and we should not quit their jobs. these all came up for reevaluation. Keep doing forget that. How We Can End Our Global Loneliness Crisis

Noreena Hertz percentage points since 1990. In the Nether- ing professional cuddlers and companions. bill that imposes a “duty of care” on social lands, almost a third of adults admit to be- We’ll need products and services that enable media platforms to protect individuals from E are in the midst of a global lone- ing lonely. Three in five Brits between 18 and meaningful connection at scale. psychological and physical harm. liness crisis that struck long before 34 say they feel lonely either often or some- We’ll need more places like colatecs — More generally, all levels of government “social distancing” entered our times. In the workplace, 40% of office work- the South Korea daytime discos frequented must commit to massively re-fund the in- vernacular and our smiles were oc- ers globally say they feel lonely, and that was by retirees — and social robots like Israel’s frastructure of community — vital gather- cluded by masks. before we all began working from home. ElliQ, an artificial intelligence companion ing places such as libraries, playgrounds WOne in five millennials in the U.S. say Our mental health is not the only thing at designed to keep older adults company that and youth clubs. This may give us the best they have no friends, according to a 2019 stake, although loneliness is associated with was popular in Florida at the height of the possible chance of reversing the loneliness survey. Sixty percent of residents in U.S. increased rates of anxiety, depression and pandemic. And for readers skeptical about crisis and reconnecting with one another. nursing homes have no visitors. In Japan, suicide. Loneliness damages our physical our ability as humans to feel close to robots Since the 2008 financial crisis, funding for people over 65 routinely commit crimes health as well. Hard-wired to connect, our or virtual companions, I offer my 2-year-old community infrastructure has been slashed so they can avoid social isolation by living bodies go into a state of high alert when we voters in France who felt socially isolated niece: When her mother asked who they across much of the world. For instance, fed- in jail. The problem is so acute, the United are lonely — stress hormones course through and their support of right-wing populist should make their next greeting card for, she eral support for U.S. libraries decreased by Kingdom appointed its first minister of lone- our veins, our heart rate and blood pressure Jean-Marie Le Pen. replied “Alexa.” more than 40% from 2008 to 2018, while liness in 2018. go up. Loneliness is worse for us than not ex- To address the needs of this lonely cen- Employers can also make a dent in our the United Kingdom has closed nearly a fifth This is the loneliest century humankind ercising or being obese, as detrimental to our tury, we need more of what I call the Loneli- loneliness. Even small steps can yield sig- of its libraries, about 800 total. has ever known, but it didn’t emerge over- health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. ness Economy: goods and services designed nificant dividends. For example, research- Individuals also have clear roles to play. night. Our smartphones and particularly Lonely workers are less motivated, less to alleviate loneliness and deliver connec- ers studying firefighters in Chicago found As we emerge from this prolonged period of social media have played an integral role. So productive and more likely to quit. Research tion. that companies that ate together felt more social isolation, we can commit to making have large-scale migration to cities, the rise shows that people without a friend at work A few months before the world went into bonded and performed better than those this a summer of reconnection. of a gig economy that has left many workers are seven times less likely to be engaged with pandemic shutdown, I engaged with its ex- that didn’t. Corporations that provide paid This means rushing less and stopping to without a sense of workplace community, their job than those who feel they have such tremes by renting an above-board compan- days off for employees to volunteer together talk more, whether to a neighbor, a postal and fundamental changes to how we live. a bond. ion for $120 for an afternoon from a website report similarly significant results. carrier or someone who appears to be lonely. In much of the world, people are less Loneliness also can exact a price on de- with more than 600,000 friends for hire. And, somehow, social media has to be It means breaking out of our self-suffocating likely to attend a house of worship, belong to mocracy. A small-business owner in Milan For three hours in downtown Manhattan, reined in. Its incessant siren call means ever digital privacy bubbles and engaging with a parent-teacher association or trade union, told me about the brotherhood he felt at a we drank matcha tea, shopped for sunglass- greater disconnection from those physi- those around us, even when our default is or live with others than in the past. In re- far-right organization’s dinners where at- es and browsed my favorite bookstore. “Brit- cally around us — and ever more exposure to scroll on our phones. It means showing cent decades, we’ve also become more indi- tendees sing traditional songs. A Parisian tany” laughed winningly at my jokes. to vitriol and abuse, which exacerbates how more gratitude to those who care for others vidualistic. The evolution of pop lyrics since baker spoke of the isolation of urban living Soon after, I repeated my pay-for-in- lonely we feel. in society and saying thank you more to our the 1970s bear this out — with words such and how lonely he felt until he became a teraction experiment on the West Coast. In In the US, all 50 states and Washington, partners, our friends, our colleagues — even as “we” and “us” being steadily replaced by member of France’s far-right National Front Venice Beach I hired Jean, a professional DC, have taken steps to prevent bullying and our Alexa. We inadvertently built a lonely those like “I” and “me.” party. cuddler I also found online. During our protect children, but no federal law exists world, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. An “I”-focused world is inevitably a lone- Right-wing populists have successfully hourlong session we had time to chat, her to directly address it even though 60% of lier one. wielded community like a sword, and not arms encircling me from the back, and she teens have experienced cyberbullying. In the (Noreena Hertz is the author The statistics seemingly know no end. In only in recent presidential politics in the told me that business was booming. United Kingdom, where a similar number of “The Lonely Century: How to the United States, 15% of men say they have United States. This is not a recent trend — in For the loneliness economy to have of young people have been cyberbullied, the Restore Human Connection in a no close friends, an increase of more than 10 1992 researchers established links between impact, it will have to go beyond provid- government has created a draft online safety World That’s Pulling Apart.”)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Thursday, July 15, 2021 07 ‘Iran plotted to kidnap US journalist from her Brooklyn home’

dpa to the Brooklyn waterfront - so far - Niloufar Bahadorifar, on my Instagram... I’m giving said he was lured by Iranian “This is not some far- New York where they hoped to shove her 46, of California. Farahani a platform to people inside, intelligence services to leave fetched movie plot,” FBI Assis- in a military-style speedboat and three others, Mahmoud challenging the compulsory France in October 2019, and tant Director William Sweeney An Iranian intelligence officer headed for Venezuela. Khazein, 42, Kiya Sadeghi, 35, hijab, and challenging the re- captured him. said on Tuesday. and a network of accomplices “I was in three safe houses, and Omid Noori, 45, remain at ligious dictatorship,” she told “My heart was broken “We allege a group, backed tried to kidnap a prominent US and they were following me,” large. The News. “All the years and following the news of his ex- by the Iranian government, journalist and author from her Alinejad, 44, told the Daily The indictment doesn’t years they called America the ecution, and I was like, ‘Wow, conspired to kidnap a US based Brooklyn home to silence her News. “I think I’m living in a name Alinejad, but she spoke great Satan, the biggest enemy. they’re trying to exactly do journalist here on our soil and criticism of the Iranian regime, movie. I’ve cooperated with the out at length about the plot, But they’re scared of their own the same to me.’ It’s scary but forcibly return her to Iran. Not federal prosecutors allege. FBI for the last eight months.” and posts on her Twitter page people. That’s why they sent of- it gives me hope. I give voice on our watch.” Prosecutors allege a dis- Federal prosecutors in make it clear she was the in- File photo of journalist Masih ficers from the intelligence ser- to the voiceless people inside Starting in 2018, federal turbing plot by the Iranian Manhattan indicted Alireza tended target. Alinejad. (AFP) vice to Brooklyn to kidnap me.” Iran,” she said. prosecutors allege, Iranian gov- government aimed to grab ac- Shavaroghi Farahani, 50, an Alinejad is known for her She said she was horri- In a 2020 column in the ernment officials tried to bribe tivist Masih Alinejad and lock Iranian intelligence official fierce activism against the law harassing her family and im- fied by the news last year that Washington Post, the activist her relatives, who still live in her up in an Iranian prison. who resides in Iran, and four requiring women in Iran to prisoning her brother. She fled the Iranian government had said the Iranian government Iran, to invite her to travel to a Their plans included spy- accomplices, in the kidnapping wear a hijab, and in 2019, she Iran in 2009, and became a US executed Ruhollah Zam, a had started “a social media third country, where they plot- ing on her home for months scheme. sued the Iranian government citizen in 2019. dissident journalist living in campaign calling for my ab- ted to arrest and return her to and researching the best route Only one has been arrested in federal court, accusing it of “I have 5 million followers France. Federal prosecutors duction.” Iran to be imprisoned.

POSITIVE MOVE Britain’s MI5 warns public to beware Britain to end prosecutions of foreign spies

dpa ence, he confirmed: “We’ve London seen over 10,000 disguised approaches from foreign on Northern Ireland conflict The director general of spies to regular people up MI5 has urged the public to and down the UK, seeking dpa a solution to this problem, to be as alert to hostile state to manipulate them. London enable the province of North- threats as they are to ter- “UK victims of state es- ern Ireland to draw a line un- rorism. pionage range way wider The British government has der the Troubles, to enable the In his annual address on than just government. announced plans for a statute people of Northern Ireland to Wednesday, Ken McCallum “We see the UK’s bril- of limitations which would move forward. warned of the “less graphic” liant universities and re- end all prosecutions of ex- “I think someone with threats that have the “po- searchers having their dis- paramilitaries and former greater statesmanship and tential to affect us all” from coveries stolen or copied; members of the security forces clarity of vision would have state, or state-backed or- we see businesses hollowed in Troubles-related cases in seen that and given these ganisations in Russia, Chi- out by the loss of advantage Northern Ireland. proposals a fair wind.” But na and Iran. they’ve worked painstak- Secretary of State Brandon the families of those killed by Challenging the as- ingly to build. Lewis told the House of Com- soldiers in west Belfast in 1971 sumption that the impact “Given half a chance, mons he plans to bring the have urged against a statute of of hostile activity is felt only hostile actors will short-cir- legislation to parliament in the limitations on Troubles pros- by government, institu- cuit years of patient British autumn. ecutions. tions or certain individuals, research or investment. But, even before the pro- A fresh inquest into the he said the “consequences “This is happening at posals had been announced, deaths of a woman and nine range from frustration and scale - and it affects us all. victims and political parties men in Ballymurphy earlier inconvenience, through loss UK jobs, UK public ser- had criticised them as a “de this year found they were “en- of earnings, potentially up vices, UK futures.” Mr Mc- facto amnesty”. tirely innocent”. to loss of life”, adding: “We Callum warned those work- Lewis said his plan for A statement on behalf of must, over time, build the ing in a high-tech business, dealing with Northern Ire- the Ballymurphy families said: same public awareness and cutting-edge research or land’s troubled past also in- “We see this as the British gov- resilience to state threats those exporting to certain cludes a new truth recovery ernment’s cynical attempt to that we have done over the markets that “you will be body and an oral history ini- bring in an amnesty and a plan years on terrorism.” After of more interest - more in- tiative. to bury its war crimes. calling out the pervasive terest than you might think He then confirmed pro- “These latest proposals to risks from espionage, dis- - to foreign spies”, but will posals for a statute of limita- deny families Article 2-com- ruptive cyber-attacks, mis- add: “You don’t have to be tions “to apply equally to all pliant investigations or access information and interfer- scared; but be switched on.” Troubles-related incidents”, A video grab of Britain’s Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis speaking in the House of Commons in to due process of the law will telling the Commons: “We London on Wednesday. (afp) not be tolerated and will be le- know that the prospect of the gally challenged. end of criminal prosecutions Speaking earlier during under that Labour administra- “This proposed amnesty will be difficult for some to ac- Prime Minister’s Questions, Death toll tion that many terrorists were shows how low the British cept and this is not a position premier Boris Johnson said: unfortunately given effectively Government will go, it will News we take lightly. “The people of Northern Ire- More than 3,500 people an amnesty, and they were al- help no-one, it is only being “But we’ve come to the land must, if we possibly can died during the Northern lowed to escape the full con- put forward for British veter- in brief view that this is the best and allow them to, move forwards Ireland Troubles, which sequences of their crimes and ans, they are the only reason only way to facilitate an effec- now. stretched from the early that is the reality.” they are rushing this through 160 ‘unmarked’ graves discovered at tive information retrieval and “[Opposition labour leader 1970s to the Good Friday/ The prime minister added: parliament.” ex-Indigenous school in Canada provision process, and the best Keir Starmer] will know that Belfast Agreement in 1998 “The sad fact remains that More than 3,500 people way to help Northern Ireland the proposals that have been there are many members of died during the Northern Ire- New York More than 160 “unmarked and undocumented” move further along the road to brought forward ... are meas- the armed services who con- land Troubles, which stretched graves have been discovered on the site of a former Indige- reconciliation. ured, they are balanced and Labour leaders who have con- tinue to face the threat of vex- from the early 1970s to the nous boarding school for children on an island near Vancouver “It is in reality a painful they have a wide degree of siderable more distinction, if I atious prosecutions well into Good Friday/Belfast Agree- in Canada. recognition of the very reality support from former Labour may say, than him. their 70s, 80s and later, and ment in 1998, while tens of The graves were found near the former Kuper Island Resi- of where we are.” prime ministers and former “He will recall that it was we’re finally bringing forward thousands more were injured. dential School in the province of British Columbia, Canadian media reported on Wednesday, citing the Penelakut Indigenous community. Further details were not initially provided. In recent weeks, hundreds of unmarked graves and re- mains of children’s bodies have been discovered at three other Lukashenko unleashes former residential schools for Indigenous children. Sydney lockdown extended further The institutes, mostly run by the Catholic Church, housed nationwide arrests Indigenous children taken away from their families from the as COVID numbers continue to rise 17th century until the 1990s. (dpa) dpa and raids in Belarus Sydney Fresh appeal to find body of British dpa backpacker murdered in Australia A lockdown in Australia’s Moscow Sydney will be extended to “at London Police have appealed for information to locate the least” July 30 as New South A wave of brutal police raids body of a British backpacker murdered in Australia on the 20th Wales (NSW) continues to on NGOs and independent anniversary of his disappearance. battle a ballooning cluster of media outlets has been un- Bradley Murdoch was convicted in 2005 of murdering Peter coronavirus cases, the local leashed by the authorities Falconio, 28, and assaulting his girlfriend Joanne Lees at gun- government announced on controlled by President Alex- point on a remote stretch of highway near Barrow Creek, about Wednesday. ander Lukashenko in Belarus, 320 kilometres north of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Ongoing cases of com- according to human rights ac- on July 14 2001. Murdoch is believed to have hidden Falconio’s munity transmission and tivists. body, which has never been found despite extensive searches. updated health advice had Armed police raided the Northern Territory Police said in a statement that the miss- forced the New South Wales offices of the Viasna Human File photo of Belarus’ prominent ing person’s case remains open. government to extend restric- Rights Centre, arresting law- rights activist Ales Belyatsky. (AFP) Detective senior sergeant Karl Day said: “Police are urging tions for a further two weeks, yers and other employees, anyone out there, with any information that may assist Peter’s state Premier Gladys Berejik- A health worker takes a swab sample from a resident at a Covid-19 the organization announced forced into exile under pres- family in gaining some sort closure, to come forward and con- lian said at a press conference drive-through testing clinic in Sydney on Wednesday. (AFP) in Minsk on Wednesday. sure from the authorities in tact police. (dpa) Wednesday. The centre’s internationally- 2020, said that the organiza- “It always hurts to say the Bondi Junction area in known director, Ales Bely- tions raided had been doing this,” Berejiklian said. Australia has recorded Sydney’s eastern suburbs in atsky, was among those ar- the work of government agen- Deaths more than double along Mediter- A total of 97 new locally mid-June. As of Wednesday, rested, and his whereabouts cies and dealing with people’s ranean Sea migration routes: UN acquired cases were reported over 31,300 cases, includ- 71 Covid-19 patients were remain unknown. every day problems for many on Wednesday, with at least ing 6,362 in NSW, and in hospital, including 20 in The wave of raids and ar- years. “The regime will break Geneva (dpa) - Deaths have more than doubled along migra- 24 of those in the community 912 deaths since the pan- intensive care. rests took place across the even faster now,” she added. tion routes in the Mediterranean Sea in the first half of 2021 while infectious. demic began On Sunday, Australia re- country, with a total of 16 or- Lukashenko has repeat- compared to the same period last year, according to United Berejiklian said that, in ported its first death related to ganizations affected. Activ- edly said that nongovernmen- Nations data. order to lift the lockdown, the the disease this year, a woman ists, journalists and civil rights tal organizations, independent At the same time, 58 percent more people had attempted number of people infectious at-home orders except for es- in her 90s from south-west campaigners were among media and human rights activ- the sea crossing from Northern Africa to Europe this year - in the community needs to sential outings such as work, Sydney believed to be unvac- those taken into custody, ac- ists are a danger to Belarus. almost 76,000 from January to June - the UN’s International be “as close to zero as pos- medical appointments, care cinated. Another person has cording to Viasna. The politician, who is reg- Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Wednesday. sible.” All of greater Sydney, and compassionate grounds, died since. The purges are unlikely ularly described as “Europe’s Northern African countries had prevented almost 37 per- as well as the nearby Blue shopping for essential goods Australia, with a popu- to stop until all opposition is last dictator,” called such cent more migrants on their northward journey. Mountains, Central Coast and outdoor exercise until at lation of some 25 million crushed, said Artyom Shrai- foreign-funded organizations The strong rise is partly due to the fact that relatively few and Wollongong, was placed least July 30. people, has recorded over bman, a Belarusian political “terrorists” during a meet- people attempted the crossing during the coronavirus pandem- under Covid-19 restrictions on There have been 864 lo- 31,300 cases, including 6,362 analyst now living abroad. ing with Russian President ic last year, the IOM said. In the first half of 2020, 17 per cent June 26. cally acquired cases reported in NSW, and 912 deaths since Opposition leader Svet- Vladimir Putin in St. Peters- fewer people tried to reach Europe than in 2019. (dpa) The public is under stay- since a cluster emerged in the pandemic began. lana Tikhanovskaya, who was burg on Tuesday. AAB celebrates launch of all-new 2022 Land Cruiser page 11

