QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Tuesday QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune September 8, 2020 Muharram 20, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5046 qR 2

Fajr: 3:59 am Dhuhr: 11:32 am Asr: 3:00 pm Maghrib: 5:47 pm Isha: 7:17 pm

Business 9 Sports 13 MoCI, QC sign MoU Djokovic says ‘so sorry’ fine to issue Arab but feels shouldn’t have High : 42°C e-certificate of origin been disqualified LOW : 30°C

COVID-19 recoveries surpass 117,000 Schools are safe, Tribune News Network no reason to fear on Monday reported 253 corona- virus (COVID-19) cases -- 233 from com- munity and 20 from travellers returning from abroad, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said in its daily report. or worry: Official Also, 243 people recovered from the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries in Qatar to 85% attendance 117,241. Sadly, two more people – aged 71 and 76 – succumbed to the virus, tak- in most schools ing the death toll in the country to 205. Tribune News Network The MoPH said all the new cases Doha have been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary healthcare ac- The number of coronavirus cases re- cording to their health status. ported in schools is very few and there is no reason to fear or worry, a senior ministry official has said. The schools are safe for children, he added. “Among more than 340,000 stu- dents and 30,000 teachers in schools, Continuous coordination between the QRCS provides humanitarian aid the number of cases that have been Ministry of Education and Higher Educa- confirmed to have coronavirus is very tion and the Ministry of Public Health to to help fight COVID-19 few,” Mohamed Al Bishri, an advi- ensure safety in schools. The first and second batches of medical aid sent by the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), in coopera- sor to the Minister of Education and tion with the Turkish Red Crescent, arrived in , Sudan, on Monday to help the country combat Higher Education, told Qatar Radio. with the Ministry of Public Health the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The cargo containing 12.5 tonnes of medical equipment and mate- “There is no reason to fear,” he re- and school administration. rials will enable hospitals and quarantine centres to treat COVID-19 patients and ensure protection for the iterated. “There is a permanent and con- medical professionals engaged in the pandemic response. page 16 Some classrooms in few schools tinuous coordination between the have been temporarily suspended Ministry of Education and Higher due to COVID-19 cases and they are Education (MoEHE) and the Ministry continuing their learning online, he of Public Health (MoPH),” Al Bishri added. Most schools have reported 85 added. percent attendance. He urged parents to ignore ru- Qatar may see small COVID-19 He said the infected cases are be- mours and to rely on official sources ing dealt with professionally through for information on the COVID-19 sit- 3 more held for violating an approved protocol in coordination uation in Qatar. home-quarantine pledge waves until year-end: Dr Al Khal QNA Tribune News Network infections among the most vul- Doha Doha nerable people. This will lead to an increase in the number of Three more persons were arrested on Qatar will not experience the people admitted to hospital for QA expands its network in Monday for violating the home-quaran- same intensity of coronavirus treatment and many of them tine pledge they undertook as part of (COVID-19) it witnessed during may require intensive care.” efforts to contain the spread of coronavi- its peak in May and June, but it “Everyone should be more Africa to 10 destinations rus (COVID-19). will see small waves of the virus, careful now, especially the The arrests were made in implementa- a senior health official has said. youth, as we recently noticed tion of the precautionary measures ap- “We will probably go that the virus is spreading proved by the health authorities represent- through small waves, between among young men and wom- ed by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) ups and downs, until the end en under the age of 20,” he and its supporting bodies to ensure public of the year,” Dr Abdullatif Al Dr Abdullatif Al Khal. warned. safety. The violators are subject to legal ac- Khal, Chair of the National Dr Al Khal said efforts made countability in accordance with the proce- Strategic Group on COVID-19, ● by the authorities to limit the dures of the health authorities. told Qatar TV. Virus is spreading spread of the virus succeeded in The arrested persons, who are “What is worrisome is that among young people educating the community and currently being referred to prosecution, the virus spread will be more under the age of 20 raising awareness. However, have been identified asR ashid Bakhit concentrated in two categories there are people who do not fol- Hamad Al Twaijer Al Marri, Abdul-Mohsen — Qataris and expatriate pro- ● Virus spread likely to low the preventive and precau- Hazam Mohammed Rashid Al Marri and fessionals. These two groups in- concentrate among tionary measures, leading to the Qatar Airways (QA) has resumed four weekly flights to Murtala Muhammed Saeed Hamad Mohammed Al Ghufran Al clude the elderly and those with spread of the virus. International Airport (LOS) Lagos, Nigeria, from September 10. With the addition Marri. The authorities concerned called chronic diseases,” he cautioned. Qataris and expat He warned that the young- of Lagos, Qatar Airways’ network in Africa will expand to 10 destinations with 44 on citizens and residents who are sub- Dr Al Khal, who is also the professionals sters should not become negli- weekly flights to the continent, includingA ddis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, ject to quarantine to fully adhere to the head of the Communicable Dis- gent in adhering to precaution- Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Mogadishu, Nairobi, Tunis and Zanzibar. The airline operates requirements set by the MoPH to ensure eases Department at Hamad ary measures such as wearing over 650 weekly flights to more than 85 destinations across the globe, including their safety and the safety of others. Medical Corporation, said, to be relatively smaller, the face masks and maintaining 27 destinations in Asia-Pacific, 32 in Europe and nine in North America. page 2 “Though the waves are likely concern is that it may lead to social distance. Ashghal opens 3.7-km-long Al Khufoos Street to traffic QNA tal Road, as it provides an alterna- Doha tive route to the parallel Street. Coinciding with new school The new road intersects with year 2020-21, the Public Works the vital Al Furousiya Street to Authority (Ashghal) has opened connect the traffic coming from Al the 3.7-km-long Al Khufoos Street, Rayyan and West Doha, passing stretching from Al Furousiya through Umm AlJamajim Street, Street to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor Street, Umm Al Tin and Doha Expressway to serve ar- Street, to Sabah Al Ahmad Corri- eas of Murraikh, Al Mehairja and dor and Al Amir Street (Doha Ex- , the areas which have sev- pressway) to connect traffic to Al eral schools, sport and businesses Sadd east. nearby. HPD Manager Eng Bader Al Khufoos Street will improve Darwish said the opening coin- traffic in the area after its huge de- cides with new school year, es- velopment. pecially as there are many edu- The street, which consisted of cational institutions, schools and a lane in each direction, has been sporting facilities in the area like revamped into three lanes in each Al Khufoos Street will improve traffic in the area. Aspire Zone and Khalifa Interna- direction to accommodate about tional Stadium, Aspire Zone, Vil- 10,000 vehicles per hour, reduc- percent. rect traffic movement from Doha use the parallel Al Waab Street to Al Waab connecting directly to Al laggio Mall and the Equestrian ing travel time by more than 60 The opening will provide a di- Expressway without the need to reach Mehairja, Murraikh, and Rayyan and from the vi- Club. 02 Tuesday, September 8, 2020

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Quick read Joaan Bin Jassim College opens Amir congratulates Brazilian president The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al National Defence Course No. 1 Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro on his country’s Inde- pendence Day. (QNA) Deputy Amir congratulates Brazilian president The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratu- lations to President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro on his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) PM congratulates president of Brazil Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Monday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Brazil Jair Bol- sonaro on his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Com- nem on Monday. give the participants a Mas- Fahad Mubarak Al Khayareen studying strategic environ- Education minister meets Qatar mand and Staff College opened The 43-day course will be ter’s Degree in Defence and stressed the importance of the ment variables and employing Chamber education committee the National Defence Course attended by senior staff of the Security Studies. National Defence Course as the various elements of the No. 1 in the presence of Chief various state ministries, in- Speaking on the occasion, it qualifies civil and military state’s power in building na- Minister of Education and Higher Education HE Dr of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces stitutions and security agen- Commander of Joaan Bin intellectual and leadership tional policies and strategies, Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi and a num- HE Lieutenant-General (Pilot) cies and senior officers of the Jassim Joint Command and elites. It provides them with in order to protect the nation- ber of ministry’s officials on Monday held via video Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Gha- Armed Forces. The course will Staff College Major-General a strategic vision capable of al interests, he added. (QNA) conference meeting with the education committee of the Qatar Chamber, headed by First Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber and Head of its education commit- tee Mohammed bin Ahmed Towar Al Kuwari. During the meeting, they discussed coordination between Qatar attends 154th Council session in Cairo the private education affairs sector at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Chamber’s QNA by Permanent Representative are developments in the Pales- education committee, in addition to consulting on Cairo of Qatar to the Arab League tinian cause and the situation several aspects related to private schools as well HE Ambassador Ibrahim bin in Libya, Syria and Yemen. as encouraging investors in the education sector to Qatar on Monday participat- Abdulaziz Al Sahlawi. The agenda also included overcome obstacles facing them. (QNA) ed in the 154th Ordinary Ses- Permanent delegates dis- social and health issues, in- sion of the Arab League Coun- cussed items on the Council’s cluding Arab cooperation in Muraikhi, British minister cil at the Permanent Delegates agenda and prepare draft de- confronting the COVID-19 confer on phone level chaired by the State of cisions related to them to sub- pandemic and the Arab strat- Palestine at the headquarters mit them to the meeting of for- egy for prevention and re- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin of the League’s General Secre- eign ministers for discussion sponse to combat all forms of Saad Al Muraikhi on Monday received a phone call from tariat in Cairo. and approval. violence in refugee and dis- British Minister of State for Middle East and North The meeting prepared for The draft agenda included placement status, especially Africa James Cleverly. During the call, they reviewed the Council’s meetings at the a number of political, security, sexual violence against wom- bilateral relations between the two countries, in addi- level of foreign ministers on social, health and administra- en and girls, in addition to an tion to other issues of common concern. (QNA) Wednesday. tive items of interest to joint Arab study on violence against Qatar’s delegation was led Arab action, foremost of which the elderly. MoCI recalls Lincoln Doha Institute’s SPADE holds orientation Civil Defence puts MKX model of 2016 programme for 20 EMPA new students out slight smoke Tribune News Network near MoQ: MoI DOHA Tribune News Network Dr Hamid also highlighted the DOHA school’s efforts to secure a better com- Tribune News Network The Ministry of Commerce and Indus- munication channels between faculty Doha try (MoCI), in cooperation with Almana THE Doha Institute for Graduate Stud- members and students during these Motors Company, a dealer for Lincoln ies (DI), represented by the School of challenging times, introducing them to The Civil De- vehicles in Qatar, has announced the Public Administration and Development the services provided by the institute fence success- recall of the 2016 Lincoln MKX model Economics (SPADE), welcomed newly and explaining the way to add courses fully dealt with a due to potential damage to the front seat admitted students of the Executive Mas- for the fall of 2020. slight smoke that wiring harnesses that may cause airbags ter of Public Administration Programme In a statement, Alumni Abdulaziz Al was detected to fail. (EMPA) for the year 2020-2021 during a Majali, general director of the Institute from an electri- The recall campaign is part of the on- remote orientation meeting. of Public Administration at the Min- cal substation at going efforts of the ministry to protect The event was attended by Dr Hend istry of Administrative Development, the Mall of Qa- consumers and ensure that car dealers Al Muftah, vice-president of Adminis- ministration (NASPAA) accreditation, Labour and Social Affairs, said: “The tar (mOQ). The follow up on vehicle defects and repairs. tration and Finance; Dr Hamid Ali, dean which is the most prominent achieve- programme is designed to help students Ministry of Inte- The ministry said that it would coor- of the School of Public Administration ment of Doha Institute within its plan combine theory and practice in Qatari rior (MoI) reas- dinate the maintenance and repair work and Development Economics; and fac- for international recognition from inter- work environments. The exams and re- sured the public with the dealer and would communicate ulty members of the programme. national bodies and institutions. search works allow students to have a that all safety with customers to ensure that they have Dr Hend said that this programme is Welcoming the 20 new students, deeper understanding of the latest de- measures were completed the necessary repairs. an excellent opportunity to create an ac- Dr Hamid said the success of the pro- velopments at the administrative and immediately implemented by the Civil Defence. The ministry urged all customers to ademic awareness to combine academic gramme during the previous four co- executive levels in institutions both lo- There were no casualties. “Civil Defence re- report any violation to its Consumer Pro- and professionalism in order to achieve horts is the evidence of the quality of the cally and globally. assures safety measures at Mall of Qatar after a tection and Anti-Commercial Fraud De- Qatar’s vision, stressing that SPADE has scientific andacademic research in the The Executive Master of Public Ad- slight smoke was detected from an electrical sub- partment, which processes complaints, recently received US-based Network of fields of public administration and busi- ministration Program track is designed station attached to the Mall. No casualties,” the inquires and suggestions. Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Ad- ness administration. to be finished in 21 months. MoI said in a tweet on Monday. QA to resume four weekly flights to Lagos, Nigeria from Sep 10 The resumption will increase QAs’ network in is spread across the globe and continent while also maintain- Lagos Flight Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday we are thankful to the Nigerian ing vital supply chains to sup- Africa to 44 weekly flights to 10 destinations Government for their support port African businesses.” in helping us to reunite fam- According to the latest Tribune News Network gos, Qatar Airways’ network Doha (DOH) to Nigeria (LOS) QR1407 departs: 00:01 arrives: 07:00 ily and friends with their loved IATA data, Qatar Airways has DOHA in Africa will expand to 10 ones. With our mixed fleet of become the largest interna- destinations with 44 weekly Nigeria (LOS) to Doha (DOH) QR1408 departs: 20:00 arrives: 06:45 +1 fuel-efficient aircraft, we are tional carrier since April offer- Qatar Airways (QA) will re- flights to the continent, in- able to resume Lagos services ing more global connectivity sume four weekly flights to cluding Addis Ababa, Dar es with the right-sized aircraft that than any other airline to help Murtala Muhammed Interna- Salaam, Djibouti, Kigali, Kili- will enable us to respond quick- take people home. This ena- tional Airport (LOS) Lagos, Ni- manjaro, Mogadishu, Nairobi, ly to passenger demand and in- bled the airline to accumulate geria from September 10, 2020 Tunis and Zanzibar. crease frequencies, offering our unmatched experience in car- the airline has announced. Qatar Airways passen- passengers more flexibility to rying passengers safely and The four times weekly ser- gers travelling from Lagos travel when they want. reliably and uniquely posi- vice to Africa’s largest city will can enjoy more flexible travel “With 44 weekly flights to 10 tioned the airline to effectively be operated by Qatar Airways’ options with seamless con- destinations across Africa and rebuild its network. The carrier state-of-the-art Boeing 787 nections via Hamad Inter- plans for further resumptions has stringently implemented Dreamliner featuring 22 seats national Airport. The airline in line with the easing of entry the most advanced safety and in Business Class and 232 currently operates over 650 including 27 destinations in Qatar Airways Group Chief flights to Lagos and further restrictions, we are committed hygiene measures on board its seats in Economy Class. weekly flights to more than 85 Asia-Pacific, 32 in Europe and Executive Akbar Al Baker said, expand our network in Africa. to supporting the recovery of in- aircraft and in Hamad Interna- With the addition of La- destinations across the globe, nine in North America. “We are delighted to resume We know the Nigerian diaspora ternational tourism across the tional Airport. Nation Tuesday, September 8, 2020 03 Zulal Wellness Resort, EPR ink sustainable environment deal tribune news network in preserving our destination doha as well as our contribution towards securing a greener Zulal Wellness Resort has future for the upcoming gen- signed a memorandum of un- erations”. derstanding (MoU) with Elite For his part, Abdullah Paper Recycling (EPR) to work Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, added: together for building a more “We are very happy to sign sustainable environment. this partnership with Zulal The MoU, which was Wellness Resort. We are also signed in the presence of Dan- keen on uniting efforts and iele Vastolo, general manager exchanging services. During Qatar attends GCC of Zulal Wellness Resort, and the first step, we will provide Abdullah Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, Zulal Wellness Resort with chairman of the Elite Paper carton containers designed to Traffic D-Gs’ meet Recycling, marks one of the throw paper waste and raise first steps towards waste man- awareness regarding paper QNA violations and accidents and agement based on the mutual recycling. This is in line with doha the resulting deaths and in- aim of spreading awareness the Qatar National Vision juries. in the field of environmental 2030, and there will be many THE State of Qatar, repre- The Assistant Director- sustainability and recycling future cooperation between sented by the General Direc- General of Traffic Col Nasser within the community. us and the resort, especially torate of Traffic, participated Durman Al Hajri represent- In a statement, Daniele green initiatives at various in the 36th meeting for Traf- ed Qatar at the meeting. Vastolo said, “It is a pleasure levels. ” fic Directors-General of the The Qatari side presented to be at this signing ceremony Following this, the Com- Gulf Cooperation Council a proposal to adopt a unified today, cementing Zulal Well- munications and Marketing States. training guide for driving ed- ness Resort’s commitment Consultant Ms Catina Aghay- The meeting, which was ucation, with the aim of rais- towards a more sustainable an remarked: “We are thrilled held remotely, discussed ing the level of efficiency of environment. Since the in- to have a partnership with a ways to enhance cooperation driving schools in the mem- ception of our philosophy, one-of-a-kind resort in Qatar on a number of topics related ber states and contribute to we continue believing that that has wellness and sustain- to raising traffic safety rates enhancing the protection of personal wellness goes hand- ability as part of its core vi- in the GCC countries. commuters. in-hand with environmental sions. We endeavour to build It also reviewed the im- The meeting also dealt wellness. The MoU was signed in the presence of Daniele Vastolo, general manager of Zulal Wellness Resort, and awareness and contribute to portance of continuing to ex- with the impact of corona- Recycling is one of the Abdullah Ibrahim Al Suwaidi, chairman of the Elite Paper Recycling. the development of a better change traffic statistics and virus (COVID-19), amid pre- first steps towards reducing quality of life and harmony information so as to contrib- cautionary health measures, our carbon footprint, protect- riching our wellness for years our partners and the com- ity initiatives and continue to with nature through waste ute to reducing the rates of on traffic safety. ing our environment and en- to come. We aim to involve munity in our sustainabil- recognise our responsibility management and recycling.” QC marks International Charity Day with humanitarian efforts Tribune News Network able more than 5,000 children Doha to return to school. It also works on establish- Qatar Charity (QC) marked ing, furnishing and repairing the International Day of Char- educational institutions, train- ity, which is observed on Sep- ing teachers and providing tember 5 every year to recognise school bags, textbooks and tui- the importance of charity works tion fees to ensure quality edu- in alleviating humanitarian cation for all. crises and human suffering as The value of educational well as the efforts of charitable projects exceeded QR64 mil- organisations and individuals in lion between 2019 and 2020, Qatar Charity calls for supporting easing the plight of the vulner- benefiting 765,000 people from able worldwide. Qatar’s top 10 most supportive delivering the urgent relief aid several countries such as Syria, Thanks to its humanitarian brands that have participated to the affected through its field Somalia, Palestine and others. the education of needy children and development projects im- in supporting the country dur- teams in Lebanon. Two planes plemented across Asia, Africa ing the coronavirus (COVID-19) carrying over 100 tonnes of Water Tribune News Network and Europe, QC has gone global. pandemic, based on phone in- food aid have been sent, in co- As QC believes that water is Doha Operating worldwide through terviews conducted by Ipsos, operation with Qatar Airways. essential to life, it gives signifi- more than 30 field offices and a global multinational market Health cant attention to the water and Qatar Charity (QC) has with 500 regional partners in research and a consulting firm. As QC attaches importance sanitation in draught-hit areas. called for support for its edu- 70 countries, QC has managed QC has provided various to the health sector, it has devel- It has implemented more than cation projects in several to bring about a change in the types of assistance like food par- oped and operated four primary 50,000 water, sanitation and countries around the world, lives of millions of people over cels, ready-to-eat meals, health health care centres in northern hygiene (WASH) projects over including Qatar, under the slo- more than three decades. Ow- bags and awareness materials Syria at a cost of QR7 million, the past two decades to provide gan “Teach Me” to help more ing to its field experience, QC to workers and expatriate com- while it has established a hos- safe water and sanitation facili- than 5,000 needy children re- has managed to implement the munities, benefitingmore than pital in Indonesia to provide ties for more than 6 million peo- turn to school. projects of international organi- 1,168,952 persons until mid- medical services to orphans and ple in more than 44 countries The drive coincides with sations like UNHCR and WHO. August. It has fully equipped an low-income people in Bogor. around the globe. In Somalia, the start of the new school 852-bed quarantine facility for QC has provided medical QC drilled 163 artesian wells year, in the midst of serious Within Qatar workers in the Industrial Area. and other aid to many countries in the drought-hit areas dur- challenges faced by poor and ‘Charity Starts at Home’ to help them fight the COV- ing 2019, benefiting more than low-income families, particu- tions, training teachers and school fees to help them con- is one of the most significant Relief aid ID-19 pandemic. 446,000 people in the country. larly as a result of the corona- providing school bags, text- tinue their studies, especially initiatives launched by QC, Under the supervision of QC has inked two grant virus pandemic. books and school fees to en- in the light of the coronavirus which covers social welfare pro- the Regulatory Authority for agreements with UNICEF for a Gobal partnerships Qatar Charity, through sure quality education for all, pandemic. grammes and assistance to sup- Charitable Activities (RACA), total of 2$mn to provide water, The cooperation and part- these education projects, aims especially students belonging Donors can reach Qatar port families with low incomes, QC along with other Qatari en- sanitation and hygiene services nership agreements signed in to provide opportunities for to poor and low-income fami- Charity through this link, those in debts, workers and oth- tities launched the ‘Lebanon for Syrian refugees in Jordan. 2019 between QC, international vulnerable children to return to lies. Qatar Charity also seeks home collectors (QCH.QA / ers, as well as cultural and pub- in Our Hearts’ campaign that A 1.5$mn agreement with UN- humanitarian organisations school and to contribute to the to build a brighter future for APP), hotline 44667711, its lic programmes for the service raised QR94 million through a HCR was signed to provide and the UN agencies amounted achievement of the fourth sus- the children of these families 27 branches and 97 collec- and development of society. live transmission by TV chan- emergency assistance to Syrian to more than QR60 million. The tainable development objective by providing them with access tion points across the country. Over 844,000 people ben- nels and radio stations. refugees throughout Lebanon. projects funded by QC were val- of the , which is to quality education. To donate QR100, QR200, efited from the projects of his QC has been keen to carry ued at QR44,296,816, while the linked to quality education. Qatar Charity urges the QR500 and QR1000, an EDU initiative, valued at more than out humanitarian interventions Education projects implemented by it, with Qatar Charity works on people of Qatar to help pro- SMS can be sent to 92642, QR130mn spent by the charity since the second day of the mas- QC called on people to sup- the funding from international setting up, furnishing and re- vide school supplies to stu- 92015, 92428 and 92429, re- within Qatar in 2019. sive explosion that rocked the port its educational projects organisations were estimated at pairing educational institu- dents in need and to pay their spectively. QC was ranked as one of port area of Beirut, aiming at within and outside Qatar to en- more than QR16 million.

MOTC’S QATAR OPEN DATA PORTAL WINS WSIS 2020 PRIZE

The Ministry of Trans- portation and Commu- nications’ (MoTC) Qatar Open Data Portal has won the World Sum- mit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2020 - Category 7 - ICT Applica- tions e-Science prize. The announcement was made during the WSIS 2020 closing ceremony, which took place online on Monday. (TNN) 04 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Nation Bayanat Engineering, Xsight Europe Bayanat installs mass temperature tie up to boost runway safety at HIA measuring tech ‘Cantronics’ at HIA Tribune News Network Tribune News Network efficiency during the take-off Doha Doha and landing operations.” Hasan Ezzeddine, general AS temperature scanning be- Bayanat Engineering Qatar manager at BEQ remarked: comes a new normal in Qatar is working with Xsight Europe “As one of the prime partners amid the coronavirus (COV- to improve safety of runways of the HIA, we supply the latest ID-19) pandemic, Bayanat En- at the Hamad International technologies and provide the gineering Qatar has installed a Airport (HIA) through imple- installation and maintenance novel and efficient technology mentation of the Foreign Ob- services to upgrade existing called ‘Cantronics’ for the pur- ject Debris (FOD) detection capabilities of the aviation sec- pose at the Hamad Interna- system. tor. We ensure the availabil- tional Airport (HIA) and Qatar The FOD detection system ity of the best product for our Civil Aviation Authority’s ATC by Xsight Europe called the customer with outstanding ex- Tower. ‘Runway Debris Monitoring ecution. Our commitment is to The Cantronics technol- System’ (RDMS) is the latest deliver outstanding services to ogy is accurate, efficient and and the most advanced tech- vice president (Operations) at senger experience and safety.” improve the safety standards.” user-friendly. It is specially nology for runway safety and HIA, stated: “HIA champions Yaniv Mendelson, VP Bayanat Engineering Qa- designed for mass screening seeks to ensure safety of pas- the adoption of cutting-edge (Sales) at Xsight Systems Inc., tar is a 100 percent Qatari (hundreds of people per min- accuracy, as well as technical with the deployment and in- sages, crew and planes. technologies to ensure opera- said: “We are proud to have company. It works on projects ute) of elevated body tempera- errors like battery shortage, tegration of a wide range of The implementation of tional efficiency. The RDMS is Xsight’s RunWize™ recog- with the Civil Aviation Author- tures in medium to high traffic which provides the higher complex solutions address- the new system is part of one of such intelligent safety nised as a critical and inte- ity, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar public areas. It saves time and level of accuracy (99.5%). ing the needs of airports, oil HIA’s plan to elevate its safety solutions implemented at our gral part of HIA’s advanced Meteorology Department and also provides long-term sup- Bayanat Engineering’s goal is and gas sector as well as pub- measures on the runway. Run- airport to accelerate our digi- eco-system to fully integrate other government institutions. port. to help Qatar become a safer lic and private institutions. Wize™ will be implemented tal transformation. HIA part- and complement other criti- The company also has Moreover, the record of place, using latest technology Having a background in the on the airport’s two parallel ners with the world’s leading cal systems. This prime func- partnerships with reputed details with sound and visual in various sectors. information and communi- runways, one of them being technology experts to imple- tion of the RunWize™ within international firms such as notifications requires no dedi- Bayanat Engineering, es- cation technology, the com- one of the longest in the world ment the latest innovations HIA serves as an evidence to SAAB, Frequentis, Micronav, cated person and as the re- tablished in 1983, specialises pany focuses on providing at 4,850 metres. and intelligent solutions to en- the importance the airport at- FCSL, Corbor and Xsight sult it has no human error in in air traffic management, concrete solutions to every Ioannis Metsovitis, senior sure the highest levels of pas- taches to improving safety and Europe. handling and object pointing airside and terminal systems, challenge. ICBF restarts life insurance scheme for Indian expats Insurance coverage of QR100,000 for two years at a premium of QR125 Santhosh Chandran are glad to restart it now, so DOHA the community members and families can benefit from it.” The Life Insurance scheme As part of raising aware- for Indian expatriates that ness of the insurance scheme was introduced by the In- and to benefit from it, several dian Community Benevolent Indian business establish- Forum (ICBF), has resumed ments and socio-cultural or- operation after a four-month ganisations had conducted The award was presented to Mohd Habibun Nabi by Hassan Chogule, founder member and former president of ICBF in the presence of ICBF President PN Baburajan, and the cur- break induced by the corona- campaigns to get their staff rent ICBF Committee members and office bearers. virus (COVID-19) pandemic. enrolled in the scheme. The scheme, being imple- Juttas Paul, head of Media mented in association with and Development at ICBF, said, Damaan Islamic Insurance “In a short span time we have ICBF honours community activist Company (Beema), has at- received eight claims, and four tracted a large number of low- them have completed the pro- Tribune News Network Community Service Appreciation ICBF Committee members and office Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). income expatriates since its cedures while the remaining Doha Award’. bearers. In addition to being a sports en- launch in December 2019. four are under process. Even The award was presented to Currently serving as the General thusiast, Nabi has also been a very When Indian expatriates though it is painful that a few of THE Indian Community Benevolent Nabi by Hassan Chogule, founder secretary of the Indian Sports Centre, resourceful and pleasant individual with Residence Permits in Qa- those enrolled under the insur- Forum (ICBF) has honoured Mohd member and former president of Nabi has in the past served the ICBF with an impeccable record in serving tar enrol in the scheme, they ance scheme have passed away, Habibun Nabi, a prominent commu- ICBF in the presence of ICBF Presi- as its vice president. He has also the Indian expat community in Qatar will get an insurance coverage the scheme could provide some nity activist, with the ‘ICBF Long Term dent PN Baburajan, and the current served as the general secretary of the throughout these years. of QR100,000 for two years at a financial relief to their families premium of QR125. The scheme during this difficult time.” also covers permanent or partial The ICBF intends to en- disability, up to the maximum sure maximum participation covered amount depending on from the Indian community in DPS-MIS celebrates Teachers’ Day with plethora of virtual activities the severity of the disability. the insurance programme. ICBF President PN Babura- Those who like to join for Tribune News Network middle-school students paid a lives of students. He commend- jan said, “Indian community the programme may contact Doha musical tribute to all the teach- ed the efforts of the teachers members were eagerly waiting the ICBF office at the Integrat- ers, thanking them for their im- who transpire hope, love and for the restart of the insurance ed Indian Community Center Students of DPS-Modern mense contribution to fostering wisdom among the students scheme, as they realised the (IICC) in Thumama or Juttas Indian School (DPS-MIS) cel- their lives. and insisted on infusing the value of the scheme provided Paul on 55745265 or email: ebrated Teachers’ Day on Sep- The students from Nurs- young minds with stronger val- by ICBF at a small cost. We [email protected]. tember 5 with a multitude of ery to Grade XII greeted their ues so that they are groomed online presentations, marking teachers with their selfies car- into more valuable individuals. their appreciation and grati- rying an appreciation message Principal Asna Nafees laud- tude to education warriors for for their magnanimous effort in ed the teachers for their quick their commitment and dedica- bringing a positive difference to adaptation to online classes tion to imparting uninterrupt- their lives. All the videos are up- and continuing to impact lives ed holistic education, especially loaded on the official Facebook positively. She congratulated during these unprecedented page of DPS-MIS. Jayanthi Rajagopalan, HOD of times. A virtual meeting was also was graced by Vice President of Headmistress Sini Menon, and Social Science, who has been The students of Grade XI organised in order to acknowl- DPS-MIS Yasir Nainar, Princi- attended by all the teachers selected for the ‘Best Teacher and XII conveyed their heart- edge the immense contribution pal Asna Nafees, Vice Principal from Nursery to Grade XII. Award’ by the Embassy of In- felt feelings for their mentors of the nation builders in mould- Senior Secondary School Soma The Chief Guest Yasir Nai- dia in Qatar for her invalu- and guides through a poetic ing and educating the global cit- Bhattacharjee, Vice Principal nar, in his speech, highlighted able contribution to the field of audio visual presentation. The izens of tomorrow. The occasion Senior School Mary Cruz and the vital role of teachers in the education. ICBF office at the Integrated Indian Community Center in Thumama.

Hair Couture Salon reopens doors to clients after completing renovations

Tribune News Network Doha

Hair Couture Salon re-opened its doors after completing renovations and adapting to the new regulations of the Ministry of Public Health. The Hair Couture Salon is com- posed of a trendy set up and a pro- fessional team, where each mem- ber is an expert in each field. The beautiful space designed by Triple Trend Design House is an open wide room that reflect com- fort in every sense. The salon has a VIP room, make-up room and The salon has a VIP room, make-up room and private area prepared for the most exquisite and glamorous clients. private area prepared for the most exquisite and glamorous clients. of natural products and treatments. the same time. fashion icon, Amal will play a key role awareness about Lexus Line-up and This season, the salon is Clients will be able to enjoy a range About the owner of the salon Amal in endorsing the brand through joint its state-of-the-art features, benefits bringing the latest innovations, of products that are mostly organic, Ameen, AAB Senior Marketing Man- lifestyle and fashion events.” and technology. especially when it comes to the thereby, healthier and more sustaina- ager Firas Mufti stated: “We are very The Lexus Brand Ambassador The event was held with the sup- products. Apart from the special- ble. The professional team’s objective excited this year to collaborate with programme is to associate Lexus with port of The Avenue Hotel, Lexus, La ised L’OREAL techniques and hair will be to find the perfect look for each Amal Ameen as our first ever Lexus a high profile respectable public fig- Boutique Blanche, EQUO, Yes I Do colours, there is a new selection client focusing on a healthier beauty at Brand Ambassador. As a recognised ure such as Amal and to raise public and New You Medical. Middle East / Africa Tuesday, September 8, 2020 05 Syria’s foreign minister says talks with Russian officials ‘fruitful’ DPA sian-Syrian political and eco- Lavrov, for his part, said try,” Lavrov said. first visit to the war-torn coun- Damascus nomic relations was “very that the visit to Syria fo- “There are new priorities try since 2012. promising.” cused on enhancing the re- in Syria... which are recon- “Russia and Syria have Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Maollem added that lations between the two struction and mobilizing in- partnership relations in vari- Walid al-Moallem said on Damascus will not support any countries in light of the new ternational support for that,” ous fields and we are doing Monday that talks between agreement that runs counter developments in the re- the top Russian diplomat said. our best to strengthen them, visiting Russian officials and to the Syrian constitution. gion. He said that efforts to Lavrov said there were despite all the economic block- Syrian President Bashar al- The Syrian official stressed combat terrorism were ongo- foreign countries that were ades and sanctions Syria is un- Assad had been “fruitful and that the Syrian presidential ing in Syria, with the backing dissatisfied with the develop- der,” said Borisov, who arrived constructive.” At a press con- election would be held as of Moscow. ments in Syria and were trying in Damascus on Sunday. ference with Russian For- scheduled in mid 2021, and “We discussed the situ- to exert economic pressure on He admitted that Syria’s eign Minister Sergei Lavrov it would be free and fair, and ation on the ground in Syria Damascus, in a clear reference economic situation is dif- and Deputy Prime Minister that anyone who meets the with President Al-Assad, and to the United States. ficult as the country’s major A handout picture shows Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (2nd left) Yury Borisov, al-Moallem requirements could run for of- we stressed the priority of Lavrov arrived in Damas- oil fields are not under the with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov (left) and Foreign said that the future of Rus- fice. closing ranks in the coun- cus earlier on Monday, in his Syrian government’s control. Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) in Damascus, on Monday. (AFP)

Libya reports highest virus Sudan floods threaten ancient cases for single day Protests over ‘racist’ archaeological AFP 2,162 patients who recovered Tripoli and 296 deaths. gem The NCDC urged peo- AFP Libya on Monday reported ple in areas where the virus Khartoum more than 1,000 new corona- is spreading rapidly to avoid ads shut hundreds of virus infections, the highest travel unless it is essential. Rising Nile floodwaters tally for a single day since the On Sunday, the NCDC are threatening to swamp conflict-ravaged country an- launched a campaign to raise an ancient archaeological nounced its first cases in late awareness about health proto- site in Sudan, after some of March. cols, including the wearing of S Africa pharmacies the highest ever recorded “Of the 4,291 tests per- masks which is compulsory in river levels, archaeologists formed on Sunday, 1,080 public. AFP said Monday. were positive,” said the Na- It called on Tripoli resi- Johannesburg Teams have set up tional Centre for Disease Con- dents to be more vigilant and sandbag walls and are trol (NCDC), a Tripoli-based to respect such measures giv- Protests forced more than pumping out water to pre- government agency. en the “rapidly worsening epi- 400 stores of South Africa’s vent damage at the ruins of The figure brings the to- demiological situation”. biggest pharmacy chain to Al-Bajrawiya, once a royal tal number of Covid-19 cases At the end of August, the close on Monday after a con- city of the two-millenia-old in the North African country World Health Organization troversial “racist” hair ad- Meroitic empire, said Marc to 18,834, including 16,376 voiced alarm over the uptick vertisement provoked wide- Maillot, head of the French who required hospitalisation, in infections. spread outrage. Archaeological Unit in the Dozens of activists from Sudan Antiquities Service. South Africa’s radical leftwing “The floods had never Economic Freedom Fighters affected the site before,” (EFF) party picketed outside Maillot said. Coronavirus cases spike in Clicks Pharmacy stores across The area includes the the country, forcing them to famous Meroe pyramids, a shut over the adverts posted UNESCO World Heritage Gaza Strip, says ministry on the company’s website site. AFP The narrow territory is which described black hair as Farmers along the fer- Gaza City sealed off by a formidable se- “dull” and white hair as “nor- tile banks of the Nile, the curity barrier on its landward mal”. world’s longest river, de- The number of novel coronavi- sides, with just two crossing South Africa’s leading pend on its annual floods. rus cases in the Israeli-blockad- points: one into Israel and the pharmacy, health and beauty Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema (centre) addresses his supporters during a picket But water levels have ed Gaza Strip have risen tenfold other into Egypt. retailer, which boasts more outside Clicks Store, at the Mall of the North in Polokwane, on Monday. (AFP) risen much further than over the past two weeks, bring- But crossings at both points than 500 branches across the usual this year. ing the total to over 1,000, Pal- were blocked in March, with country, has apologised and the hashtags #RacismMust- around two dozen chanting “We have been projected “The situation is cur- estinian officials said Monday. few exceptions. pulled down the advertise- Fall and #BlackHairIsNormal. supporters. as ugly people for a very long rently under control, but In the past 24 hours, 182 Four virus cases were de- ments. The South African Human Further north in Polok- time by white people. It has if the level of the Nile con- infections were registered in tected at the end of August Clicks said that protests Rights Commission launched wane, the capital of Limpopo got to come to an end at some tinues to rise, the meas- the coastal enclave, bringing outside these centres as ten- were reported at 425 of its an investigation on Monday province, EFF leader Julius point and it starts total with ures taken may not be the number of cases to 1,151, sions flared between Israel and stores, some of which were into the Clicks advert, which it Malema led a group of more Clicks, we are tired.” sufficient,” Maillot said, including eight deaths, the Pal- Palestinian fighters in Hamas- vandalised, and it was “unable said had “elicited strong emo- than 100 supporters who The EFF condemned all vi- adding that the site is estinian Authority health min- controlled Gaza. to estimate the total damage to tions and protests from the chanted in front of a shuttered olence, vandalism at its stores usually some 500 metres istry said. The Palestinian health stores given the ongoing pro- general public.” store. and the intimidation of staff (1,650 feet) away from the The crowded and impov- ministry on Monday also re- test action.” The EFF said it wants the “We are here to say peace- and its customers. river. erished Gaza Strip had main- ported that 26,633 corona- The federal government retail chain shut for five days. fully that racism is violence,” The group staged protests Other ancient sites are tained low infection rates since virus cases so far have been said in a statement that while “They must lose revenue, said Malema, addressing his in 2018 trashing outlets of also threatened along the the start of the pandemic, as it registered across the Israeli- it was disturbed by the “crude they must lose profits because supporters at the Mall of the Swedish clothing giant Hennes Nile, according to Maillot. remained isolated from much occupied West Bank, including racist display” by the adver- of their racism,” said EFF vice North, the largest in the city. and Mauritz (H&M) in Johan- Sudanese authorities of the world. 178 deaths. tisement, it called on all South president Floyd Shivambu, “We need justice, not apol- nesburg over a controversial last week declared a three Africans “to resist the tempta- speaking in front of one of ogy,” said Malema. “Who calls advertisement of a black child. month national state of tion to take the law into their the largest stores in Johan- black people ugly?” he asked, A photo on H&M’s website emergency after record own hands.” nesburg’s upmarket Sandton calling on the advertising of a black boy wearing a green breaking floods that have The advertisements business and shopping district agent to be fired. hoodie with the inscription killed at least 99 people. Saudi ruling over Khashoggi sparked an uproar online, with -- considered Africa’s richest “White people insult us “coolest monkey in the jungle” Officials saidthey had black women posting images square mile. and they apologise, they think triggered outrage on social recorded the highest wa- murder ‘mockery of justice’ of their afros on Twitter using He was accompanied by that is the end,” he said. media. ters on the -- which joins the AFP line under the October 2018 in the Sudanese capital Riyadh murder as the kingdom seeks Khartoum -- since records to reboot its international im- began over a century ago. A Saudi court on Monday over- age ahead of November’s G20 Tunisia arrests seven in connection with Islamic State attack Faisal Mohamed Saleh, turned five death sentences summit in Riyadh. Sudan’s information and over journalist Jamal Khashog- “Five convicts were sen- DPA knives. The attack comes days af- up near the US embassy in the culture minister, visited gi’s murder in a final ruling that tenced to 20 years in prison... Tunis Security force members ter Tunisia’s new government, capital, Tunis. the site to see the work be- was condemned by his fiancee one person was sentenced to shot the three dead. led by Prime Minister Hichem In June last year, two ing done to protect it. and slammed by a UN expert as 10 years and two others to Tunisian security forces Among those arrested is Mechichi took office, becom- back-to-back suicide attacks The site, some 200 kil- a “parody of justice”. seven years,” the official Saudi have arrested seven people in the wife of one of the perpe- ing the North African coun- left one police officerdead ometres northeast of Khar- Eight unnamed defend- Press Agency reported, citing a connection with an attack that trators and two brothers of a try’s third since its parliament and eight people injured in toum, was a capital of an ants were handed jail terms of spokesman for the public pros- left one police officer dead and second attacker, the spokes- was elected last year. the centre of Tunis. empire that controlled vast between seven and 20 years ecutor. another wounded on Sunday. person for the Judicial Coun- In recent years, Tuni- In March 2015, 21 tourists swathes of land from 350 in a verdict that comes after Hatice Cengiz, the Turkish The Islamic State extrem- ter-Terrorism Division, Sofien sia has witnessed a string of and a police officer were killed BC to 350 AD. Khashoggi’s sons “pardoned” fiancee of the slain journalist, ist group on Monday claimed Selliti, was quoted by official militant attacks, most of them when gunmen attacked the Sudan’s ancient civi- the killers in May, paving the branded the verdict a “farce”. responsibility for the attack, TAP news agency as saying. claimed by the Islamic State Bardo Museum in Tunis. lisations built more pyra- way for a less severe punish- “The ruling handed down in which three assailants Selliti added that three re- extremist group. Three months later, 38 mids than the Egyptians, ment. today in again rammed their car into the of- cruiters and another suspect In March, one police of- tourists, mostly Britons, were but many are still unex- The court ruling under- makes a complete mockery of ficers in the coastal city of with ties to the attackers were ficer was killed when two sui- killed in an attack at a hotel in plored. scores Saudi efforts to draw a justice,” Cengiz said on Twitter. Sousse and stabbed them with also apprehended. cide bombers blew themselves Sousse. West African bloc again calls for ‘swift’ Mali civilian transition Five Somali troops dead, AFP Mahamadou Issoufou, said at the weekend with opposition one US adviser wounded, Niamey the start of a summit in Nia- groups on its promise to hand mey. power back to civilians, after in car bombing: Officials The West African regional “Other strategic partners mounting pressure from neigh- AFP Al-Shabaab claimed re- bloc ECOWAS on Monday is- of the Malian people have the bouring countries over fears of Mogadishu sponsibility, saying 16 Somali sued a new appeal for Mali to same hope,” he said. even more instability in the troops and four Americans make a “swift” transition to ci- During an extraordinary war-torn nation. A suicide bomber killed five were killed. vilian rule following a military ECOWAS summit on Mali last An opposition coalition Somali soldiers and seriously Somalia has suffered near- coup on August 18. week, President Issoufou had of civil and religious leaders wounded an American military continuous conflict for almost The 15-nation Economic indicated that the sanctions which spearheaded months of adviser in Somalia on Monday 30 years, while the interna- Community of West African would be “lifted gradually de- protests that led up to Keita’s in an attack claimed by the Al- tionally backed government in States slapped sanctions on pending on the implementa- From (left-right): President of Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Ka- fall has said it wants a transi- Shabaab group, security offi- Mogadishu has been fighting Mali after the putsch, including tion” of measures allowing a boré, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ivory Coast tion period of 18 to 24 months. cials told AFP. Al-Shabaab Islamic insurgents closing borders and a ban on return to civilian rule. Alassane Ouattara, ECOWAS Commissionenr Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Meanwhile Keita, who suf- The bomber detonated a since 2008. trade and financial flows, and Eight heads of state in- President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou, and President of Nigeria Mu- fered a mini-stroke last week, vehicle packed with explosives In August, 10 civilians and has called for elections within cluding Senegalese Presi- hammadu Buhari pose for a group photo during an ECOWAS leaders flew out of Mali late on Satur- at the entrance to a military a police officer were killed in 12 months. dent Macky Sall, Ivory Coast summit in Niamey on Monday. (AFP) day for treatment in the United base in Janay Abdalla, a village a gun and bomb attack by Al- “It is our community’s duty President Alassane Ouattara Arab Emirates. about 60 kilometres outside Shabaab fighters on an upscale to help Malians towards the and Guinea-Bissau President hadist revolt, ethnic violence Within hours of taking con- The junta said Keita must the southern port city of Kis- beachfront hotel in the capital. swift re-establishment of all Umaro Sissoco Embalo were and endemic corruption, with trol, the military junta pledged return to Mali in the next three mayo. That same month, four Al- democratic institutions. The present at the opening of Mon- widespread unrest building to enact a political transition months after receiving medical Mohamed Abdulle, a local Shabaab fighters held in Mog- military junta must help us to day’s summit. until a clique of rebel soldiers and stage elections within a treatment abroad, a time limit security official, told AFP that adishu’s central prison were help Mali,” ECOWAS’ current Mali has long been plagued detained president Ibrahim “reasonable time”. it said it had agreed with ECO- the vehicle was fired upon but killed in an intense shootout chairman, Niger’s President by instability, a simmering ji- Boubacar Keita last month. The junta held talks over WAS. unable to be stopped. with security forces. 06 Tuesday, September 8, 2020