Thursday, July 15, 2021

34,954.96 10,775.97 52904.05 1,826.30 Dow +66.17 pts QE +7.89 pts sensex +134.32 pts Gold +0.91 % Powell says inflation, though elevated, will likely moderate page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 26.30 Brent 74.37 -2.77 % WTI 72.69 -3.40 % Silver +0.61 % Qatar’s LNG vessel makes first call at Kuwait’s Al-Zour terminal

Tribune News Network missioning cargo to this landmark Doha facility in cooperation with our stra- tegic business partners at KPC. The Qatargas Operating Company successful commissioning of this Limited (Qatargas) delivered the LNG receiving terminal will contrib- first ever cargo of liquefied natural ute towards strengthening our busi- gas (LNG) on a Q-Flex LNG carrier ness relations with KPC.” to Al-Zour LNG receiving terminal Al-Zour LNG terminal is set to in Kuwait in July 2021. be amongst the largest in the world The cargo was loaded aboard by an overall import capacity of 22 the Qatargas-chartered LNG vessel, million tonnes per annum (MTPA) ‘Al Kharsaah‘, at Ras Laffan on July by 2022. Currently, it is the world’s 9, 2021, and delivered to Al Zour largest capacity LNG storage and re- LNG terminal, owned and operated gasification greenfield project. by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation The terminal consists of two (KPC), three days later. jetty heads, capable of simultaneous Commenting on this milestone discharging and has eight storage delivery, Qatargas Chief Executive tanks, with a net volume capacity of Officer Khalid bin KhalifaA l Thani 225,000 cubic metres for each tank, said, “At Qatargas, we’re honoured with an overall capacity of 1.8 mil- The cargo was loaded aboard the Qatargas-chartered LNG vessel, ‘Al Kharsaah‘, at Ras Laffan on July 9, 2021, and delivered to Al Zour LNG terminal, owned and to have been able to supply the com- lion cubic metres for eight tanks. operated by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), three days later. Qatar maintains economic QIB net profit resilience amid COVID-19 rises 11.8% to Economic policies pursued by Qatar proved effective during the COVID-19 crisis: QC GM QR1.6 bn in H1 Tribune News Network servative impairment policy QNA Doha the coverage ratio for non-per- Doha forming financing assets as of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) June 2021 was improved to The impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on Wednesday announced 95.2 percent compared to 92.3 on the global economy cast a shadow that bank’s net profit attrib- percent as of December 2020. on the Qatari economy, but the meas- utable to the shareholders Total shareholders’ equity ures taken by Qatar and the economic amounted to QR1.595 billion of the bank reached QR 19 bil- stimulus packages for the affected for the first six months of lion, up by 3.8 percent com- economic sectors contributed to the 2021, representing a growth pared to December 2020 with resilience of the Qatari economy, as of 11.8 percent over the same a growth of 13.1 percent com- many indicators show. period in 2020. pared to June 2020. Proactive attitude and quick adap- Total assets of the bank Total capital adequacy tation to changes formed a basic pillar now stand at QR184 billion, of the bank under Basel III of the country’s plans and programmes higher by 5.4 percent com- guidelines is 18.4 percent as in dealing with various regional and pared to December 2020 and of June 2021, higher than the international challenges, especially the a growth of 10.9 percent com- minimum regulatory require- pandemic and the drop in oil and gas pared to June 2020. ments prescribed by Qatar prices. Financing activities that Central Bank and Basel Com- Since the beginning of COVID-19 are the primary driver for the mittee. spread in March 2020, Qatar adopted asset growth has now reached a set of flexible proactive measures QR127 billion having grown to prevent the spread of the virus, ac- by 6.7 percent compared to companied by financial stimulus poli- Qatar Chamber launched various initiatives to support private sector amid COVID-19. QC GM Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi December 2020 and up by cies for the affected sectors, at a value 13.2 percent compared to of QR75 billion, while exempting food of the Qatari economy in the face of the tors confirm that the measures taken, The industrial sector also achieved June 2020. and medical commodities from cus- coronavirus crisis, as it came at a time the stimulus packages provided, the fis- remarkable growth during the past Customer deposits of the toms duties for a period of six months, when the country was moving forward cal policies pursued, as well as the im- year, as official data showed the growth bank now stand at QR125 in an early response to any future re- in developing economic legislation that provement in oil prices, have reflected of the number of industrial establish- billion, higher by 6.1 percent percussions or consequences of the reflected a forward-looking vision for positively at various economic levels. ments registered in the country during compared to December 2020 pandemic. These policies had an im- the future, which mitigated the reper- Data from the Ministry of Finance 2020 to 927 industrial facilities com- and a growth of 17.6 percent portant role in reviving the resilience cussions of crises and challenges facing (MOF) showed that the balance of Qa- pared to 862 facilities in 2019, with in- compared to June 2020. of the Qatari economy. the global economy. tar’s budget shifted from a projected vestments worth about QR263 billion. Total Income for the six Qatar Central Bank (QCB) also di- Among the most prominent of deficit to a surplus of about RQ 0.2 In addition, the private sector had months’ period was QR4.112 rected the banks to postpone loan pay- these legislations was the regulation of billion, in order to improve the ef- a vital and important role in facing the billion registering a growth ments and its interest/profits, for those the investment of non-Qatari capital ficiency of spending that coincided pandemic as Qatar Chamber launched of 3.5 percent compared to who wish from the affected sectors cov- in economic activities that allows non- with the promotion of revenue collec- initiatives and activities that contrib- QR3.972 billion for the same ered by the decisions of the Supreme Qatari to invest in all sectors, including tion, which in the first quarter of 2021 uted to alleviating the impact of the cri- period in 2020. Committee for Crisis Management, for banks and insurance companies. amounted to QR 45.2 billion, while sis on business sectors and stimulating Income from financ- a period of six months, as well as pro- The law also allows foreign inves- total expenditure amounted to QR45 companies. ing and investing activities vide additional liquidity to banks oper- tors to own 100 percent in most sec- billion for the same period. In this context, Sharqi highlight- reached QR3.543 billion al- ating in the country. tors of the economy. The law regulat- Many indicators also show that the ed the role played by Qatar Chamber most in line with the first half Qatar Development Bank (QDB) ing the partnership between the public Qatari economy is on the way to recov- during the COVID-19 pandemic, by of 2020, reflecting a healthy has been directed to postpone the in- and private sectors and the law regu- ery and in a record period, as the data contributing to the society, especially performance in its core op- QIB office in Doha stalments of all borrowers for a period lating the ownership and use of the of the Planning and Statistics Author- through the ‘Takatuf Initiative’ that en- erating activities despite the of six months. This coincided with real estate by non-Qataris that allows ity revealed that the trade balance of couraged all members of the Chamber sharp drop in the global in- In May this year, Moody’s Qatar adopting a balanced monetary foreigners to own real estate in accord- Qatar achieved during the first quarter to participate in supporting the state’s terest and profit rates. Investors Service affirmed the policy to face the repercussions of the ance with specified controls also came of this year a surplus of QR39.9 billion. efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Total expenses for the six Long-term deposit ratings at pandemic by reducing its main inter- into existence. During the first quarter of 2021, the Sharqi pointed out that the Cham- months’ period was QR535 “A1”. In April 2021, Capital est rates, to include the official deposit In this context, Qatar Chamber value of Qatari exports including exports ber’s sectoral committees played a pio- million, lower by 2.8 per- Intelligence Ratings (CI) af- rate, lending rate and the repurchase General Manager Saleh bin Hamad Al of local goods and re-exports amounted neering role in studying all the obsta- cent compared to the same firmed the bank’s long-term rate, in addition to a set of measures Sharqi affirmed in an exclusive state- to QR64 billion, an increase of QR4.5 cles facing local companies, while the period in 2020. currency rating (LTCR) of to provide the necessary liquidity for ment to Qatar News Agency that the billion. Qatar’s merchandise trade bal- Chamber discussed them with the con- Strict cost controls sup- ‘A+’. In March 2021, Stand- banks to face any possible recession. economic policies pursued by Qatar ance data revealed a huge leap in May cerned authorities to find appropriate ported by higher operating ard & Poor’s (S&P) affirmed In mid-April this year, the Cabinet have proven their effectiveness dur- 2021, as the increase amounted to 211.4 solutions for them. The Qatari private revenues enabled further the bank’s credit rating at ‘A-’ approved additional support packages ing the COVID-19 crisis, as the Qatari percent on an annual basis (compared to sector has maintained its productivity enhancement of efficiencies while upgrading the bank’s for the sectors affected by the closures economy was able to overcome the May 2020) and it recorded a monthly in- despite the crisis, he said, adding that with cost to income ratio im- stand-alone credit profile. In due to the precautionary measures in negative effects of the crisis, maintain crease of 29.9 percent compared to April the private sector’s exports have re- proving from 21.1 percent to November 2020, Fitch Rat- place to deal with the spread of COV- its flexibility and continue to attract of this year, to reach QR 16.6 billion. turned to their levels before the COV- 17.5 percent in the first half ings affirmed the bank’s credit ID-19. The support packages included more investment. As for the exports of the private sec- ID-19 pandemic. of 2021, the best in Qatar’s rating at ‘A’. the exemption from electricity and wa- Economic activity began to return tor, they have started to improve and Thanks to the policies that the banking sector. In the first half of 2021, ter fees for closed sectors until the end to pre-Covid levels, prompted by the grow in recent months, after facing a country has followed since the begin- QIB was able to maintain QIB has received a number of September 2021, extension of the financial package approved by the decline due to the repercussions of the ning of the pandemic to deal with its the ratio of non-performing of prestigious awards from work of the National Guarantee Pro- government with the aim of helping pandemic, as their value amounted negative effects, the State of Qatar has financing assets to total -fi well-respected international gram at Qatar Development Bank until the private sector overcome the crisis, to about QR 1.2 billion in November been among the top 20 countries that nancing assets at 1.4 percent publications. QIB Group CEO the end of September 2021. he added. 2020 and rose to QR 1.33 billion in introduced reforms related to facilitat- reflecting the quality of the Bassel Gamal has also entered The packages also included raising Sharqi praised the laws and legisla- December 2020. ing business activities last year out of bank’s financing assets port- Forbes’ prestigious Top CEOs the limits of financing for salaries and tion approved by Qatar during the past The exports of the private sector 190 countries, according to the World folio. The bank continued to in the Middle East ranking. wages for closed sectors to QR15 mil- few years, stressing that they contribut- rose to QR1.5 billion in January 2021, Bank Group (WBG). create additional precaution- QIB has recently received lion for a single personal card, while ed to preventing major impacts on the before rising again to QR1.64 billion in These indicators were reflected in ary impairment charge on the prestigious ‘Islamic Bank maintaining the rest of the relevant economy and helped to overcome the February of the same year, achieving the optimistic expectations of the Qa- financing assetsfor QR915 of the Year in Qatar’ for the terms and conditions, and Qatar Cen- crisis with minimal losses, especially the the highest increase in 10 months, to tari economy, as a report issued by the Million for the first six months 9th consecutive year, and ‘Is- tral Bank continuing to support local Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law, jump again to QR1.94 billion in March, World Bank in April 2021, expected of 2021 as against QR602 mil- lamic Bank of the Year in The banks’ liquidity as needed. the Investment of Non- Qatari Capital achieving the highest level since the that Qatar would register economic lion set aside during the same United Kingdom’ at The Bank- These policies were not the only Law and other important legislation. start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a growth of 3 percent and 4.1 percent period last year. er Magazine’s Islamic Bank of ones that contributed to the resilience Qatar’s various economic indica- record increase of 238 percent. during 2021 and 2022 respectively. In line with the bank’s con- the Year 2021 Awards. Economy & Business Thursday, July 15, 2021 09

Vodafone Qatar’s H1 profit up 65.5% to QR134 mn That was fleeting: Twitter Tribune News Network kills off ephemeral ‘fleets’ Doha Agencies ment Wednesday. “So as of lived photos and messages. Vodafone Qatar has re- August 3, Fleets will no longer Such features are increasingly ported its half-yearly net profit Twitter is disappearing its be available on Twitter.” popular with social media us- of QR134 million, represent- disappearing tweets, called Kayvon Beykpour, head ers looking for smaller groups ing an increase of 65.5 percent fleets, after they didn’t catch of consumer product at Twit- and and more private chats. year-on-year, mainly driven by on. ter, stressed that this is part of But people use Twitter differ- higher EBITDA. The company began test- how the company works. ently than Facebook, Insta- Total Revenue increased ing tweets that vanish after “(Big) bets are risky and gram or messaging apps — it’s by 8.5 percent year-on-year 24 hours last March in Brazil. speculative, so by definition a more of a public conversation to reach QR1.16 billion driven Fleets were designed to al- number of them won’t work,” and a way to stay up to date by continued growth in the lay the concerns of new users he tweeted. “If we’re not hav- with what’s going on. Fleets, it company’s postpaid revenue who might be turned off by the ing to wind down features turns out, did not make sense. and fixed broadband services public and permanent nature every once in a while, then it There was also a matter in addition to higher handset of normal tweets. would be a sign that we’re not of the name. Called fleets be- sales. Service revenue grew by stood at QR472 million, repre- service revenue and continued 40.6 percent. Vodafone Qatar “However, we haven’t seen taking big enough swings.” cause they were fleeting, the 7.8% to reach QR1.08 billion senting a strong improvement cost optimization initiatives. is now serving 1.7 million mo- an increase in the amount of Fleets are reminiscent of word is also a brand name for during the period. of 21.1 percent year-on-year, EBITDA margin expanded by bile customers representing an new people joining the con- Instagram and Facebook “sto- an enema — something many EBITDA for the period positively impacted by higher 4.2 percentage points to reach increase of 3.9% year-on-year. versation with Fleets like we ries” and Snapchat’s snaps, people pointed out on Twitter hoped,” Twitter said in a state- which let users post short- when the feature launched.

Consumer Price Index edges up Powell says inflation, though in Qatar in June elevated, will likely moderate Tribune News Network Doha Qatar’s June-2021 CPI — a key inflation indica- Change in Fed’s The cost of living in Qa- tor — rose 0.20% to tar based on the consumer ultra-low-interest price index (CPI) in June, 97.85 points from that 2021, edged up slightly in May. Compared with rate policies from the previous month. the CPI of June 2020, According to the Plan- the latest figure shows unlikely ning and Statistics Author- a increase of 1.98 % ity (PSA), Qatar’s CPI — a key inflation indicator— for Agencies June rose 0.20 percent to was mostly driven by price 97.85 points from that in rises in eight groups — Federal Reserve Chair Je- May. transport by 9.38 percent, rome Powell said Wednes- Compared with the CPI recreation and culture by day that inflation, which has from a year ago period, the 6.71 percent, restaurants been surging as the recov- latest figure shows an in- and hotels by 6.37 percent, ery strengthens, “will likely crease of 1.98 percent, the education by 3.99 percent, remain elevated in coming PSA report said. furniture and household months” before “moderating.” The report reflected equipment by 3.18 percent, At the same time, Powell month-on-month changes miscellaneous goods and signaled no imminent change in several groups. Seven services by 3.14 percent, in the Fed’s ultra-low-interest groups showed increases communication by 2.99 rate policies. — clothing and footwear percent and food and bever- Testifying to the House by 2.06 percent, recreation ages by 2.09 percent. Financial Services Commit- and culture by 1.99 percent, At the same time, the tee, Powell reiterated his long- communication by 1 per- comparison also reveals held view that high inflation cent, housing, water, elec- price declines in three other readings over the past sev- tricity and other fuel by 0.35 groups — housing, water, eral months have been driven percent, transport by 0.21 electricity and other fuel by largely by temporary factors, US Federal Reserve Board chairman Jerome Powell testifies on the Federal Reserve’s response to the coronavirus pandemic on Capitol Hill in percent and furniture and 6.50 percent, clothing and notably supply shortages and Washington. household equipment and footwear by 4.72 percent rising consumer demand as miscellaneous goods and and health by 0.07 percent. pandemic-related business mum employment has been ticular set of numbers that port Wednesday that showed run-up in inflation has been services by 0.03 percent No change was recorded in restrictions are lifted. reached and annual inflation would capture what we mean wholesale prices — which dominated by a few catego- each. Three groups declined group tobacco. During his testimony, moderately exceeds 2% for by that.” businesses pay — jumped ries should give the Fed lead- — food and beverages by The CPI of June 2021 House members peppered some time. The central bank’s Powell added that the 7.3% in June from a year ear- ership continued confidence 1.29 percent, education by excluding housing, wa- Powell with questions about policymakers have said they Fed might adjust its policies lier, the fastest 12-month gain in their view that it is mostly 0.26 percent and restau- ter, electricity and other the high inflation readings of are prepared to accept infla- if inflation, or the public’s on records dating to 2010. a transitory increase, a view rants and hotels by 0.73 fuel group stood at 100.68 the past several months, with tion above its target to make expectations for inflation, On Tuesday, in another which the market appar- percent. Tobacco and health points, showing a decrease some expressing concern that up for years of inflation below “were moving materially and sign of intensified inflation ently shares,” Michael Feroli, groups remained flat at the of 0.17 percent as against prices will continue to acceler- 2%. persistently beyond levels pressures, the government an economist at JPMorgan last month’s price level. that in May, 2021, and an ate. The chairman replied that The Fed chair also said consistent with our goal.” said that prices paid by U.S. Chase, said this week. On an year-on-year increase of 4.18 percent the Fed would not respond Wednesday that the econo- Americans’ expectations consumers surged in June by But some increases could analysis, the CPI increase against that in June 2020. to short-term price spikes by my is “still a ways off” from for inflation are important the most in 13 years. It was persist. Restaurant prices raising rates and risk weaken- making the “substantial fur- because they can become the third straight month in- rose 0.7% in June, the largest ing the economic recovery. ther progress” that the poli- self-fulfilling. If consumers flation has jumped.E xclud- monthly rise since 1981, and “By inflation, we mean cymakers want to see before foresee higher prices, they ing volatile food and energy have increased 4.2% com- year after year after year they will begin reducing their typically demand higher pay costs, so-called core inflation pared with a year ago. Those prices go up,” Powell said. “If $120 billion in monthly bond in response. Businesses may rose 4.5% in June, the fastest price increases likely are in- something is a one-time price purchases. Those purchases then further raise prices to pace since November 1991. tended to offset higher wage increase... you wouldn’t react are intended to keep long- compensate for the increased Much of the consumer and food costs as restaurants to something that is likely to term borrowing rates low to wages. price gain was driven by cate- scramble to fill jobs. go away.” encourage borrowing and The chairman is testifying gories that reflect the reopen- In his testimony, Powell “We really do believe,” he spending. to the House committee as ing of the economy and relat- was upbeat about the econ- added, “that these things will Under questioning, Pow- part of his twice-a-year mon- ed supply shortages. Used car omy, with growth on track come down of their own ac- ell was asked to clarify what etary policy report to Con- price increases accounted for “to post its fastest rate of in- cord.” the Fed means by “substantial gress. On Thursday, he will about one-third of the jump. crease in decades.” He said The Fed has said it will further progress.” testify to the Senate Banking Prices for hotel rooms, airline hiring has been “robust” but Consumer prices of products in the food and beverages group keep its benchmark short- “It’s very difficult to be Committee. tickets, and car rentals also noted there “is still a long way declined 1.29 percent in June, 2021, month-on-month. term rate pegged near precise about it,” he said. “We Powell’s remarks coin- rose substantially. to go,” with the unemploy- zero until it believes maxi- didn’t try to write down a par- cided with a government re- “The fact that the recent ment rate elevated at 5.9%. Qatar FinTech Hub Demo Day for Wave 2 startups concludes

Tribune News Network Snoonu Trading and Services, who has helped make this a value propositions through Strategy to build on Qatar’s Doha a beyond one stop shopping success including our part- associated financial products success in the financial sec- and delivery service with pay- ners from around the world and services embedded within tor and enhance the country’s Qatar FinTech Hub, found- ments functionality; Karty, a and extensive mentors and them. FinTechs from around role in the field of financial -in ed by Qatar Development payment card paired with a collaborators. This is not the the world are encouraged to novation. The second wave of Bank (QDB), to support the smart app that allows users to finish line, it is only the begin- apply before end of July 2021, the Incubator and Accelerator growth of the FinTech indus- make and analyse payments; ning with more business de- as the new program will kick Programs focused on a variety try in Qatar, has concluded and Twyla Technology, which velopment activities, and suc- off in October and run up till of financial technology solu- the Second Virtual Demo Day provides payment gateway cessful collaborations to take December 2021. All applica- tions in alignment with the for Wave 2 of its flagship In- E-invoicing, Smart POS, and place between those FinTechs tions undergo a thorough Qatar FinTech Strategy, and in cubator and Accelerator Pro- E-Commerce solutions. In ad- and key financial institutions evaluation process, where synergy with QCB - Sandbox. grammes, which was held on dition to a line-up of other in- in Qatar and the extended re- shortlisted candidates will be As part of its commitment July 1, 2021. novative FinTechs from across gion.” invited to present their solu- to offering world-class exper- Sponsored by Doha Bank, the globe including Cammil- Qatar FinTech Hub has tions in front of a jury panel tise to participating FinTechs, QFTH Demo Day for Wave 2 lion, ePaysa, Digitalistic, Ak- also announced that applica- comprised of key stakeholders QFTH is continuously collabo- presented the ideal launchpad illifon, CHANGE COM, Kwi- Demo Day was also at- dedicated breakout rooms for tions are now open for the from Qatar’s financial services rating with strategic stake- for 22 graduating FinTechs as dex, Nu Credits, Bondsmart, tended by key players from the each of them. much-anticipated Wave 3 of ecosystem. As part of Wave 3, holders within the FinTech they got to introduce a host of Finstant from the Incubator local financial services eco- Ibrahim Al Mannai, Execu- the Incubator and Accelerator FinTechs will receive in-kind ecosystem including financial new and empowering services Program, and Prive T, Active. system, as well as investors, tive Director, Advisory and In- Programs. support worth $250K, up to institutions, technology pro- that would accelerate the digi- AI, eBaoTech, SafexPay, Fin- global startups, international cubation, QDB said: “The level The theme for this round $40k in cash investments for viders, payment networks, tal transformation of the local, ChatBot, Cargon, Invest Suite, FinTech hubs, aspiring en- of presentations and interest will be ‘Embedded Finance incubator FinTechs, and up to global FinTech hubs, academ- regional, and global financial Elite Capital, and Revix from trepreneurs and FinTech en- from the FinTech community and TechFin’, QFTH is looking $100k in cash for accelerator ia, and regulators. Microsoft is markets. the Accelerator Program. thusiasts. Attending investors at the QFTH Demo Day was forward to attracting FinTechs participants. participating as the program The event saw the par- Demo Day witnessed over had the opportunity to explore truly impressive. The event is who can support both financial QFTH was established by technology partner. Other re- ticipation of 11 early-stage 600 unique online views with some of the most promising the culmination of the second and non-financial institutions, Qatar Development Bank in cent partnerships include Am- startups and 11 mature Fin- the participation of senior ex- ideas set to revolutionize the Wave of our flagship Incuba- operating in diverse domains, line with the Qatar National azon, Progress Soft, Vodafone, Techs, including remarkable ecutives representing local industry, and to interact with tor and Accelerator Programs. and who can offer significant- Vision 2030, and Qatar Cen- and Global Positioning System FinTechs from Qatar such as and global organizations. each of the FinTechs through I would like to thank everyone ly enhanced or transformed tral Bank’s (QCB) FinTech to name a few. 10 Thursday, July 15, 2021 Economy & Business Facebook asks China for recusal of tightens FTC head in control over antitrust probes cybersecurity Agencies Agencies Facebook is asking that the Tech experts in China new head of the Federal Trade who find a weakness in Commission step away from computer security would antitrust investigations into be required to tell the gov- the social network giant, as- ernment and couldn’t sell serting that past public criti- that knowledge under cism of the company’s market rules further tightening the power makes it impossible Communist Party’s control for her to be impartial. over information. Facebook petitioned the The rules would ban pri- agency Wednesday to re- vate sector experts who find move Chair Lina Khan from “zero day,” or previously un- taking part in current probes known security weaknesses, of the company’s market and sell the information to conduct. Khan has been a police, spy agencies or com- persistent critic of Amazon, panies. Such vulnerabilities Google and Apple, as well as have been a feature of major Facebook. hacking attacks including FTC officials declined one this month blamed on comment on Facebook’s mo- a Russian-linked group that tion, which came two weeks infected thousands of com- after Amazon requested that panies in at least 17 coun- Khan be excused from taking tries. part in investigations of that Beijing is increasingly company. The agency could sensitive about control be expected to respond for- over information about its mally at some point. Khan people and economy. Com- has said she would seek the panies are barred from opinion of FTC ethics moni- storing data about Chinese A Zomato delivery worker picks up an order from a restaurant in Mumbai. Zomato’s forthcoming IPO is 35-times oversubscribed, attracting bids from the likes of Blackrock and tors if issues arose of poten- customers outside China. Fidelity International. tial conflict of interest. Companies including ride- The requests from Fa- hailing service Didi Global cebook and Amazon come Inc., which recently made as the four tech giants fall its U.S. stock market debut, under extreme scrutiny and have been publicly warned legislative pressure from the to tighten data security. India’s Zomato IPO over FTC, the Justice Department Under the new rules, and European regulators, anyone in China who finds lawmakers in Washington, a vulnerability must tell the and most recently in an ex- government, which will de- ecutive order from the White cide what repairs to make. 35 times oversubscribed House. No information can be A federal judge recently given to “overseas organiza- dismissed antitrust lawsuits tions or individuals” other Company received $20bn worth of bids for the $563m of shares on offer to large funds brought against Facebook Inc. than the product’s manu- by the FTC and a coalition of facturer. states, saying they didn’t pro- No one may “collect, Agencies piled by Bloomberg. That said, pees), at a rapid pace. some of the country’s biggest vide enough evidence to prove sell or publish information Zomato’s record could soon be Several of them, including banks such as State Bank of that Facebook is a monopoly on network product secu- Shares in food delivery app overtaken by digital payments mobile payments app Paytm India, Kotak, ICICI and HDFC. in the social networking mar- rity vulnerabilities,” say Zomato, one of India’s biggest services provider Paytm, which and online beauty retailer The IPO comes at a time ket. The judge, however, al- the rules issued by the Cy- tech start-ups, have gone on is preparing for an IPO with a Nykaa, are expected to make when Indian and global mar- lowed the FTC to revise its berspace Administration of sale in its $1.2bn (£870m) ini- value of more than $2bn. One of the biggest their stock market debuts in kets are at or near record complaint and try again. China and the police and in- tial public offering (IPO). Analysts though are wary the coming months. highs. But India’s economy has “When a new commis- dustry ministries. They take It raised $562.3m from of the loss-making company’s The start-up’s IPO is set to be Zomato’s three-day of- been faltering, with sluggish sioner has already drawn effect Sept. 1. institutional investors, as they high valuation. India’s biggest since SBI fering, with shares priced growth and rising unemploy- factual and legal conclusions The ruling party’s mili- bid for 35 times more shares The interest follows a surge Cards & Payment Services’ between 72 to 76 rupees per ment, raising analysts’ fears and deemed the target a law- tary wing, the People’s Lib- than allotted to them ahead of in Indian stocks this year and $1.4bn share sale in March share, is expected to take the of a stock market bubble that breaker, due process requires eration Army, is a leader the much-anticipated offering. signals confidence in the mar- 2020, according to data company’s valuation to $9bn. could be bolstered further by that individual to recuse along with the United The Gurgaon-based com- ket debut of the country’s first compiled by Bloomberg. That Trading in the stock is likely to highly valued tech companies herself from related matters States and Russia in cyber pany received bids worth 1.5 real consumer internet offer- said, Zomato’s record could begin on 27 July. going public. when acting in the capac- warfare technology. PLA of- trillion rupees ($20 billion) ing. Zomato recently raised soon be overtaken by digital Investors had subscribed Launched in 2008, Zo- ity of an FTC commissioner,” ficers have been charged by from large funds compared its IPO target by 14 per cent as to about 29% of the shares mato offers food delivery and Facebook said in its petition. U.S. prosecutors with hack- with the 42 billion rupees of- demand grew in a fast-growing payments services provider on offer by noon local time curates restaurant reviews. It “Chair Khan has consistently ing American companies to fered, sources said. The sub- Indian food-services market Paytm, which is preparing for on Wednesday, according to is available in 525 cities and made public statements not steal technology and trade scription marks one of the that Sanford C. Bernstein & an IPO with a value of more stock exchange data. Demand caters to some 6.8 million cus- only accusing Facebook of secrets. most popular Indian IPOs Company estimates will hit than $2bn. from retail investors has been tomers every month - and has conduct that merits disap- Consultants that find among institutional inves- $97bn by 2025. strong, the data showed. become a household name in proval, but specifically ex- “zero day” weaknesses say tors in recent years as Zomato Zomato is selling about pared with a 0.2 per cent gain Ahead of Wednesday’s India. pressing her belief that the their work is legitimate be- starts taking orders from retail 90bn rupees worth of new in the benchmark index. opening, Zomato had already The pandemic and inter- conduct meets the elements cause they serve police or investors for the share sale on shares in the IPO, while its Zomato, backed by Jack allotted shares worth $562.3m mittent lockdowns that have of an antitrust offense.” intelligence agencies. Some Wednesday. shareholder Info Edge (India) Ma’s Ant Group, is the first of to about 200 foreign and do- been imposed across India to As counsel to a House Ju- have been accused of aid- The start-up’s IPO is set is offering as much as 3.75bn India’s major digital start-ups mestic investors. The list in- contain it have hit Zomato’s diciary antitrust panel in 2019 ing governments accused to be India’s biggest since SBI rupees worth of stocks. to IPO, with more expected. cluded major international business. Its revenue for the and 2020, Khan played a key of human rights abuses or Cards & Payment Services’ Shares of Info Edge rose India has been producing private equity firms such as Ti- financial year ending March role in an extensive bipartisan groups that spy on activists. $1.4bn share sale in March 0.6 per cent as of 1.40pm in unicorns, private firms valued ger Global and BlackRock, and 2021 was down by 23.4% from investigation of the market 2020, according to data com- Mumbai on Wednesday, com- at over $1bn (74.5 billion ru- Indian investment funds from the previous year. power of tech giants. How has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?