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

California Fails To Learn From Previous COVID-19 Mistakes Biden Is A Prisoner Of

Governor Newsom’s blueprint for reopening businesses is a recipe for disaster in absence of sufficient testing and His Own Paradoxes contact tracing ability. California must avoid another surge The paradox is that violence, which earlier dented Trump’s support base, has begun to AVIN Newsom just doesn’t get it. just to mitigate the virus. In order to sup- affect American voters who are unhappy and confused about Biden’s silence on chaos in The governor last week rolled out press COVID-19, California must con- Ghis latest “blueprint” for determin- duct 825,000 tests a day. That should be cities. Also paradoxically, Biden is scared of joining Trump in debate on the matter ing when it’s safe for California coun- the governor’s goal. ties to reopen for business. It’s a rec- The state must also speed up test Victor Davis Hanson ipe for a replay of the July surge that turnaround times, which are often Tribune News Service resulted in a devastating wave of new more than a week. Health officials said cases and deaths. the agreement with PerkinElmer would OE Biden and his handlers know that Shut beaches, malls and businesses. guarantee results within 24-48 hours, he should be out and about, weighing Numbers decrease. Reopen beaches, but again that’s six months away. in daily on the issues of the campaign. malls and businesses. Numbers increase. Meanwhile, the delays not only leave In impromptu interviews, Biden Repeat. That strategy had resulted in individuals in the lurch about whether should be offering alternative plans for more than 700,000 cases and 13,000 they’ve been infected, they also under- dealingJ with the virus, the lockdown, the deaths in California. About 50 percent mine attempts to notify their friends, economic recovery, the violence and the more Californians are dying each day family and co-workers in a timely way if looting, and racial tensions. from the virus than in the spring. they’ve been exposed to the virus. Effec- Yet Biden’s handlers seem to assume The only proven approach, gover- tive contact tracing is critical for stem- that if he were to leave his basement and nor, for controlling the pandemic is suf- ming the spread of the virus. fully enter the fray, he could be capable of ficient testing and contact tracing. On To be fair, the federal government losing the election in moments of gaffes, that front, the state, and Newsom, are should have taken the lead ensuring ade- lapses or prolonged silences. failing. Miserably. quate testing. President Donald Trump’s So wisely, Team Biden relied on the The novel coronavirus is highly con- disgraceful failure to develop a national fact that the commander in chief is always tagious even when those infected show testing strategy remains a primary rea- blamed for bad news — and there has been no symptoms. Without adequate testing, son the nation, with 185,000 deaths, plenty of bad news worldwide this year. businesses can’t ensure their workers leads the world in fatalities. That reality was reflected in the spring are disease-free and prevent employees California does not have the same and early summer polls that showed grow- from spreading COVID-19. power as the federal government to im- ing discontent with the incumbent Trump, Newsom announced last week a plement a coordinated, national testing as if he were solely responsible for one of new plan that would more than double strategy. But the governor does have the most depressing years in US history. California’s testing capacity through the authority to prevent the state from But news cycles, like polls, are not al- a public-private partnership with life reopening the economy until it has suf- ways static. sciences company PerkinElmer. That ficient testing and contact tracing in What was true in July is not necessarily sounds promising. But the governor place to prevent another surge. so in September and especially in Novem- also said the lab wouldn’t reach full Newsom earned national praise in ber. Volatile years produce volatile voters. capacity of 150,000 tests per day un- March for following Bay Area health Now, many voters think they see a waning til March 1. That’s right. March 1, six officials’ science-based strategy for of the virus, a need to get their kids back months away. controlling the coronavirus. But in in school, and a glimmer of hope that the It’s unacceptable. April the governor ignored health offi- economy is recovering. violence as a “summer of love” or “largely tarmac rallies, photo-ops on the campaign California now processes about cials’ warnings and his own criteria for A large segment of the public is becom- peaceful.” trail and daily unscripted press conferenc- 100,000 tests a day. Even if the state reopening the economy. The result has ing irate at the nightly looting, destruc- Biden stayed mum — both because the es? But to do so could well confirm to vot- reaches 250,000 tests a day by March, been a deadly roller-coaster ride that tion and arson that no longer seem to have polls suggested he should remain so, and ers that he is frail and confused. that would barely surpass the 223,000 won’t end until California develops much to do with the May death of George because he could hardly criticise those How did Biden become a prisoner of tests a day researchers at the Harvard sufficient testing capacity to control Floyd while in police custody. Where are whose often violent acts were creating a his own paradoxes? Perhaps he knew that Global Health Institute say are necessary COVID-19. the police, the mayors and the governors to sense of national anarchy under Trump’s he was not physically or cognitively up to protect the vulnerable, the law-abiding and presidency and thus undeniably aiding the running a real campaign. But he ran all the small-business owners? Biden candidacy. the same. Biden knows the mercurial polls now tell But as CNN news anchor Don Lemon Perhaps he knew that the violence of him that he must re-emerge and cease being recently warned his fellow leftists, now the antifa and other agitators could eventually a virtual candidate. Yet he knows that if he polls are changing. Lemon apparently fears hurt more than help him, but for months does, he risks losing the race. So his surro- that the public is sick of seeing the urban he kept silent about the violence all the gates talk of mandatory fact-checking of the unrest. Suddenly, many members of the same, given the perceived political damage debates — or even cancelling them entirely. media want Biden to condemn the rioting to Trump. Hillary Clinton recently said that Biden and violence. Perhaps he knew that he had always “should not concede under any circum- But if Biden did, he might alienate his opposed the wacky agenda of Sanders, but stances,” apparently even if he loses the now-critical left-wing Bernie base. Yet Biden wrongly felt he could pose as a mod- November election. If the rules no longer Biden’s continued reluctance to unequivo- erate in 2020 yet if elected keep a promise favour Biden, then it seems time to change cally fault the rioters and arsonists may be to the socialists of the more radical wing of the rules. alienating moderate suburban swing voters. his party to govern as a leftist. So Biden has become a tragic prisoner The same paradox surrounds the de- Perhaps he knows that his new progres- of his own paradoxes. He is an old centrist bates. Should Biden, as promised, debate sive allies would be happy for him to win who forged a Faustian bargain with social- Trump? them a presidency but even happier for ist Bernie Sanders and his hard-core leftist Yes. But would he thereby blow up his him to then disappear as soon as possible. supporters. That alliance was felt neces- candidacy in a moment of incoherence? Paradoxes happen when what seems sary to win the Democratic nomination and No. But would he end up ridiculed in real is not — and is known not to be real by the general election. absentia, like Clint Eastwood’s empty chair those who act as if it is. The hard left provided the urban fire- at the 2012 Republican convention? works this summer that seemed to drive Trump never sits still. So should Biden (Victor Davis Hanson is a classicist down Trump’s poll numbers. Blue-state match the president’s frenzied pace and and historian at the Hoover (Tribune News Service) governors and mayors contextualised the hold town halls, impromptu interviews, Institution, Stanford University) Keeping An Eye Open For Mental Health Issues

According to a recent poll, nearly half of Americans feel the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health

Hillel Fuld your team and help achieve maxi- When things seem to be big, like the first point. Just as depres- Tribune News Service mum results. something might be wrong. If sion might cause social anxiety, Look out for someone se- a team member is finding it hard it also makes talking, even small OT enough attention is being cluding themselves. Even if to do things that would otherwise talk, seem really big. Now, just paid to mental health nowa- someone did not previously have be trivial, something is up. I’m not because someone is quiet doesn’t Ndays. Everyone understands social anxiety, something that is sig- saying it’s necessarily depression, mean they’re depressed, but it’s the medical dangers of the pan- nificantly more common than you but that sure is a sign of it. When a worth checking in and see what’s demic. Even the financial crisis is might think, as soon as depression person is depressed, things that are up. Again, a text message or even obvious. But what about mental hits, that person can write the book otherwise super easy to do become an email might do the job. It might health? What about how this is af- on social anxiety. When a person is a massive challenge. Look out for even better in some cases than face fecting people’s emotions? Their suffering emotionally, the last thing that end offer some support. to face. Try asking open questions sadness, anxiety, fear, and so they want to do is make small talk Set up regular one on one if possible, as opposed to yes or no much more? Not many people are and socialise. So if you have a team talks. Don’t single anyone out, but questions. While it might be more talking about that and it’s time. member who is usually talkative and make it a company-wide policy, es- difficult for them to answer, it Nearly half of Americans re- social but is now sitting alone and pecially during challenging times might help them open up. port the coronavirus crisis is not being him or herself, perhaps like a pandemic, to sit with your Mental health issues are be- harming their mental health, ac- that is a red flag that you should team, one on one, ask if everything coming increasingly important cording to a Kaiser Family Foun- check to see if everything is OK. is ok, if there is anything you can and prevalent in today’s day and dation poll. A federal emergency See beyond the mask and do, and if there is something on age. It’s time you, as a manager, hotline for people in emotional recognise sadness. Honestly, their mind. You’d be surprising how started to learn about the topic distress registered a more than jokes aside, the whole mask thing their eyes. Pay attention and try thing if you think that would be eager that person might be to spill it and figure out the best techniques 1,000 percent increase in April makes it very difficult to read to recognise sadness. A nice word uncomfortable. A quick text mes- and acquire a support system. to handle mental health issues in compared with the same time someone’s emotions properly, can go a very long way. You have sage might do the job. All you need Is a team member being the workplace. Everyone will gain. last year. but it doesn’t make it impossible. no idea. It’s worth mentioning that to write is “I noticed you’re not quieter than usual? A simple Sometimes all you need is a nice Here are some things to look out There are two reasons for that. The a nice word doesn’t mean you need yourself lately. What’s wrong?” Or question of how they’re do- word, a quick text, or maybe just a for to ensure the mental health of eyes. You can see a person through to actually go over and say some- something similar. ing might help. This is much casual fist bump.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Asia / World Tuesday, September 8, 2020 07 China shows off COVID-19 vaccines for first time Fresh blaze AFP Neither has hit the market are now emphasising the re- China a “global public good”. China’s official Xinhua on stricken oil yet but the makers hope they vival of Wuhan, the central Sinopharm said it antici- news agency reported Monday will be approved after all-im- Chinese city where the deadly pates the antibodies from its that another vaccine candidate, tanker off Sri China has put its homegrown portant phase 3 trials as early pathogen surfaced, as a suc- jab to last between one and developed by Chinese military coronavirus vaccines on dis- as year-end. cess story in the fight against three years -- although the final scientists, can deal with muta- Lanka: Navy play for the first time, as the A Sinovac representative the virus. result will only be known after tions in the coronavirus. country where the contagion told AFP his firm has already They are also touting pro- the trials. China’s nationalistic As of last month, at least AFP was discovered looks to shape “completed the construction of gress on domestic vaccines as tabloid Global Times reported 5.7 billion doses of the vaccines Colombo the narrative surrounding the a vaccine factory” able to pro- a sign of Chinese leadership last month that “the price of the under development around the pandemic. duce 300 million doses a year. and resilience in the face of an vaccines will not be high”. world had been pre-ordered. A massive fire that crippled High hopes hang on the China, which is facing a A China National Biotec Group unprecedented health threat Every two doses should cost But the World Health Or- an oil tanker off Sri Lanka has small vials of liquid on show storm of foreign criticism over (CNBG) vaccine candidate for that has pummelled the global below 1,000 yuan ($146), the ganization has warned that reignited in strong winds, the at a Beijing trade fair this week its early handling of the pan- COVID-19 coronavirus is on economy. report said, citing Sinopharm’s widespread immunisation island nation’s navy said Mon- -- vaccine candidates produced demic, has been trying to re- display at the China International In May, President Xi Jin- chairman, who told media he against Covid-19 may not be day, just a day after the blaze by Chinese companies Sinovac purpose the story of COVID-19. Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) ping pledged to make any po- has already been injected with on the cards until the middle of was extinguished. Biotech and Sinopharm. State media and officials in Beijing on Sunday. (AFP) tential vaccine developed by one of the candidate vaccines. next year. The Panamanian-regis- tered New Diamond, carrying over 270,000 tonnes of crude and diesel, was en-route from to the Indian port of Pakistan to reopen Paradip when it issued a dis- tress call Thursday after an engine room explosion that educational institutions Delhi metro services killed a Filipino crew member. The ensuing fire was put starting September 15 out Sunday through the com- bined efforts of Sri Lanka’s DPA said students would attend navy and air force, the Indian Islamabad their classes on alternate days resume as India sees navy and coastguard, as well and that wearing a face mask as private operators. Pakistan on Tuesday said it would be mandatory. Firefighters continued to will allow educational institu- Health Ministry data from douse the tanker with water tions to reopen, after months Tuesday showed that 394 new and dry chemicals, but the of closure due to the outbreak cases and three deaths were 90,000 cases a day squally conditions -- where of coronavirus pandemic, as a reported during the last 24 winds were blowing at up to 70 declining trend in infections hours. In total, the country has AFP kilometres per hour -- led to a encourages authorities. recorded 298,903 cases and New Delhi fresh flare-up. “We have decided that edu- confirmed 6,345 deaths. “Due high winds... the cational institutions should be According to the Pakistan Commuters flashed victory fire which has already been allowed to reopen in a phased Medical Association, at least signs as India restarted city doused, has re-ignited from manner,” Education Minister 100 doctors and 24 paramedics metro services Monday after the effects of extreme tem- Shafqat Mahmood told a press died from Covid-19. a nearly six-month hiatus, de- perature and sparks onboard,” conference. Pakistan reported its first termined to live with the new the navy said in a statement. According to the plan, coronavirus case on February normal even as the vast nation Sri Lanka navy spokesman higher education institutions 26 and enforced a country- overtook Brazil as the second- Captain Indika de Silva told would reopen from September wide lockdown in March, un- worst coronavirus-affected AFP the blaze was at a “serious 15. Classes for junior students der which more than 300,000 country. level, but we hope we will be would resume after weekly as- educational institutions were Masked commuters sat in able to contain it”. sessments, whereas classes for closed. mostly empty coaches as jour- The tanker was earlier primary students would re- Authorities allowed some nalists clambered for pictures pulled away from the coun- sume from September 30. businesses to reopen in May at metro stations in the capital try’s coast but the high winds Health minister Faisal Sul- and lifted all the restrictions New Delhi -- one of the most moved it some 18 kilometres tan said that a declining trend of on August 10 after a substan- badly hit cities, along with fi- (11 miles) closer to the shore, infections had encouraged the tial decline in numbers of in- nancial hub Mumbai. officials said. reopening of the schools. He fections. Passengers had to leave Powerful tug boats were empty seats between each oth- now secured to the large ship er, and could only enter car- to prevent it from moving clos- riages after undergoing tem- er, they added. Philippine officials caution against perature screening. A Delhi Metro train (top) and Gurugram Rapid train cross each other at Sikanderpur Metro station as Delhi The navy said the cargo “For our lives to move Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) resumed services on Monday. (AFP) has not been affected by the complacency about coronavirus on, we have to get out of our recurrence of the fire. homes... so this is a good move increase of more than 90,000 morning and four in the after- the... average has moved from DPA and we can further decrease the by the government to start the cases. noon -- while trains had to be about 65,000 cases per day to Manila transmission rate and other in- metro trains,” said passenger Its caseload had moved fully sanitised after each jour- about 83,000 cases per day, dicators.” Deepak Kumar. past four million on Saturday, ney. that is about a 27 percent in- Malaysia’s virus Philippine health officials The Department of Health “Social distancing is being only 13 days after hitting three “It’s the new normal, and crease over two weeks or about on Monday cautioned Filipinos reported 1,383 new coronavirus followed and... people are us- million. I guess all of us need to take two percent per day,” Jameel rules see hundreds against becoming complacent infections on Monday, the low- ing facemasks and sanitising,” that responsibility,” said Rashi told AFP. about the novel coronavirus, est number of additional cases he told AFP. Bhargave onboard a train in India has been testing arrested, dozens despite reports that the out- in over two months. The resumption of metro The resumption of metro Delhi. more than 10 million people stuck at airport break in the country has been The country’s total case- services came as the South services came as the South The metro carried 2.7 per day on average, with plans easing, stressing that “nothing load stood at 238,727, while Asian nation recorded 4.2 mil- Asian nation recorded 4.2 million passengers a day be- to ramp it up further. DPA is certain.” Health Undersec- the death toll was at 3,890, up lion infections since the pan- million infections since the fore the epidemic around the The Indian Council of Bangkok retary Maria Rosario Vergeire by 15. demic began, health ministry pandemic began, health 400-kilometre (250 mile) net- Medical Research, the scien- said people need to continue President Rodrigo Duterte data showed. work. tific agency leading the gov- Dozens of Malaysians were taking precautions and follow- earlier said that Russia and It surpassed Brazil’s total, ministry data showed. The city of 20 million peo- ernment’s response, on Friday stranded at Kuala Lumpur In- ing health safety protocols even China have promised to supply making it the second-highest ple recorded some 3,256 new revised the testing criteria, ternational Airport on Monday if transmission and mortality vaccines to the Philippines, but tally behind the United States’ The re-opening of the infections on Sunday -- its allowing anyone to get a test after a ban on arrivals from 23 rates were going down based on Vergeire said the government 6.25 million. metro is part of an effort by highest single-day spike in 73 without a doctor’s letter. countries kicked in. recent data. was also speaking with other India has also recorded the government to gradually days. It was also the first time Jameel said the move was Around 50 Malaysians “Our situation is improving, manufacturers. 71,642 deaths, fewer than the restart economic activity after cases crossed the 3,000 mark overdue. who arrived on a flight from but we always say that nothing She said the Health Depart- 126,203 in Brazil and 188,540 the strict lockdown imposed during this period. “This will uncover more were prevented from is certain at this point,” she said. ment would hold discussions in the US. from late March saw growth Virologist Shahid Jameel, asymptomatic people, who are leaving the airport, according “We don’t want people to be with Australia’s University of Since August the country contract by a record 23.9 per- who heads the Wellcome the real source of this expan- to local media reports, after complacent. We just continue Queensland, which has devel- of 1.3 billion people, home cent in April to June. Trust/DBT India Alliance, sion in India. There should apparent confusion among of- to monitor our situation,” she oped a vaccine that is on its to some of the world’s most Commuters shrugged off said the key factor to watch is also be more testing in rural ficials over whether the ban added. pre-clinical trial stage, and the densely populated cities, has the restrictions imposed by the growth rate in infections, districts and villages, since includes Malaysians arriving “We continue to do our US-based company Moderna, been reporting the highest sin- metro authorities. which he called “quite alarm- over two-thirds of the cases from the blacklisted countries. strategies so that we can further the frontrunner in the vaccine gle-day rises in the world. Only one line was opera- ing”. are coming from there,” he While Malaysia ditched decrease the number of cases, development. On Monday it reported an tional -- for four hours in the “Over the past two weeks, said. most domestic curbs when ending a seven-week lockdown on May 4, Malaysians remain mostly prohibited from leav- Nearly 300 Rohingya migrants land ing the country and a ban on all tourist arrivals has been ex- Typhoon hits South Korea after in Indonesia after months at sea tended to December 31. Some 873 people were de- DPA been prolonged by the collective tained on Sunday for infrac- triggering landslides in Japan Jakarta unwillingness of states to act for tions, according to Defence more than six months,” said the Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. AFP the country. Nearly 300 members of My- UNHCR director for Asia and Almost 600 of those arrested Sokcho The typhoon cut electric- anmar’s ethnic Rohingya mi- the Pacific,I ndrika Ratwatte. were snared at nightclubs open ity to Hyundai Motor’s assem- nority landed in Aceh province “The group had repeatedly in defiance of a ban scheduled A powerful typhoon lashed bly lines in the city of Ulsan, on Indonesia’s Sumatra island tried to disembark over the to last until the end of the year, South Korea on Monday after bringing production to a halt early Monday after months at course of more than 200 days the minister said on Monday. smashing into southern Japan for several hours. sea, a Red Cross official said. Lo- at sea, to no avail,” he said in a Malaysia’s Ministry of with record winds and heavy Haishen churned its way cals immediately brought the statement. Health announced on Monday rains that left up to eight peo- up the eastern side of the migrants to beach huts in UNHCR staff in Aceh were that 62 more people had con- ple dead or missing. peninsula into the Sea of Ja- the town of Lhokseumawe as helping local authorities to as- tracted the virus, taking the More than 300,000 pan, known as the East Sea soon as they reached the shore sess the needs of the refugees, cumulative total since the first households were still without in Korea, having lost some of around midnight, said Muham- he added. In June, Acehnese reported case in January to power Monday afternoon after its destructive force, but still mad Waly, the head of the local fishermen rescued nearly 100 9,459, of which around 200 are Typhoon Haishen roared past packing winds of up to 112 Indonesian Red Cross. Rohingya migrants who had listed as “active.” In Malaysia, Japan’s southern island of kilometres per hour. The group consisted of 181 been drifting several kilome- 128 people have died after a Kyushu, ripping off roofs and Outside the city, swol- women, 102 men and 14 chil- tres of the coast of North Aceh. positive coronavirus test. dumping half a metre of water len rivers surged through the dren, who started their voyage in just a day. countryside carrying debris from Bangladesh with Malay- Rescue workers were pick- and the occasional fallen tree. sia as their destination, Waly ing through mud and detritus A riverside park near the Taehwa River is flooded by heavy rain Haishen was forecast said. “According to informa- seeking four missing people caused by Typhoon Haishen in Ulsan on Monday. (AFP) to make landfall again in tion from some of them, they after a landslide in rural Mi- Chongjin, North Hamgyong spent six months at sea,” Waly FOR RENT yazaki. Haishen, which came on housing stock. province in North Korea, at told dpa. Dozens of police offic- the heels of another power- By lunchtime on Monday, around midnight, according to “They are weak and some new apartments ers were on their way to help, ful typhoon, crashed into Ok- the storm had moved over South Korea’s Meteorological of them are ill,” he added. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshi- inawa on Saturday and moved South Korea, forcing the can- Administration. The UN Refugee Agency UN- in Mansoura hide Suga told reporters in northwards throughout Sun- cellation of hundreds of flights Pyongyang’s state media HCR said about 30 in the group Tokyo. day. and triggering landslides. have been on high alert, car- died at sea after they embarked (3) Bedrooms Qr. 5,000 At least one person had Around 1.8 million people Traffic lights and trees rying live broadcasts of the on their journey in February been killed by the typhoon, were told to seek shelter for were felled in and around Bu- situation, with one showing from Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh, (2) Bedrooms Qr. 4,000 he said, with the causes of an- fear that the 200-kilometre- san, streets were floodedand a reporter driving through a where hundreds of thousands of other three deaths during the per-hour winds would wreak power was knocked out for windy, inundated street in Rohingya refugees live. storm not immediately known. havoc on Japan’s wooden around 20,000 homes across Tongchon, Kangwon province. “Their hazardous ordeal has 55555065 08 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Europe / Americas Georgia hosts major drills with NATO forces UK police arrest man over Birmingham Harry refunds house refurb bill from VAZIANI: Georgia on Monday launched large-scale joint military mass stabbings Netflix deal exercises with NATO forces as part of its longstanding bid to join the LONDON: A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection LONDON: Prince Harry has paid back £2.4 million ($3.2 News alliance, which has angered Tbilisi’s Soviet-era master Russia. Some with the mass stabbings in Britain’s second city Birmingham million) of British taxpayers’ money used to renovate his 2,800 troops from the United States, France, Britain, and Poland will that left one person dead and two critically wounded, police home at Windsor Castle, using cash from his recent Netflix in brief take part in the Noble Partner 2020 exercises held at the Vaziani and said on Monday. The man was held on suspicion of murder and deal, his spokesman said on Monday. The Duke of Sussex, Camp Norio training centres near Tbilisi. Georgia’s Prime Minister seven attempted murders that were carried out after midnight as he is formally known, and his wife, American former ac- Giorgi Gakharia said the drills are “the most important component of Saturday, West Midlands Police said. The suspect was detained tress Meghan Markle, retired from royal duties earlier this efforts to make Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration achievable”. (AFP) in the Selly Oak area at around 4.00am (0300 GMT). (AFP) year in a quest for “financial independence”.(AFP) Spain surpasses 500,000 virus cases: Health ministry AFP This gives Spain a per-cap- During the past two weeks deaths a day were reported, as to send their children to class. Madrid ita infection rate about twice the country has recorded an the median age of new infec- The government has im- that of France and , ac- average of 7,000 to 8,000 new tions has dropped to around plemented several measures Spain’s total coronavirus cas- cording to an AFP tally based cases per day, around a third 40. to curb the risk of infections es have crossed half a million, on official data. Asymptomatic cases also in schools, including making health ministry data showed Spain was one of the account for a far greater pro- the use of masks mandatory on Monday, as the government worst-affected countries when During the past two weeks portion of positive results, for anyone aged six and over struggled to contain a surge of the coronavirus struck Europe the country has recorded an largely due to a rise in testing. and requiring frequent hand infections in one of Europe’s this year before one of the average of 7,000 to 8,000 “The situation is much washing. hardest-hit countries. world’s most stringent lock- new cases per day, around more favourable but we re- Last month it ordered The country of around 47 downs helped reduce the out- main in an upwards phase,” nightclubs and cocktail bars million people has recorded break’s spread. a third of them in the the health ministry’s emergen- to close and shortened restau- 525,549 confirmed cases of But infections have surged Madrid region cies coordinator Fernando Si- rant operating hours to try to COVID-19, and 29,516 relat- since the lockdown measures mon told journalists. curb the increase in infections. ed deaths, since its first case were fully removed at the end of them in the Madrid region. The rise in infections The government expects was diagnosed on January of June, the rise in infections But the mortality rate is far be- comes as Spain is reopen- the country’s tourism-depend- 31 on the remote island of La often attributed to the return low that recorded at the height ing its schools after they were ent economy will contract by A teacher checks the temperature of a student arriving to a municipal Gomera in the Canaries, the of nightlife and group activi- of health crisis in late March closed in March, with some 9.2 percent this year under the school on the first day of classes for the new academic year in Valen- ministry said. ties. and April, when nearly 900 parents saying they are afraid weight of the pandemic. cia on Monday. (AFP)