Tribune News Network ers, ensuring that our gradu- the government launched its Doha ates have the necessary skills.” Vision 2030 economic devel- Aside from strictly tech opment plan in 2016, which With the current semester and IT-focused areas, a num- outlined a blueprint to bolster winding up, the Oxford Busi- ber of other issues have been the non-oil economy and in- ness Group (OBG) says many given greater prominence by crease the participation of the higher education institutions educational institutions as a private sector. in the Gulf are already plan- result of pandemic-related de- “At Prince Muqrin Uni- ning an expanded offering of velopments. versity, a focus on the coun- courses for the next academic For example, among its try’s development priorities year – with a focus on support- new courses, the Gulf Medi- has resulted in colleges and ing the needs of the region’s cal University, located in Aj- programmes specialised in post-pandemic economy. man in the UAE, offers a dual tourism, IT and cybersecurity, As OBG detailed earlier PhD programme in Precision and engineering, which are this year, the economic fall- gy, robotics, data science, and ments systems were seen as Medicine, along with a Master fields with strong investment out of Covid-19 has encour- network management and crucial, helping consumers to of Science in Drug Discovery potential,” Ahmad Hawalah, aged higher education institu- cloud computing, Middlesex Highlights pay for essential goods while and Development. Mean- vice rector for business de- tions in the Gulf to adapt their University Dubai will launch ● at the same adhering to social while, given the pressure that velopment at the University course offerings to help drive new courses in both electronic GCC universities are adapting their offerings to the distancing guidelines. As a the various global lockdowns of Prince Muqrin, told OBG their respective countries’ engineering and cybersecurity post-pandemic economy result, online payments have placed on the movement of in March. Elsewhere, some economic recoveries. and pen testing, which trains ● Boom areas include cybersecurity, software design, increased in both importance goods and resources, the Uni- educational institutions have The coronavirus pandemic students in the field of net- and frequency over the past 18 versity of Sharjah is for the established specialised acade- both highlighted and height- work security. robotics and fintech months. first time offering courses in mies in partnership with lead- ened the importance of digital Aside from new courses, ● There has also been an increase in drug development and “In the financial sector, chemical and water desalina- ing private sector companies systems in many areas of life. a number of educational in- supply chain courses technology is rewriting the tion engineering, as well as to help address the needs of As a result, there has been an stitutions have bolstered or rules of the game, with com- supply chain management. the labour market. increase in digitally oriented expanded their existing offer- ● Some institutions are teaming up with private players to petition being driven by the One such example is in courses throughout the Mid- ings in the digital sphere. help meet industry needs emergence of disruptive com- Meeting national targets Bahrain, where Bahrain Poly- dle East. “To ensure graduates are panies. This must be reflected In many cases, these shifts technic launched its Artificial For example, in the Au- ready for the next digital revo- in academic programmes,” towards specific fields are Intelligence Academy, in col- tumn semester – which starts lution and can work in mul- als, told OBG. in-company training.” Anis Moosa Al Lawati, dean complementing long-term laboration with Microsoft and in late August – Canadian tidisciplinary settings across “This will enable future of Oman’s College of Banking governmental development government organisation Tam- University Dubai will launch several industries, academic employers to fill particular Driven by the market and Financial Studies (CBFS), strategies. keen, in September last year. of a series of new courses in programmes should provide functions – in cybersecurity Another area that is see- told OBG. This is a particularly The first of its kind in the the fields of cybersecurity, a digital foundation, as well as or data analytics, for exam- ing increased interest among “CBFS used to focus its pressing issue for the Gulf, region, the academy will of- software design and computer options to further specialise in ple – with graduates already universities is that of financial programmes and research on where a number of countries fer a specialised programme science. a specific domain,” Muham- well versed both in the subject technology. the banking sector, but now have already launched long- designed to enhance innova- Meanwhile, in addition to mad Al Saggaf, president of matter – be it engineering or In the immediate after- we are broadening our activi- term plans to ease their de- tion and creativity capabilities its existing courses in areas Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd Uni- finance – and in digital skills, math of the outbreak of the ties to also cater to the needs pendence on hydrocarbons. in the field of artificial intelli- such as information technolo- versity of Petroleum & Miner- without the need for extensive virus, online and digital pay- of non-banking financial play- In Saudi Arabia, for example, gence. Economy & Business Thursday, July 15, 2021 11

Tribune News Network driving. Constantly illuminated Doha clearance lamps are connected with the radiator grille in a straight line einforcing the legendary to express the Land Cruiser’s iconic status of one of the Qatar’s design signature. The side of the ve- best-loved vehicles, Abdul- AAB celebrates hicle features a powerful silhouette lah Abdulghani and Bros. Co. defined by sharply contrasting lines. (AAB) and Toyota launched The perfectly flat bonnet meets a Rthe eagerly-awaited, new generation vertical grille at a near 90-degree of the iconic Land Cruiser in Qatar. angle, which is matched by the The launch event was held in the launch of all-new roof and back door. The rear of the Toyota Main Showroom at Al Ab- cabin brings the design together in dulghani Tower, in the presence of a refined, modern shape that mir- AAB Chairman Abdulghani Abdul- rors the straight lines of the front lah Al Abdulghani and Vice Chair- and side while underscoring the man Abdulrahman Abduljaleel Al 2022 Land Cruiser vehicle’s powerful stance. A single- Abdulghani along with senior man- piece aluminum back door is used agement of AAB and others. for the first time on a LandC ruiser, The all-new Land Cruiser com- enhancing cabin rigidity. The wide bines outstanding all-terrain perfor- ‘Pride of the Land’: The new Land Cruiser is designed and engineered to fur- rear bumper also doubles as a step mance with a spacious, high-quality to offer greater convenience. interior to bring drivers and passen- ther enhance on-road confidence and off-road expertise The all-new interior cocoons gers an elevated experience on every passengers in a sophisticated and trip. comfortable space unaffected by the Abdulrahman Abduljaleel Al external environment. Controls and Abdulghani welcomed the guests switches are intuitively grouped and attending the event. The launch easy to operate, even when driving event was restricted to limited num- on challenging roads. The cabin of- ber of attendees as well as to follow fers a range of advanced features the COVID-19 protocol and MOPH such as wireless charging for smart- guidelines. phones, Active Noise Control, and a AAB CEO RK Murugan thanked 4-zone automatic air conditioning loyal customers for their trust and system with rear control switches. loyalty towards Land Cruiser and The cluster gauge features a 7-inch for making it truly the “Pride of the color Multi-information Display Land”. (MID) and a 12.3-inch Multime- Due to COVID-19, representa- dia display. Additional features tives from Toyota Motor Corpora- available include a 14-speaker JBL tion (TMC) could not personally sound system, Rear Seat Entertain- attend the event. However, in the ment (RSE) system with 11.6-inch video message that was delivered touch-screen displays that are Wi- to Land Cruiser fans in Qatar, Tak- Fi and HDMI connection enabled, ayuki Kanno, Project General Man- ventilation for the first and second- ager, Middle East and Central Asia row seats, a multi-adjustable power Division, said Toyota’s motto is to driver seat, 60:40 split-folding be “Best in Town”. second-row seats, fully flat-folding The new Land Cruiser is de- third-row seats, a kick-sensor oper- signed and engineered to further ated power tailgate, and smart entry enhance the on-road confidence and start systems. and off-road expertise, which en- As with any other Toyota model, sures the Land Cruiser remains the safety remains a top priority for the king of on-road and off-road. Many all-new Land Cruiser, which comes technical teams from Toyota Motor with an advanced safety system. Corporation have visited Qatar in This is complemented by Toyota the past to take feedback of custom- Safety Sense, an advanced safety ers and TMC has tried to implement Land Cruiser 2022: What’s new technology package that includes the valuable feedback given to them a Pre-Collision System (PCS) that in the new vehicles. ● The all-new Land Cruiser is available with newly developed introduces new features including Takami Yokoo, Chief Engineer twin-turbocharged petrol engine for superior performance Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) of new Land Cruiser, highlighted and Intersection Turn Assistance that TMC has incorporated valued ● Its strong stance and robust exterior are complemented to help prevent collisions with ve- customers feedback on the new hicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Land Cruiser. Yokoo also empha- by a high-quality interior with exceptional cabin comfort The package also includes Dynamic sized the importance of purchasing Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Land Cruiser from the official dis- ● Host of new technologies enhance both off-road handling Full-Speed Range, Lane Tracing tributor for Toyota vehicles in Qatar and on-road comfort and stability Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert which is AAB as they offer the best (LDA), and Automatic High Beam purchase and after sales support. ● High-strength structure ensures excellent reliability and (AHB). Since first launching in 1951, the durability In addition, the car features a Land Cruiser has become renowned comprehensive array of safety fea- for its exceptional off-road capa- ● Drivers and passengers enjoy greater peace of mind tures to protect its occupants, such bilities in adverse environments. thanks to a host of advanced safety features as 8 SRS airbags, including side- Throughout its 70-year history, it curtain airbags for all three rows, has served as an indispensable tool Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), that supports people’s livelihoods in Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock remote destinations, contributes to platform and powertrain, an over- enduring support and remain com- to a 10-speed automatic transmis- vides enhanced off-road capabilities Brake System (ABS), Brake As- humanitarian aid and disaster relief whelming exterior presence and mitted to working hand-in-hand to sion. The vehicle is also available on rough terrain. Toyota’s all-new sist (BA), Parking Support Brake efforts, and enriches people’s lives an interior appointed with enough create ever-better cars.” with a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Sus- (PKSB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), through experiences only the Land luxury and functionality to make Toyota is so confident in the ve- V6 petrol engine that produces 271 pension System (E-KDSS) enables Multi-terrain Monitor (MTM) in- Cruiser can provide. customers forget they are traveling hicle’s proven design dimensions hp and up to 385 nm mated to a independent front and rear suspen- cluding Panoramic View Monitor A cumulative total of approxi- over harsh terrain. The launch of the that its engineers have kept virtually 6-speed automatic transmission. sion control with two independent (PVM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert mately 10.4 million units have been all-new Land Cruiser is a celebra- all aspects unchanged, even with the The all-new suspension setup loops mounted on a solid frame, a (RCTA), Downhill Assist Control enjoyed by customers in 170 coun- tion of its 70th year as an icon, and implementation of the new TNGA features double-wishbone suspen- global first that allows customers to (DAC), Tire Pressure Warning Sys- tries all over the world, and particu- I sincerely hope it can be a source of platform. The all-new Land Cruiser sion at the front and a 4-link rigid enjoy greater ride comfort and sta- tem (TPWS), Drive Start Control larly in the Middle East where the vitality and support for our custom- retains its iconic size, while gain- suspension at the rear, delivering a bility both on and off-road. (DSC), driver and front passenger Land Cruiser has attained a loyal ers around the world,” he added. ing an even stronger stance through higher level of on-road stability and In addition, the new 3D-Multi seatbelts with pre-tensioners and following thanks to its reliability, Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, its increased front and rear wheel off-road performance. The vehicle’s Terrain Monitor (3D-MTM) assists force limiters, and a clearance sonar durability, and superlative off-road Middle East and Central Asia Repre- tread. Technologies accumulated lightweight, high-strength structure the driver in determining the road featuring eight sensors located in performance. sentative ‎Office, Toyota MotorC or- over many years have been paired ensures excellent reliability and fuel conditions around the vehicle, a first the front and rear bumpers. To continue responding to cus- poration, said, “We are excited to with the latest breakthroughs to efficiency. Additionally, the vehicle for Toyota that facilitates safer and Available in 10 distinctive exteri- tomers’ expectations of the Land introduce the all-new Land Cruiser, achieve improvements such as is available with Adaptive Variable more confident low-speed manoeu- or colours, the all-new Land Cruiser Cruiser as “a vehicle that allows peo- an iconic vehicle that has earned its weight reduction, lowering the cen- Suspension System (AVS), depend- vring. A new AUTO mode enhances allows customers to express their ple to go anywhere and everywhere place in the hearts of drivers around tre of gravity, the adoption of new ing on the grade, which optimally the capabilities of Multi-Terrain Se- individuality. These include three and come back safe and sound”, the world and remains Qatar’s most powertrains, new interior and ex- controls the damping force based on lect by adjusting according to road newly available colours; Precious Toyota has been advancing and popular SUVs. “Equally at home terior designs, and advanced safety driving conditions to ensure refined conditions such as sand, rock, dirt, White Pearl, with true pearl texture evolving the model by setting ever- during off-road adventures or navi- features. ride comfort. The all-new Land and mud. The vehicle also features and high brightness; Dark Blue MC, higher development and evaluation gating today’s urban cityscapes, the The 2022 Land Cruiser comes Cruiser also introduces the All- crawl control and turn assist func- a high-quality dark blue that reflects standards based on the needs of Land Cruiser’s go-anywhere capa- with a choice of three powertrain Wheel Drive Integrated Manage- tions. urban styling; and Avant-garde drivers across the globe, Yokoo said. bility truly delivers the joy of mobil- options, including two newly devel- ment (AIM) concept, which delivers The all-new Land Cruiser has Bronze ME, a rich bronze with a “I believe that regardless of how ity, bringing unrivaled performance, oped V6 twin-turbo engines. The V6 integrated control of the vehicle’s evolved into a one-of-a-kind vehi- strong presence. Meanwhile, the in- times change, Land Cruiser must safety, and comfort to drivers and twin-turbo 3.5-liter petrol engine drive force, AWD, suspension, brak- cle with the sophisticated charm terior is available in a choice of Neu- remain true to its roots. As such, passengers alike. achieves class-leading performance ing and steering systems according of a flagship model, while inherit- tral Beige, Black, or Dark Red. The our goals for the new Land Cruiser “The legendary Land Cruiser that surpasses that of a conventional to driving conditions to enhance ing the traditional traits of robust- vehicle also comes equipped with are best-ever off-road performance embodies Toyota’s reputation for V8, producing 409 hp and up to 650 driving pleasure. ness and authenticity appropriate new 17-inch, 18-inch, or 20-inch al- as well as setting a new benchmark reliability, durability, and capabil- nm. Meanwhile, the V6 twin-turbo The all-new Land Cruiser is for a full-fledged off-roader. The loy wheels. The 18-inch wheels are in body-on-frame on-road perfor- ity, and has become an integral engine 3.3-litre diesel variant, which equipped with the latest off-road front design builds on the heritage available in a choice of two designs, mance. My team and I are eager for part of people’s lives for 70 years will be available to buy in the region driver assistance features, includ- of previous models, with functional one of which offers better off-road customers to experience this long- not only in the Middle East, but in soon, is capable of generating 302 ing a three Differential Lock sys- features such as headlamps and the performance while the other ex- anticipated evolution, with ground- virtually every part of the globe. We hp and up to 700 nm. Both of these tem (front, central and rear) that radiator grille set higher to reduce presses functional beauty and prac- breaking enhancements to the thank our loyal customers for their newly developed engines are mated is unique in the segment and pro- the risk of damage during off-road ticality. Scrapping QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Tokyo 2020 QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Games was never an option, says IOC chief Bach THURSday, JULY 15, 2021 page 14 Thrilling start as Qatar held to a 3-3 draw by Panama in Houston Agencies Houston (Texas)

Qatar were held to a 3-3 draw by Panama at the BBVA Sta- dium in the opening match of Group D in the 2021 Gold Cup. Despite taking the lead on three occasions courtesy of goals through attacking trio Akram Afif,A l Moez Ali and Hasan Al Haydos, respective- ly, the Asian Champions failed to maintain supremacy over the 2018 World Cup finalists Panama in a memorable sec- ond half which saw both sides score three goals each. Group D Country MP W D L GF GA GD Pts Honduras 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3 Panama 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1 Qatar 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1 Grenada 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0 Qatar captain Hassan Al Haydos celebrates after scoring the third goal off a penalty kick against Panama on Tuesday. The match, which was delayed for two hours due to plentiful rainfall, saw Qatar coach Felix Sanchez deploy a five-man backline with young- ster Homam Al Amin making the starting eleven on the left flank. With skipper Hasan Al Haydos sitting at the base of the attacking triangle. Qatar’s first foray into at- tack came inside the opening ten minutes, as Al Moez Ali set up Akram Afif inside the box only the keeper to beat, but his shot soared across the crossbar. Panamanian goalkeeper Luis Mejia then came up with a vital save in the 31st minute to deny Qatar’s Almoez Ali. The Gulf nation came closer just minutes later, in the 33rd minute, off a free kick opportunity. Karim Boudiaf whipped in a dangerous ball into the box that slipped out of Mejia’s Qatar’s Almoez Ali (right) battles for the ball with Panama midfielder Armando Cooper during their Group D gloves. Still, Panamanian de- CONCACAF Gold Cup match at the BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, US, on Tuesday. Qatar had a large support of fans at the BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States. fender Francisco Palacios was there to clear the ball and avert Blackburn found the back of the day, Honduras scored any danger. of the net once more in the a free-wheeling 4-0 win over Mejia would deny Ali once 58th minute, smashing home Grenada. ‘Qatar’s Gold Cup debut more in the 35th minute as a ball around the penalty area Honduras were gifted a the last line of defence follow- from a Barcenas service into first half lead when Grenada’s ing the Qatari forward’s nifty the box. goalkeeper Reice Charles- a proud moment’ skills to find separation and The following two goals Cook was caught on the ball shoot towards goal. would come right from the by Jerry Bengtson, with the QFA team in Houston to participate The match’s opening goal penalty spot as the two nations forward able to prod the ball HOUSTON (Texas) in the CONCACAF Gold Cup arrived in the 49th minute, as would trade fouls in the box. into the net. matches. Our team’s partici- Akram Afif finished an elabo- Hassan Al Haydos re- The second came after the Rashid bin Abdullah Al De- pation in this tournament has rate play by the 2019 Asian gained Qatar’s lead in the break when Edwin Solano hami, Consul General of the proven once again that Qatar Cup champions. 63rd minute before Eric Davis scored his first international State of Qatar in Houston, is committed to developing the Panama didn’t take long would tie the match for the goal after being sent clean Texas, has lauded the team’s squad by playing at top events, to answer, capitalizing on a third time in the 79th minute through. Gold Cup debut as historic. and demonstrates our com- corner kick opportunity cul- of play. Johnny Leveron scored the Qatar became the first mitment to our multidimen- minating with Rolando Black- With a point apiece, Qatar goal of the game in the 86th Arab country to feature in the sional connect to the world”. burn heading the ball into the prepare for Grenada, while minute, with the defender hugely popular football tour- He concluded his state- Rashid bin Abdullah Al Dehami, Consul General of the State of Qatar net in the 51st minute. Panama’s next test will be finishing impressively after a nament against Panama on ment by saying: “Once again, in Houston, Texas, United States of America. Qatar then answered with a Honduras. flowing Honduras move. July 13. I extend a warm welcome to second goal, as Afif went from A 4-0 victory was sealed The Consul General said: our national team in Houston. look forward to the support of nada on July 20. goalscorer to assist man, send- Honduras cruise by Romell Quioto after he “The Consulate General of I extend my best wishes for our Houstonian fans.” Qatar, Qatar now becomes the ing a through ball to Ali for the past Grenada was put through one-on-one the State of Qatar is proud to success to our national team the Asian champions, take on second Asian team after Korea lead in the 53rd minute. In the second Group D match against Charles-Cook. welcome our national football and the State of Qatar, and we Honduras on July 17 and Gre- to feature in the tournament.

Coach Sanchez satisfied with team’s show, draw Al Gharafa unveil Stramaccioni as their new coach Doha: Al Gharafa Club announced the appointment of Italian coach Tribune News Network iard said. Andrea Stramaccioni to supervise their football team in the new “Despite the defensive QNB Stars League season (2021/2022). This came during a press Qatar’s head coach Felix errors that appeared in this conference held this evening at the club’s headquarters, where the Sanchez expressed his satisfac- match, I am confident that we newcomer was unveiled to the local media. Stramaccioni said: “I will tion after his side’s 3-3 draw can overcome them in the up- be up for a new challenge. I have some information about the Qatari against Panama in the Gold coming matches, and one of clubs, including Al Gharafa Club, which has many previous titles. I Cup in Houston on Monday. the good things that happened received the task to work hard and get the team back on the right The Asian Champions, in the meeting was to show track.” The new coach indicated that the professional players have playing in the championship Qatar coach the team that it does not give not yet been chosen, but we will undoubtedly choose the best play- for teams from North America, Felix Sanchez. up, as evidenced by the fight Al Gharafa’s new football coach An- ers who are able to provide the best for the club, and this matter Central America and the Car- back we showed on three occa- drea Stramaccioni with club officials. will be done through coordination with the head of the football staff ibbean as part of their prepa- sions,” he added. and the club president, and then all the remaining matters will be rations for the 2022 World The Panama coach announced. He added that his training philosophy depends on achieving victories and will work to transfer Cup at home, took the lead claw back into the game. We Spaniard added. stressed that his team faced a them to the players. In addition, his thoughts are completely identical to the aspirations of Al Gharafa, three times but were pegged have to work to correct our Meanwhile, the Panama’s strong Qatar team with good indicating at the same time that he knows many active players in the Qatari league. For his part, team back by the Panamanians. The mistakes. But in general I am coach Thomas Christiansen players in attack. manager Mujib Hamid confirmed that the team seeks to compete for titles in the new season, as it will hold game in Houston was delayed satisfied because the players said defensive error cost them “I knew we were facing a camp in Germany in preparation for the league competitions, and in the coming days the professional by nearly two hours after a se- did their best in the match the game. a strong opponent in Qatar. file will be completed by selecting players capable of providing the best for the team. Hamid explained that vere weather warning. and the draw is a good result “We committed many de- They were good in attack, es- the German camp will include four friendly matches, which will start on August 6 and continue until August Sanchez said: “First of all, to start a tournament. Al- fensive mistakes that made pecially with their speed and 26. Al Gharafa had officially contracted the Italian coach a few days ago, to replace former coach Serbian a beginning of the tourna- though the Panamanian team us concede three goals, so we this is why we conceded three Jokanovic. The team also decided to release four foreign professionals – Ivorian Sergen Cannon, Mexican ments is always difficult. We initially tried to close the have to work more during our goals. I was not surprised by Hector Moreno, Algerian Adlan Qaddoura, and South Korean Jachul. Al Gharafa club management kept only went ahead three times but spaces, we managed to create remaining two matches to cor- the strength of their attack,” two former professionals, namely Algerian Sofiane Heni and Ivorian Jonathan Kodjia.(QN A) our opponent managed to opportunities to score,” the rect these mistakes,” the Span- Christiansen said. Sports Thursday, July 15, 2021 13 Qatari football continues to make great strides on road to 2022: Ahmad Khalil Goalkeeping legend reflects on 1992 Olympics and looks forward with pride to the FIFA World Cup tanding proudly with memorabilia from his glittering career, Qatar’s legendary goal- Skeeper, Ahmad Khalil, remem- bers the moment he was called up to represent his country at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. “There were many great players in the league that sea- Qatar’s legendary goalkeeper, Ahmad Khalil, remembers the moment he was called up to represent his country at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 (left) and right, with memorabilia from his glittering career. son. We were all excited about the prospect of representing Qatar qualified for the reflected the pedigree of Qatari tinued over the past 30 years many stars,” said Khalil. “Win- Qatar. The day before the an- Olympics after beating Japan We had many notable football. Everyone played with – most notably in the past dec- ning the Asian Cup was a huge nouncement was made in the in Asian qualification. During pride and we were widely sup- ade since the country won the achievement and since then newspaper, I was awake all the games, Qatar opened their names in the team, and in ported by the media and fans rights to host the FIFA World Qatar has performed well in night due to the excitement,” campaign with a 1-0 victory Barcelona we were all back home.” Later in 1992, Cup™ in 2022. the Copa America and Europe- said Khalil, who famously over Egypt before drawing 1-1 motivated to represent our Khalil would claim the biggest Khalil said: “In the 2000s, an qualifiers. Playing consist- played for Al Arabi in the Qa- with Colombia. Despite a 2-0 country at a global level. It success of his storied career: we started getting noticed at ently well at this high level is tar Stars League. defeat to Spain – who would was the dream of every team the 1992 Arabian Gulf Cup. both club and international a great achievement.” With 16 “We had many notable go on to win the gold medal Qatar won the tournament level. Our style of play enter- months to go until Qatar 2022, names in the team, and in Bar- – Qatar qualified for the quar- member to make it to the for the first time – and in doing tained fans in Asia and around Khalil is confident of a strong celona we were all motivated ter-finals.I n the last eight, Olympics and be part of this so broke Kuwait and Iraq’s 22- the world, leading us to the performance from the host na- to represent our country at a Qatar lost 2-0 to a strong Po- beautiful gathering where we year stranglehold on the com- high level of play which we are tion when it takes part in the global level. It was the dream land team, who would go on to were proud to fly the Qatari petition. After conceding just so proud of today.” Qatar is World Cup for the first time. of every team member to make claim the silver medal. flag and wear traditional one goal during the tourna- now established as one of the He said: “Qatar will host it to the Olympics and be part To Khalil, the tournament ment, Khalil was named as the best teams in Asia and will go an amazing World Cup, but of this beautiful gathering showcased Qatar’s talents on clothes at the opening tournament’s best goalkeeper. into the World Cup as conti- what will really amaze people where we were proud to fly a global stage and established ceremony. Since then, Qatar has made nental champions after win- will be Qatar’s performance the Qatari flag and wear tra- the team as an up-and-coming huge strides both on and off ning the AFC Asian Cup for on the pitch in front of a home ditional clothes in the opening force in Asian football. new generation of players af- ‘80s,” said Khalil. the pitch. Success at club and the first time in 2019. crowd. We will surprise many ceremony,” he added. “This team gave birth to a ter the great Qatari team of the “We played at a level which international level has con- “Our current squad has fans around the world.” (SC)