Kremlin critic out of medically ’ senior opposition figure induced coma: hospital AFP However, the hospital said Berlin it was too early to determine the long-term impact of the ‘snatched off the street’ as over Russian opposition leader poisoning. Alexei Navalny, who Germany Navalny fell ill after board- says was poisoned by a weap- ing a plane in Siberia last ons-grade Novichok nerve month. He was initially treated agent, is now out of a medical- in a local hospital before being ly induced coma and is being flown to Berlin for treatment. 600 protesters nabbed by police weaned off mechanical ven- The German government tilation, the Berlin hospital said last week that toxicology AFP ploying troops, water cannon treating him said on Monday. tests have found “unequivocal and armoured vehicles. “He is responding to verbal evidence” that Novichok was Local media reported stimuli,” Charite hospital said used on Navalny, prompting Belarus said on Monday hooded men in civilian clothes in a statement, reporting that Chancellor Angela Merkel and that police had detained more with batons chased and beat the 44-year-old’s condition her Western counterparts to than 600 people at weekend demonstrators. “has improved”. demand answers from Russia. protests and the opposition Interior Ministry spokes- said a senior figure had been woman Olga Chemodanova snatched off the streets, as au- said that 633 people had been thorities intensified efforts to detained on Sunday for illegal end weeks of demonstrations. mass gatherings, one of the Assange’s extradition to US The opposition’s Coordi- largest wave of arrests since nation Council said one of its the early days of the demon- hearing resumes in London high-profile members Maria strations. Kolesnikova had been “kid- Kolesnikova’s office said AFP hacker was “shining the light on napped by unknown people witnesses described her be- London all the corruption in the world” in central Minsk” along with a ing snatched off the street in while his father told the crowd spokesman and executive sec- the capital Minsk on Monday WikiLeaks founder Julian the hearing was an “abuse trial.” retary. morning by unidentified men Assange returned to court Earlier, Assange’s part- “Their whereabouts are un- in black who bundled her into in London on Monday for a ner, Stella Moris, delivered an known,” it said, accusing Presi- a minibus marked “Communi- hearing to decide whether he 80,000-strong petition oppos- dent ’s cations”. should be extradited to the ing his extradition to Prime regime of “openly using meth- “More than 8 hours have United States for leaking se- Minister Boris Johnson’s ods of terror”. passed and we still don’t know crets about the wars in Iraq Downing Street office. Lukashenko’s main rival where Maria is and what is and Afghanistan. In an interview published Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said happening to her,” said law- Supporters protested as in The Times newspaper on the abductions were an at- yer , a member of the 49-year-old Australian Saturday, Moris, 37, said she tempt to disrupt the work of the Coordination Council, in a was brought to the Old Bailey, feared he would take his own the Coordination Council. Belarusian police officers detain an opposition supporter during a rally to protest against the disputed Au- video blog on Monday evening. brandishing placards reading life, and their two young sons, It was set up to ensure a gust 9 presidential elections results, while witnesses say men in black grabbed Maria Kolesnikova (inset), a The Coordination Council “Don’t Extradite Assange” and who were conceived during his peaceful transfer of power af- leading opposition figure, and pushed her into a minibus, in Minsk on Monday. (AFP) said its press secretary Anton “Stop this political trial”. asylum in Ecuador’s London ter opposition candidate Tikh- Rodnenkov and executive sec- Fashion designer Vivienne embassy, would grow up with- anovskaya rejected Lukashen- retary had also Westwood said the former out a father. ko’s claim to have won an Germany demands ‘clarity on whereabouts’ disappeared, while police said August 9 presidential election they had no information on de- with 80 percent of the vote. of Belarusian opposition figure tentions. “The more they try to scare Znak said Kravtsov and us, the more people will take BERLIN: Germany on Monday said: “We demand clarity on The opposition Coordina- Rodnenkov went missing af- France, UK step up cooperation to the streets,” Tikhanovskaya demanded “clarity on the the whereabouts and the re- tion Council had said earlier ter heading to Kolesnikova’s said in a statement. whereabouts” of Belarusian lease of all political prisoners Monday that Kolesnikova had flat in search of her. He added against migrant smugglers The Coordination Council opposition figure MariaK ole- in Belarus. been “kidnapped by unknown that Kravtsov’s flat had been demanded the detainees’ im- snikova, who allies say was “The continued arrests and people in central Minsk” along searched by a state agency that DPA busy shipping zone. mediate release and the free re- snatched off the streets in repression, including and in with a spokesman and execu- probes financial violations. Paris About 5,000 people in turn of other activists who have Minsk as authorities cracked particular against members of tive secretary. Belarusian authorities total have made such cross- left the country under official down on dissenters. the Coordination Council, are “Their whereabouts are had already detained several French President Emma- ings since the beginning of pressure. Voicing great concern over unacceptable,” the German unknown,” it said, accusing members of the Coordination nuel Macron said on Mon- the year, according to official A spokesman for the Euro- the fate of the high-profile minister, whose country holds President Alexander Lukashen- Council and others have left the day that he has agreed with British reports. pean Commission, Peter Stano, opposition figure,G erman the presidency of the EU, told ko’s regime of “openly using country under official pressure. British Prime Minister Boris French police regularly said the EU’s executive branch Foreign Minister Heiko Maas Bild daily in an interview. methods of terror”. (AFP) One, , said on Johnson to step up coopera- patrol the shoreline, and have was trying to establish what Saturday she was in Poland af- tion between the two coun- been accused by rights groups happened and condemned the ter security services threatened tries against migrant smug- of harassing migrants who Belarusian authorities’ actions rigged elections. precedented challenge to Lu- the previous three Sundays, her and took her to the border. glers. gather in port towns hoping as “unacceptable”. The disputed election has kashenko’s 26 years in power. when more than 100,000 Kolesnikova and other British authorities last to cross over. They deny those He said the EU hoped to sparked demonstrations that An AFP journalist said the people rallied in the streets of members including Nobel Lit- week announced that a re- allegations. impose sanctions “very soon” have seen tens of thousands crowd of demonstrators wav- Minsk. erature Prize winner Svetlana cord 416 people reached their French authorities also after drawing up a list of indi- take the streets of the ex-Soviet ing the opposition’s red-and- But police also appeared to Alexievich have faced ques- shores in one day, after mak- regularly rescue migrants viduals responsible for police country of 9.5 million on Rus- white flag on Sunday appeared be stepping up a campaign to tioning in a probe over an al- ing the dangerous crossing who get into trouble while at- violence against protesters and sia’s western borders, in an un- to be as large or larger than on quash the demonstrations, de- leged bid to seize power. in small groups through the tempting the crossing.

Hungarian researcher wins prize for process that could restore sight California fire triggered by ‘gender reveal firework’ DPA the Koerber Foundation, the AFP The wildfire has destroyed party,” Cal Fire said on Twitter. high for Los Angeles county, Hamburg prize-giver. Los Angeles 7,000 acres and forced “Those responsible for the National Weather Service The procedure could reac- starting fires due to negligence said. Work on a procedure that tivate the retinas of the blind. A firework at a gender reveal many residents to flee or illegal activity can be held With the hot and dry con- might one day help restore Roska said that for now, party triggered a wildfire in their homes financially and criminally re- ditions, California has suffered sight to the blind earned a the therapy creates a level of southern California that has sponsible,” it warned. a particularly busy fire season Hungarian researcher a 1-mil- vision akin to watching an old destroyed 7,000 acres (2,800 Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said. Gender reveal parties are this year, with more than 1.6 lion-euro (1.18-million-dollar) black-and-white film. Clinical hectares) and forced many resi- Residents of several com- held during pregnancy to unveil million acres destroyed so far, prize in Germany on Monday. tests have begun on blind vol- dents to flee their homes, the munities in the area have been the sex of the expected child, including in three of the biggest Botond Roska, who works unteers. fire department said on Sun- ordered to evacuate. sometimes announced by pink blazes in the state’s history. in the Swiss city of Basel, has “Roska’s research has day. “CAL FIRE Law Enforce- or blue smoke fireworks. In northern California, found a gene therapy that woken up hope that new More than 500 firefighters ment has determined the El California has been bak- A firefighter douses flames as more than 200 people were air- reprogrammes cells in the treatment methods might re- and four helicopters were bat- Dorado Fire, burning near ing under scorching conditions they push towards homes during lifted to safety over the week- human eye so that they can store the ability to see in the tling the El Dorado blaze east of Oak Glen in San Bernardino with temperatures reaching the Creek fire in the Cascadel end after a fast-moving wildfire perform the work of the light- blind,” said Hamburg Mayor San Bernardino, which started County, was caused by a smoke a record 121 degrees Fahren- Woods area of unincorporated trapped them near the Mam- sensitive receptors needed for Peter Tschentscher at the Saturday morning, California generating pyrotechnic device, heit (49 Celsius) on Sunday in Madera County, California, Mon- moth Pool Reservoir northeast human vision, according to award ceremony. Department of Forestry and used during a gender reveal Woodland Hills, an all-time day, on Monday. (AFP) of Fresno. Spectres of deflation, virus haunt ECB meeting page 11

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

28,133.31 9,725.28 38,417.23 1,929.65 −159.42 pts +1.87 pts +60.05 pts Gold -0.22% Pound hit as UK PM resurrects Dow QE sensex spectre of no-deal Brexit page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 27.01 Brent 42.01 -1.52% WTI 39.07 -1.76% Silver +1.12% MoCI, QC sign MoU to issue Qatar adds 988 hotel keys in H1 Arab e-certificate of origin 2020: ValuStrat Qatar Chamber now authorised to facilitate electronic issuance of Arab certificate of origin Satyendra Pathak ments in the pipeline are Abraj QNA Towers in Abraj Quartier Doha in The Pearl, Al Mutahida Tow- As many as 988 hotel keys ers and Tower 24 in Viva Bah- The Ministry of Commerce were added during the first riya The Pearl, Al Darwish and and Industry (MoCI) on Mon- half of 2020 with the opening Arwa Tower in West Bay and day signed a Memorandum of of Pullman Hotel in West Bay, Amwaj Tower in Waterfront Understanding (MoU) with Imperium Residences in Na- district, Lusail. the Qatar Chamber for coop- jma, Dusit D2 Salwa Doha in A significant amount of ex- eration to facilitate procedures and Al Liwan Suites isting supply is being delivered for the electronic issuance of in Rawdat Al Khail and Diyafa in the form of medium to large the Arab certificate of origin. Hotel Suites in Al Sadd, Middle size projects targeting upper- The agreement is part East’s leading consulting and middle to high-income fami- of joint national efforts to advisory group ValuStrat has lies, it said. support local industries and said in its latest report. develop the business envi- As per ValuStrat research, ronment in the country by 10,000 keys are in pipeline achieving integration between till 2021. There were reported the various electronic systems delays in the launch of hotels of government agencies. in 2020 due to uncertainty The MoU was signed by caused by the advent of COV- MoCI Assistant Undersecre- ID-19, it said. tary for Commerce and In- As per Qatar National dustry Affairs Saleh Majed Al Tourism Council (QNTC), the Khulaifi and Qatar Chamber total stock was 27,261 keys in 2,250 units Director General Saleh Ham- MoCI Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry Affairs Saleh Majed Al Khulaifi and Qatar Chamber Director General Saleh Hamad 130 hotels and hotel apart- ● The first six months of ad Al Sharqi. Al Sharqi after signing the memorandum of understanding in Doha on Monday. ments by the end of 2019. The Under the MoU, the Qatar five-star segment is the larg- 2020 saw the completion Chamber is authorised as the ments are presented. electronic issuance of the Arab put forward by the delegation framework of implementing est in size and encompassed of 2,250 apartments issuing and certifying body to Speaking to the press, certificate of origin plays an of the State of Qatar during the recommendations of the 12,900 rooms across 49 prop- mainly concentrated in put MoCI’s seals and signa- Saleh Al Khulaifi saidthat the important role in reducing a meeting on certificates of first meeting of the permanent erties at the close of 2019. Lusail, The Pearl and tures on the electronically is- MoU with the chamber rep- costs and contributes to short- origin at the Arab League five technical committee for the A total of 21,500 rooms West Bay sued Arab certificate of origin. resents an important step in ening the procedures related years ago. rules of Arab origin in this re- across 107 projects are under The chamber also undertakes consolidating Arab economic to the registration processes, He added that the move- gard held last January. construction at various stages “Demand is being gener- the development of a mecha- integration and supporting the application for obtaining ment of Arab goods in gen- It is also within the frame- of development, it said. ated by lower-middle-income nism for issuing the certificate intra-regional trade with the the certificate, the delivery of eral will exceed the issue of work of the recommendations According to ValuStrat, segments,” ValuStrat said in which it provides to the MoCI countries of the region. It aims certificates and the verifica- floors in the ports, thanks to of the implementation and the gap between demand and its first-half review of Qatar’s to implement it through the to enhance the competitive- tion of goods of origin, in ad- this step, which will have an follow-up committee at its supply at the end of 2019 was real estate market. electronic link between the ness of national products and dition to contributing to the important role in enhancing 48th meeting regarding the estimated at 9,000 keys. This As of the first half of 2020, two parties. support exports through ex- reduction of many customs intra-Arab trade, as well as transition to the exchange of is projected to increase by the the supply of office space was The provisions of this MoU pansion into regional markets restrictions that would impede facing urgent problems and certificates of origin issued end of 2020 depending on the 5,060,000 sq m gross leas- apply to the Arab certificate of and allowing national com- the movement of intra-Arab solving them electronically, electronically, which was ap- recovery of tourist arrivals and able area. As per ValuStrat re- origin only, provided that it is panies to take advantage of trade. which saves effort and time for proved by the Economic and the influx of new properties. search, 60 percent of existing verified that the products are the commercial opportunities For his part, Sharqi said everyone. Social Council of the Arab About the residential sec- office space is of Grade-A. of Arab origin, and not other available in the Arab coun- that the application of the elec- The application of the elec- League in its regular session tor, the report said that the There was an addition of foreign products, after making tries. tronically issued Arab certifi- tronically issued certificates that was held in February overall residential supply to- seven office buildings and sure that all required docu- He pointed out that the cates of origin was a proposal of origin comes within the this year. talled 300,550 units at the end four mixed-use buildings dur- of the first half this year. ing the first half of 2020 in Lu- The first six months of sail (Marina and Energy City), 2020 saw the completion of Najma, Fereej Bin Omran, 2,250 apartments and 700 vil- , , Al las are scheduled to be handed Wukair and Umm Salal com- QNBFS gets 2 awards from International Finance over this year, it said. prising 220,000 sq m gross An estimated 2,000 units leasable area. Tribune News Network International Finance awards were concentrated in Lusail, Upcoming projects in Doha recognize industry talent, leadership The Pearl and West Bay. Al 2020, currently under de- skills, industry net worth and capabil- Bandary Real Estate launched velopment totalled 580,000 QNB Financial Services (QNBFS), a ity on an international platform. After Al Shahed Tower with individ- gross leasable area, 48 percent fully owned subsidiary company of careful consideration of nominations ual units for sale. of which are located in Lusail QNB Group, has received the ‘Best by a qualified research team, winners “Tower 13 and 15 of Viva (Fox Hills, Energy District and Brokerage House in Qatar’ and ‘Most are declared on the strength of their Bahriya, The Pearl started leas- Marina District) and Al Dafna Innovative Mobile Trading Applica- investment opportunities and solu- The company launched QNBFS application and accomplishments. ing. Phase 1B in Musheireb and the remaining projects tion in Qatar’ awards from Interna- tions across diverse products and mar- Trading Mobile Application for bet- Established in the last quarter of Downtown also completed are located in Duhail, Nuaija, tional Finance, a London-based global kets. ter client trading experience using the 2010 as part of QNB Group, QNBFS construction comprising 157 Al Hitmi, Al Sadd, Umm Ghu- financial publication. QNBFS has unmatched trading latest technology. The app comes with is the first independently regulated, apartments,” the report said. wailina and Al Muntazah. The Best Brokerage House award and execution capabilities and highly numerous other features, allowing cli- licensed brokerage company launched Approximately, 7,250 units “During the firsthalf of recognition reflects the strength of the experienced investment professionals. ents to trade anytime and anywhere, by a bank in Qatar. It offers a range are projected to be added dur- 2020, we observed an increase QNBFS brokerage products and ser- It provides on-the-ground research which entitled it to receive the Most of financial services to domestic and ing the remaining quarters of in launches of companies work- vices and the quality of its offering, as and analyses, thus helping customers Innovative Mobile Trading Applica- foreign institutional investors, mutual 2020, the report said adding ing in e-commerce, finance and well as its commitment to providing make sound investment decisions. tion in Qatar. funds, and retail and corporate clients. that some notable develop- technology,” the report said.

Mastercard, QDB partner to accelerate fintech innovations in Qatar

Tribune News Network and partners will also gain access knowledge-sharing, and ultimately tor Programs developed by Qatar Doha to Mastercard’s technology, exper- advance the payments infrastruc- FinTech Hub provides the key tise, products, and services, equip- ture in the country.” building blocks to build a success- As part of its efforts to drive innova- ping them with the tools they need Commenting on the partner- ful local fintech ecosystem. tion, technology leader Mastercard to navigate their growth. ship, QDB Advisory and Incuba- This includes access to several has partnered with Qatar Develop- The partnership will also iden- tion Executive Director Ibrahim global FinTech hubs, financial in- ment Bank (QDB) to support the tify relevant companies for Mas- Al Mannai said, “We are thrilled to stitutions, universities, technol- development of the fintech indus- tercard’s start-up engagement welcome Mastercard to our com- ogy partners, and industry ex- try through the Qatar FinTech Hub programme, Start Path, opening munity of fintech entrepreneurs, perts that offer the best in global (QFTH), a tech ecosystem that sup- market access for QFTH’s start- investors, and enablers. We aspire opportunities. ports the growth of local and inter- ups and Start Path companies – for to offer the ideal launch pad for Mastercard’s decades of tech- national fintech companies in Qatar. mutual benefit. Start Path is Mas- early-stage and matured FinTechs nology investment and expertise Mastercard will work closely tercard’s award-winning startup to scale up, revolutionise financial in forging transformative partner- with the fintech community in Qatar engagement program that brings services and make a global impact. ships makes it a secure, resilient, through QFTH to accelerate innova- together a network of innovators We hope that Mastercard’s exten- and reliable network for small busi- tion and drive the adoption of digital from across the globe to shape the program investment, in addition to system. We are constantly seeking sive network of existing start-ups, nesses to lean on. payments in the country. future of commerce together. Start- partnering with some of the world’s new ways to leverage our network, experience in enabling digitization, Mastercard is at the forefront The Qatar FinTech Hub brings ups benefit from the knowledge of largest banks, merchants and well- technology, insights, and partner- and deep market knowledge will al- of innovation and FinTech enable- together a vibrant community of a global network of Mastercard ex- known organizations. ships to help inform and enable low us to shape the future of fintech ment, working closely with banks fintech entrepreneurs, industry perts, technologies, and channels. Mastercard Qatar Country small businesses to boost prosper- in Qatar and create further oppor- and governments to unlock eco- experts, regulators, and investors Since its beginning, more than Business Development Director ity. Together with our partners tunities to grow and develop digital nomic opportunities for small to to develop disruptive technolo- 200 later – stage start-ups and Nadia Ghissassi said, “At Master- in the private and public sector, payments.” medium enterprises by ensur- gies and accelerate the growth of fintechs haveparticipated in the card, we are committed to drive in- we are committed to accelerating To further accelerate the devel- ing inclusivity, driving education, the fintech ecosystem. Through program. These entities have col- novation and bolster the growth of digitization and drive economic opment of FinTechs in the country, and forging partnerships across this partnership, QTFH start-ups lectively raised $2.6 billion in post the local and regional fintech eco- growth, creating opportunities for the QFTH Incubator and Accelera- the region. 10 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Economy & Business Singapore faces 6% recession after lockdown, pandemic

“A tightening in global close and year-on-year retail Though tourist arrivals The virus-hit tiny city-state depends financial conditions, an esca- sales to fall by more than half. are still not allowed, Singa- mainly on foreign trade and investment lation in the global Covid-19 Singapore’s Ministry of pore is resuming “essential” situation, as well as heighten- Trade and Industry previous- or business travel with sever- dpa 26 economists by the Mon- ing of US-China tensions” are ly warned that the economy al countries, including China, Bangkok etary Authority of Singapore likely to be the main causes could shrink by up to 7 per Indonesia, Japan and Malay- (MAS), the projected de- of recession, according to the cent in 2020. sia. Singapore’s central cline tops previous warnings MAS. The government has re- Singapore has recorded bank on Monday said that of a 5.8-per-cent contraction Singapore, a tiny city- vised the 2020 budget four more than 57,000 cases of the the country’s economy, the and comes after a worse- state that depends on foreign times, pledging fiscalspend - novel coronavirus - almost wealthiest per-capita in South than-expected 13.2-per- trade and investment, saw its ing of around 20 per cent of all among low-wage migrant East Asia, could shrink by 6 cent gross domestic product economy hit hard by an April GDP to try thwart the impact workers crammed into doz- per cent in 2020. (GDP) slump during the sec- Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry previously warned that the 7 to June 2 lockdown that of the pandemic and related ens of dormitories - but only Based on a survey of ond quarter. economy could shrink by up to 7 per cent in 2020. forced many businesses to restrictions. 27 related deaths. Chinese bottled water giant Nongfu eyes Pound hit as UK PM resurrects $1 bn Hong Kong listing

AFP investors’ fear of no-deal Brexit tential listing worth near- Beijing ly US$1.1 billion -- which Bloomberg said would be the Bottled water giant Non- second-biggest IPO by a food Johnson has given gfu Spring said on Monday it and beverage company this is aiming to raise more than year. an Oct 15 deadline US$1 billion in a Hong Kong Nongfu Spring, which is for a post-Brexit listing, as Beijing cajoles Chi- headquartered in the eastern nese companies to raise cash city of Hangzhou, supplies trade agreement at home. mineral water unlike most of Nongfu, which claims to its competitors who sell puri- with the EU be number one in China’s fied water. massive bottled water market, The brand holds around AFP is ubiquitous across the coun- a quarter of the bottled water London try, where most people shun market in China, according to tap water for health reasons. London-based firm Mintel. The British pound took a hit In a filing to the Hong China previously lost the on Monday as Prime Minister Kong Stock Exchange a day listings of internet giants Ali- Boris Johnson appeared to ahead of the listing, the com- baba and Baidu to Wall Street. revive investor fears of a no- pany said it would put more But it is looking to change deal Brexit, dealers said. than 388 million shares on that as friction rises with Sterling fell back by the market at an introductory the United States across all around 0.87 percent versus price of HK$21.50 (US$2.77). fronts, and as China’s own the dollar and was about 0.73 The pricing means a po- capital markets mature. percent lower against the Eu- ropean single currency. Johnson has given an Oc- tober 15 deadline for a post- Brexit trade agreement with Ireland’s quarterly GDP the European Union, brush- ing off fears about “no-deal” chaos if the talks fail. slumps record 6.1% “If we can’t agree by then, then I do not see that there Commuters walk across London Bridge on Monday. (AFP) AFP was hit hardest, contracting will be a free-trade agree- Dublin by 38.3 percent in the second ment between us,” Johnson “However, I reckon it is however, because it supports markets were closed for the Dollar/yen: UP at 106.27 yen quarter, followed by the distri- said, insisting it would still be all part of negotiation tactics the share prices of multina- long Labour Day weekend. from 106.24 yen Ireland on Monday posted bution, transport, hotels and a “good outcome” for Britain. -- and in the end a cliff-edge tional companies that earn In commodity markets, London - FTSE 100: UP 2.3 per- a record quarter-on-quarter restaurant sector. The Financial Times Brexit will probably be avoid- profits in dollars. world oil prices fell further on cent at 5,933.12 points (close) GDP decline of 6.1 percent, re- Personal spending also meanwhile reported that ed as it is not in either party’s Frankfurt and Paris also concerns over the long-term Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 2.0 per- vealing the blistering econom- took a hefty hit, although ex- Johnson is planning legisla- interests.” posted solid gains as in- energy demand outlook, as cent at 13,100.28 (close) ic toll of the coronavirus lock- ports from Ireland’s important tion to override parts of the Downing Street said it vestors hunted for bargain economies struggle to shake Paris - CAC 40: UP 1.8 percent down in the first half of 2020. pharmaceutical sector held up. withdrawal treaty that Britain was seeking to “clarify” key stocks following heady losses off coronavirus fallout. at 5,053.72 (close) The gross domestic prod- Ireland went into lock- and the EU agreed last year. parts of its EU divorce deal. last week. “The market is growing EURO STOXX 50: UP 1.8 per- uct data reported by the down in March, and has suf- The report cited three EU leader Ursula von der Investors also hope the less and less confident that cent at 3,320.28 Central Statistics Office for fered 1,777 deaths from the people close to the plans as Leyen warned that Britain is European Central Bank will oil demand will recover as Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.5 the April-June quarter out- coronavirus, according to lat- saying a bill to be put before legally obliged to respect the follow the US Federal Re- quickly as it hoped,” said percent at 23,089.95 (close) stripped the contraction suf- est government figures. parliament this week would Brexit withdrawal agreement, serve in signalling low inter- Rystad Energy analyst Paola Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN fered by Ireland after the 2008 Although the Republic has undermine agreements relat- which must form the basis of est rates over the medium to Rodriguez-Masiu. 0.4 percent at 24,589.65 financial crisis. regularly recorded no deaths ing to Northern Ireland cus- future bilateral relations. long term. (close) “Many of our jobs-rich in its daily tolls of recent toms and state aid. The eighth round of ne- Asian equities struggled Key figures around 1530 GMT Shanghai - Composite: DOWN domestic sectors were tempo- weeks, there has been a surge “Judging by today’s price gotiations resume this week, however, with a mixed US Pound/dollar: DOWN at 1.9 percent at 3,292.59 (close) rarily closed giving rise to the in the number of new cases. action in the pound, investors with both sides talking in- jobs report last week offset- $1.3164 from $1.3279 on New York - Closed large contraction in domestic The nation’s plan to exit appear to believe that John- creasingly tough and sparking ting a pledge from Fed boss Friday Brent North Sea crude: DOWN demand seen today,” finance the lockdown has been regu- son has indeed resurrected accusations of intransigence Jerome Powell that interest Euro/pound: UP at 89.80 pence 1.1 percent at $42.18 per minister Paschal Donohoe larly pushed back and three the spectre of a no-deal Brex- and political brinkmanship. rates would remain rock-bot- from 89.15 pence barrel said in a statement. counties were recently forced it,” ThinkMarkets analyst The weak pound boosted tom for years. Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1821 West Texas Intermediate: The construction industry to enter localised restrictions. Fawad Razaqzada told AFP. the London stock market In New York, financial from $1.1838 at 2100 GMT DOWN 1.4 percent at $39.20

LATEST TECH transforms mid-level segment with the launch of nova 7 SE

powerful performance compo- pack in 64GB Huawei has invested more than $ 4 bn in nents. Take the new Huawei of storage and 3 to 6GB of 5G research and has more than 20% of nova 7 SE for example. Along RAM, the new with the Kirin 820 5G chipset 7 SE brings in 8GB of RAM all 5G standard essential patents that delivers on power and ef- for smoother operation and ficiency, users also get a 4000 128GB of storage, giving users Tribune news network 2019, the Huawei nova series mAh battery that lasts for ex- more space to store precious Doha has been successful because of tensive use and even charges memories without having to how each device carries strong back up quickly with 40W spend extra on storage solu- Huawei has launched its features and trend-setting de- HuaweiSuperCharge. tions. It is now even easier first mid-level 5G smartphone signs and the demand for it is Another thing the Hua- than ever for Huawei users to with Huawei nova 7 series. The continuing to grow. wei nova series is known for search for and download the move sees the company step- The Huawei nova 7 SE is is its design ethos. Instead apps they want directly from ping up its game with the new Huawei’s first 5G enabled mid- of being simple bricks, all of their home screen via Petal phone offering strong new fea- range smartphone, bringing Huawei’s nova devices boast Search, a new search tool that tures that give it an edge over to the segment years of expe- a stylish and elegant design, offers Huawei users an open other smartphones in its seg- rience and huge investments often reinventing the segment gateway to a million apps. ment. into 5G development. Between entirely with new and unique The new smartphone The new Huawei nova 7 SE 2009 and 2019, Huawei has colors and functional features. comes with HuaweiAppGal- brings to the table a 3D glass invested more than $4 bil- The new Huawei nova 7 SE lery pre-installed. This gives double curved design and is lion in 5G research and has making the Huawei nova 7 SE answered these demands by key features include DUAL- brings to the table a massive users access to a wide range available in shades of space sil- more than 20 percent of all a powerhouse smartphone. In fitting the nova series with the VIEW Video Mode that uses 6.5 inch HuaweiPunch Full- of global and local apps that ver, crush green and midsum- 5G standard essential patents, addition, the HuaweiAppAs- latest in smartphone the front and rear or View Display with a 2400 x can be safely downloaded by mer purple. The trendy flag- which is the industry’s highest. sitant feature allows for an technology as witnessed by the wide angle and main rear 1080 resolution for an immer- searching from a well cata- ship smartphone is available The Huawei nova 7 SE immersive gaming experience Huawei nova 7 5G. camera, to record videos at the sive viewing experience. This loged and categorized list. for pre-order at Huawei’s web- comes with the Kirin 820 with a floating window for re- The Huawei nova 7 SE same time, 30fps 4K Hi-res re- is complemented by the slim Huawei’s official marketplace, site https://bit.ly/3jSpnRC 5G chipset that gives users a sponding to messages or ad- comes with a 64MP Hi-Res AI cording, 960 fps slow motion bezels and the small punch the HuaweiAppGallery is the and Huawei official stores, stronger connectivity experi- just settings without having to Quad Camera configuration, recording and an improved hole that houses the 16MP AI third largest app marketplace Huawei authorised distribu- ence, while also holding a com- quit the game. which consists of 64MP Hi-res time-lapse feature. Users can Selfie Camera. There is more in the world, now in more than tors priced at QR1,299 with petitive edge. The advantage of With the ongoing growth lens, an 8MP Ultra Wide Angle also use the AI Ultra Clarity that meets the eye with this 170 countries and regions with gifts that include a smart scale this chipset stretches beyond of smartphone photography lens for ultra-wide angle pho- Mode that increases the pic- camera, thanks to its AI algo- more than 650 million Huawei and a 6-month free screen 5G connectivity, as it also en- and photo based social media tography, a 2MP Bokeh lens ture clarity in bright light and rithms and Super Night Selfie device users. Since its launch warranty. sures smooth performance, and sharing platforms, con- for depth of field effects in por- sharpens details. 2.0 which allow for low light in 2018, monthly active users Shipping 125 million units low power consumption and sumers need good cameras trait shots and a 2MP Macro The Huawei nova series selfies and sharp details. (MAUs) have exceeded 420 globally by end of December less heat being generated, on their phones. Huawei has lens for close-up shots. Other does not shy away from adding While most mid-range million. Economy & Business Tuesday, September 8, 2020 11 German industrial Spectres of deflation, production loses steam in July virus haunt ECB meeting