Qatar’s U-21 beach volleyball pair Messi agrees to contract extension qualifies for world championship with Barcelona, says report DPA year contract with Barcelona the deal this week, the paper re- as he would be 39 when it ex- Berlin according to a report Wednes- ported without citing its source. pires – and his release clause day in the Catalan sports pa- Messi, 34, would surely would be a prohibitive 600 Argentine superstar Lionel per Esportiu. end his career with Barcelona million euros ($709.2 million) Messi has agreed a new five- Barcelona hope to confirm should the contract be agreed in the meantime. Currently out of contract, Messi has been with Barca since he was 13 and is widely recognized as one of the great- est-ever players. He won his first interna- tional trophy last weekend when Argentina defeated Bra- zil to lift the Copa America for the first time since 1993. Messi had previously an- nounced he wanted to leave Barcelona but the club suc- cessfully fought to keep him and former president Joan Laporta returning replace Jospe Maria Bartomeu is thought to have helped con- vince him to remain now. Barcelona are stretched financially and it is be- Qatar’s national under-21 beach volleyball team of Abdullah Naseem and Abdullah Samir have qualified lieved Messi will have taken a for the U-21 World Championship to be held in Thailand, next September. They finished fifth in the fourth cut to his considerable wages Asian U-21 Championship in Thailand. They scored a valuable win over Kazakhstan (21-1 5, 22-20) which to stay. saw them take the second place in Group C. The Qatar duo later lost to Iran 21-17, 22-20 yet made it to Argentina’s football player Lionel Messi (2-L) and his father Jorge Messi (R) arrive at the Islas Malvinas He has played 778 games, the world championship. Qatar’s under-19 team of Mubarak Al Kuwari and Mohammed Al Sharshni will airport in Rosario, Santa Fe province, Argentina, on Wednesday, after making his visa arrangements in the scored 672 goals and won 35 also take part in the qualifying round of the Under-19 Beach Volleyball World Championship in Thailand, US Embassy to travel to Miami for vacation. (AFP) titles with the club so far. which will host the two championships. (TNN) England’s Sancho says ‘hate will never win’ Brigadier General Khalid Al Attiyah named Director DPA Britain to ban fans from football create chances?’ And that’s ex- London actly what I wanted to do with of Military & Police Committee over online racist abuse that penalty, help the team. Jadon Sancho has insisted “I was ready and confident “hate will never win” after be- The United Kingdom will change the law to issue match bans to take it. These are the mo- of International Judo Federation ing racially abused on social to football fans who commit online racism, Prime Minister ments you dream of as a kid, media in the wake of Eng- Boris Johnson said on Wednesday. There has been widespread it is why I play football. These QNA holds the presidency of the land’s heart-breaking Euro condemnation of racist abuse received by England trio Marcus are the pressured situations Doha Qatari and Arab Police Fed- 2020 final defeat by Italy. Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after they missed you want to be under as a foot- erations, will be director of Sancho and team-mates penalties in England’s Euro 2020 final shoot-out defeat toI taly baller. I’ve scored penalties be- The International Judo the committee that oversees Marcus Rashford and Bukayo on Sunday. And responding to a question by Labour leader Sir fore at club level, I’ve practised Federation (IJF) has chosen sports and its development in Saka were targeted online af- Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions, Johnson said: “I them countless times for both Brigadier General Khalid bin all countries through military ter missing from the spot in England’s forward Jadon Sancho want to thank each and every one of them for what they did, club and country so I picked Hamad Al Attiyah as Director institutions. the penalty shootout which (C) being consoled by coach Gareth their incredible campaign they ran in the Euro 2020 champion- my corner, but it just wasn’t of the Military and Police Com- This represents a great ultimately finished their side’s Southgate after the UEFA EURO ships, and they do represent the very best of our country. meant to be this time.” Sancho mittee of the International opportunity to develop the hopes of ending a 55-year wait 2020 final against Italy. (AFP) “I repeat that I utterly condemn and abhor the racist outpour- revealed he was still coming to Judo Federation, in a step that game and obtain a qualitative for a trophy at Wembley on ings that we saw on Sunday night, and so what we’re doing to- terms with Sunday night’s de- represents a great success and leap in its further spread at Sunday night. that me and my brothers Mar- day is taking practical steps to ensure that the football banning feat, but has already started to an extension of the excellence the level of Qatar and at the The 21-year-old winger, cus and Bukayo received after order regime is changed, so that if you are guilty of racist abuse reflect upon the tournament’s of sports leaders and Qatari level of regional continen- who apologised for his role in the game, but sadly it’s noth- online of footballers, then you will not be going to the match, no successes and the promise of competencies and their access tal and international level a disappointing conclusion to ing new. As a society we need ifs, no buts, no exemptions and no excuses.” (DPA) what more there is to come to many positions in the world. made possible by Khaled bin a dramatic contest, admitted to do better, and hold these from Gareth Southgate’s squad The Military and Police Hamad Al Attiyah’s visions, he was not surprised by what people accountable. Leonardo Bonucci during nor- and Saka after Rashford had in the future. Committee of the Internation- ideas and distinguished rela- followed, but is adamant those “Hate will never win. To mal time, eventually lost 3-2 hit the post. He said: “I’ve had a couple al Judo Federation supervises tions with all the world police responsible cannot be allowed all the young people who have on penalties despite keeper Sancho said: “My first of days to reflect on Sunday’s this sport in the institutions sports federation, in addition to get away with it. received similar abuse, hold Jordan Pickford’s heroics in thought before going into any final and still feel a mix of emo- of the armed forces and police to his presence as president In a post on his officialI n- your heads up high and keep saving two Italian spot-kicks. football match is always, ‘How tions. I would like to say sorry institutions in all countries of of the Qatar Judo Federa- stagram account, Sancho said: chasing the dream.” England, Opposite number Gian- can I help my team? How am I to all my team-mates, coaching the world. tion alongside the Arab and “I’m not going to pretend that who had seen Luke Shaw’s luigi Donnarumma matched going to assist? How am I go- staff and most of all, the fans Brigadier General Khalid Qatari sports federations for I didn’t see the racial abuse early goal cancelled out by Pickford’s feat to deny Sancho ing to score? How am I going to who I let down.” bin Hamad Al Attiyah, who the game. 14 Thursday, July 15, 2021 Sports

Quick read Olympic and Paralympic Scrapping Tokyo Games was ceremonies centre on encouragement and hope Berlin: Tokyo hopes to use the never an option: IOC chief opening and closing ceremo- nies of the Olympic Games and Paralympics to send the world DPA tion has always been in fa- a message during the corona- Tokyo vour of further postponing the virus, local organizers said on event again - something long Wednesday. “Given the severity Cancelling the Tokyo dismissed by organizers as of the Covid-19 pandemic, we Games in light of the corona- unfeasible - or cancelling the designed the ceremonies on the virus pandemic was “never re- Games entirely. concept that the Tokyo Games ally an option,” Olympic chief Nonetheless, Japan and the bring fresh hope and encour- Thomas Bach said on Wednes- IOC have stuck to their plans. agement to people around the day – as infection numbers “I would like to express world through ... the power of continued to rise in the Japa- my heartfelt respect and grati- sport,” the organizing commit- nese capital. tude to the Government and tee said. All four ceremonies The 2020 Games were the people of Japan for wel- have the common motto ‘Mov- postponed from last year but coming us,” Bach said after a ing Forward’. The concept for International Olympic Com- meeting with Prime Minister the opening ceremony of the mittee (IOC) president Bach Yoshihide Suga. Olympic Games on July 23 is told international media there “The Tokyo 2020 Organiz- ‘United by Emotions’, while the was no question of them not ing Committee has done a fan- closing ceremony on August 8 going ahead now. tastic job in preparing for these has the concept ‘Worlds We “The IOC wouldn’t let Games and to make Tokyo the Share’. (dpa) down the athletes,” he said al- best-prepared Olympic city though cancelling the Games ever.” Bach had previously as- and claiming insurance money sured that Japan “need not be Olympic oath would have been “the simplest concerned about safety” and updated for possiblity,” a year ago. on Wednesday said “Eighty- Tokyo Games Instead Bach said the five per cent of the athletes and IOC invested more so they officials who will live in the Berlin: The Olympic oath could go ahead. “If we could Olympic Village, and almost and number of people taking have the Games safely, then 100 per cent of the IOC Mem- it ahead of the Tokyo Games we wanted to have them,” the bers and IOC staff, are either has been updated to reflect the 67-year-old said. “This princi- vaccinated or immune. “drive towards gender equality,” ple has guided us until today. “The percentage of vac- the International Olympic Com- “We can confidentlysay that cinated international media mittee (IOC) said Wednesday. we have minimized he risk for International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach speaks to the media after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at representatives is between 70 Rather than three people, there the Games.” Bach admitted the the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Wednesday.( AFP) per cent and 80 per cent. will be two athletes, two judges Games, held with tight hygiene “These Games will be fol- and two coaches who take the concepts “would and must” be risen above 1,000. the start of the week. pan July 1-13, three had tested had an official test positive for lowed by billions of people oath at the July 23 opening different. The regulations for the On Wednesday, Tokyo reg- For the last 25 days, the positive for the coronavirus. the coronavirus and will delay around the globe. ceremony. Olympics would be the “strict- istered 1,149 new cases in the new infection rate has climbed They were “immediately their departure to Japan as a They will admire what “The gender balance of the est” of any sporting event. space of a day - exceeding the continuously compared to the isolated, while the close con- result, the IOC said. the Japanese people have oath-takers is just one of a The Olympics opens on 1,000-mark for the first time same day the week before. tacts have been subject to the Many Japanese fear that it achieved under these difficult large number of decisions and July 23 but days before the in about two months. Local organizers mean- relevant quarantine meas- will become a super-spreader circumstances.” To prevent the commitments from the IOC and opening ceremony local media The increase comes despite while informed the IOC that of ures,” the IOC said. event amid local opposition to spread of the virus, spectators the Organising Committee to reported the number of new Tokyo being placed under its over 8,000 people involved in The Refugee Team, pre- the Games. will be excluded from virtually promote women in sport at all coronavirus infections has fourth state of emergency at the Games who travelled to Ja- paring for the Games in Qatar, A majority of the popula- all events. levels and in all structures, as stated in the Olympic Charter,” a statement said. The wording of the oath has been reflected to respectively say” “In the name Current Pak of the athletes”, “In the name Pogacar wins stage 17 to extend overall lead of all judges” or “In the name of players best all the coaches and officials.” Agencies stage five time trial before tak- Uran in the podium places, be- The oath also now includes a Paris ing the yellow jersey on stage fore the stage win was decided in terms of reference “the spirit of fair play, eight, has four days left to de- at the very top of the highest inclusion and equality,” and that Defending champion Tadej fend it, though Sunday’s final finish of this year’s Tour. talent and participation is “without doping, Pogacar took a sublime vic- stage is a processional run to Stage 17: 1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/ without cheating, without any tory atop the Col du Portet on Paris where convention dic- UAE Team Emirates) 5hrs 03mins ability: Afridi form of discrimination.” Chair stage 17 of the Tour de France tates the leader is not attacked. 31secs; 2. Jonas Vingegaard of the IOC athletes commis- to extend his lead in the yellow “We were 50-50 - do we go (Den/Jumbo) +03secs; 3. Rich- ANI sion Kirsty Coventry said: “We jersey, reports BCC.com. for the win stage or just defend? ard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grena- Lahore Olympians are role models and The Slovenian, 22, kicked - but in the end we tried and I diers) +04secs; 4. David Gaudu ambassadors. We stand to- clear of Jonas Vingegaard and am super-happy,” he said. (Fra/Groupama-FDJ) +1min Former Pakistan skipper gether to send out to the world Richard Carapaz with 150 me- A gruelling day in the Pyr- 19secs; 5. Ben O’Connor (Aus/ Shahid Afridi has thrown his a powerful message of equality, tres to go to win his fifth Tour enees featured three long and AG2R Citroen) +1min 26secs; weight behind the Pakistan inclusion, solidarity, peace and stage overall and 2nd of 2021. steep climbs in the final 60km, 6. Wilco Kelderman (Ned/Bora- men’s national team following respect.” The oath, originally UAE Team Emirates’ but Pogacar’s UAE Team Hansgrohe) +1min 40secs; 7. their ODI series loss against written by Baron Pierre de Cou- Pogacar now leads Vingegaard Emirates team-mates were al- Team UAE Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia wearing the overall Pello Bilbao (Spa/Bahrain-Victo- England. The Babar Azam-led bertin, founder of the modern by five mins 39 seconds, with ways in control of the race. leader’s yellow jersey rides ahead of Team Jumbo Visma’s Jonas Ving- rious) +1min 44secs; 8. Sergio side lost the final game at Edg- Olympic Games, was first Carapaz four seconds further They set a fierce pace to egaard of Denmark during the 17th stage of Tour de France, 178 km Higuita (Col/EF Education Nippo) baston on Tuesday to hand recited at the opening ceremony back. Rigoberto Uran slipped reel in Anthony Perez, the between Muret and Saint-Lary-Soulan, on Wednesday. (AFP) +1min 49secs; 9. Rigoberto Uran England a 3-0 series win. of Antwerp Games in 1920 and from second to fourth after last of six early escapees to (Col/EF Education Nippo) Same Afridi, who represented has evolved over time. (dpa) cracking at 8km remaining. stay clear, and then launched up the 2,215m Col du Portet. Carapaz could stay with him, time; 10. Pello Bilbao (Spa/ Pakistan in 27 Tests, 398 ODIs Pogacar, who won the Pogacar to go it alone halfway Only Vingegaard and ensuring they both replaced Bahrain-Victorious). and 99 T20Is in a 20-year- long international career, feels the players need the support of the fans and critics when they are down after a poor performance. “At present, the Superstars express excitement ahead of the players representing the Pa- kistan national team are the best we have in terms of tal- ent and ability. These players 2nd edition of ICC World Test Championship have performed consistently in recent times, in fact, some of them have been performing ICC due to the challenge of being at the Championship. for a considerable time period. their best all the time. Root’s The next World Test These are our best players, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli men will begin their campaign Championship will witness they are the ones whose tal- and Joe Root are all eagerly with a Test series against In- some cracking fixtures, start- ent we have to utilise. We need looking forward to the pros- dia, which he believes will be a ing with England’s five-match to keep them motivated and pect of winning the highly- highly competitive task. Test series against India next hungry for success. We need coveted Test Championship “We start our campaign month. Each of the nine sides to support the players in tough mace after the announcement in the second edition of the will play three series at home, times, as a cricket fan and for- of the second edition of the ICC World Test Champion- as well as three away from mer player,” Afridi said in a tournament. ship against the finalists of last home. release issued by PCB. New Zealand skipper Kane time, which is an interesting ICC Acting Chief Executive “I can accept the team los- Williamson, who recently challenge straight away,” he Geoff Allardice believes the ing as long as they fight it out led his side to victory in the said. changes brought about are a on the field.I feel that cricket maiden edition of the tourna- “Test cricket is a format we big step in the right direction. has changed a lot in recent ment was effusive in his praise all want to excel in and with Allardice stated that the new years. Now, attack is the best for the Championship, and points at stake for each match, changes will make the Cham- defence and there is no way to praised the excitement it gen- everyone has to be at their best pionship simpler while incor- succeed other than by playing erated for the fans. all the time.” porating various feedbacks with an attacking intent, espe- Williamson said, “It was from the previous cycle. cially in the white-ball formats. obviously pretty special to How will the points He also said that the World Our players are good at either win the inaugural ICC World system work? Test Championship has been attacking or blocking. Maybe, Test Championship (WTC) in The points system has now largely successful in bringing we need to find a middle way, Southampton last month and been standardised, with teams global interest to Test cricket. especially for the ODI format. it’s exciting to now look ahead being awarded 12 points for a “We received feedback All our players need to back to the second edition. Kane Williamson, seen here with the ICC Test Championship Mace, will lead New Zealand as the defending win, four for a draw, and six that the previous points sys- their abilities and play on their “The WTC has certain- champions in the upcoming edition of the World Test Championship. for a tie. The percentage of tem needed to be simplified. actual strength,” he added. ly added more context and points won will determine the The Cricket Committee took Afridi, who played a lead- brought new meaning to Test be on making sure we prepare with India’s campaign start- for the second edition.” standings on the table. this into consideration when ing role in Pakistan’s ICC cricket and it was awesome as well as we can for the tours ing against England in a five- “We will regroup with new This system is a shift proposing a new, standard- World T20 2009 victory, feels to see the interest that was ahead and trying to maintain match series away from home. energy for the next cycle start- away from the previous edi- ized points system for each the current side has the po- generated around the Final our level of performance.” “It was great to have played ing with our series against tion when the same number match. tential to match the exploits against India.” Similarly, Virat Kohli, the final of theI CC World Test England, hoping to give our of points were allocated to “It maintained the princi- of the Younis Khan-led 2009 Williamson is also aware who led India to the final of Championship against New fans a lot to cheer about.” each series, divided across the ple of ensuring that all match- side, especially since the tour- of the challenge it will pose the WTC21 edition, was also Zealand in what was a memo- England captain Joe Root number of matches played. es in a WTC series count to- nament is taking place in the for the Kiwis to defend their brimming with excitement rable contest,” said Kohli. “The believes the ICC World Test The move was taken to wards a team’s standing, while UAE where Pakistan have crown. “We know trying to ahead of the next cycle. Kohli following of cricket lovers too Championship is the perfect simplify the points system accommodating series varying played a lot of cricket with suc- defend the title will be a huge is also hoping to go one step was great to see, and I am sure platform for his side to im- while also taking in key learn- in length between two Tests cess against some of the lead- challenge, but our focus will further the next time around, they will all be waiting eagerly prove in the longest format, ings from the previous cycle of and five Tests.” ing teams in the world. Nation Thursday, July 15, 2021 15 Turkish community marks Democracy and National Unity Day Ashraf Siddiqui our beautiful country.” people during the Gulf Crisis, doha Dr Goksu said that terrorist which began on June 5, 2017 organisation FETO posed a sig- and ended on January 5, 2021, The Turkish community in Qa- nificant threat to their country “about a year after our country’s tar commemorates Democracy on July 15, adding that Turkey coup attempt. These two crises, and National Unity Day today will not turn a blind eye to those as well as the two countries’ (Thursday), marking the fifth who exploit the country under supportive attitude and posi- anniversary of the foiled coup the guise of religion. tion towards one another, have attempt on July 15, 2016. The Turkish people, he not- strengthened bilateral relations Ambassador of the Repub- ed, have done the most to elimi- in all sectors and at all levels”. lic of Turkey to Qatar HE Dr nate this threat, demonstrating He concluded by saying Mustafa Goksu expressed grati- that they do not recognise any that, despite numerous external tude to the Amir HH Sheikh power over their own will and challenges, Turkey and Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, are willing to give their lives to have never stopped support- Qatari officials, and the Qatari protect their state and demo- ing each other in the face of the people for their firm stance and cratic gains. coup attempt as well as the ille- support for their democratically “One of our country’s top gal blockade. elected government and people Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey HE Dr Mustafa Goksu priorities has been the fight At the end of the press con- following the July 15 coup at- and emphasising his full sup- of support from friendly coun- against FETO both at home and ference, a short documentary tempt. Turkish people would never leader to call Turkey’s president port for Turkey’s democratically tries assisted us in moving on abroad,” he said. was shown that depicted peo- At a press conference, the forget Qatar’s strong support as on the night of the coup, con- elected government. from the trauma of this attack, The Turkish envoy said that ple taking a courageous stand envoy said that Turkey and the HH the Amir was the first world demning the military attempt The envoy said, “Messages which targeted the existence of Turkey supported Qatar and its against the coup.