AFP The ECB is set to pump $1.59 tn into EU economy through its pandemic bond-buying programme Frankfurt am Main AFP German economic recov- Frankfurt am Main ery lost steam in July, as momentum gained from the Slow rate The European Central Bank easing of lockdowns in the is expected on Thursday to spring subsided, official sta- Industrial production rose by prepare the ground for new tistics showed on Monday. 1.2 percent in July stimulus measures, armed Industrial production month-on-month, much slower with a new set of economic rose by 1.2 percent in July than the 9.3-percent increase forecasts and amid signs of a month-on-month, much recorded in June, statistics resurgence of the coronavirus slower than the 9.3-percent agency Destatis said pandemic. increase recorded in June, The ECB will publish its statistics agency Destatis latest assessments on the eu- said. The July figure is well “We expect production rozone’s growth prospects below the jump of 4.5 per- to increase again in August, through to 2022, which will be cent that analysts surveyed but we now seem to be past closely scrutinised for signs of by Factset had been expect- the period of rapid catch-up whether the worst of the pan- ing. growth,” said Jack Allen- demic’s devastating economic “This is quite a disap- Reynolds, economist at Cap- impact is over. pointment,” said Jens- ital Economics. Inflation trends will also Oliver Niklasch, analyst at Industrial orders, an- be key as fears of deflation are German public bank LBBW. other window into economic fuelled by sinking oil prices “The fact remains that there performance, slowed to a and consumers putting off will not be a return to pre- 2.8-percent increase in July, purchases in the grim eco- crisis levels any time soon.” statistics on Friday showed. nomic climate. The increase was mainly Economy Minister Peter The Frankfurt-based insti- driven by Germany’s key Altmaier said last week that tution has unleashed unprec- auto sector which saw output the German economy is in edented firepower to help the grow by 6.9 percent, but con- the midst of a V-shaped re- bloc fight its worst crisis. struction fell 4.3 percent due bound, but the threat of fur- It is in the process of in part to the summer break. ther spikes in coronavirus in- pumping 1.35 trillion euros Although industrial pro- fections haunts the recovery. ($1.59 trillion) into the eu- duction has now risen three Chancellor Angela Mer- rozone economy through its months in a row, it remains kel has warned that coping pandemic bond-buying pro- 10 percent lower than in with the outbreak will be- gramme, known as PEPP. July 2019 and 10.8 percent come more challenging in But with no clear prospect The European Central Bank headquarters building in Frankfurt. (File photo) lower than in February this coming months as Germany of an end to the health crisis in year, before the impact of vi- heads into colder weather in sight, investments are lacklus- to a significant weakening of gains when the ECB’s chief of whether the stronger euro Coming in at -0.2, it was rus lockdowns. autumn and winter. tre while households are also the US dollar against the euro, economist Philip Lane said the has already opened the door the first time since 2016 that hesitant to make use of the something that could make exchange rate “does matter” for more monetary stimulus the inflation rate has been huge credit lines. eurozone exports less com- for monetary policy. in the coming months,” said negative, well below analysts’ Across the Atlantic, a ma- petitive. With the economy still in ING chief economist Carsten expectations, and a steep slow- jor policy shift by the US Fed- BNP Paribas economist dire straits as new infections Brzeski. down from the positive rate of eral Reserve has also thrown a William De Vijlder said the surge again in major eurozone A new set of inflation fore- 0.4 percent in July. spanner in the works. ECB was faced with “three economies France and Spain, casts could well strengthen the While deflation, or falling In a stunning change, the headaches”. ECB chief Christine Lagarde’s case for additional monetary prices, benefits consumers in Fed last week said it would “Inflationis too low and press conference will be scru- easing. the short run, if they begin de- now allow inflation to acceler- declining, the strong euro tinised for hints on how the The ECB defines price sta- laying purchases in the hope of ate to let the economy gener- reinforces this development eurozone could hold down the bility as inflation rates of “be- goods and services becoming ate more jobs. and there is concern that the euro. low, but close to” 2.0 percent. even cheaper, it harms compa- That means it will hold off change in the longer-term goal Governors are expected to But alarm bells were nies’ revenues and profits and from raising interest rates for of the Fed... will complicate keep interest rates at historic sounded last week when can lead them to cut employ- now even if inflation moves matters,” he said. lows, but hold off for now on data showed prices in August ment, thus making consumers German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) and Sweden’s Prime about the central bank’s target The euro recently touched expanding the PEPP envelope. turned negative because of insecure about employment Minister Stefan Lofven in Berlin recently. (AFP) of 2.0 percent. $1.20 for the first time in two But what will count most plummeting demand in face of and likely to hold back spend- And that, in turn, has led years, only paring some of the on Thursday “is the question the pandemic. ing further. Italy watchdog launches probe Samsung wins $6.6 billion Verizon 5G order into Google, Apple cloud services AFP coast spectrum long reserved Seoul for the military would be auc- AFP complaint, and is also being tioned off to telecommunica- Milan probed for allegedly failing to Samsung Electronics tions firms for use in 5G net- provide clear and immediately clinched a $6.6 billion agree- works. Italy’s competition watch- accessible information on the ment to provide 5G network First-generation mobile dog Monday said it had terms and conditions when equipment to Verizon in the networks enabled wireless opened probes into tech giants wanting to withdraw from the United States, a regulatory phone calls, and the second Google, Apple and Dropbox contract or having the right to filing showed onM onday, ex- generation added texting. for possible unfair commer- reconsider, the watchdog said. panding its presence in the Third-generation mobile cial practices in their cloud The latest probe by the strategically crucial market. networks could handle more computing services. Italian watchdog comes as The South Korean tech gi- data, such as sending pictures Six investigations in to- The probes against Google European countries this year ant said the massive deal was and using basic apps, while the tal have been opened against and Apple look at a “failure or imposed taxes on the so-called equivalent to 3.4 percent of its sprawling Samsung group, Samsung Electronics current 4G networks can carry Google’s Google Drive, Ap- inadequate indication on the GAFA group -- Google, Apple, total worldwide sales last year, by far the biggest of the fam- shares closed up 1.6 percent bigger loads such as streaming ple’s iCloud and Dropbox, collection and commercial use Facebook and Amazon. and a “long-term strategic ily-controlled South Korean on Monday. video. the Autorita Garante della of data provided by the user”, Tech giants are accused of contract”. conglomerates that dominate The US is considered be- 5G networks are touted Concorrenza e del Mercato the authority said. unfairly exploiting tax rules Washington has banned business in the world’s 12th- hind other countries such as as promising an exponential (AGCM) said. Consumers, in order to use that let them declare profits in US telecom firms from using biggest economy. China and South Korea when leap in the amount and speed “Proceedings relate to cloud storage services “would low-tax havens, depriving oth- network equipment manu- The order comes after the it comes to deploying the po- of wireless data, enabling ad- alleged unfair commercial not be in a position to con- er governments of their share. factured by Samsung’s Chi- firm defied the coronavirus tentially transformative tech- vances in self-driving vehi- practices and the possible sent” to the companies using The US however op- nese rival Huawei on security pandemic to post a 7.3 percent nology. cles, virtual reality, connected presence of unfair clauses in their data for commercial pur- poses the tax plans, saying it grounds. rise in second-quarter net prof- To catch up, Washington health and more as sensors contractual terms,” the AGCM poses. amounts to discrimination Samsung Electronics is its thanks to strong demand announced last month that and servers communicate in- said in a statement. Dropbox faces the same against US firms. the flagship subsidiary of the for memory chips. 100 megahertz of coast-to- stantly. Chinese exports beat forecasts in August, imports falter

ports of meat have seen the biggest Exports spiked 9.5% on-year in August, the spike, rising 73.4 percent on-year from January to August. Customs Administration said, beating the Monday’s data also showed 7.5% prediction of a Bloomberg news poll that China’s trade surplus with the Uncertainty US surged by more than a quarter last month. AFP year in August, the Customs Ad- Overseas shipments have been hit Tensions between the US and Beijing ministration said, beating the 7.5 less than feared by the pandemic, China have escalated on various percent prediction of a Bloomberg thanks to global demand for fronts, including Beijing’s han- China’s exports expanded more news poll of analysts. medical supplies but economists dling of the pandemic, its policies than expected last month as key Slowing export growth was cautioned that a resurgence in new in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and markets eased virus containment “something that we need to watch infections in some regions meant on technology. measures, official data showed for”, Iris Pang, ING chief econo- the outlook remained uncertain. But top negotiators from both Monday, but imports unexpected- mist for Greater China. sides last month agreed to push ly shrank despite a push to boost She added that export growth ahead with the phase one trade domestic demand. was patchy across different sec- deal signed in January, which Overseas shipments have been tors -- while medical equipment by analysts. obliges China to import an addi- hit less than feared by the pan- and integrated circuits saw strong But economists said the out- tional $200 billion in American demic, thanks to global demand improvement over the first eight An aerial photo shows cars waiting to be exported at a port in Lianyungang in look is less grim once price ef- products over two years. for medical supplies but econo- months, shipments of clothing and China’s eastern Jiangsu province recently. (AFP) fects are adjusted for, with Julian HSBC economist Chen Jing- mists cautioned that a resurgence shoes remained in double-digit de- Evans-Pritchard, senior China yang said in a recent report that in new infections in some regions cline in the same period. States remained relatively strong, Imports, which collapsed in economist at Capital Economics, agricultural imports are likely to meant the outlook remained un- Tommy Xie, head of Greater in part “due to frontloading” with May but have since improved, con- estimating import volumes rose remain on the rise “on the back certain. China research at OCBC Bank, rising concerns over US-China tracted 2.1 percent -- much worse 9.5 percent from a year ago. of the fulfilment of the phase one Exports spiked 9.5 percent on- added that exports to the United tensions. than the 0.5 percent growth tipped Customs data showed that im- deal with the US.” 12 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Economy & Business Commercial Bank bags The Banker’s best performer in Qatar title

excellent results for 2019, in- cial Bank’s excellence in The award comes after the bank posts the cluding the highest net profit managing COVID-19 related highest net profit in its history in 2019 achievement in the history issues and its leadership in of the bank, demonstrate the The excellent results for Digital Banking innovation strong execution of our five- 2019, including the highest have been recognised through Tribune News Network With a reported net profit year strategic plan. While several awards like Euromon- Doha of QR2,021 million in 2019 2020 has been challenging, net profit achievement in ey’s ‘Excellence in Leadership compared to QR1,674 mil- we continue to support our the history of the bank, in the Middle East’ award, Financial Times publica- lion in 2018, a cost to income customers and have delivered demonstrate the strong The Banker Award for ‘In- tion The Banker has named ratio of 28.3% reduced from a sustainable set of earnings execution of our five-year novation in Digital Banking’ Commercial Bank as the Best 33.4%, and total assets of for the first half of the year.” strategic plan. in the Middle East, Finance Performing Bank in Qatar for QR147.5 billion, up by 9.3%, The Banker’s best per- Monthly magazine’s CFO 2020 based on its 2019 finan- Commercial Bank registered forming banks selection and Commercial Bank GCEO Award, The Asian Banker’s cial results. significant growth in the local rankings incorporate a num- Joseph Abraham ‘Best Digital Bank in Qatar’ Featuring in The Banker’s market and was awarded the ber of categories and indi- and seven awards for signifi- Top 100 Arab Banks rankings Best Performing Bank in the cators. Commercial Bank tional efficiency, asset qual- cant product and financial in- for 2020, Commercial Bank country. scored high across all indi- ity, return on risk, liquidity novation and leadership from tops Qatar’s biggest banks list Commercial Bank GCEO cators including leverage, and soundness. Global Finance Middle East ranked by performance. Joseph Abraham said, “The growth, profitability, opera- This year, Commer- 2020.

Epic Games asks court to force Apple Oil falls as Saudi price cut, slow to reinstall Fortnite Chinese imports lower demand AFP San Francisco Oil is also under oil importer which has been Epic Games is trying to con- supporting prices with record vince a California court to pressure as US purchases, slowed its intake in reinstate Fortnite on the Ap- The tiff companies in- August and increased its prod- ple App Store pending legal ucts exports, customs data proceedings, arguing that Apple pulled Fortnite from creased their drill- showed on Monday. doing so is in the “public its online mobile apps “There are so many un- interest,” court documents marketplace on August 13 ing for new supply certainties with regard to the show. after Epic released an Chinese economy and their If not, the game could update that dodges revenue Agencies relationship with key industri- suffer “irreparable harm,” sharing with the iPhone alised countries, with the US the company’s lawyers said maker. Last month a US Saudi Arabia has cut its of- and these days, even Europe,” in a new lawsuit delivered court rejected Epic’s bid to ficial selling prices for crude Keisuke Sadamori, director Friday. have Fortnite reinstated on oil in the latest sign that de- for energy markets and secu- The gambit comes amid the App Store, saying its mand recovery is stumbling, rity at the International Energy a battle over whether Ap- eviction by Apple was a Bloomberg reports, adding Agency, told Reuters. ple’s tight control over the that this is the first time Ri- In China, a key market, App Store, and its 30 per- “self-inflicted wound.” yadh has cut its oil prices to Saudi Arabia has been losing cent cut of revenue, counts a discount against the bench- market share to its geopoliti- as monopolistic behavior. it continues. mark since June. cal partner, the United States, Apple pulled Fortnite Daily active users have Prices were lowered both Oil prices fell on Monday after Saudi Arabia made its deepest monthly price cuts to supply for Asia in five over the last few months. from its online mobile apps dropped by more than 60 for Asian and US buyers this months and as uncertainty over Chinese demand clouds the market’s recovery. China has imported record marketplace on August 13 percent since Fortnite was time, after Aramco kept its volumes of crude oil in recent after Epic released an update removed, it says, while Ep- prices higher for US refiners as US companies increased 1.7%, to $39.10 per barrel after tober official selling price for months, taking advantage of that dodges revenue sharing ic’s reputation has also taken for six months in a row. For their drilling for new supply hitting $38.55, its lowest since Arab Light crude it sells to Asia the lowest crude prices in two with the iPhone maker. a hit. Asian buyers, this was the after the recent recovery in oil July 10, Reuters added. by the most since May. decades in April to stock up on Last month a US court “Epic may never see second consecutive month prices. “The mood has turned “The decrease was inter- dirt-cheap oil. rejected Epic’s bid to have these users again,” the law- of price cuts, which suggests According to Reuters, somewhat pessimistic in the preted by the markets as a sign In their bargain-hunting Fortnite reinstated on the suit says. that the appetite for Saudi oil Brent crude LCOc1 was trad- second half of last week and that the demand recovery in for low-priced oil, Chinese App Store, saying its eviction But it did not back down is dwindling after Chinese re- ing at $42.03 a barrel, down the immediate risk is skewed to the region, home to the second state oil giants and independ- by Apple was a “self-inflicted from its fight against Apple, finers spent the better part of 63 cents or 1.5%, by 1555 GMT, the downside,” said the agency and third largest oil consum- ent refiners alike snapped up wound.” stating that the tech giant “is the year stocking up on cheap after earlier sliding to $41.51, quoted oil broker PVM’s Ta- ers, is running out of steam,” cheap US cargoes in April, “Over 116 million reg- a monopolist.” crude amid the price crash and its lowest since July 30. mas Varga as saying. said Rystad Energy analyst which were loaded in May, istered users have accessed Due to the legal row, the pandemic. West Texas Intermediate The world’s top oil export- Paola Rodriguez-Masiu. started to arrive in China in Fortnite through iOS - more Fortnite fans using iPhones Oil is also under pressure US crude CLc1 fell 67 cents, or er, Saudi Arabia, cut the Oc- China, the world’s biggest June, and set records in July. than any other platform,” or other Apple products no Epic says in the new com- longer have access to the lat- plaint. est game updates, including “By eliminating many of the new season released at these players from Fortnite, the end of August. and blocking Fortnite’s abil- Apple does not allow us- Asian markets struggle to bounce back after rout ity to access over a billion ers of its popular devices to AFP the US economy created But while the reading was Ben Emons, at Medley Global more than seven percent after iOS users, Apple is irrepara- download apps from any- Hong Kong 1.37 million jobs last month, good, a closer look showed Advisors. reports said the conglomerate bly harming Epic’s chances,” where but its App Store. slightly better than expected, 344,000 jobs were for tem- “With stimulus having had been engaging in high- Asian equities struggled while unemployment plunged porary workers hired for a been key for supporting equi- risk derivatives trading of tech Monday following last week’s to 8.4 percent from 10.2 per- census. Earlier in the week, ties and such lofty valuations, shares in New York. painful sell-off, with a mixed cent -- well below forecasts. private-sector payrolls came its renewal will be crucial not The Financial Times said US jobs report offsetting a Powell described the re- in well short of estimates, in- only for the recovery, but as a the firm had “stoked the fe- pledge from Federal Reserve port as “a good one”, but add- dicating the recovery contin- driver for equities as job risks vered rally in big tech stocks” boss Jerome Powell that inter- ed the bank would not change ues to stutter. mount.” that helped the Nasdaq rocket est rates would remain rock- its ultra-loose monetary poli- Wall Street’s three main - Britain’s ‘no-deal’ risk higher since March. bottom for years. cy until the economy was back indexes suffered more losses, -There are few expectations Shanghai ended down 1.9 China-US tensions and a on track. albeit shallower than Thurs- for progress on a new US percent, while Hong Kong lack of progress in Washing- “We think that the econ- day’s rout that hammered the stimulus with Democrats and closed 0.4 percent lower after ton stimulus talks -- all against omy’s going to need low in- tech sector as traders took Republicans digging their fresh unrest in the city over the backdrop of the coronavi- terest rates, which support profits from months of huge heels in, despite millions of the weekend as pro-democ- rus pandemic -- were keeping economic activity, for an ex- gains. Americans struggling to make racy demonstrators clashed Due to a legal row, Fortnite fans using iPhones or other Apple markets from surging. tended period of time,” he “Risk assets remain fragile ends meet. with police on the day that products no longer have access to the latest game updates. Closely watched non-farm said. “It will be measured in following Thursday’s tech-led Tokyo closed 0.5 percent cancelled elections were due payrolls data Friday showed years.” rout and volatility spike,” said lower with SoftBank plunging to take place. US sees sharp uptick in air German startup joins global space race DPA The proposed spaceport travel for Labor Day holiday Munich in the North Sea would serve small rockets and be privately German start-up Isar Aero- run with state assistance, ac- DPA space kicked off production cording to the proposal, which Washington on Monday with ambitions to was seen by dpa. send a 27-metre-long rocket “A German launchpad is US air passenger numbers into orbit next year. technically feasible, strategic are hitting their highest levels The production hall where and makes economic sense,” since the start of the pandemic the rocket is to be built was it says. as the country marks a long officially opened by Markus The plan is for Spectrum weekend for the Labor Day Soeder, premier of the south- to be ready for launch before holiday — though the figures ern start of Bavaria, where Isar the end of 2021, which would are sharply down compared to Aerospace is based. make it the first space rocket the same period a year ago. The company’s aim is to to shuttle satellites into space, Health experts fear that transport a payload of up to alongside ESA’s ‘Ariane’ rock- the increase in travel and 1,200 kilograms into low-earth et. gatherings could lead to a rise US air passenger numbers went up as the country marks a long week- orbits, such as satellites, co- Munich-based Isar Aerospace Technologies started production of its Isar Aerospace will manu- in COVID-19 cases. Elected end for the Labor Day holiday. founder and chief executive ‘Spectrum’ launcher on Monday. facture 80% of the rocket officials are constantly issuing Daniel Metzler said. themselves using almost only warnings to remind people to 2.2 million people on the a busy one for travel, as it is Metzler said Isar Aero- It is privately funded, with The nascent firm’s produc- technology from the area sur- follow guidelines to contain same weekday a year ago. the final break before summer space, founded in 2018, is at an the last financing round in tion launch comes amid lobby- rounding Munich. The startup the spread. On Saturday, the number ends. advantage compared to more December 2019 having raked ing from German industry to will launch payloads into orbit The Transportation Se- dropped to 664,640 people, The Memorial Day holiday established manufacturers due in 15 million euros (17.7 mil- build a space launch facility on for clients a few months after curity Administration (TSA) compared to 1.7 million the in May helped spark a surge to its flexibility and low operat- lion dollars), according to the German soil. they place their order. screened 877,698 travellers year before, and Sunday’s of infections across southern ing costs. company. Another round is The Economy Ministry As per Metzler’s words on Thursday, the highest relative decline was even and western states, as well as Rocket launches could planned later this year. confirmed on Monday that it is “You don’t buy a rocket from number since March 17. steeper. in parts of the Midwest, while even be on offer within the next Among the investors are considering a concept for such us, you buy a satellite launch. On Friday, the number The US is marking the the July 4 celebrations for In- weeks or months, he added. Bulent Alten, former vice pres- a facility put forward by the The customer brings us the was just shy of 1 million, federal holiday on Monday dependence Day were also a Isar Aerospace currently ident of US rocket developer Federation of German Indus- satellite, we take care of the though TSA screened nearly and the weekend is typically cause for concern. has around 100 employees. SpaceX. tries (BDI). rest.” Lionel Messi trains alone as Barca integration begins page 14