Ooredoo supports most vulnerable community members on Eid Al-Adha Kahramaa wins annual tribune news network Doha Qatarization Award ’21 Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator, QNA has extended charitable sup- Doha port to vulnerable members of the community during Eid Al- The Qatar General Electric- Adha. Volunteers from the tel- ity and Water Corporation co leader visited the Dreama (Kahramaa) has won the Orphan Care Center in Doha Annual Qatarization Award to deliver Eidiya gifts, allowing 2021 for Best Qatarization the center’s young residents to Progress within the energy celebrate Eid with the rest of sector, in honour of its con- the community. tinuous efforts to attract Qa- The Dreama Orphan Care Adha is a time for family and initiatives promote social re- tari talent and provide them Center offers care and support kindness, and we were de- sponsibility and emphasize with the best opportunities. to orphaned children in Qa- lighted to show our commit- the importance of principles, Kahramaa seeks to de- tar, aiming to ensure they are ment to our communities at and that this initiative contrib- velop its national cadres fully integrated into the com- such a special time. We wish utes to the Center’s goals of through effective plans to munity. everyone a safe and blessed integrating Dreama’s children train and empower Qataris, Moza Khalid Al-Muhanna- Eid.” into society, as they are an in- whether its employees or di, Director CSR, Sponsorship Officials fromT he Or- tegral part of it. They praised graduates looking for train- and Media at Ooredoo - said: phan Care Center (Dreama) the efforts of the state to cre- ing and development oppor- “Supporting the communities thanked Ooredoo for the gen- ate a participatory and inter- tunities. It also has shown a in which we operate, and in erous initiative to support the active relationship between great commitment to devel- particular the more vulnerable Center’s children and present civil society organisations and oping highly qualified Qatari members of our communities, Eid Al Adha gifts with the goal the various sectors of the state, cadres, in line with the Stra- is a key priority at Ooredoo as of bringing them joy and hap- which serves the attention and tegic Qatarization Plan and part of our corporate social piness on this happy occasion. care that children enjoy in Qa- with the human resources responsibility strategy. Eid Al They emphasized that such tar. pillar within Qatar National Vision 2030 four develop- Kahramaa seeks to develop its national cadres through effective plans to train and empower Qataris ment pillars. Efforts in this field in- continuous development of clude supporting national operations and services. cadres and providing them Receiving this award af- Ooredoo expands its 5G data with all the means and tools firmed Kahramaa’s commit- required to improve and di- ment to the policies and di- versify their specialized and rections developed within the roaming partner networks for leadership skills, including Strategic Qatarization Plan, training opportunities, pro- as it continues its approach fessional consulting, and to employing Qataris, sup- travelers this holiday season competitive employment porting them in all aspects of benefits, which contribute to their professional lives and TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK attracting the Qatari cadres providing them with qual- DOHA and enhancing their pres- ity training programs, due to ence among the employees their great contributions and Ooredoo, Qatar’s lead- of the Corporation, in addi- efforts, which are the found- ing telecommunications in- tion to continuous monitor- ing pillar of the corporation’s novator, has expanded its ing and follow-up for the job Kahramaa has been keen in the field of science and successes and achievements, network of international performance of Qataris to to strengthen its partner- technology, in order to ex- and due to their effective role roaming partners in order with Taiwanese operators travel once more, we’re de- remedy all the gaps and en- ships with a number of enti- pand the areas of specializa- in achieving KAHRAMAA’s to provide the best possible FarEastOne and T-STAR, as lighted to be extending our sure the optimal realization ties in the education sector in tion in the corporation, and vision and objectives and customer experience as the well as Swiss networks Sun- network partnerships to en- of their potential and capa- order to enhance skills and support sustainable develop- consolidating its role and po- summer vacation season be- rise and Swisscom. sure our customers can enjoy bilities. build capabilities, especially ment in the country and the sition. gins by expanding 5G data Customers simply need the superior 5G network ac- roaming networks. to enable roaming data on cess they are used to at home Ooredoo’s 5G data roam- their device. If the mobile when they’re travelling over- ing service will now be device supports 5G, Oore- seas. Complete customer available on the networks doo will be identified as the satisfaction is our strategic MoCI recalls Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX5 and CX9 2018 models of Ooredoo Kuwait, TT Mo- visiting operator, and the goal, whether customers are bil (AVEA) and Turkcell of customer will be granted 5G at home or abroad, and our TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK CX9 models due to a possible The Ministry said that it will tion and Anti-Commercial Turkey, Etisalat (UAE) and data network access. comprehensive roaming op- DOHA malfunction in the fuel pump, work with the dealer to moni- Fraud Department, which pro- DU, Zain & Mobily (Saudi Sheikh Nasser Bin Ham- tions help us to achieve this which could result in low fuel tor the maintenance and repair cesses complaints, inquires and Arabia), KT (South Korea), ad Bin Nasser Al Thani – goal.” The Ministry of Commerce pressure. work, as well as communicate suggestions through the follow- and Globe Telecom (Philip- Chief Commercial Officer at As new national and re- and Industry, in cooperation The recall campaign is part with customers to ensure that ing channels:Call center: 16001 pines). In Bahrain, Ooredoo Ooredoo – said: “Now that gional operators become with National Car Company, of the Ministry’s ongoing ef- the necessary repairs were com- Email: [email protected] collaborates with both Zain easing of COVID-19 restric- available, Ooredoo will con- a Mazda dealer in Qatar, has forts to protect consumers and pleted. The Ministry urged all Social media accounts: and Batelco, and similar tions means Qatari citizens tinue to expand its network announced the recall of 2018 ensure car dealers follow up on customers to report any viola- Twitter: @MOCIQATAR agreements are now in place and residents can begin to of collaborators. Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX5, and vehicle defects and repairs. tions to its Consumer Protec- Instagram: MOCIQATAR Qatar Museums launches redesigned website with improved user experience TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK experience focused on stories digital innovation across the in under ten months using an this journey. No other place in DOHA that convey the diversity and organisation. Through this en- agile and virtual way of work- the world shows so much am- breadth of the organisation’s hanced platform we are pleased ing – all during the COVID-19 bition and offers so many pos- Qatar Museums (QM) on programming, collections, and to deliver an online destination lockdown. This new site and sibilities for a design agency to Wednesday announced the activities, as well as tools and that provides local, regional and team give us a great founda- create truly outstanding and launch of its newly enhanced information for visiting as an global audiences with authentic tion upon which to further ex- important work.” website, qm.org.qa, which has individual, group, school, or and immersive cultural experi- pand Qatar Museums’ digital Allegra Burnette, Princi- been completely redesigned to family. The site’s content will ences.” transformation in support of pal, ABA: “The Qatar Muse- serve as a portal to the nation’s evolve and expand over time in Sheikha Shaikha Al Thani, Qatar’s thriving arts and cul- ums website is the first major cultural landscape, including response to audience interests, Acting Deputy CEO of Digital ture scene.” launch to come out of the re- its expanding network of mu- current events, and program- Experience and Audience En- The website was designed cently formed Digital Experi- seums, heritage sites, festivals, ming. gagement, Qatar Museums, and developed by Qatar Mu- ence department and repre- and public art installations. Pages that aggregate rel- said: “In March 2020, Qatar seums’ new Digital Experience sents a new approach toward This launch is consistent with evant stories and information Museums embarked on an am- Directorate in collaboration digital content and product Qatar Museums’ strategy of for Qatar Museums’ key audi- bitious plan to build a Digital with Fabrique, a strategic digi- development for the organisa- leveraging the power of digi- ence groups, a comprehensive Experience team to meet the tal design agency based in the tion. The site will enable Qatar tal engagement to reach lo- calendar of exhibitions and growing needs of our audienc- Netherlands, and Allegra Bur- Museums to grow and evolve cal constituents as well as a events across various museum es. This launch signifies a mile- nette & Associates, an inter- its digital initiatives in a future- broader global audience, in- venues, an improved online the new features of the bilingual collections. stone in our digital transfor- national museum consultancy forward way, bringing its digi- cluding the many tourists who booking system, streamlined Arabic and English website. Ahmad Musa Al-Namla, mation strategy, undertaken (ABA). tal strategy to life for years to visit Qatar. management of Qatar Muse- New features will be added over CEO of Qatar Museums, said: by a diverse team based both Matthijs Klinkert, Manag- come.” The website gives visitors a ums’ Culture Pass membership time, including the creation of “The launch of Qatar Museums’ here in Qatar and abroad. The ing Director, Fabrique: “We Please visit qm.org.qa to virtual tour of Qatar Museums. program, and enhanced mobile an interactive platform to vir- redesigned website is part of our team went from onboarding are very proud to be the digital learn more about Qatar Muse- It provides a user-centered device compatibility are among tually showcase the museums’ wider goal to elevate the role of to the launch of this new site partner to Qatar Museums on ums’ newly enhanced website. 16 Thursday, July 15, 2021 The Last Word QDF marks 21st anniversary with major investment in HIA retail and dining