TUESday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 Djokovic says ‘so sorry’ but feels shouldn’t have been disqualified AFP “She was clearly hurt and cation but said officials had New York This whole situation has left me really sad in pain. There was no other made the correct decision. option,” he told reporters. “Right call!” former wom- Novak Djokovic was dra- and empty, “thank God” the woman was okay. The Serbian star is one of en’s world number one Tracy matically disqualified from the I’m extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. only a handful of players to be Austin wrote on Twitter. US Open on Sunday after acci- So unintended. So wrong. disqualified from a men’s sin- Four-time US Open cham- dentally striking a female lines gles tournament at a Grand pion Martina Navratilova said judge with a ball in frustra- Novak Djokovic Slam since John McEnroe officials “had no choice” but tion during his last-16 match, was infamously tossed from to default Djokovic. sending shock waves through the Australian Open in 1990. Former British number the tournament. referee Soeren Friemel, during nament organisers for “my be- Djokovic had been chas- one Greg Rusedski described The world No. 1 apologised which the world number one havior” but did not say wheth- ing an 18th Grand Slam title the disqualification as “unbe- for hitting the ball in disgust pleaded his case. er he thought they were right at the Billie Jean King US Na- lievable” but said officials had after losing his serve to go 6-5 The umpire then declared to default him. tional Tennis Center. made the “correct decision.” down in the first set to Spain’s that Carreno Busta had won by The United States Tennis He was hoping to close the A USTA spokesperson 20th seed Pablo Carreno Busta default. Djokovic shook hands Association said Djokovic had gap on Roger Federer and Ra- said the line judge was “doing inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. with his opponent before leav- been defaulted under the Grand fael Nadal, both absent from okay” after receiving treat- Djokovic appeared to be ing the court without appear- Slam rules for “intentionally the tournament, in the race ment from medical staff. looking the other way when he ing to shake the umpire’s hand. hitting a ball dangerously or for the all-time men’s Slam Djokovic had been the pulled the ball from his pocket He went then directly to recklessly within the court or singles title record. overwhelming favorite to cap- and smacked it in the direction his car and left the Flushing hitting a ball with negligent dis- Djokovic is on 17, with Na- ture a fourth US Open title. of the official, it hitting her full Meadows site in New York regard of the consequences.” dal on 19 and Federer on 20. His disqualification toss in the throat. without speaking to reporters. The body added that he Carreno Busta said he did blows the men’s draw wide The official cried out and Djokovic, 33, later posted would lose all ranking points not see the incident. open and means it will crown began gasping for air as she an apology on Instagram say- and prize money from the “I was celebrating the a first-time Grand Slam win- collapsed to the ground. ing he was “so sorry.” tournament. break with my coach,” he ner next Sunday. Djokovic rushed over to “This whole situation has Referee Friemel said told reporters. When I heard “Now it gets interesting,” check on her, placing his hand left me really sad and empty,” Djokovic told him he should that the line judge was on the said fifth seedAlexander on her back as she struggled to he wrote, adding that “thank not be defaulted because it floor I was in shock. I never Zverev, who described Djoko- breathe. After a few minutes God” the woman was okay. was unintentional. expected this moment when vic as “very unlucky.” she got up and walked off the “I’m extremely sorry to Friemel said he agreed playing Novak. “It’s going to be one of the Novak Djokovic walks off the court after being defaulted due to court looking dazed. have caused her such stress. there was no intent but that it “I think it was bad luck,” young guys,” who wins, Zverev inadvertently striking a lineswoman with a ball hit in frustration Around ten minutes of dis- So unintended. So wrong,” was a clear-cut case of Djoko- he added. added after becoming the first during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at US Open on Sunday. cussions then ensued between Djokovic said. vic hitting the ball “angrily Former players reacted German to reach the US Open (Getty Images/AFP) See also page 15  Djokovic and the tournament He also apologised to tour- and recklessly.” with shock at the disqualifi- last eight since 2007.

QNB Stars League games 5-Star Al Sadd cruise to win; venues chosen based on specific mechanism: QSL Boli’s brace fires QNA confirmed that Education City Doha would be among the stadiums hosting the AFC Champions Al Kharaitiyat The (QSL) League, it added. has emphasised that there is a With regard to not holding edge Qatar SC specific mechanism to choose more than one match a day at 2-1 in QNB Stars the venues for QNB Stars the , it League matches for the season is difficult at present as the sta- League 2020-2021, the most impor- dium will soon host a number of tant of which is their readiness AFC Champions League match- Ayeni Olusegun to host matches and schedule es, QSL said in the press release. Doha of periodic maintenance ap- proved and specified by the Al Sadd continued their im- Ministry of Culture and Sports pressive start to the season and Supreme Committee for with a 5-1 thumping of Al Sail- Delivery and Legacy, besides iya at the Education City Sta- coordination with all relevant dium on Monday and remain stakeholders. top of the QNB Stars League. A meeting was held with The Wolves have bagged club coaches on Sunday, and 10 goals in their opening two their suggestions and observa- matches, with new signing tions were taken into consid- proving his class eration in decision-making. once more. In a press release, issued In the other matches on on Sunday, on stadiums to Monday, Al Kharaitiyat edged be used and the schedule of Regarding the start of Qatar SC 2-1, while Yohan matches for the first weeks 2020-2021 season and some Boli’s brace helped Al Rayyan of the season, QSL noted enquiries about this timing, beat Al Gharafa 3-1. Al Sadd players celebrate scoring against during their QNB Stars League match at the Education City Stadium on Monday. that Al Janoub Stadium and QSL said that the calendar for Heading into the game with this season is hectic due to the the AFC Champions League on hosted the last five rounds of large number of events, tourna- their minds, Al Sadd got off to Results 2019-2020 season QNB Stars ments and various participa- an attacking start as Baghdad Al Sadd 5 (Hassan Al League (30 matches), which tions, be it for clubs or national Bounedjah blazed two quick made it necessary for these teams, as it has been taken into chances over the bar. Haydos 7’, Santi Cazorla venues to undergo regular account after studying and dis- The Wolves, though, were (pen) 30’, Baghdad maintenance. Regarding the cussing all perceptions, options not to be denied for long and Khalifa International Stadi- and proposals with the relevant soon found the net just seven Bounedjah 59’, Nam um, it is currently being pre- authorities and partners. minutes in. A delightful diago- Tae-hee 81’, Ahmed pared to host the AFC Cham- The QSL affirms that it con- nal pass from Santi Cazorla pions League. siders all clubs as equal. The picked out Hassan al Haydos Sayyar 88’) bt Al Sailiya Regarding the Educa- relationship is reiterated by a on the right, and the Qatari 1 (Majdi Siddiq 41’) tion City Stadium hosting the close bond of values, solid foun- took the ball in stride before Al Kharaitiyat 2 matches of Al Sadd and Al dation and firm principles that lifting the ball over the onrush- Duhail in the first rounds of uphold equality, justice and ing Lecomte with a deft finish. (Mohammed Osman QNB Stars League, this deci- mutual respect, especially since Cazorla soon made it with 20’, Kayke Rodrigues sion was taken after the AFC clubs are partners of success. his third goal in two matches’. The Spaniard converted from 50’ OG) bt Qatar SC 1 the spot after Pedro Miguel Al Rayyan’s celebrates Yohan Boli’s goal during their QNB Stars League match at the (Mehdi Berrahma 75’) was fouled in the box. Al Gharafa Stadium on Monday. Al Sailiya grew into the Al Rayyan 3 (Yohan Boli Quick read match in search of a goal, and Sadd struggled to get out of their 81st minute before substitute tion for Qatar SC. 25’, 71’, Yacine Brahimi John Catlin clinches Andalucia Masters they were rewarded in the 41st own half. Bezerra and Ham- Ahmed Bader Sayyar com- Meanwhile, Al Rayyan got minute as captain Majdi Siddiq oudan had chances to score for pleted the rout with a lovely back to winning ways as Boli, 90+3’) bt Al Gharafa 1 with highest winning score in 28 years shrugged off his marker before the Peregrines, but The Wolves lob over the goalie after a pass and Yacine Brahimi sealed a (Jonathan Kodija 90’) Sotogrande (Spain): John Catlin of the United States clinched the finding the bottom corner with held firm and saw their lead ex- from Rodrigo Tabata. much-needed win for the Li- Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on Sunday with the highest winning a shot from outside the box. tend in the 59th minute. Promoted Al Kharaitiyat ons against Al Gharafa at the score on the European Tour since 1992 The American golfer ended It was all Sailiya before the Cazorla split the Sailiya beat Qatar SC 2-1 as goals from Al Gharafa Stadium. back for the Cheetahs one min- the tournament with a two-over par 286 to edge former world number break, and Tiago Bezerra almost defence with a simple pass Mohammed Osman and an own Boli beat the offside trap ute before time, but Brahimi one and two-time major winner Martin Kaymer by one shot. Two over levelled just before half time, but to Bounedjah, who this time goal by Qatar SC’s Kayke Rodri- to score the opener in the 25th crushed hopes of a comeback par is the highest winning score on the European Tour since Sandy the Brazilian saw his effort roll made no mistake, drilling his guez in the 50th minute ensured minute before adding to his showing great skill to beat the Lyle won the 1992 Volvo Masters, which was also played at Valder- narrowly wide after good work effort into the left corner of Yousef Adam’s side bounced tally in the second half with a Al Gharafa defence before cool- rama where Sunday’s action went down to the last hole. Kaymer of to beat the Al Sadd defence. Lecomte’s goal. back from their opening day loss crisp finish after being fed by ly slotting past Qasem in goal. Germany finished alone in second on three ver,o one clear Justin Al Sailiya were on the front Nam Tae-hee then scored to Al Sadd. Elmehdi Barrahma the brilliant Brahimi. Harding, Wil Besseling and Antoine Rozner in a tie for third. (AFP) foot in the second half as Al Al Sadd’s fourth goal in the scored a 75th-minute consola- Jonathan Kodjia pulled one See also page 14  14 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Sports Messi trains alone as Barca reintegration begins

AFP or Koeman’s first week of pre- Madrid season training last week, as his lawyers believed participating Lionel Messi returned to would harm his case in a poten- Barcelona training for the tial legal battle with the club. first time on Monday since his But Messi opted not to go failed attempt to leave the club down that route, insisting he this summer. could never go to court against Barca confirmed Messi has “the club of my life”. started by training alone, in Yet his long-term future line with La Liga protocol. remains in doubt given Messi “The 2020/2021 pre- can talk to other clubs in Janu- season is under way for Leo ary and leave for free when his Messi,” the statement read. contract expires on June 30. “The Barca number 10 trained Messi could feature in on his own, as did (Philippe) Barcelona’s friendly against Coutinho, according to La Liga Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi waves as he leaves his Gimnastic Tarragona on Sat- protocol whilst the rest of the home for the Joan Gamper Ciutat Esportiva in Sant Joan Despi near urday but a more realistic re- squad worked out together.” Barcelona to attend a training session on Monday. (AFP) introduction might be against Messi was seen driving Girona four days later. into the Ciutat Esportiva and will happen,” Messi said on the club via burofax that he It would be the first time Barca posted a photo on so- Lionel Messi returned to preseason Barcelona training for the first time on Monday. Friday. intended to leave came shortly he has played for the team cial media just before 6:30 pm “There is a new coach and after he met with Koeman, talks since their historic 8-2 de- (1630 GMT) of him training in In an explosive interview but maintained he had tried some of his closest team- new ideas. That’s good, but that reportedly involved the feat by Bayern Munich in last kit and working with a ball. with Goal, Messi blamed the to leave the club because he mates are likely to leave. then we have to see how the Dutchman taking a hard line. month’s Champions League The 33-year-old was taking club’s president Josep Maria “wanted to live his last years of Luis Suarez, Messi’s best team responds and whether or Koeman said in his first quarter-finals. part in his first session since Bartomeu for “breaking his football happily”. friend and neighbour, as well not it will allow us to compete at press conference he “only Barcelona have been given was appoint- word” over a much-disputed The return of Barcelona’s as Arturo Vidal, are expected the top level. What I can say is wanted players who want to be an extra two weeks off to re- ed coach and his first since he exit clause in his contract. embittered captain and great- to join Juventus and Inter Mi- that I’m staying and I’m going here and give everything”. cover before they start their La said on Friday he had been He said he would continue est ever player may not be an lan respectively. to give my best for Barcelona.” Messi also refused to at- Liga season against Villarreal, forced to stay at Barcelona. to give his best for the team easy one, particularly given “Now I don’t know what Messi’s decision to notify tend either a coronavirus test scheduled for September 27.

La Liga would have survived QNB Stars League without Messi, says Tebas AFP “We always want Leo to be We got to be careful against Ahli, Madrid with us, I’ve said many times he is the best player in history La Liga president Javier Tebas and as president of La Liga I has said he was never serious- would like him to finish his ca- says Al Arabi coach Hallgrimsson ly worried about the impact on reer in this competition. the league if Lionel Messi had “La Liga has been working left Barcelona this summer. for quite a few years to ensure Tribune News Network Messi admitted defeat on that as a brand it is above indi- Doha Today’s Matches Friday in his attempt to find a vidual players and clubs so the Al Wakrah vs Al Duhail way out of Barca, insisting the value is not affected by one or Al Arabi coach Heimir Hall- club’s president Josep Maria two players. grimsson wants his side to (at Education City Bartomeu had “broken his “But there was some worry be cautious against Al Ahli in word” over an exit clause in because after 20 years with us, their QNB Stars League clash Stadium) 6.15pm his contract. you want him to be here and not on Wednesday, who he said Umm Salal vs Al Khor La Liga had previously in another league.” scored an impressive first intervened in the dispute by Tebas also said Messi’s round win against Al Wakrah. (Al Ahli Stadium) 6.15pm announcing Messi’s 700-mil- departure would not have af- Speaking to the media lion-euro release clause still fected La Liga’s income from ahead of their Week 2 match Al Ahli vs Al Arabi applied, a statement later re- broadcast rights deals. “I don’t against Al Ahli, Hallgrimsson (Al Ahli Stadium) 8.30pm jected by Messi’s agent and think so because we have al- said, “My team performed well father Jorge. ready sold 90 per cent of the against Al Ahli last season. We Asked on Monday if Messi’s rights for the next four sea- played well tactically and all departure had been a serious sons, so I don’t think the de- games between Al Arabi and will not be easy because Al worry for him, Tebas said: “A parture of Messi would affect Al Ahli are difficult. Our op- Wakrah will enter the stadium serious worry, no. A worry, yes. that issue,” he said. ponents are a team that is im- on the back of a defeat. They proving greatly. are sure to come at us with all “They had put up a strong Al Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during the ONB Stars League press conference ahead of his team’s strength in order to achieve performance against Al Wak- Week 2 clash with Al Ahli on Wednesday. victory. rah in the first round and came “There was a decline in our out with a valuable victory and fast with the ball. That shows Andre Lima expressed a simi- organisation of our team and performance in the last match the win will definitely moti- Al Ahli’s strength. Their coach lar intent for his team against experience we gained from our and that happens normally. vate Al Ahli. has worked well with his team Umm Salal. previous matches, the team is We must handle the next “Our performance against and achieved a good victory, “This match is going to able to come up with a positive stage well because we will play Al Khor in the first week was so we must be careful while be tough as we did not have result,” said Andre Lima. the AFC Champions League really disappointing. The dealing with them. And their enough time for prepara- matches every three days. painful thing is the loss of two confidence is high.” tions. But we worked well and Difficult match against “We were looking for a points, especially since we Al Arabi player Moham- equipped the team with the Al Wakrah: Al Duhail player who knows the Qatar played well in the first half. med Salah El Neel said, “The help of medical device. After coach Regragui league and can adapt well. But Al Khor did not give up match against Al Ahli will be playing a strong match against Al Duhail’s coach Walid Re- We were also looking for an and I am not happy that we exciting and we seek to com- Al Arabi, the atmosphere was gragui felt that Al Wakrah Asian who could play in the did not sustain the momen- pensate for the loss of two different and time was short, will come out in full strength AFC Champions League. That tum after scoring two goals. points in the first game. Our so we had to prepare the play- against the Kinghts on is how we contracted Iranian We felt very disappointed after ambition is to win against a ers in the best possible way for Wednesday. Ramin Rezaien. You know the equaliser. The most pain- team that is coming from a this match,” he said. “It is a difficult match,” he that he has high capabilities ful thing was losing two points good victory.” “Not only this match, but said of the clash, adding, ‘We and I am happy with the spirit France’s forward Kylian Mbappe (left) speaks with teammates Jona- in the last minute,” he added. all the upcoming games will are happy to have won the in which Ramin appeared. than Ikone (centre) and Eduardo Camavinga during a training session About the game plan, he Going to be tough vs be difficult. Umm Salal have opening match against Umm Everyone is happy to have at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, on Monday, on the said, ‘“We must be disciplined Umm Salal: Al Khor three distinct strikers, so we Salal and now we face Al Wak- him in the team and he will be eve of the UEFA Nations League Group 3 match against Croatia. (AFP) tactically and the opponents coach Andre Lima will not say that it will be an rah. They are a strong side. We a good addition to the team,” have good players who are Meanwhile, Al Khor coach easy match. But with the good know them well and the match said Regragui. Mbappe to miss Croatia match England’s Foden and Greenwood sent after positive test home, fined for ‘naive’ virus breach AFP management said. Paris Mbappe will also miss AFP separately from the rest of the serious violation of the quar- PSG’s opening game of the London squad, who were due to move antine rules”. Kylian Mbappe has been Ligue 1 season against Lens on on to Denmark on Monday. Both players have been ruled out of France’s Nations Thursday, along with six other branded “Unfortunately this morn- fined by 250,000 Icelandic League game against World team-mates including Neymar and Mason Green- ing it was brought to my at- Krona ($1,800, £1,350) by Cup runners-up Croatia on and Argentine pair Angel Di wood “naive” after the Eng- tention that the two boys have Reykjavik police. Tuesday after testing positive Maria and Leandro Paredes. land pair were sent home and broken the Covid guidelines in Southgate’s scheduled me- for COVID-19, national team He could also sit out Sun- fined by Icelandic police for a terms of our secure bubble,” dia briefing was delayed by management said on Monday. day’s clash with bitter rivals “serious” breach of coronavi- Southgate told reporters. an hour as he and the Foot- Mbappe, who took part Marseille. According to the rus protocols. “We had to decide they ball Association scrambled to in Monday evening’s training league’s health protocol, a Although England manag- couldn’t have interaction manage the situation, which session before learning the re- player who tests positive must er Southgate refused to com- with the rest of the team and the England boss only became sult of his test, is the seventh self-isolate for eight days. ment on the nature of the virus wouldn’t be able to train. Given aware of just hours earlier. Paris Saint-Germain player Mbappe is the fourth play- protocol breach, widespread the procedures we have to fol- Acknowledging their antics to contract the virus. Neymar er to be withdrawn from the media reports said the Eng- low now, they will have to travel were unacceptable given the was among the first to test France squad following a posi- land pair left the bio-secure back to England separately.” current global concern about positive last week. tive Covid-19 test. bubble to meet two local girls A Snapchat video released the coronavirus, Southgate said: “He was set aside from Paul Pogba was omitted during their time in . in Iceland appeared to show “It is a very serious situation and the group after receiving the just before coach Didier Des- Southgate responded by the players with female com- we have treated it that way. They results at the end of training champs revealed his 23-man removing Manchester City pany. After reports Foden A combination of pictures of Mason Greenwood (left) and Phil Foden. (AFP) have been naive and we have before returning to his home squad last month, with Hous- midfielder Foden and Man- and Greenwood brought the dealt with it appropriately.” in the evening,” French team sem Aouar forced out a few chester United forward Green- women back to the team ho- the team hotel, it was an unac- land to offer our apologies. We Southgate said both play- management said. days later. wood from his squad for Tues- tel in Reykjavik, the Football ceptable breach of our protocol. have also assured the Danish ers had apologised for their “Like the rest of the squad, Goalkeeper Steve Man- day’s Nations League clash in Association said: “Whilst in They have both apologised for Football Union that all other behaviour, but conceded Mbappe had undergone a test danda, who originally tested Denmark. Iceland, both Phil Foden and their serious lack of judgement. players and staff members they should have acted more prior to meeting up. The re- positive on August 16 with Foden, 20, and Greenwood, Mason Greenwood spent time “The FA will be launching have been isolated within our responsibly. “The whole world sult was negative like the one Marseille, also left camp fol- 18, had made their senior Eng- outside of our private team a full investigation into the group throughout this period.” is dealing with this pandemic on Wednesday” requested by lowing two further positive land debuts in Saturday’s 1-0 area, which was a breach of circumstances leading up this Iceland’s chief epidemiolo- and there is a responsibility UEFA ahead of the Sweden tests likely due to “residual” win against Iceland, but the our Covid-19 duties. breach. We have spoken to the gist Thorolfur Gudnason told on all ages that they do their fixture on Saturday in Solna, traces of the virus. pair will have to travel home “While they did not leave Football Association of Ice- a press briefing that it was “a part,” he said. Sports Tuesday, September 8, 2020 15 Serena wins Greek odyssey to battle into quarter-finals

“Of course I thought Overcomes aggressive about it but ever so little be- Sakkari in three sets cause it’s a completely dif- ferent match and it was a completely different scenario Australian Nick Kyrgios (left) and Novak Djokovic, who hit this AFP and completely different mo- official with the ball at the US Open on Sunday (right).(P ic: Twitter) New York ment,” Williams explained. The win marked Wil- Serena Williams booked a liams’ 100th win on the fa- Kyrgios trolls Djokovic place in the quarter-finals of mous Ashe court and set up the US Open on Monday with her 53rd quarter-finalap - with Twitter poll on ban a hard-fought, three-set win pearance at a tennis major. over 15th seed Maria Sakkari. AFP poll attracting more than Williams required 2hr French Open Sydney 60,000 answers in its first 28min to defeat the 25-year- hour, with the majority voting old Greek player 6-3, 6-7 players to be in Nick Kyrgios opened a cheeky for 20 years. (6/8), 6-3 inside an empty two hotels Twitter poll Monday asking The United States Ten- Arthur Ashe Stadium at ‘without exception’ how many years he would be nis Association said Djokovic, Flushing Meadows. banned if he had hit an official who apologised, would lose all “I just was fighting. She Paris: All players at the with a ball, after 17-time Grand ranking points and prize mon- was doing so well, she was French Open starting later Slam winner Novak Djokovic’s ey from the tournament. being so aggressive and I this month will be housed in default at the US Open. While most took the knew that I needed to do the two designated hotels “with- The Australian has waged Kyrgios’s tweet as a light- same thing,” said Williams. out exception” to reduce a running battle with the Serb hearted dig, not everyone The match swung in dif- the risks from coronavirus, in recent months over his was impressed. ferent directions, with Wil- tournament director Guy ill-fated Adria Tour exhibi- “Slight difference: you liams saving three break Forget said on Monday. tion series, lashing out at the did much worse,” noted one points in game five of the first Forget also announced world number one’s “stupid- user, while another wrote: set before breaking Sakkari that just 11,500 specta- ity” after several “Same penalty as to power to a first-set win. tors a day will be admitted players contracted Djoko. Stop vic- In set two, Sakkari took a instead of the 20,000 they coronavirus. Australian Nick timising yourself, 4-0 lead in the tie-break be- were originally hoping to And he was Kyrgios has waged get on with it.” fore Williams hauled it back accommodate during the quick to have his a running The ATP to 6-6. September 27-October 11 say after Djokovic battle with Novak opened a probe And in the deciding set tournament. was sensationally Djokovic in recent into Kyrgios Williams had to break Sakka- Current French govern- disqualified frommonths over last year follow- ri’s serve twice to come back ment law limits public the US Open for his ill-fated Adria ing an explosive from 2-0 down. gatherings to 5,000. hitting a woman meltdown at the Little separated the The Roland Garros line judge in the Tour exhibition Cincinnati Mas- two players throughout the complex will be divided throat with a ball series. ters where he lengthy contest, with Wil- into three separate zones bashed away in smashed two rac- liams notching 107 total “independent of one an- disgust after losing his serve. quets and launched into an points to Sakkari’s 99. other” and corresponding The combustible Kyr- abusive tirade at the chair Williams won 72 percent to each of the main show- gios, who was hit with a umpire before appearing to of points off her first serve courts, with no crossing suspended 16-week ban last spit at the official. while Sakkari won 73 per- in-between. year for a series of on-court He was fined US$113,000 cent. Sakkari also outdid Wil- Courts Philippe Chatrier outbursts, jumped onto so- for ball abuse, leaving the liams on aces, by 13 to 12. and Suzanne Lenglen will cial media to ask his follow- court without permission, It was when Williams be limited to 5,000 specta- ers what would happen if he an audible obscenity and un- forced Sakkari onto her sec- tors apiece with Simonne had hit the line judge. sportsmanlike conduct dur- ond serve that the American, Mathieu restricted to just “Swap me for jokers inci- ing his loss to Russia’s Karen enjoyed success. 1,500. No tickets will be dent,” he said, using Djoko- Khachanov. She won 59 percent of sold for the outside courts. vic’s nickname. While Kyrgios was pe- second serve points com- Serena Williams of the United States talks at the net with Maria Sakkari (facing) of Greece after winning In total, fewer than “’Accidentally hitting the nalised for the Cincinnati pared to just 48 percent for their women’s Singles fourth round clash at the US Open in New York on Tuesday. (Getty Images/AFP) 150,000 fans are expected ball kid in the throat.’ How outbursts, he avoided further the Greek. over the course of the 15 many years would I be banned punishment for calling the Sakkari had dumped Wil- York last month. before losing the second on a loss to grow in strength in days -- just over a quarter for?” asked the Australian. ATP “pretty corrupt” during liams out of the Western & This match looked to be tie-break. the third set, rather than col- of the 520,000 who attend- The options given were the 2019 US Open after he Southern Open, a US Open following a similar pattern of Williams said she had to lapse as she did in their last ed the 2019 edition. (AFP) five, 10 or 20 years with the “clarified” his comment. tuneup, in three sets in New Williams winning the first set overcome thoughts of that meeting.

Golden Spike 2019 Athletics Meeting Red-hot Warholm, Hassan and Crouser return to action in Ostrava today

Wordathletics.org

ifan Hassan, Karsten Warholm and Ryan Aljalela, riden by jockey Thore Hammer scored her maiden win for SCrouser – three of the trainer Richard Hannon in the Betway Handicap at Lingfield in UK hottest names in the sport at on Monday. (Photo: John Hoy) the moment – top another impressive bill for the 59th edition of the Golden Spike in Athlete Sifan Hassan of Nether- Al Shaqab Racing celebrates Ostrava, , on lands (above) and Dutch Dafne Tuesday, the latest stop on the Schippers (below) of the Neth- new homebred winner Continental erlands speaks to the media in Tour Gold meeting circuit. Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Mon- in Aljalela Hassan, the reigning day, ahead of IAAF Golden Spike 1500m and 10,000m world 2019 Athletics meeting. (AFP) QREC were well and truly racing turn- champion, will race near the Doha ing into the straight with three middle of that range when she furlongs left to run. Switched to headlines the 5000m just four Bred and owned by Al Shaqab the inside, the false running rail days after breaking the world Racing, Aljalela (Golden Horn x gave Aljalela an opening and record in the one-hour run at Shahah) broke her maiden win she battled to join the leader, the Wanda for trainer Richard Hannon in O’Reilly’s Pass, passing her in fixture in Brussels. the Betway Handicap at Ling- the final furlong. She stayed on Hassan reached 18,930 field in KU on Monday. strongly to win going away by a metres in her 60-minute ef- The three-year-old filly was one and a half lengths in front fort, beating the previous ridden out leaving the stalls by of O’Reilly’s Pass. mark of 18,517 metres set by The 2017 and 2019 400m hurdles world champion Karsten Warholm of Norway at the press conference jockey Thore Hammer to take By the Arc winning sire Ethiopia’s Dire Tune in Os- in Ostrava, ahead of IAAF Golden Spike 2019 Athletics meeting. (AFP) up a nice position in behind the Golden Horn, Aljalela was trava in 2008. That translates leader in fifth position. bred by Al Shaqab Racing in to roughly a 1:06:53 pace for a rious assault on Kevin Young’s to face Italy’s Leonardo Fab- to 3:35.26, could be a factor. There was a steady pace France at Haras de Bouquetot. half marathon. 46.78 world record set at the bri and Pole Michal Haratyk, The men’s 1500m should set in the early stages by Prin- She is out of Shahah, a Group How quickly she can re- 1992 Olympics. currently No2 and No3 on the also be competitive with a cess Siyouni over this mile 3 winner herself as a two-year- cover from that is anyone’s He too is a class apart, just season’s list with 21.99m and field that includesA ustralian and a half contest. old, who is by Motivator – also guess but prior to her record- like Crouser who once again 21.88m, respectively. Stewart McSweyn, who low- In the in the final turn, they the sire of Treve. setting exploits on Friday she displayed sensational form at ered his career best to 3:31.48 did indicate that her ambi- All eyes on Warholm the Skolimowska Memorial Barega’s season’s debut earlier this season, world tions in Ostrava include an Warholm meanwhile, has on Sunday, sending each of The men’s 5000m should at- bronze medallist Marcin Le- assault on the 14:30.18 meet- made his few appearanc- his five measured throws well tract some attention as well wandowski, and two-time ing record set by Meseret De- es during this coronavirus beyond the 22-metre line. His with World Championships world indoor 3000m cham- Sporting appeal far in 2007. pandemic-shortened season shortest was 22.42m, a dis- silver medallist Selemon Bar- pion Yomif Kejelcha who’ll Misbah calls on nations to tour Pakistan Hassan, the European re- count, scorching to a 47.10 tance nobody else has come ega making his first appear- be making his second 1500m cord holder over the distance at performance in on 14 close to this season and his ance of the outdoor season. start of the year. Lahore: Pakistan cricket coach Misbah-ul-Haq urged more nations to 14:22.12, is the class of the field August, his first 400m hurdles longest 22.70m, a distance Keep an eye on 19-year-old The men’s 800m features tour the country, saying on Monday the sport needs “mutual support” but could be tested by 21-year- race in 10 months, before a only seven other men have Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the Briton Elliot Giles, who im- to recover from the coronavirus crisis. Misbah said he hoped teams old Ethiopian Tsehay Geme- stunning 46.87 run in Stock- ever surpassed. silver medallist in the senior proved to 1:44.68 in Marseille such as England would consider travelling to Pakistan as global sport chu, who sped to a 14:29.60 holm nine days later to solidify Crouser, who improved his race at last year’s World Cross on 3 September, Frenchman slowly returns following months of inactivity. “Our tour to England was lifetime best last October to fin- his No2 position on the all- career best to 22.91m earlier Country Championships, who Benjamin Roberts, who low- important for both countries. Pakistan also deserves similar sup- ish fourth at the World Cham- time list. His famously aggres- this season, said jetlag left him will be making his first track ered his best to 1:44.46 in port. These are times when the cricket world needs mutual support,” pionships, and Turkey’s Ya- sive style and continually im- a little sluggish on Sunday. appearance since July 2018. Monaco, and last year’s world Misbah told a press conference. (AFP) semin Can, who has a 14:36.82 proved fitness is now turning He should be better adjusted Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa, championships silver medal- best to her credit. his every appearance into a se- on Tuesday, where he’s set who improved his 1500m best list Amel Tuka. 16 Tuesday, September 8, 2020 The Last Word Awfaz Global Schools, EAA ink pact to support out-of-school kids Tribune News Network system and support the Foun- porting and providing so- education by providing both Doha dation’s efforts in this regard. lutions to the problems of financial support and capacity Awfaz Global Schools will community members. The in- building as well as facilitating Awfaz Global Schools (AGS) also enrol a number of stu- tensification of support from the establishment of alterna- has signed a collaboration dents of Assalam Schools un- the private sector will contrib- tive education institutions. agreement with the Education der the condition they pass ute to improving the quality People are invited to sup- Above All Foundation (EAA), the enrolment assessment, in of education in Qatar and will port this campaign and donate to support the Foundation’s addition to a financial contri- establish an opportunity to through EAA website: https:// ongoing efforts to continue bution for Assalam Schools participate in building the na- donate.educationaboveall.org providing quality education students to assist in enabling tion.” Awfaz Global Schools opportunities to out-of-school continuation of their studies Mryam Al Mannai, Togeth- (AGS) were established in children in Qatar. and advancement of their edu- er Project Officer at Educa- 2010 with the aim of provid- Under the agreement, Aw- cation. behind during the journey to a cation’ to contribute to solving tion Above All, said: “Assalam ing a stimulating and enrich- faz Global Schools will sup- Commenting on the agree- prosperous future.” the problem of children who Schools established in 2019 in ing learning environment that port Education Above All in ment, Fatema bint Ghanem Al She added, “We intend to drop out from the educational partnership between EAA, the adds value to all students. its fundraising activities and Kubaisi, CEO of Awfaz Global organise a fundraising cam- system. We will also contrib- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic The school provides a warm awareness raising from Au- Schools, said: “As part of our paign through which we will ute to raising awareness of this Affairs and the Ministry of and caring atmosphere that gust 15 to October 30. This expanding corporate social als, families and communities. invite parents and students, campaign through the Awfaz’s Education and Higher Educa- is characterised by a child- will be through organising a responsibility, the signing of We believe that educational members of our community social media accounts. tion under the Together ‘Sawi- centred approach to learning. campaign to collect donations the collaboration agreement opportunities should be ac- and our partners to donate and “We believe that the pri- yan’ programme are aimed to The schools follow the British and raise awareness of the aims to support the Founda- cessible to all and we hope contribute to supporting the vate sector is a fundamental ensure all out-of-school and curriculum that incorporates problem of children who have tion’s efforts to contribute to this agreement will contribute Education Above All’s cam- partner in the development at-risk children in Qatar have Arabic language and culture as dropped out of the educational changing the lives of individu- to ensuring that no one is left paign entitled ‘Protecting Edu- system and has a role in sup- equitable access to quality well as Islamic lessons. QRCS team visits Turkey, Sudan to Research group at WCM-Q earns arrange for further coronavirus aid critical acclaim Two batches of medical assistance have been sent to Khartoum to help Sudan combat the pandemic Tribune News Network for 5 of its papers Doha Tribune News Network A high-profile delegation from Doha Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has visited Turkey to hold A research group at Weill Cornell talks with the Turkish Red Cres- Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) has re- cent and arrange for the deploy- ceived critical acclaim for five of its ment of medical aid to Sudan, un- research papers in recent months, der a tripartite agreement signed bringing their studies on cancer to a in June by QRCS and its Turkish broader audience of scientists. and Sudanese counterparts. Four of their published arti- QRCS’ delegation comprised cles have now been selected as the Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, ‘editor’s choice’ by the respective secretary-general, and Dr Fawzi journals they were published in, Oussedik, head of International ‘Cancers’ and ‘Biomolecules’, while Relations and IHL. At the Turk- a fifth was chosen as the ‘feature pa- ish Red Crescent, they met Dr per’ in Biomolecules. Ibrahim Altan, director-general, Lead Principal Investigator and Alper Küçük, deputy direc- (LPI) Dr Dietrich Büsselberg, pro- tor-general, to discuss further Cargo containing 12.5 tonnes of medical equipment and materials was delivered at the Khartoum International Airport. fessor of physiology and biophysics Dr Dietrich Büsselberg mutual humanitarian coopera- at WCM-Q, and his team, research tion globally. The cargo was delivered at the of SRCS; representatives of the thanked the officials of QRCS associate Dr Samson Mathews Sam- articles picked as an ‘editor’s choice’ Then, they visited 16 social Khartoum International Airport, Embassy of Qatar in Khartoum; and appreciated the partnership uel and research specialist Elizabeth by the publication Biomolecules. Dr services centres of the Turkish containing 12.5 tonnes of medi- and Director of Office of Prof Al- between the two national socie- Varghese, have so far published 13 Büsselberg’s group has also been Red Crescent, which have many cal equipment and materials, Seddik Tawer Kafy, member of ties. research papers since June 2019, asked to record a short video discuss- capacity-building, socioeconom- to enable hospitals and quaran- the Sovereignty Council of Sudan Within the coming couple on the theme of how natural com- ing the study in order to promote it ic empowerment, psychological tine centres to treat COVID-19 and chairman of Higher Commit- of days, the delegation is set to pounds, metabolic management and further on social media. The study support, and logistics activities patients and ensure protection tee for Health Emergencies. distribute in-kind donations to diabetes medications can influence ‘Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Phyto- for Syrian refugees in Turkey. of the medical professionals en- In a statement, Al-Hammadi the Bahari General Hospital and cancer incidence and progression. chemicals on miRNA Regulating Two batches of medical aid gaged in the pandemic response. said the visit was part of the per- Ibrahim Malek General Hospi- Funding for the studies has been Breast Cancer Progression’ (https:// were deployed from Ankara to Upon the arrival of the cargo, manent humanitarian coopera- tal in Khartoum. Coordination provided Qatar National Research doi.org/10.3390/biom10020191) Khartoum, Sudan, to help the there were present Al-Hammadi; tion between QRCS and SRCS in meetings will be held, and field Fund (QNRF). was the one chosen as the ‘feature country combat the coronavirus Dr Oussedik; Naglaa Al Hajj, various areas of humanitarian visits will be made to QRCS’ on- Two articles published earlier paper’ in Biomolecules. (COVID-19) pandemic. The visit head of International Develop- action. “We are going not only going humanitarian operations and funded via a bridge funding The papers were highlighted by concluded with a tour of the aid ment at QRCS; Al-Fadel Amer to deliver the medical aid cargo, in El-Obeid, the state of North grant to Dr Büsselberg from the the editors of the journals for the stock warehouses, emergency Al-Taher, chairman of Steering but also to distribute it to some Kurdufan, where more aid would Qatar Foundation-funded Bio- quality of the studies and the ben- shelter tent production plants Committee of the Sudanese Red beneficiary hospitals in different be distributed and a new water medical Research Programme at efits they may bring to other re- and museum of the Turkish Red Crescent Society (SRCS); Dr Afaf parts of the country,” he added. and sanitation project would be WCM-Q – ‘The Yin and Yang of searchers within the field. Crescent in Ankara. Ahmed Yahya, secretary-general Dr Yahya and Al-Taher launched. Natural Compounds in Anticancer Dr Büsselberg said: “It is quite an Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast honour to have so many of our pa- Cancers’ (https://doi.org/10.3390/ pers acknowledged like this in such cancers10100346) -- co-authored a short time, and it is testament to by Dr Ravinder Mamtani and Dr the excellence and professionalism Sohaila Cheema from the Institute of our researchers, and to QNRF’s for Population Health at WCM- commitment to fund high-quality Q and another one ‘Flavonoids in research that has a strong and posi- Cancer and Apoptosis’ (https:// tive impact on the lives of Qatar’s doi.org/10.3390/cancers11010028) citizens and the wider world.” were also selected as ‘editor’s choice’ The final study – conducted in articles by Cancers. collaboration with other research ‘Metformin: The answer to can- groups – that was selected for the cer in a flower? Current knowledge ‘editor’s choice’ recognition was and future prospects of metformin ‘Fluctuations of Histone Chemical as an anti-cancer agent in breast Modifications in Breast, Prostate cancer’ (https://doi.org/10.3390/ and Colorectal Cancer: An Implica- biom9120846), co-authored by Dr tion of Phytochemicals as Defenders Chris R Triggle, professor of phar- of Chromatin Equilibrium’ (https:// macology at WCM-Q, was one of doi.org/10.3390/biom9120829).

HBKU Press marks ‘back to school’ and ILD with special offer

national Literacy Day (ILD). Es- grow older nor when we are faced 25 percent price discount on all HBKU tablished in 1967, ILD reminds with an adversity as monumental the public of the importance of as a global pandemic,” continued Press books from September 8 to 30 literacy as a matter of dignity and Slim. “It is our hope at HBKU human rights, and to advance the Press that by making our com- Tribune News Network to establish a love of reading and literacy agenda towards a more lit- plete catalog of works available at Doha literature,” explains Mounir Slim, erate and sustainable society. a discounted rate, we can encour- head of Finance and Publishing ILD 2020 focuses on litera- age people to continue investing in Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- Services at HBKU Press. cy teaching and learning in the themselves as readers and learn- sity Press (HBKU Press) has an- “Through our outreach work COVID-19 crisis and beyond with ers despite any challenge.” nounced a month-long discount with teachers and educators a special evaluation of the role of The discount applies to any of 25 percent on all HBKU Press around Qatar, our latest available educators and changing pedago- HBKU Press books purchased books from September 8 to 30 to collections include a variety of gies. The theme will highlight lit- through the Rafeeq and Snoonu coincide with the start of the new quality supplemental educational eracy learning in a lifelong learn- applications (available to down- academic year for schools and resources in Arabic that can be ing perspective. ILD 2020 is an load from the Apple Store and International Literacy Day (ILD) used in parallel with online teach- opportunity to reflect on and dis- Google Play) from September 8 to which falls on September 8, 2020. ing and learning, including every cuss how innovative and effective 30, 2020. For a detailed list of all “As teachers and students all day reading material for enjoy- pedagogies and teaching method- HBKU Press books, readers can over Qatar begin the new academ- ment as well.” ologies can be used in youth and visit the website at hbkupress.com ic year navigating the challenging HBKU Press has a wide va- adult literacy programmes at pre- and follow the publisher on their parameters of online teaching and riety of fiction and nonfiction ti- children’s stories, educational and wellness, sports, and much sent and in the future. Facebook page (facebook.com/ learning, HBKU Press is commit- tles for children who range from materials, award-winning novels, more. “International Literacy Day hbkupress) and on Twitter and ted to providing the necessary pre-readers to young adults. Sub- history, fantasy, biography, soci- This HBKU Press initiative 2020 explores the notion that Instagram (@hbkupress) for daily support to promote literacy and genres available include classic ology, philosophy, lifestyle, health also aligns with this year’s Inter- learning never stops -- not as we updates.