Tribune News Network also be home to the first Adi- DOHA das airport store, Q-Denim - a multi-brand men’s denim store Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is - and the Qatari fashion brand marking its 21st anniversary Kashkha. by unveiling a significant in- For diners, there will be vestment and an enhanced something for all, including retail portfolio of 21 new shop- grab-and-go eateries for those ping and dining outlets. With on the move, a range of dine-in a focus on embracing a range outlets, and fine-dining con- of tastes and budgets, the ‘21 cepts to satisfy customers’ ap- in 21’ project will elevate the dining offer that will make QDF an enhanced Qatar Duty Free orable retail experiences for all.” Vialle di Lusso - a new shopping torante and Caffè will add more petite with more time to spare. existing award-winning duty the perfect place for all passen- shopping experience.” Thabet Musleh, vice presi- avenue at HIA - will incorporate glamour to the Vialle di Lusso In April, Qatar Airways signed a free experience at Hamad In- gers to wind down with some Engr. Badr Mohammed Al dent, operations at QDF, said: luxury outlets such as Armani and offer an exquisite culinary Memorandum of Understand- ternational Airport (HIA), shopping therapy and culinary Meer, chief operating officer at “In celebration of 21 years of and Chloe with an unrivalled experience in a relaxed setting, ing (MoU) for a Joint Venture transforming it into a premier delights between flights. HIA, said: “The latest expan- award-winning accomplish- selection of ready-to-wear fash- making QDF the first travel re- with HMSHost International, global destination for interna- Qatar Airways Group Chief sion of QDF’s retail portfolio is ments and delivering a five- ion items and accessories. In tailer in the world to house the part of Autogrill Group, the larg- tional air travellers. Executive Akbar Al Baker said: part of its joint effort with HIA star service to customers, this addition, QDF will launch the Emporio Armani Ristorante est food and beverage operator The new outlets, which will “We aim to offer an unrivalled to provide passengers with a major investment marks the first airport boutique in the and Caffè. at high traffic locations globally. be located in both the departure retail and dining experience diverse range of retail and culi- start of a new chapter in QDF’s Middle East for the fashion de- A stunning new Perfumes The arrival duty free will and arrival areas, will gradually in a unique environment for nary experiences. HIA’s expan- history and demonstrates our signer Valentino and will debut and Cosmetics store will also reveal a new look and feel open over the coming months all our passengers travelling sive commercial space offers continuous commitment to stand-alone stores - the first in include the first Christian Lou- and a larger footprint with a featuring global brands, sev- through HIA - the best airport brands the opportunity to reach providing a world-class duty an airport in the Middle East - boutin boutique, making QDF wider selection of products eral convenience and travel- in the Middle East and the out to a truly global audience. free experience.” for prestigious brands such as the first travel retailer in the and an impressive selection essential stores - including a third-best in the world – and We are always looking to diver- Adding to an existing out- Emilio Pucci, Fendi and Jimmy world to provide Christian of global brands for travellers Big Value – and an enhanced introduce our customers to sify our offering to curate mem- standing portfolio of brands, Choo. An Emporio Armani Ris- Louboutin products. QDF will arriving in Qatar. Hamad General Hospital team HMC advises parents to protect their performs first complex brain children from heat-related illnesses Tribune News Network Doha ‘SMART’ techniques to mapping during brain surgery With schools closed and chil- protect children from dren at home for the long summer Tribune News Network further haemorrhage in the brain break, Hamad Medical Corpora- heat-related illness Doha that may be life threatening.” tion (HMC) has reminded parents Experts at HMC warn parents to During the surgery, which was and caregivers to ensure children refrain from exposing children to high Hamad General Hospital’s Neuro- performed last month in Doha by are not exposed to excessive heat temperatures or humidity if they surgery team has successfully per- Dr Belkhair and his team, they un- and humidity to protect them from choose to do any outdoor activities formed a complex and life-changing dertook an intraoperative electro- heat-related illnesses which are surgery on a patient suffering from encephalogram (EEG) where they more common during the summer with them, especially with the a seizure disorder. It is the first time put electrodes on an exposed area months. gradual lifting of COVID-19 that brain surgery for epilepsy with of brain during the surgery to find Experts at HMC warn parents restrictions Dr Rafael Consunji intra operative electroencephalogra- out area of brain that is causing the to exercise caution and refrain ● Supervise children as they play outdoors so any signs of phy has been performed in Qatar. seizures. from exposing children to high The surgery involved making Epilepsy neurologist Dr Gonzalo temperatures or humidity if they heat-related illnesses can be identified and addressed. skin incision and temporary removal Alarcon and his team interpreted choose to do any outdoor activi- ● Monitor local heat and humidity forecasts, using any weather of part of skull to expose the brain EEG recordings and helped with ties with them, especially with the app, to know if there are heat warnings of extreme temperatures, (craniotomy). The neurosurgeons Dr Sirajeddin Belkhair identifying areas of brain that is most gradual lifting of COVID-19 re- > 32-330 C, and/or humidity, >50%. then inserted electrodes inside the likely causing seizure for patient. Dr strictions on outdoors and sport- brain to identify the brain area that of Neurosurgery Department and Belkhair then surgically removed ing activities in Qatar. ● Avoid unshaded play areas and play surfaces that absorb and is producing abnormal electrical ac- director of the Neurosurgery Resi- that area successfully without hav- “Children are at an increased reflect heat, like asphalt, concrete, dark coloured and reflective tivities and causing patient to have dency Programme at Hamad Gen- ing complication in addition to sur- risk of developing heat-related ill- surfaces. seizure. Besides, during the brain eral Hospital, said the procedure was gically treating Brain arteriovenous ness if exposed to high tempera- ● Regular breaks, every 30 minutes, to take children into air surgery, neurosurgeon performed performed on a 25-year-old Tunisian malformation at the same time dur- tures, because they don’t adjust brain mapping which is a procedure woman who had a history of acute ing the surgery. to changes in environmental con- conditioned indoors or shaded spaces and to drink cool liquids, that can help identify what different brain bleeding in 2017 from congeni- “Brain mapping with electrical ditions as quickly as most healthy every 15 minutes. Dry their sweat off, provide a cool towel wipe regions of the brain do. tal brain arteriovenous malformation stimulation is done to increase the adults do. Therefore, it is very and change clothes, if necessary. Use a phone alarm with lively A ‘map’ of each person’s brain which caused her to have left sided benefits of epilepsy surgery and lower important for parents or caregiv- alarm sounds or songs and make it a game with the children, so can be made by stimulating certain transient hemiparesis (weakness). the risks. We are happy to report that ers to ensure children’s outdoor they enjoy these breaks. brains areas. The map tells the doc- “Two years later in 2019, the pa- the patient recovered well after sur- play time is when temperature and ● Time outdoor play time before 10am and after 4pm to reduce tors just what parts of the brain are tient started to report unresponsive gery with no complications and she humidity are low, or they can let responsible for critical functions such episodes and she was diagnosed was discharged to home just two days children play in airconditioned or dangerous heat exposure. as movement, sensation or speech. with seizure disorder and started after surgery,” Dr Belkhair. shaded areas,” said Dr Rafael Con- As a result, the focus area of brain on anti-seizure medications, but Medical Director of Hamad Gen- sunji, director of Hamad Trauma of heat stress and heat-related ill- ated with children being left out- that is causing epilepsy can be identi- these gave her some side effects. She eral Hospital Dr Yousef Al Maslam- Center’s Hamad Injury Protection nesses include: an elevated body side to play. It is understandable fied and removed with less risk. was referred for surgical treatment ani said the new procedure demon- Programme (HIPP). temperature, cool/clammy skin, that parents might like to take HMC continues to expand and and we undertook comprehensive strated Hamad Medical Corporation He stated further the need for irritability, increased thirst/sweat- their children to the beach, the improve the care it offers to patients testing and investigations with our and Hamad General Hospital’s com- parents to be vigilant and monitor ing, headache, and feeling faint, pool or parks to cool off or unwind. to ensure the healthcare system is able multidisciplinary teams including mitment to offering the latest treat- their children while taking them dizzy or weak. If unrecognised or However, it is advisable to follow to offer life-changing, cutting-edge physicians from neurology and in- ments to patients. outdoors, saying, “Hot weather neglected, these signs and symp- some heat prevention precautions procedures. This is a core component terventional neuro radiology,” Dr “This is a milestone surgery from can be dangerous for everyone, toms can lead to more severe heat such as ensuring the children wear of HMC’s commitment to enhancing Belkhair explained. HMC and Hamad General Hospital but for children, the dangers are exhaustion and stroke. lightweight, light-coloured and its surgical capacity and capabilities “It was concluded that we needed and this will open door for more pa- magnified. A child’s temperature “Children should not be left loose-fitting clothing, using a tim- and making the most advanced treat- to perform surgical treatment to cure tients from Qatar and the region with can rise five times faster than an unsupervised to play outdoors. er to limit their time under the di- ments and surgical techniques avail- the patient from her epilepsy in addi- epilepsy to be able to undergo this adult’s temperature, especially on With the increasing temperatures, rect heat to 30 minutes or less and able to Qatar’s population. tion to treat her brain arteriovenous life-changing treatment,” Dr Al Ma- hot days.” we want to remind the public of drink cold fluids every 15 minutes Dr Sirajeddin Belkhair, head malformation in order to prevent any slamani added. Common signs and symptoms the increased health risks associ- while outside,” he highlights. QF’s DIFI examines work-life HBKU Press set to launch a special balance on family dynamics academic journal for student theses Tribune News Network sis as a prerequisite for applying Tribune News Network cal Point on the Family, DISD, Doha to PhD programmes. Without Doha DESA, UN. any guidance on thesis re-writ- Sharing her insight on fam- Hamad Bin Khalifa University ing and with the threat of preda- The COVID-19 lockdowns have ily and parenting support, Kac- Press (HBKU Press) has recent- tory publishers, HBKU Press forced organisations worldwide zmarska said: “The pandemic ly announced the development saw this as an opportunity to to let their employees work from presented families with new of a special annual QScience make sure local scholars had the home, significantly changing challenges and highlighted their Connect journal issue to be pub- tools and resources to succeed. how people work. irreplaceable role as economic lished on its academic, Open “Too many predatory This new dynamic has and care providers. These roles Access platform, QScience.com, Press provides a supportive and publishers prey on the inex- shown the feasibility of applying need stronger support from gov- dedicated to the work of student collaborative research environ- perience of graduate student flexible arrangements to many HE Sheikha Alya Dr Ahmed bin Mo- Dr Sharifa Noaman Al ernments and the private sector.” researchers. ment for academics and schol- researchers and take their workplaces without compromis- Ahmed Saif Al-Thani hammed Al Muraikhi Emadi The discussed topics were The multidisciplinary spe- ars in Qatar, MENA, and the money only to provide sub- ing output, and highlighted the taken from the perspective of the cial issue, titled ‘QScience Con- rest of the world,” said Dr Rima par services and a final article practicality of a new paradigm tiatives to support the family, of the study, Dr Al Emadi, said: UN, academics, policymakers, nect - Special Issue: Thesis’, aims Isaifan, head of Academic and that is not peer-reviewed, not that is productive and promotes Sheikha Alya said: “Qatar rec- “In research conducted by DIFI youth, and parents. Dr Abdulla to introduce graduate students Journals Publishing at HBKU easily accessible or citable in a better work-family balance. ognises the central role of the in 2019, one of the major recom- highlighted the benefits of flex- to the worlds of both research Press. “By providing student any way, and does not help the In line with this develop- family in social development mendations was to introduce ible working arrangements on writing and scholarly journals researchers with a proper in- researcher gain exposure,” Dr ment, Doha International Fam- and pays particular attention flexible working arrangements, personal growth and productiv- publishing. Graduates whose troduction into the world of Isaifan explained. ily Institute (DIFI) – a member to supporting and empowering which were implemented by de- ity, and its impact on both par- work is accepted for publication academic publishing, not only QScience Connect is a bi- of Qatar Foundation (QF) – in this basic social unit.” fault with the pandemic. COV- ents and children. She shared are guided through the writing are we enriching their learning lingual, multidisciplinary peer- collaboration with the Perma- She cited DIFI as one of Qa- ID-19 presented an opportunity her personal experience and process to develop their thesis experience, but we are provid- reviewed journal. It offers the nent Mission of Qatar to the tar’s institutions advocating for for families to reshape their re- how the most impactful events into an abridged 10,000-word ing them with the foundation to latest practices in the academic United Nations held a forum ti- policies and practices that pro- lationships.” in her career and personal lives article that is standard for schol- develop their future careers in publishing industry including tled ‘Family Relations and Flex- mote work-life balance, which The event also included a were a result of flexible working arly publishing. Their article is academia.” the issuance of Digital Object ible Work Arrangements: The contributes to the improved high-level panel discussion, fea- arrangements. then prepared for publication The special issue is the Identifiers (DOIs) and XML Way Forward’. physical and mental health well- turing Dr Ahmed bin Moham- The discussion also provid- which includes peer-review and first of its kind in the Gulf and tagging to help in the discovery The forum opened with an being of societies. med Al Muraikhi, special advis- ed an overview of policies and editing provided by industry ex- MENA regions. HBKU Press’s and dissemination of articles in introductory remark by HE Am- In a recent DIFI report on er to the UN Secretary-General; procedures practiced world- perts, article hosting, archiving, Academic team was inspired search engines and on Google bassador Sheikha Alya Ahmed the ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Khalid Al Naama, family policy wide in terms of implementing and indexing in internationally to create the dedicated journal Scholar. It is also indexed in S Al Thani, Permanent Repre- Family Cohesion in Qatar’, 64 director, DIFI; and Dr Sara Ali flexible work arrangements, recognised databases. One-on- transforming graduate theses Directory of Open Access Jour- sentative of Qatar to the UN, fol- percent of the surveyed par- Abdulla, research fellow, Qatar and how such structures posi- one guidance and feedback are into scholarly articles after re- nals (DOAJ). lowed by a welcome remark by ticipants experienced positive Biomedical Research Institute, tively impact relations, paren- provided by HBKU Press every ceiving an increasing number The call for submissions is Dr Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, improvements in their relation- part of Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni- tal roles, responsibilities and step of the way. of requests from local graduate now open. For more informa- executive director, DIFI. ships with family members. versity. The panel was moder- gender equality within the fam- “This special issue is just students who were looking to tion and to apply, contact info- Speaking about Qatar’s ini- Reflecting on the outcome ated by Renata Kaczmarska, Fo- ily sphere. one of the many ways HBKU publish their master’s level the- [email protected].